Herbicide tolerance traits remain a hot topic of discussion when discussing weed control. LibertyLink® soybeans, dicamba resistant, GAT (glyphosate and ALS tolerant) and other herbicide tolerant soybeans are in the process of being released and marketed. Information is needed to determine whether these new technologies are economical, and if so, how they may best benefit the soybean grower. This article, and others in a series entitled South Dakota Soybean Checkoff Research, will identify and briefly describe some of the research projects funded by checkoff dollars that are conducted by South Dakota State University.

Integration of new soybean genetics and herbicides to manage challenging weed species and diminish selection for glyphosate resistance:

• Darrell Deneke (South Dakota State University)
• David Vos (South Dakota State University)
• Jill Alms (South Dakota State University)
• Michael Moechnig (South Dakota State University), Project Manager
• Rutendo Nyamusamba (South Dakota State University)

Working with industry, the research group will evaluate new soybean varieties and herbicide programs and will provide unbiased evaluations of these programs compared to conventional weed control programs. The specific research objectives include: Optimizing weed control when tank mixing glyphosate with contact herbicides; Indentifying potential economic benefits of planting LibertyLink® soybeans; Quantifying weather conditions that reduce the efficacy of glyphosate on lamb quarters;  Quantifying the economic benefits of pre-emergence herbicides in soybeans; Evaluating field horsetail or scouring rush control in soybeans; Demonstrate the effects of high glyphosate concentrations in soil on soybean growth; and Developing a population model to identify guidelines for managing glyphosate resistant kochia seed banks.

This project is funded by South Dakota Soybean Research and Promotion Council.