Weed Science

Maud Walsh, Swoope, Elizabeth A.

LSU AgCenter, All, All, General

Agronomic crops—including sugarcane, rice, cotton, soybeans, corn, grain sorghum and wheat—are grown on many acres in Louisiana. Cattle production, residential and recreational turf, and horticulture are important enterprises. Producers deal with a variety of pests, but weeds are a common problem because of our semi-tropical climate with abundant rainfall and favorable growing conditions.

Weeds are plants growing out of place or where they are not wanted. A weed may be a johnsongrass plant in a cotton field. Volunteer corn in soybeans may also be considered a weed because corn is growing where it is not wanted. LSU AgCenter weed scientists are dedicated to developing better management techniques for weeds that combine chemical, cultural and mechanical control methods to maximize yield and reduce harvest efficiency problems. This collaborative team approach involves both research and extension activities with the goal to develop cost-effective and environmentally sound weed management strategies to sustain agricultural production within the state.

Broadleaf Weeds of Louisiana

Grass and Other Weeds of Louisiana

Herbicide Symptomology

Calibration of Sugarcane Sprayers

Herbicide Application Calibration Guide (Excel spreadsheet)

Louisiana's Suggested Chemical Weed Control Guide

Weed Science Annual Research Reports

Schematic Diagram for Seedling Weed Identification in Rice

Fighting Weeds in Louisiana Agriculture for 125 Years (2012)