species, but some of the perennial types have stolons that allow them to creep along the surface and plant nodal roots," says Cowbrough. "It's a pretty amazing species in terms of its ability to spread, and spread in pretty tough environments." In terms of control methods to complement herbicide use, unfortunately, cover crops can actually increase the survival of bluegrass seed over the winter. Deep tilling with a moldboard plow will be most effective, much better than vertical tillage. In 2021, Cowbrough did a study with Dr. Francois Tardiff and Dr. Peter Smith looking at herbicide control of bluegrass in winter wheat with early April applications. Three herbicides were found to be effective: Group 2 products Simplicity GoDri and Varro (both with non-ionic surfactants) and Group 1 product Axial. Apply these products when the bluegrass is less than 10 centimetres tall. Cowbrough adds that broadleaf tank mix partners work well if you want to control more groups of weeds. Their study found that various tank mixes did not reduce control of bluegrass, nor did they reduce winter wheat yield. There are various preand post-emergent options that work in corn and soybeans. FIELD HORSETAIL CONTROL IN E3 SOYBEANS Horsetail is not a competitive weed in dense crop stands and its tuber production increases in low-nitrogen soils. In a 2022 study, Cowbrough, Tardiff, and Smith found that Enlist Duo or Liberty + Enlist + AMS are two options that can be used in E3 soybeans for season-long top growth control, pre- and post-emergence. However, these results need to be replicated. Cowbrough also wants to evaluate other control methods like tillage and soil fertility. FOR MORE Cowbrough's full presentation and more than 50 other on-demand sessions are available to view until March 31, 2023 at www.ontarioagconference.ca. Grain Farmers of Ontario was a Diamond Sponsor of the 2023 Ontario Agricultural Conference. l ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER 15 MARCH 2023 Unfortunately, cover crops can actually increase the survival of bluegrass seed over the winter. FIELD HORSETAIL. PHOTO COURTESY OF MIKE COWBROUGH.
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