Introduction

My research focuses on developing integrated management practices for weeds in irrigated annual crop rotations.  We are currently studying the effects of cover crops and reduced tillage on weed population dynamics in irrigated crop rotations.  Our goal is to improve weed management and lesson the impact of weeds on irrigated crops within the framework of a sustainable cropping system. 

Our cropping systems team is currently conducting much of the research under the framework of a long-term four-year crop rotation study (potato-winter wheat-sweet corn, sweet corn), which includes six fall-planted cover crop treatments.  A second long term reduced tillage study will be initiated in 2003.

Several current projects include:

• Effect of fall-planted cover crops of mustard, sudangrass, oat/vetch, and winter wheat on weed seed longevity, species shifts, density, and management in a four-year crop rotation.
• Managing volunteer potato control in sweet corn and field corn with cultivation and herbicides.
• Effect of reducing tillage on volunteer potato management.
• Nightshade biology and management in green peas.
• Role of weeds in corky ringspot persistence and management in crop rotations.