Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting Welcome and Introductions. After introductions, room cost was discussed and Lee Sommers, who joined the group for a period during the meeting, said he would take care of the expenses with the Tri-Societies. Sommers also queried the group as to whether attaching this meeting to the end of another meeting was desirable. It was decided that since the Tri-Societies will not be meeting in the west for the next few years, that the group would meet in Denver as has been done previously. Sommers also discussed the formula (Hatch) funding situation and pointed out that the experiment station directors are studying the formula funding issue. Jim Parochetti said that CSREES is looking at this too. The basic threat is from the Office of Management and Budget where there is consideration to make the formula funds a competitive process. The problem with going to competitive grants from formula funds is the loss of faculty and staff in many states who are currently employed by these funds. Most institutions have an on-going need for formula funds, although some states, such as California have less. Only 3% of Californias budget is from formula funds. There are some states that favor making these funds competitive. It is important for us to show the impact from the use of formula funds in our reporting, such as CRIS reports. Sommers also reminded the group that an annual report will need to be submitted soon. Annual reports are to be sent to Case Medlin in the next 30 days after the annual meeting because the report is to be submitted 60 days after the annual meeting. Jointed Goatgrass Discussion- Alex Ogg and Tony White Funding for FY06. Alex explained the money came as a result of the wheat growers going to Washington, D.C. to lobby for funds for the new grass weeds project. They realized they could not get money for the new project, but could get additional money for the jointed goatgrass project. Consequently, $355,000 has become available for one more years for the jointed goatgrass project. If the new grass weed project goes forward, we need to develop new plans for what we want to do. Also, some state(s) other than Washington must be willing to take the lead, since WSU has been the lead institution for managing jointed goatgrass funds. It would be best if one of the states has a senator on the Appropriations Committee or Ag Appropriations Committee. We, as a group, need to see who is on these committees to see if one of our states involved in WERA-77 can take the lead. Alex Ogg pointed out that if a new project is to go forward, several states that can provide political assistance need to support this. We will need to come up with a new name for this project. One that Jim Parochetti suggested was: Wheat and Invasive Weeds- A National Consortium (followed by a listing of all the states involved). Parochetti also pointed out that 2008 is the earliest we can expect to get funding for the new project because 2007 budget is already submitted. Research Data Gaps. Ogg provided a handout that listed some of the data gaps that still exist in the jointed goatgrass project. He will update the list based on input from the group and will be sending it out with the call for proposals. Some data gaps discussed included: 1) environmental effects on the development of seed dormancy in jointed goatgrass; 2) use of livestock for managing jointed goatgrass; and 3) impact of mechanical or chemical treatments on plant survival and seed production. Several in attendance expressed an interest in seed dormancy effects. A few states will continue their long-term cropping systems studies for another one or two years. Technology Transfer Ideas. Some discussion on technology transfer focused on how we can best deliver information to those who need it. Also, what about conducting an accurate survey? Doing a survey could provide information about other grass weeds in wheat as well. State Reports. Colorado- Westra presented an overview of his jointed goatgrass studies and downy brome in riparian areas research that is just beginning. Idaho- Morishita discussed the preliminary results of the Idaho portion of the Intermountain States BMP project that was just completed. Have also submitted a jointed goatgrass manuscript for review in Weed Technology. Kansas- White discussed some of the jointed goatgrass research and extension activities in Kansas. Montana- no report Nebraska- Lyon reported he is in the last year of a jointed goatgrass study being conducted in cooperation with Wyoming. He also is doing some work with downy brome. Gail Wicks technician is finishing up 2 studies that Gail had been working on. Re-filling Gails position is currently on hold, but they hope to fill it next year. Oklahoma- no report Oregon- Fandrich reported on the results of some of the work being done in Oregon. This included jointed goatgrass dormancy, outcrossing rates, spring crop impact on jointed goatgrass biology, presentations at professional meetings and field days, publishing several articles in Weed Science, and re-wrote a PNW bulletin. South Dakota- no report Texas- Morgan presented work they are doing on ryegrass, wild oats, and some brome species. Has worked with several different herbicides in wheat for the control of each of the weed species. He is also nearing revision of an ALS resistant ryegrass manuscript. Utah- Whitesides reported that they have completed the last harvest from the BMP study and the results are being assembled. Is doing some work with jointed goatgrass and downy brome in non-crop. Corey Ransom is replacing Jack Evans and will begin January 2, 2006. Washington- Yenish reported they are continuing