In the vast, sun-drenched fields of Montana, a quiet revolution is taking place, one that could reshape the way farmers manage weeds in chickpea crops. Akamjot Brar, a graduate research assistant at Montana State University’s Southern Agricultural Research Center and a research associate at Colorado State University, has been at the forefront of this change. His recent study, published in the journal *Weed Technology* (which translates to *Weed Science and Technology* in English), offers promising insights into optimizing weed management in chickpeas through strategic planting dates and fall-applied residual herbicides.
Chickpeas, a vital crop in semiarid regions, offer significant diversification benefits for farmers. However, their slow emergence and open canopy growth habit make them particularly vulnerable to weeds during the early growing season. Brar’s research, conducted over two years at two sites in Montana, aimed to address this challenge by integrating planting dates with fall-applied, soil-active herbicides.
The study found that applying dimethenamid at 950 g ai ha−1 with pendimethalin at 1.68 kg ai ha−1, and carfentrazone with sulfentrazone at 238 g ai ha−1, provided superior protection against weeds. These treatments significantly reduced the density of kochia, redroot pigweed, and common mallow to between 10 and 20 plants per square meter, compared to 50 to 70 plants per square meter in untreated plots. “These herbicides not only protected the yield but also provided longer residual activity, which is crucial for early-season weed control,” Brar explained.
The research also highlighted the importance of early planting. Brar noted, “Early planting provided an additional biomass reduction compared to late planting due to the crop’s emergence before or around the same time as the weeds.” Interestingly, planting date had no effect on weed density or grain yield in plots that received dimethenamid + pendimethalin and carfentrazone + sulfentrazone, suggesting that these herbicides can extend the planting date window.
The implications of this research are significant for the agricultural sector. By integrating these herbicide programs with early planting, farmers can enhance weed management strategies, potentially leading to increased crop yields and reduced herbicide use. This could translate to more sustainable farming practices and improved economic outcomes for growers.
Looking ahead, Brar’s findings could pave the way for further innovations in weed management. As he puts it, “These herbicide programs and early planting can be integrated with other weed management tactics for additional weed management options in chickpea.” The study not only offers immediate practical applications but also opens the door to future research and development in the field.
For those in the agricultural industry, this research represents a step forward in the ongoing battle against weeds. By leveraging the insights from Brar’s work, farmers can optimize their weed management strategies, ultimately contributing to more resilient and productive cropping systems. As published in *Weed Technology*, this study is a testament to the power of innovative research in addressing real-world agricultural challenges.