April 14, 2005

New tool offers weed management to Hoosier farmers

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Hoosier farmers can get specific weed-control solutions and management tips from scientists through a new computerized tool designed for Indiana.

WeedSOFT was originally developed by the University of Nebraska but has become a regional project that includes Purdue and five other universities.

"The Indiana version features weed management information for corn, soybeans, wheat and grain sorghum," said Bill Johnson, assistant professor in botany and plant pathology and lead developer for the Purdue CD-ROM. "It also includes information about herbicide-resistant weeds and no-till weed management."

The Purdue CD version also comes complete with a weed identification database and a GPS weed mapping application, called WeedMAPPER, that can run on a desktop computer or a pocket PC. Users also can log on to the WeedSOFT Web site to download updates and database changes as they become available.

"The CD offers many features beneficial to producers," Johnson said. "Producers can enter new weed population densities to find out how that influences crop yields. In addition, the 2005 CD features expanded education modules, some of which focus on herbicide interactions with soil and water."

The CD costs $50 for new users and $40 for current users wishing to upgrade. WeedSOFT can be purchased by visiting the web site or by sending a check and order form that specifies the Indiana version of the CD to the University of Nebraska, P.O. Box 830915, Lincoln, Neb. 68583-0915.

Other universities participating in the project include the University of Illinois, Michigan State University, Kansas State University, University of Missouri and University of Wisconsin.

Writer: Molly Brock, (765) 496-2761, brockml@purdue.edu

Source: Bill Johnson, (765) 494-4656, wgj@purdue.edu

Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722;
Beth Forbes, forbes@purdue.edu
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