A weed known to many cotton and soybean growers in the South as "pigweed on steroids" has been spotted in Ohio, prompting Ohio State University Extension experts to warn Ohio growers to take measures to prevent its further spread statewide.

While the extended periods of hot, dry weather Ohio has experienced in recent weeks may mean that weeds aren't growing as fast as they would in more moist conditions, the weather can still have an adverse effect on weed management for growers, an Ohio State University Extension expert said.

We've received a few calls and request for our thoughts on how the dry conditions can affect post emergence herbicide efficacy.

An MSU timing study on post-emergent weed control in corn showed that 95 percent of weed control or better can be achieved when weeds are 9 inches tall, but yields were reduced 25 bushels per acre.

Some species of insects and weeds may have benefitted from the warmer-than-normal temperatures and lack of snowfall in the state, two Purdue Extension specialists say.

Many might consider 2,4-D a dinosaur, but it may be the best solution for growers fighting weed resistance today, said Dean Riechers, University of Illinois associate professor of weed physiology.

You may have only 3 years left. No, I'm not talking about attractive corn and soybean prices. I'm talking about something that could really eat away at your bottom line.

We are now limited to herbicide treatments that can be applied just prior to harvest to help dry down weed vegetation prior to a killing frost.