Weed Control and Herbicide Use Workshop

Published: 2022
By Jennifer Solf

Musselshell-Golden Valley MSU Extension and the Musselshell-Golden Valley Weed District held a workshop in the late fall. This workshop included information on weed control and herbicide use. Meriel Beck, Musselshell-Golden Valley Weed Coordinator, and Extension agent Jennifer Solf collaborated on the topics and speakers for the workshop. Melissa Maggio, Montana Biocontrol Project Coordinator, informed attendees of several different biocontrol agents used throughout the state. Jane Mangold, MSU Extension Invasive Plant Specialist, discussed weed control following fire and how plants may respond following wildfire. Rory Lewis, Helena Chemical Sales representative, provided an overall update on herbicide products and symptoms of some herbicide damage from various modes of action. Beck addressed the short-cut methods used to properly calibrate sprayers and the importance of personal protective equipment. Solf addressed key factors which may lead to herbicide incompatibility when mixing different products. At this point in the workshop, attendees used a worksheet with instructions and questions at one of six testing stations with supplies. They followed the instructions on the worksheet to determine if the products created a compatible solution. This activity allowed attendees to document the changes when adding different products to a mason jar to mimic creating a tank mixture with herbicide products.