Resistant Wild Oat Action Committee (RWOAC)
Term: 2 years, beginning in 2021
Status: Ongoing
Funding Amount: $92,750
Lead Researcher(s): Dr. Eric Johnson (Canadian Weed Science Society)
Funding Partners: Alberta Wheat Commission, Manitoba Wheat and Barley Growers Association, Saskatchewan Forage Seed Development Commission
Project Description
Field surveys on the Canadian Prairies have reported that 69% of fields sampled for wild oats contain wild oats with some level of herbicide resistance (HR). In response to a public request, the Canadian Weed Science Society recently formed a Resistant Wild Oat Action Committee. The committee consists of 12 members representing a cross-section of the agricultural industry, including producers, research scientists, government, agrichemical industry, and retail agronomists. The short term objectives of this project are:
• Compile global knowledge on wild oat biology and management.
• Engage producers, agronomists and scientists in a community based pilot project focused on HR wild oats in central Alberta
• Disseminate HR wild oat information to producers and agronomists.
• Increase the number of wild oat samples submitted for HR testing
• Identify research gaps in order to develop new research initiatives
The project involves a multi-faceted approach to addressing the resistance issue. Funding for a part-time manager is requested to coordinate a number of activities including: developing inventory of past and current research on wild oat biology and management; a voluntary producer testing program to increase awareness; an extension and awareness program (direct mail, webpage, social media); a series of regional producer meetings that includes “listening sessions”’ to encourage the formation of a community based pilot project. Outcomes include increased awareness of resistance issue, producer-led community based solutions to manage herbicide resistance in wild oat, and readily available extension materials. The long-term objective is to have a viable, ongoing Resistant Wild Oat Action Committee.