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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Morris, Minnesota » Soil Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #176514
Title: WHEATSCOUT: WILD OAT AND FOXTAIL HERBICIDE DECISION MODEL

Author
item Archer, David
item Forcella, Frank
item WIERSMA, JOCHUM - UNIV. OF MN
item DURGAN, BEVERLY - UNIV. OF MN

Submitted to: Meeting Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/2/2005
Publication Date: 2/20/2005
Citation: Archer, D.W., Forcella, F., Wiersma, J.J., Durgan, B.R. 2005. WheatScout: wild oat and foxtail herbicide decision model. In: 27th Annual Zero Tillage and Winter Wheat Workshop, February 1-2, 2005, Brandon, Canada. p. 59-65.

Interpretive Summary: Management of wild oat and foxtail in spring wheat continues to be a challenge for producers in the Northern Great Plains. In making herbicide application decisions, there are many variables that are at best only partially known. The WheatScout decision aid was developed to aid producers in making herbicide application decisions for managing wild oat and foxtail in spring wheat. The model uses observed and forecasted weather with field scouting observations to provide real-time information on herbicide options. A test version is currently available and is undergoing field validation. WheatScout will have a direct impact on weed management decisions in spring wheat producing areas, increasing farm profits and reducing the potential for ineffective or unnecessary herbicide applications.

Technical Abstract: Management of wild oat and foxtail in spring wheat continues to be a challenge for producers in the Northern Great Plains. In making herbicide application decisions, there are many variables that are at best only partially known. The WheatScout decision aid was developed to integrate current scientific understanding of weed biology and economics to evaluate herbicide application alternatives for managing wild oat and foxtail in spring wheat. WheatScout builds upon the existing WeedCast model which uses daily weather information to estimate weed emergence and growth. WheatScout combines the weed emergence information of WeedCast with information on spring wheat growth, herbicide application windows and dose-response relationships, and effects of weed competition on spring wheat yields. The model uses observed and forecasted weather with field scouting observations to provide real-time information on herbicide options. Information is presented in a graphical display of current and future treatment options allowing the user to identify what options are available now, how long the options will be available, and what options are likely to become available in the future. In addition WheatScout provides estimates of the impacts of herbicide applications on crop yields, net returns and weed seed production, allowing comparisons among the available options. A test version of WheatScout is currently available. Field validation is currently being conducted at sites in Crookston, Rosemount, and Morris, Minnesota.