S11 E12 - Beyond the Silver Bullet: The Social Side of Weed Management
War Against Weeds
In this episode of the War Against Weeds podcast, Sarah and Joe welcome Dr. Katie Dentzman of Iowa State University to explore the human and social dimensions of herbicide resistance management. The conversation digs into why “silver bullet” solutions are so appealing, the real-world barriers to adopting integrated weed management, and how community dynamics shape decision-making in agriculture.
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S11 E11 - HRAC 2026 Update: Changes to the Herbicide Modes of Action Poster
War Against Weeds
In this episode Sarah and Joe welcome Hudson Takano of Corteva Agriscience for an update on the Herbicide Resistance Action Committee (HRAC) and the newly released 2026 HRAC Mode of Action poster. Hudson explains HRAC’s role in resistance management, how herbicides are evaluated and classified, and what goes into updating the poster. The conversation highlights newly added herbicides, and why some older or low-use herbicides were removed. The episode also looks ahead to future HRAC work, upcoming herbicides, and where listeners can find the latest HRAC resources online. ...
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S11 E10 - PPO Resistant Kochia: From Field Failures to the Lab
War Against Weeds
In this episode of the War Against Weeds podcast, Sarah Ganske and Joe Ikley explore the emergence of PPO resistant kochia across the northern Great Plains. Joined by BASF scientists Dr. Ingo Meiners and Dr. Aimone Porri, the group walks through how field failures led to greenhouse confirmation and the discovery of novel PPO target‑site mutations. They discuss why these mutations affect some PPO herbicides but not others and how the findings are already shaping resistance diagnostics and management decisions. They end the episode with practical guidance for growers and a broader look at the...
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S11 E9 - Glufosinate Resistance in Waterhemp: What We Know (and What Comes Next)
War Against Weeds
In this episode of War Against Weeds, hosts Alyssa and Sarah sit down with Dr. Karla Gage (Southern Illinois University Carbondale) and Dr. Pat Tranel (University of Illinois) to discuss emerging glufosinate resistance in waterhemp and what it means for growers moving forward.
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S11 E8 - Drones Update
War Against Weeds
In this episode of War Against Weeds, Joe Ikley and Alyssa Essman talk with spray technology experts Dr. Tom Wolf and Dr. Jason Deveau about how rapidly spray drones have evolved and why they’re challenging to use effectively. They discuss issues like swath variability, droplet behavior, and operator exposure, while also highlighting situations where drones offer clear logistical advantages. The result is a candid, practical look at both the promise and limitations of agricultural spray drones today.
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S11 E7 - Teasel Control with Dr. Reid Smeda
War Against Weeds
In this episode of War Against Weeds, Sarah and Alyssa sit down with Dr. Reid Smeda of the University of Missouri to dig into the biology, history, and management of invasive teasels. From their origins to their modern spread along roadsides, teasels prove to be more troublesome than their quirky seed heads suggest. Dr. Smeda breaks down why they’re so difficult to control and shares long‑term strategies for effective management in rights‑of‑way and beyond. Whether you’ve seen teasel creeping into your county or just want to stay ahead of emerging noxious weeds, this is a...
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S11 E6 - Crabgrass
War Against Weeds
In this episode, Joe and Alyssa talk crabgrass with Purdue’s Dr. Aaron Patton and PhD candidate Vera Vuković, covering why smooth crabgrass dominates lawns, how mowing height and fertility can dramatically reduce infestations, and what new research reveals about seed dormancy, germination cues, and emergence timing. They break down practical pre‑ and post‑emergence control strategies—including phenology-based timing and herbicide options—while also touching on emerging issues like quinclorac resistance. Aaron Patton on X: @PurdueTurfDoc
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S11 E5 - Annual Ryegrass
War Against Weeds
Annual ryegrass is rapidly becoming one of the toughest weeds in U.S. row‑crop agriculture. In this episode, Alyssa Essman (Ohio State) and Joe Ikley (NDSU) talk with Tom Barber (University of Arkansas), Charlie Cahoon (NC State), and Larry Steckel (University of Tennessee) about how this weed is spreading, shifting its emergence timing, and developing resistance to multiple herbicide groups. The guests discuss the strengths and weaknesses of current control options, the importance of fall residuals, and how tactics like tillage, cover crops, and harvest weed‑seed control fit into an...
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S11 E4 - Cheatgrass
War Against Weeds
In this episode of War Against Weeds, Sarah and Joe sit down with Dr. Jane Mangold of Montana State University to unpack the ecology, spread, and management of cheatgrass and other invasive grasses. Jane explains why species like cheatgrass and ventenata are thriving in the Western U.S., how fire and climate patterns influence their behavior, and what tools land managers can use to stay ahead of infestations. The conversation covers biology, prevention, grazing, herbicide strategies, and new resources available to support rangeland health. https://www.invasivegrasses.com/
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S11 E3 - WEST (Weed Emergence Scouting Tool)
War Against Weeds
In this episode of War Against Weeds, hosts Alyssa Essman and Joe Ikley sit down with Melissa Widhalm, Associate Director and Regional Climatologist at the Midwestern Regional Climate Center (MRCC). Melissa introduces WEST — the Weed Emergence Scouting Tool — an experimental, temperature‑based system designed to predict first and peak emergence of key weeds like giant ragweed and waterhemp across the Midwest.
info_outlineIn this episode Alyssa Essman and Sarah Lancaster sit down with Washington State University toxicologist Dr. Allan Felsot for a crash course in Toxicology 101. Dr. Felsot breaks down how the EPA evaluates pesticide safety, explains the difference between hazard and risk, and clarifies common misconceptions about chemical exposure, tolerance, and persistence. The conversation also touches on glyphosate, PFAS-related concerns, and why effective science communication—and early education—matter for helping the public understand pesticide technology.