Research on Jointed Goatgrass In Oregon

Dr. Carol Mallory-Smith, a Weed Scientist at Oregon State University in Corvallis, has uncovered valuable genetics information regarding jointed goatgrass and wheat.  A recent study completed by Dr. Mallory-Smith and her staff evaluated how agronomic practices affect herbicide resistance in jointed goatgrass, including the use of Clearfield wheat.  She projected that Clearfield wheat could be used as a tool for managing jointed goatgrass in the PNW.  She added that it is necessary to integrate this technology with rotations that include fallow and non-Clearfield crops.

Dr. Mallory-Smith is also evaluating the impact of spring crops on jointed goatgrass biology and management.  This study began in July 2001 and is based on the hypothesis that cohorts within a jointed goatgrass population vary in genetic material and thus vary in response to environmental conditions.  First year data indicated that populations collected from different climates and cultural systems exhibited different characteristics in spikelet mass and post-harvest germinability.  This information is valuable towards understanding how jointed goatgrass populations evolve and establish themselves.

One of Dr. Mallory-Smith's primary projects with jointed goatgrass involves a cooperative effort with Dr. Bob Zemetra, from the University of Idaho.  This project has utilized modern genetics technology to evaluate the potential of herbicide resistance genes to be transferred into jointed goatgrass in the field.  Results have been published in over five referred scientific journals and countless presentations.  This information is vital in examining the future effects of herbicide resistant wheat crops and the potential gene flow into a jointed goatgrass population. 

Currently, Dr. Mallory-Smith is conducting two jointed goatgrass research projects, both funded by the National Jointed Goatgrass Research Program.  To find out more about the research conducted by Dr. Carol Mallory-Smith please contact her at carol.mallory-smith@oregonstate.edu or contact Doug Schmale, JGG Extension Coordinator.

Dr. Dan Ball, a Weed Scientist at the OSU Columbia Basin Agricultural Research Center in Pendleton, has provided important information regarding the management of jointed goatgrass in winter wheat.  Dr. Ball has been heavily involved in research evaluating cultural practices to control jointed goatgrass in winter wheat.  These studies have been conducted as part of a joint effort with other scientists in the Pacific Northwest.  This information has been important in developing more effective integrated management programs to battle jointed goatgrass in Oregon. 

Ball has worked extensively on integrated management of jointed goatgrass.  A recently completed multi-year study was designed to test the effects of integrated management practices on JGG population densities over time.  “We combined integrated management practices such as planting wheat using narrow row spacing (10-inch rows vs. the normal 16-inch rows), increased wheat seeding rates (105 lbs./acre vs. the normal 75 lbs./acre), banding nitrogen fertilizer below the seed at planting, and mixing a nitrogen/phosphorous starter fertilizer (dry) with the seed at planting,” said Ball.

Wheat stubble in integrated management and standard practice plots was initially burned or left standing to compare cropping systems with and without the use of fire.  Ball added a crop of spring wheat to both standard and integrated practice winter wheat-fallow rotations.  The winter wheat-fallow-spring wheat-fallow rotation included initial burn and no-burn treatments.

“Burning did reduce JGG dockage,” said Ball.  “Narrow row spacing, increased seeding rates, and starter fertilizer in non-burned plots all combined to reduce JGG dockage similar to burned plots.  Combining these same cultural practices plus adding spring wheat to the rotation reduced JGG dockage even more.”  

Dr. Ball is currently involved in a long-term, multi-state project focusing on the effects fallow tillage has on jointed goatgrass emergence and competition in winter wheat.  For Oregon wheat producers, this research suggests that post-harvest tillage has little effect on jointed goatgrass germination after wheat harvest.  This information can save growers money since they will not benefit from tilling wheat stubble ground directly after harvest.  Producers will be able to leave the stubble until emerged weeds require control.   This project is currently being funded by the National Jointed Goatgrass Research Program and is scheduled to be completed in June of 2003.  To find out more about the research conducted by Dr. Dan Ball please contact him at daniel.ball@oregonstate.edu or contact Doug Schmale, JGG Extension Coordinator.