UC Weed Science (weed control, management, ecology, and minutia)

Summary note: This is a belated research update from herbicide trials (targeting Italian ryegrass) carried out in the winter of 2021-2022 in wheat fields in the Esparto area.

Quaternary ammonium compounds (QAC) are surface-active chemicals that are widely used for surface sanitation in the food processing industry, disinfectants, fabric softeners, and cosmetics. They are designed to remain stable and effective in water-based solutions.

In California, Italian ryegrass [Lolium perenne L. spp. multiflorum (Lam.) Husnot] has been around for a long time and is a major weed in orchards, vineyards, field crops, fallow fields, and so on. It grows vigorously in winter and early spring.

My name is Giuliano Galdi, and I am the new UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Agronomy and Weed Management Advisor located in Merced County, and also with responsibilities in Stanislaus and San Joaquin counties. In San Joaquin county, my primary responsibility will be in weed management.

Cover crops are typically planted in ground that is otherwise fallow. In an annual crop rotation in the Sacramento Valley, cover crops are commonly planted in the fall, grown over the winter, and terminated in late winter/early spring. Thus, cover crops can take up space outcompeting winter weeds.