Weed management is one of the biggest concerns for grain sorghum producers,
but Kansas State University scientists are finding ways to remedy the
problem.
?Research has shown that heavy weed infestations can reduce grain sorghum
yields by 50 percent,? said Kassim Al-Khatib, K-State professor of weed
physiology. ?In addition, weeds may decrease grain quality, increase insect
and disease pressure, and increase harvest difficulty.?

Now, however, K-State researchers have developed a herbicide-resistant grain
sorghum line, Al-Khatib said. It is tolerant to such acetolactate synthase
(ALS)-inhibitor herbicides as Steadfast, Accent, Resolve, and Ally. This
tolerance seems likely to give grain sorghum growers a new tool in their
efforts to control weeds.

?This technology has excellent potential for controlling broadleaf and
grassy weeds in sorghum, using post-emergence herbicides,? he said, adding
that he expects producer acceptance to be high because no post-emergence
herbicide is now available for managing grassy weeds in sorghum.

K-State?s work is moving forward to developing ALS-resistant sorghum with
several seed companies. The university team involved in the project is
working with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency?s program for Minor
Use Pesticides, as well, to register the use of Steadfast herbicide on
ALS-resistant sorghum.

?In addition, we are currently evaluating several herbicide programs to
identify the most effective ones for Kansas,? Al-Khatib said.

The K-State team is planning to use this year?s research to refine the
recommended herbicide program before the herbicide-resistant hybrids can be
available in the market, he said.

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