Waterhemp is one of the most problematic weeds in soybeans in the midwestern US. It has been reported in Minnesota and Missouri that waterhemp populations have been resistant to six herbicide sites of action, and waterhemp resistance to glufosinate was confirmed in Illinois and Minnesota. Recent advances in non-chemical tools have created new opportunities for weed science research, particularly for reducing waterhemp seedbanks. The sterile pollen technique (SPT) is inspired by the sterile insect technique used to suppress the New World screwworm in livestock. Integrating SPT with herbicide programs may reduce the waterhemp seedbank over time.
The objective of this project is to advance waterhemp management in soybeans by integrating the sterile pollen technique (SPT) for waterhemp seedbank reduction. The SPT is an emerging technology in which gamma-irradiated sterile pollens of pigweed will be evaluated for waterhemp seedbank reduction. Sterile pollen competes with natural pollen and fertilizes the ovule, resulting on a non-viable seed. Using the SPT to reduce waterhemp seedbank can improve soybean productivity and reduce reliance on herbicides alone.
This project will evaluate an innovative approach to improve long-term weed management and profitability for soybean producers. Assessing the sterile pollen technique (SPT) is a novel approach to seedbank reduction for long-term management of herbicide-resistant waterhemp. This may help reduce waterhemp seed production, slow resistance evolution, and provide another management option for late-season weed escapes.