Location: Sugarcane Research
Project Number: 6052-13210-003-005-N
Project Type: Non-Funded Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Mar 1, 2022
End Date: Feb 28, 2027
Objective:
The objectives are study the environmental fate and efficacy on weed species of selected herbicides commonly applied to control weeds in Louisiana sugarcane producing soils. In addition, the work will characterize the residual time of the herbicides in soils amended with biochar, a charcoal-like substance produced from an industrial by-product of sugarcane processing (bagasse). A secondary objective will test the residual time of fungicides and insecticides that are being tested experimentally to control plant diseases in sugarcane seed pieces, or billets.
Approach:
The experimental approach involves amending soil samples with fortified sand containing selected pesticides and extracting the pesticides over time to determine how much of material remains. Extracting and analyzing the pesticides involves the use of solid phase extraction media and both gas and high-pressure liquid chromatography. Complementary greenhouse experiments will measure how weed species common to sugarcane producing regions (e.g., bermudagrass, itchgrass, ryegrass) respond to the selected herbicides using visual injury rating systems.