jointed goatgrass cropping systems research projects. Had a bus tour last summer to look at some of the jointed goatgrass research projects. Has Roland Schirman working as the Assistant Jointed Goatgrass Extension Coordinator. Will have a jointed goatgrass seminar in Coeur dAlene, Idaho in coordination with the tri-state grain growers meeting. He also is doing some work on Italian ryegrass. Announced that Rob Gallagher is leaving WSU and they will be advertising his position soon. Wyoming- Kniss presented information about several studies in winter wheat to evaluate control of feral rye, downy brome, and jointed goatgrass. Other business. Gaylon Morgan agreed to serve as chair of the 2006 meeting. It was agreed upon unanimously by the group to meet in Denver on November 7-8, 2006. As in previous years, the meeting will begin the afternoon of November 7 and conclude the morning of November 8. Meeting was adjourned at 1:30 pm. Respectfully submitted, Don W. Morishita

Accomplishments: WERA-77 State Report for Texas 2004-05 Conditions for winter wheat in Texas were good across much of the state for the fall 2004; however, a dry spring and heavy foliar disease pressure lead to below normal yields. Additionally, in the Blacklands of Texas, only about 50% of the wheat acreage was planted due to excessive fall moisture. The state-wide wheat acreage remained relatively stable for the 2004-05 season; however, more of the wheat was used as a dual-use crop because of good cattle prices and good fall wheat growth. Weed management trials were conducted by scientists at College Station, San Angelo, Vernon, Commerce, and Amarillo. The report below will be a summary of the weed management trials. The excessive moisture in the Blacklands provided sub-optimal conditions for the wheat crop but good growing conditions for Italian ryegrass. The trials in the Blacklands focused primarily on Italian ryegrass management with numerous new compounds, including Osprey, Olympus Flex, Axial, Achieve, Finesse Grass and Broadleaf, and the more standard treatments. A summary of the research results are described below. Detailed results of these trials are available upon request. Each herbicide was visually rated for percent efficacy and crop injury. Numerous adjuvants (MSO, MSO blend, NIS+UAN) were used with Osprey to determine the impact on efficacy for Italian ryegrass. Osprey provided greater than 90% control with all the adjuvant treatments for small Italian ryegrass (<3 leaf). Olympus Flex (premix of Olympus + Osprey) also provided greater than 85% control of Italian ryegrass; however, the Olympus Flex efficacy was lower than Osprey and was increased by tankmixing with other Italian ryegrass herbicides. Finesse Grass and Broadleaf also provided good control of the Italian ryegrass at the early growth stages. Axial (pinoxaden) by Syngenta, a Lipid Syntheses Inhibitor provided very good control of Italian ryegrass and also provides producers with a non-ALS inhibitor herbicide. A Clearfield wheat trial was also initiated in the Blacklands, and Beyond herbicide was evaluated for Italian ryegrass control. Beyond herbicide provide good control of Italian ryegrass; however, the control was less consistent than other labeled herbicides. Wild oat trials were conducted by Todd Baughman and Billy Warrick at Vernon and San Angelo, Texas, respectively. Many of the same herbicides (Osprey, Olympus Flex, Finesse Grass + Broadleaf) that were evaluated for Italian ryegrass control were also evaluated for wild oat control. The timeliness of the application was also crucial for adequate wild oat control. In areas where weather prevented timely applications of Finesse Grass + Broadleaf, many producers were not satisfied with the efficacy. Todd Baughman reported good control of wild oats with Olympus. WERA-77 State Report for Washington 2004-05 Numerous experiments were conducted in eastern Washington in 2005 to evaluate various aspects of winter annual grass control in winter wheat. Jointed Goatgrass Seed Longevity Study  (Frank Young) Project initiated, determine if tillage systems impacts how long a grower must rotate to a spring crop to eliminate jointed goatgrass. Plots established 2003. Downy brome population dynamics in facultative spring wheat  (Frank Young) Evaluating dormant planting of spring wheat following dry autumn weather to evaluate if downy brome pest management, economics and downy brome seed bank dynamics. Clearfield rotation study- (Joe Yenish and Frank Young) Evaluating 2 and 3 year rotations with Clearfield wheat included in the rotation at varying intervals to determine risk of developing imazamox resistant populations of jointed goatgrass. The project is entering the fourth year and beginning the second round of the rotations. No results on the development of resistance as yet. Rattail fescue control - (Joe Yenish) Project initiated with Oregon State University and the University of Idaho to determine methods to control rattail fescue. Second year of study. Winter annual weed control in winter wheat  (Joe Yenish) Studies evaluating various herbicides for jointed goatgrass, downy brome, and Italian ryegrass control in winter wheat. WERA-77 State Report for Wyoming 2004-05 Winter wheat Five studies were conducted to evaluate control of winter annual weeds in winter wheat. Mild fall and winter temperatures resulted in heavy feral rye emergence after fall herbicide treatments. The resulting rye population choked out much of the wheat crop on the research farm, including research trials. No herbicide treatment provided commercially acceptable control of rye, and consequently,no yield data was collected. Nearly half of the research farm