Italian ryegrass (aka Annual ryegrass) is rapidly becoming one of the most problematic weeds in no-till corn and soybean production in Kentucky.

To address this issue and promote education on solutions to the control of Italian ryegrass, a ryegrass field tour was organized by Extension Associate Jason Travis and Associate Extension Professor Travis Legleiter.  The event was held on March 28, 2024, with growers, extension agents, industry representatives, and crop consultants attending the event. 

The tour highlighted the options available to Kentucky farmers for maximum control of the problematic weed in the fall and spring, prior to corn and soybean planting. The field tour featured walking plot tours of weed science research plots at the University of Kentucky Research and Education Center in Princeton, Ky. led by Dr. Legleiter.

Participant surveys indicated the field tour provided information worth a value of $15-$19 per acre. One respondent to the follow-up survey commented that the program was a “good look at realistic [herbicide] applications” and “relevant and beneficial information” was provided to attendants.  Additionally, 100% of survey respondents indicated they plan to make management changes or recommend management changes for the control of ryegrass based on the information presented at the field tour. Those attending the field tour came away with a clearer understanding of Italian Ryegrass with the overall outcome of having better knowledge of how to manage the weed than in years past.