For a second year, the University of Kentucky invites grain growers, crop advisors and the public to attend its 2025 Italian Ryegrass Control Field Tour on March 27 at the Caldwell County Extension Office in Princeton.

According to UK weed science associate professor Travis Legleiter in the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, Italian ryegrass, also known as annual ryegrass, has been one of Kentucky wheat's most problematic weed species and can significantly impact no-till corn and soybean yields. He reports more than 75 unique cases of herbicide resistance in ryegrass have been reported globally. If allowed to compete with corn, Italian ryegrass can reduce yields by up to 60 percent.

“The battle against Italian ryegrass is increasing in the Commonwealth every year, with more cases of failed ryegrass burndowns occurring each spring,” Legleiter said. “We are continually looking for better options for gaining an advantage on this troublesome weed and are excited to showcase some of our findings so far.”

Presented by Legleiter, the event will begin at 9 a.m. CDT with introductory remarks at the Caldwell County Extension Office, located at 1025 U.S. Highway 62 West in Princeton.

A caravan will then proceed to the Research and Education Center in Princeton (UKREC) to tour ryegrass research plots. Topics will cover ryegrass control in the fall and spring prior to no-till corn and soybean planting and continued research on ryegrass control in wheat. The field tour is expected to finish by 11:30 a.m. 

Certified Crop Advisor and Kentucky Applicator educational credits will be available. 

For more information about the 2025 Italian Ryegrass Control Field Tour, call (859) 562-2569 or email jason.travis@uky.edu.

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Writer: Jennifer Elwell, jennifer.elwell@uky.edu

The University of Kentucky Research and Education Center (UKREC) at Princeton is proudly celebrating 100 years of advancing agricultural extension, research, education, leadership and service to the Commonwealth. Founded in 1925, UKREC is part of the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, as well as the Kentucky Agricultural Experiment Station and the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service. A vital part of the Princeton community, UKREC’s impact extends across Kentucky and beyond. To mark this milestone, Martin-Gatton CAFE will host a variety of events and training sessions throughout the year, showcasing UKREC’s legacy of excellence and ongoing commitment to UK’s mission of improving lives through teaching, research and extension.

The Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment is an Equal Opportunity Organization with respect to education and employment and authorization to provide research, education information and other services to individuals and institutions that provide equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.