Success StoryItalian ryegrass field tour provides control options for growers, consultants



Italian ryegrass field tour provides control options for growers, consultants

Author: Travis Legleiter

Planning Unit: Plant and Soil Sciences

Major Program: Integrated Pest Management

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

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.






Stories by Travis Legleiter


Applicators and Farmers trained on proper use of dicamba to reduce off-site movement

about 6 years ago by Travis Legleiter

Following the wide spread injury to soybean and other crops due to off-site movement the EPA mandate... Read More


Extension Weed Science Team Responds to Dicamba Injury in Soybean

about 6 years ago by Travis Legleiter

The release of dicamba resistant soybean varieties and newly developed dicamba herbicide formulation... Read More


Stories by Plant and Soil Sciences


Industrial Hemp Production in Kentucky

Industrial Hemp Production in Kentucky

about 6 years ago by Thomas Keene

During the 1800s up until the early 1900s and during World War II, Kentucky led the nation in indust... Read More


Establishing and Grazing Native Grasses on Reclaimed MIne Lands in Eastern Kentucky while Monitoring Wildlife Habiatat

Establishing and Grazing Native Grasses on Reclaimed MIne Lands in Eastern Kentucky while Monitoring Wildlife Habiatat

about 6 years ago by Thomas Keene

In order for people in eastern Kentucky to have and maintain economic stability (now that coal produ... Read More