By Jamie Martin
Weedy grasses like johnsongrass have long been a challenge for grain sorghum farmers due to limited herbicide options. A breakthrough collaboration between the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station and Texas A&M AgriLife Research has introduced a new ACC-ase herbicide-resistant trait into conventional grain sorghum, addressing this issue effectively.
This resistance, bred from johnsongrass discovered in Arkansas, is now part of ArkTam™, a new sorghum line. Researchers found that ArkTam™ was tolerant to most ACC-ase herbicides, which target fatty acid synthesis to control grass weeds.
Testing showed over 91% control of grass species like barnyardgrass, signalgrass, and Texas panicum within 28 days after application.
The trait ensures flexibility for farmers. "Sorghum producers have long wanted post-emergence grass control options for sorghum production,” said Bill Rooney of Texas A&M AgriLife Research. “This trait provides one such option, and there is great interest in its deployment.”
Additionally, ArkTam™ is not resistant to ALS-inhibiting herbicides, allowing farmers to control volunteer sorghum effectively in other crops, minimizing potential cross-contamination issues.
The ACC-ase trait offers a valuable alternative to ALS herbicides, which face widespread weed resistance. With the enhanced options, farmers gain a tool for better weed management, ultimately supporting higher yields and efficient farming practices.
To learn more, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-giovanni1232
Categories: National