Tale of two weeds: Kochia and wild oat

Tale of two weeds: Kochia and wild oat

From Inputs - by Top Crop Manager by Top Crop Manager

May 15, 2025 · 49 min · Episode 105

About this episode

Dr. Charles Geddes discusses the challenges and management strategies for kochia and wild oat weeds in agriculture.

Kochia and wild oat are two weeds that are top of mind for growers across the Prairies. While kochia is a relatively newer concern, it’s a highly adaptable weed that’s moving further and further north. Wild oat has been a problem for a long time and resistance continues to evolve.  In this episode of Inputs, Dr. Charles Geddes, research scientist in weed ecology with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in Lethbridge, Alta., discusses the characteristics of kochia and wild oat and what conditions cause them to thrive. He also explains why they are difficult to manage and how resistance evolves with each. With recent research insights on both, Geddes speaks to management strategies such as effective crop rotation and narrow row spacing and higher seeding rates for kochia, as well as harvest weed seed control for wild oat. He says it’s also important to scout and test for herbicide resistance. Never miss an episode of Inputs by subscribing to the podcast on  Apple Podcasts , Spotify , or wherever you listen to podcasts. Support for this episode provided by  Syngenta .

People in this episode

Guest: Dr Charles Geddes

Topics covered

  • weeds
  • agriculture
  • crop management
  • herbicide resistance

Keywords

  • Kochia
  • wild oat
  • weed ecology
  • crop rotation
  • herbicide resistance

Sponsors

Syngenta

Mentioned in this episode

Products: herbicides, crop rotation strategies

Places: Prairies, Lethbridge, Alta.

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