War Against Weeds

S12 - New Host Introduction and a Look Ahead

Welcome back to season 12 of the War Against Weeds Podcast! We are so excited to annouce a NEW host this season! Join us as we welcome Dr. Tommy Butts, a weed scientist at Purdue University. We also cover a bit of our summers, and what we are looking forward to this season!

S11 E16 - Herbicide Ballistic Technology: Innovation in Invasive Plant Management

In the last episode of season 11, Sarah and Alyssa sit down with Dr. James Leary to explore the innovative world of herbicide ballistic technology. James shares how his work in Hawaii led to the development of herbicide-filled projectiles designed to target invasive plants in hard-to-reach terrain. The conversation dives into the science, logistics, and surprising practicality of "shooting weeds," and how creative thinking can transform invasive species management and conservation efforts. Here are some resources our guest shared! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=988i6SQKSzY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWYR6C3T3NQ Transcript: PDF: https://app.box.com/s/a2cicz0jpo74m02otm8bjhkmcngjjns7 DOC: https://app.box.com/s/ekzn3mq1jwi0hlq449qz5a49ip7ilmes

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S11 E15 - Two States, One Challenge: The War on Weeds in Cotton

In this episode of War Against Weeds, the hosts sit down with weed science experts Dr. Peter Dotray (Texas Tech University) and Dr. Stanley Culpepper (University of Georgia) to explore the unique challenges of growing cotton across different regions of the U.S. From starting clean at planting to the critical role of timely herbicide applications and overlapping residuals, they break down what it takes to manage weeds in this slow-growing, high-maintenance crop. Episode Trancript PDF: https://app.box.com/s/up693ucumuokzjoz6su63t43rb72n6io DOC: https://app.box.com/s/2ee7afg6rki1qegpowitnncgs69v1l7e

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S11 E14 - Hidden Residues: Sprayer Hoses and Herbicide Carryover

This week Joe Ikley and Sarah Ganske are joined by Dr. Tom Mueller (University of Tennessee) to discuss sprayer hose cleanout and herbicide residue risks. The conversation focuses on how hose materials, aging, and system design affect herbicide retention, with research insights comparing dicamba and 2,4-D cleanout challenges. They also share practical recommendations for applicators, including agitation practices, downtime risks, and when hose replacement may be necessary to avoid crop injury. Link: https://utcrops.com/ Transcripts: PDF: https://app.box.com/s/4esrl1zv0dd0za3uojxah0jpwvqdy90i DOC: https://app.box.com/s/frnfuvcvn5t7h6kg11v4cch4jmeigsny

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S11 E13 - Nozzle Know-How: Balancing Coverage, Deposition, and Drift for Effective Weed Control

In this episode of the War Against Weeds podcast, Alyssa Essman and Sarah Lancaster Ganske are joined by Purdue Extension weed scientist Dr. Tommy Butts for a deep dive into spray nozzles, droplet size, and deposition. The conversation covers how nozzle selection influences coverage, drift, deposition, and weed control, with practical recommendations for ground applications, pulse sprayers, and managing risk in real-world conditions. Epsisode Transcript PDF: https://app.box.com/s/rci0uzr4ww772196tdfeia0vvrdidzas DOC: https://app.box.com/s/398aewwxuygy3rrf3d968e5iyae6vqc4

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S11 E12 - Beyond the Silver Bullet: The Social Side of Weed Management

In this episode of the War Against Weeds podcast, Sarah and Joe welcome Dr. Katie Dentzman of Iowa State University to explore the human and social dimensions of herbicide resistance management. The conversation digs into why "silver bullet" solutions are so appealing, the real-world barriers to adopting integrated weed management, and how community dynamics shape decision-making in agriculture. Episode Transcript PDF: https://app.box.com/s/jttzmn1oq5mxq4n629j7ieo16l1muf7p DOC: https://app.box.com/s/ek68ebp2ztqu8lsh7msn82427fvavio8

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S11 E11 - HRAC 2026 Update: Changes to the Herbicide Modes of Action Poster

In this episode Sarah and Joe welcome Hudson Takano of Corteva Agriscience for an update on the Herbicide Resistance Action Committee (HRAC) and the newly released 2026 HRAC Mode of Action poster. Hudson explains HRAC's role in resistance management, how herbicides are evaluated and classified, and what goes into updating the poster. The conversation highlights newly added herbicides, and why some older or low-use herbicides were removed. The episode also looks ahead to future HRAC work, upcoming herbicides, and where listeners can find the latest HRAC resources online. https://hracglobal.com/tools/2026-hrac-global-herbicide-moa-classification Episode Transcript PDF: https://app.box.com/s/i7fb437reya4ipjf8fbwqagw03jq2c6a DOC: https://app.box.com/s/ur49aaooemdaqlswqfnmu15o5frly1e8

