Editor's note: You can listen to my conversation with Bob Hartzler by clicking on the Soundcloud link embedded in this blog.

As we approach the end of 2020, many people will be making New Year's resolutions. For 2021, it may be a good idea to make a resolution to start clean and stay clean in weed management — especially as herbicide-resistant populations continue to grow across the Midwest.

In the latest episode of Down in the Weeds, we speak with Bob Hartzler, Iowa State University professor of agronomy and Extension weed specialist, on strategies for managing weeds and herbicide resistance in the coming year.

"Knowing what herbicides your weeds are resistant to is critical," Hartzler says. "It's not always easy knowing exactly what those weeds might be resistant to. But the best way is to scout the field, usually about two weeks after the last application, and see if there are any weeds in that field that are surviving that application that you feel should have been controlled. If they are surviving, there's a possibility your dealing with a new resistant biotype."

Nebraska Farmer · Starting clean on weed management in 2021