Nutsedge is probably the most difficult weed to control in sugarcane. The most effective means to control nutsedge is through a foliar treatment that is safe to sugarcane.

This article provides valuable information on sugarcane weed control at planting. It also cites scenarios on single-application versus split-application weed control programs for use at planting based on specific weed problems.

This guide includes helpful information on herbicides and weed control with detailed suggestions for aquatics, commercial nursery stock, field crops, forestry, fruit crops, home gardens, lawns and many other Louisiana crops. It includes information on different types of herbicide registrations, as well as information on herbicide labels and restricted uses. Also included are sprayer calibration techniques, suggestions for reducing herbicide drift and a guide to proper spray tip selection.

Johnsongrass is one of the most important noxious weeds found in sugarcane grown in Louisiana. Johnsongrass can emerge from seeds germinating in the soil and from underground rhizomes. To control Johnsongrass after it has emerged requires use of Asulox/Asulam, either alone or in combination with Envoke. The attached article, The Weed Patch, sites programs using these herbicides for the control of Johnsongrass.

The 2009 Sugarcane Weed Management Guide was prepared as a joint effort among Dr. Jim Griffin, School of Plant, Environmental and Soil Sciences, LSU AgCenter, Baton Rouge, La., and Drs. Ed Richard and Caleb Dalley, USDA-ARS SRRC, Sugarcane Research Unit, Houma, La.

This publication lists procedures and specific examples of how to calibrate sugarcane sprayers.

The LAES sugarcane breeding program has had, and will continue to have, a positive impact on keeping Louisiana in the sugar business. Beginning in 1981, steps were taken to reorganize the LAES sugarcane breeding program.

Sugarcane is one of the leading row crops contributing to the Louisiana economy. A new variety, L 97-128, released by the LSU AgCenter in 2004, provides an alternative to the popular LCP 85-384, which is the predominant variety in the state.

This 2009 guide was compiled by LSU AgCenter experts and includes regulations, precautions and suggestions for pest control in Louisiana. Detailed topics include drift of pesticides, hazards of pesticides to beneficial insects and wildlife, phytotoxicity and using beneficial insects to control pest populations. A section on organic gardening also is included.

Economic Outlook for 2009