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S11 E10 - PPO Resistant Kochia: From Field Failures to the Lab

In this episode of the War Against Weeds podcast, Sarah Ganske and Joe Ikley explore the emergence of PPO resistant kochia across the northern Great Plains. Joined by BASF scientists Dr. Ingo Meiners and Dr. Aimone Porri, the group walks through how field failures led to greenhouse confirmation and the discovery of novel PPO target‑site mutations. They discuss why these mutations affect some PPO herbicides but not others and how the findings are already shaping resistance diagnostics and management decisions. They end the episode with practical guidance for growers and a broader look at the importance of collaboration in tackling evolving weed resistance challenges. Transcripts PDF: https://app.box.com/s/619xibmb42kh782frwg7ul8yhmtl289c DOC: https://app.box.com/s/xwwkr88cmm9jc59ihjtqbxvic7f1x5y9

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S11 E9 - Glufosinate Resistance in Waterhemp: What We Know (and What Comes Next)

In this episode of War Against Weeds, hosts Alyssa and Sarah sit down with Dr. Karla Gage (Southern Illinois University Carbondale) and Dr. Pat Tranel (University of Illinois) to discuss emerging glufosinate resistance in waterhemp and what it means for growers moving forward. Transcripts PDF: https://app.box.com/s/0lyejemx8kyjr8s1fcgca6huqw3qaprp WORD: https://app.box.com/s/la2r3yx4208jm2v8khac9wf8zm5glfab

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S11 E8 - Drones Update

In this episode of War Against Weeds, Joe Ikley and Alyssa Essman talk with spray technology experts Dr. Tom Wolf and Dr. Jason Deveau about how rapidly spray drones have evolved and why they're challenging to use effectively. They discuss issues like swath variability, droplet behavior, and operator exposure, while also highlighting situations where drones offer clear logistical advantages. The result is a candid, practical look at both the promise and limitations of agricultural spray drones today. Episode Transcript: PDF: https://app.box.com/s/xdhzkf3hazg5jbgrfkcyadfih52mppm3 DOC: https://app.box.com/s/pyl4jbuekymcfmvn62ku0ur5kjenxz9o

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S11 E7 - Teasel Control with Dr. Reid Smeda

In this episode of War Against Weeds, Sarah and Alyssa sit down with Dr. Reid Smeda of the University of Missouri to dig into the biology, history, and management of invasive teasels. From their origins to their modern spread along roadsides, teasels prove to be more troublesome than their quirky seed heads suggest. Dr. Smeda breaks down why they're so difficult to control and shares long‑term strategies for effective management in rights‑of‑way and beyond. Whether you've seen teasel creeping into your county or just want to stay ahead of emerging noxious weeds, this is a conversation you won't want to miss. Episode Transcripts PDF: https://app.box.com/s/sn8ypb72g1scf0xxvv1zgkb6916t6p77 DOC: https://app.box.com/s/cli6p5ld0vlemyq0m642y2osk049biof Teasel resources https://www.fs.usda.gov/database/feis/plants/forb/dipspp/all.html https://mdc.mo.gov/trees-plants/invasive-plants/common-cut-leaved-teasel-control https://www.purdue.edu/fnr/extension/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/FNR-649TeaselADA-final-comp.pdf https://www.nps.gov/articles/cutleaf-teasel.htm https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/terrestrialplants/cutleavedteasel.html Bentivegna and Smeda https://doi.org/10.1614/IPSM-D-10-00026.1 https://doi.org/10.1614/WT-08-043.1

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S11 E6 - Crabgrass Control in Turfgrass

In this episode, Joe and Alyssa talk crabgrass with Purdue's Dr. Aaron Patton and PhD candidate Vera Vuković, covering why smooth crabgrass dominates lawns, how mowing height and fertility can dramatically reduce infestations, and what new research reveals about seed dormancy, germination cues, and emergence timing. They break down practical pre‑ and post‑emergence control strategies—including phenology-based timing and herbicide options—while also touching on emerging issues like quinclorac resistance. https://edustore.purdue.edu/turf-100.html https://turf.purdue.edu/turfgrass-weeds/ Aaron Patton on X: @PurdueTurfDoc Episode Transcripts PDF: https://app.box.com/s/mxdmzk8izjtsben1uin2nq4kyv2b0nz7 DOC: https://app.box.com/s/vimx2nv9cl3vsv3rlaj417pg7uipvrum

