Don’t Delay Weed Control Decisions Until Spring
19 November 2025, Colorado: Fall and winter are no time to stop thinking about weed management, caution Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) member scientists. Planning now for next season could mean the difference between staying ahead of problem weeds and being deluged with them during spring and summer.
“With herbicide resistance continually evolving, weed control isn’t simple anymore,” says Aaron Hager, Ph.D., University of Illinois, Weed Science & IPM Extension Specialist, and WSSA member scientist. “It requires a plan, specific to your target weed, and a backup to the plan.”
He urges farmers and landowners to attend winter meetings and listen to extension weed specialists as they discuss local weed problems, challenges, and science-derived solutions. Extension weed scientists in many states or regions also provide weed control guides or handbooks, such as the one for Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Missouri, among other online resources, full of vital weed-management information.
“Plans are essential to control problem weeds, but the worst thing is not knowing you have a problem in the first place, which makes scouting so important throughout the growing season,” adds Hager. “Even now, you could still have some opportunities to look for winter annuals, biennials or perennial weed species prior to making decisions for next year’s growing season.”
While farmers in northern U.S. states are likely finished or nearly finished with harvest and fall field work, those in southern U.S. states might still be wrapping up harvest, scouting and even performing weed management field work prior to year’s end. “We’re not done with harvest everywhere yet, and you can plan out a lot for next year by seeing where weeds are at harvest,” says Kevin Bradley, Ph.D., WSSA member scientist, and University of Missouri, Weed Science Extension Specialist. “Making a plan this winter that targets your worst problem – in most places in the Midwest, it’s pigweed or waterhemp – will prepare you for a solid start next season. Then, in the spring, when things start warming – go scouting again, see what’s changed, and adjust your plan as needed.”
Bradley also recommends looking into new technologies, such as seed impact mill attachments for combines that help destroy weed seed at harvest and minimize weed seed survival. “In the future, row crop production is likely to implement technologies currently being used for high-value vegetable crops, where autonomous robots, drones, and electrocution equipment are being used to successfully target and control weeds.”
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