production wheat was bailed to avoid feral rye seed production. Under extremely heavy rye density, imazamox/MCPA or imazamox provided 10-15% control when applied in the fall (October 21) compared to 20-30% in the spring (March 28). Under lighter rye pressure with spring treatments, imazamox/MCPA controlled feral rye from 28 to 40% as rate increased from 0.281 to 0.422 lbs/A. Sulfosulfuron (0.031 lbs/A) provided 23% control, and flucarbazone (0.027 lbs/A) provided only 3% control. All spring treatments provided excellent control (>98%) of downy brome, likely aided by rye competition. Procarbazone provided 57% control of jointed goatgrass with spring treatments. Pinoxaden, a new grass herbicide from Syngenta, had no jointed goatgrass activity. Spring Wheat In spring wheat, thifensulfuron at 0.028 and thifensulfuron + tribenuron at 0.019 + 0.009 showed slight antagonism (5%) on wild oat when added to procarbazone and 11 to 18% antagonism when added to flucarbazone. Bromoxynil/MCPA caused some antagonism to fenoxaprop on wild oat as well (7%). Imazamox, BAS 777, and pinoxaden provided e98% control of wild oat in Clearfield spring wheat. Mesosulfuron (4.5 WDG) caused up to 51% injury to spring wheat. Head density, height, 200 seed weight, and yield were reduced 24, 28, 29, and 58% by this treatment. Mesosulfuron reduced yield 19%. Jointed goatgrass ecology Jointed goatgrass viability was near zero at all 6 sites after 1.5 years of a burial study, regardless of depth. Predation of goatgrass seeds by rodents seems to be heavily dependent on the amount of ground cover. WERA-77 State Report for Nebraska 2004-05 Winter annual grasses were a problem in winter wheat fields in western Nebraska in 2005. Most of the weed emergence occurred in late fall and over the winter. This resulted in a lot of spring herbicide applications. Unfortunately, the spring was dry and many treatments performed poorly. Even Beyond applied to jointed goatgrass, which has worked very well in the past, did not perform well in the spring of 2005. Research. Research has focused on herbicide treatments for winter annual grass control in winter wheat. I looked at feral rye control with BAS777 and Beyond herbicides in Clearfield wheat. In my studies, both products worked well when applied in the fall, but Beyond did not perform at an acceptable level when applied in the spring. I did not look at BAS777 applied in the spring. Growers continue to have highly variable results with Beyond for feral rye control. This is a topic that needs further research. I also looked at various herbicide treatments for downy brome control in winter wheat. Olympus, Olympus Flex, and Maverick provided very good control of downy brome when fall-applied. Tank mixes of Everest with Glean and/or Finesse did not look promising in 2005. This fall, I have initiated a study to look at Prowl for downy brome control in winter wheat. It involves several application timings in the fall and early spring. While this would be an inexpensive treatment, Im a bit skeptical about its potential due to the unpredictable nature of rainfall in western Nebraska. The sixth and final wheat seeding in the UNL-UW cooperative jointed goatgrass study located at Lingle, WY was seeded in the fall of 2005. This study will conclude with the 2006 wheat harvest. Poor jointed goatgrass control with Beyond herbicide was observed for the first time in the spring of 2005. How this will affect the results from this 7-year study are unknown at this time. Extension. Several news releases and newsletter articles were written in the spring and fall of 2005 on how to control winter annual grasses in winter wheat. Nebraska released its first Clearfield wheat variety (Infinity) in 2005, but very little seed was available for growers to plant in the fall of 2005. Ample seed supply is expected for the fall of 2006. No major Extension programming efforts were devoted to the winter annual grasses in winter wheat during 2005.

Publications: Belles, D., P. Westra, and B. Hanson. 2005. Managing imazamox resistant wheat in crop rotations for jointed goatgrass control. Proc. WSWS 58:22. Gaines, T., P. Byrne, P. Westra, and S. J. Nissen. 2005. Estimation of landscape level gene flow in wheat and jointed goatgrass. Proc. WSWS 58:15. Gaines, T. A., C. Preston, P. F. Byrne, S. J. Nissen, D. L. Shaner, W. Brien Henry, and P. H. Westra. 2005. Detecting gene flow from imidazolinone resistant wheat to conventional wheat varieties. Proc. NCWSS: In Press. Hanson, B. D., D. L. Shaner, P. Westra, S. J. Nissen, and D. S. Belles. 2005. Do environmental stresses affect Clearfield wheat response to imazamox? Proc. West. Soc. Weed Sci. 58:29. Maxwell, Rick. 2005. Evaluation and Characterization od Herbicide Resistance in Ryegrass Cultivars to Hoelon Herbicide. M.S. Thesis. Texas A&M Commerce. Sterling, Reginald. Examining the effectiveness of imazamox using laboratory and field studies in winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and annual grasses. MS Thesis. Colorado State University. 90 pages. Tucker, K., S. Senseman, T. Miller, P. Baumann, and G. Morgan. 2005. Identification, Distribution, and Control of Italian Ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) Ecotypes with Varying Levels of Sensitivity to Triasulfuron in Texas. Weed Tech. In review. Westra, P., Brad D. Hanson, David S. Belles, and Todd Gaines. 2005. Jointed goatgrass by winter wheat hybrid dynamics in Colorado wheat fields. Proc. WSWS 58:22. Westra, P., Pat Byrne, Todd Gaines, Scott Nissen, Dale Shaner, Brien Henry, and Christopher Preston. 2005. Landscape-level gene flow from Clearfield winter wheat to conventional wheat over three years. Proceedings NCWSS: In Press