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S11 E5 - Annual Ryegrass

Annual ryegrass is rapidly becoming one of the toughest weeds in U.S. row‑crop agriculture. In this episode, Alyssa Essman (Ohio State) and Joe Ikley (NDSU) talk with Tom Barber (University of Arkansas), Charlie Cahoon (NC State), and Larry Steckel (University of Tennessee) about how this weed is spreading, shifting its emergence timing, and developing resistance to multiple herbicide groups. The guests discuss the strengths and weaknesses of current control options, the importance of fall residuals, and how tactics like tillage, cover crops, and harvest weed‑seed control fit into an integrated approach. They also share ongoing research aimed at better understanding ryegrass biology and improving long‑term management. https://crop-soil-environmental-sciences.uark.edu/people/faculty-directory/uid/ltbarber/name/Tom+Barber/ [crop-soil-...s.uark.edu] https://cals.ncsu.edu/crop-and-soil-sciences/people/cwcahoon/ [cals.ncsu.edu] https://utcrops.com/field-crops-team/ [utcrops.com]

S11 E4 - Cheatgrass

In this episode of War Against Weeds, Sarah and Joe sit down with Dr. Jane Mangold of Montana State University to unpack the ecology, spread, and management of cheatgrass and other invasive grasses. Jane explains why species like cheatgrass and ventenata are thriving in the Western U.S., how fire and climate patterns influence their behavior, and what tools land managers can use to stay ahead of infestations. The conversation covers biology, prevention, grazing, herbicide strategies, and new resources available to support rangeland health. https://www.invasivegrasses.com/

S11 E3 - WEST (Weed Emergence Scouting Tool)

In this episode of War Against Weeds, hosts Alyssa Essman and Joe Ikley sit down with Melissa Widhalm, Associate Director and Regional Climatologist at the Midwestern Regional Climate Center (MRCC). Melissa introduces WEST — the Weed Emergence Scouting Tool — an experimental, temperature‑based system designed to predict first and peak emergence of key weeds like giant ragweed and waterhemp across the Midwest.

S11 E2 - Toxicology 101

In this episode Alyssa Essman and Sarah Lancaster sit down with Washington State University toxicologist Dr. Allan Felsot for a crash course in Toxicology 101. Dr. Felsot breaks down how the EPA evaluates pesticide safety, explains the difference between hazard and risk, and clarifies common misconceptions about chemical exposure, tolerance, and persistence. The conversation also touches on glyphosate, PFAS-related concerns, and why effective science communication—and early education—matter for helping the public understand pesticide technology.

S11 E1 - Broomrape (Orobanche)

Season 11 opens with Dr. Brad Hanson of UC Davis, who joins Joe and Alyssa to unravel the resurgence of broomrape, a challenging parasitic weed threatening California's tomato processing industry. Brad explains how broomrape's underground lifecycle, tiny long-lived seeds, and strict reliance on host plants make it difficult to detect and manage. The episode covers the difference between broomrape species appearing in North America, why processing tomatoes are especially vulnerable, and how broomrape spreads through equipment and soil movement. Here are some sources Dr. Hanson shared for the listeners: UC broomrape page (in progress) https://broomrape.sf.ucdavis.edu/ California Tomato Research Institute's broomrape resource page (mostly UC extension info) https://tomatonet.org/grower-resources/broomrape-resources/ California Department of Food and Agriculture broomrape program page https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/plant/ipc/broomrape/ This is a video article that the UCD college of ag put together a couple years ago https://caes.ucdavis.edu/news/parasitic-weeds-threaten-tomato-plants-california-farms

S10 E14 - Looking to the Future

On our last episode of season 10, all three hosts have a discussion on the future of weed science with Dr. Larry Steckel (University of Tennessee) and Dr. Aaron Hager (University of Illinois). They reflect on the evolution of weed management, including the increase of specific weed species, and the challenges of herbicide resistance. Both emphasize the need for integrated approaches, including cover crops, precision technology, and cultural practices.

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S10 E13 - Weather and Weed Science

Joe Ikley and Sarah Lancaster discuss the North Dakota Agricultural Weather Network (NDAWN) and the Kansas Mesonet with directors Daryl Ritchison and Chip Redmond, respectively. NDAWN, with over 250 stations, provides high-resolution weather data, including soil moisture and temperature measurements. Kansas Mesonet, with 94 stations, focuses on real-time data for agricultural and emergency management purposes. Both networks emphasize the importance of accurate weather data for herbicide application, particularly wind speed, inversions, and delta T measurements. The conversation highlights the critical role of Mesonets in agriculture and emergency response.

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S10 E12 - Dryland Agriculture Weed Management

Sarah and Alyssa sit down with dryland experts Jeanne Faulk Jones (Kansas State University) and Dr. Drew Lyon (Washington State University). They highlight the challenges of managing weeds in semi-arid regions, including key weeds like Palmer amaranth, Kochia, and perennial grasses. They also discuss various strategies for water conservation and weed management. Smallgrains.wsu.edu Facebook page: K state sunflower district agronomy X: cropswithgenie

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