By Scout Nelson
Winter rye, scientifically known as Secale cereale, is highly regarded in the agricultural community as a robust cover crop. It establishes easily in the fall, resists winterkill, and is among the first to rejuvenate in spring. Its management demands caution to prevent it from becoming a weed, as seen in fields of sugarbeets.
In a recent agricultural setup, winter rye seeded in 22-inch rows was terminated with glyphosate post-sugarbeet emergence. Despite this, some rye survived due to glyphosate inactivation by soil kicked up by the sprayer.
This surviving rye, now in the boot stage and soon to head, poses a risk. If not dealt with promptly, it could produce viable seeds, increasing the risk of it becoming a weed.
Feral rye, a major weed in regions like the Central Great Plains and Pacific Northwest, serves as a cautionary tale. It originated from cultivated winter rye and has been adapted to evade control measures in fields. This adaptation includes traits like extended dormancy, facilitated by the crop rotation practices in these areas.
Given the genetic diversity and cross-pollinating nature of winter rye, similar scenarios could unfold elsewhere. Effective management includes ensuring complete termination of winter rye in cover crops.
This approach helps prevent the recombination of genetic traits that could allow winter rye to establish as a persistent weed, demonstrating the delicate balance needed in its use.
Categories: Minnesota, Crops