Physical IPM Strategies for Remediating Kochia Patches for Canola, Wheat, and Pulse Production
Term: 3 years, beginning in 2021
Status: Ongoing
Funding Amount: $124,366
Lead Researcher(s): Dr. Shaun Sharpe (Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada)
Funding Partners: Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture -Agriculture Development Fund (ADF), Manitoba Crop Alliance (MCA)
Project Description
This project aims to evaluate physical control measures for kochia and to better understand the underlying abiotic and biotic ecology within kochia patches to accelerate remediation. Physical control measures for kochia are critically important due to the rapid development and spread of multiple herbicide resistance to Groups 2, 4, and 9 within kochia in Western Canada.
The main goal of the project is to understand the topography, biotic and abiotic soil conditions which favor kochia invasion and establishment, and to understand the longevity of kochia allelopathic presence within the soil and its impact on soil health to prevent reinvasion. This study will also explore the options for mulching techniques which may return infested areas to full yield potential. Understanding soil bacteria and fungi of these microhabitats will provide insights into microbial taxa that are associated with the decay of seeds, vegetation, and allelochemicals. Large patches of kochia will be identified and targeted for study on producer fields and experimental sites will be established within wheat, canola, and pulse crops.
The key objectives are 1) to assess effectiveness of physical control strategies in suppressing kochia emergence, 2) to characterize allelopathic chemicals and their subsequent persistence, 3) to characterize microbes which are associated with kochia infestations and populations which may enhance degradation of kochia seeds and organic matter, 4) to identify soil characteristics which either promote or alleviate kochia infestation persistence including salinity, and 5) to determine hydro-mulch longevity and ability to suppress weeds in the field.
The results of this project will provide an alternative control strategy which aims to control and remove kochia patches from agricultural production and thus increasing yield and decreasing production costs associated with managing kochia infestations.