Soybean 2-Pass Challenge Cooperators Needed

Dan Heider, UW-Madison Outreach Specialist

We are again requesting cooperators to participate in the soybean 2-Pass Challenge trials during the 2007 growing season.  Although 21 trials were signed up going into the 2006 growing season, a wet / delayed spring in some areas along with severe hail storms at several field sites significantly hampered the amount of data we were able to collect.  Therefore in 2007, we would like to encourage as many as possible to participate and help expand the data base.

What is the 2-Pass Challenge?  The 2-Pass Challenge is an on-farm comparison of weed control programs in soybean.  Although most growers are using glyphosate based programs, incorporating a preemergence residual herbicide into the weed management strategy should allow delaying the glyphosate application until soybeans are close to canopy, improving overall weed control.  This planned 2-pass strategy reduces the risk of poor weed control that can reduce yields, and reduces the risk of developing herbicide resistance by utilizing a second herbicide mode of action within the same crop.  Ultimately, the results will be used to answer the question: can a 2-pass herbicide program provide improved crop safety, increased weed control, and ultimately increased yield to out-weigh the increased herbicide and application cost?

This year our goal is to collect data from at least 25 trials spread throughout Wisconsin.  The 2-Pass Challenge trials will be implemented as a result of a coordinator/grower team effort.  Project coordinators (agronomists, consultants, extension agents, etc.) will help growers to design and implement Soybean 2-Pass Challenge Trials within their fields.  There is an opportunity for honorariums for both the grower and coordinator for the first 25 teams to sign up.  Data collection is relatively simple, consisting primarily of some brief background information, details of the applications, a weed rating and yields.  If you are interested in coordinating a Soybean 2-Pass Challenge trial or just need more information, please contact Dan Heider, UW IPM Program at (608) 262-6491 or djheider@wisc.edu for details of the program.