Kochia Insight
Western Canada
If kochia isn't the worst weed in Western Canada, it's close. It's widely adaptable and prolific. Plus, herbicide resistance is making the situation even worse.
A kochia plant can spread up to 25,000 seeds. If left uncontrolled in the fall, the stem of the mature kochia plant breaks off and tumbles across the Prairies, spreading seeds up to several kilometres.
Average yield loss from kochia pressure in spring wheat can be 20% and much worse in soybeans and corn. Kochia emerges early and can continue to emerge throughout the growing season. That early emergence means the weed is competing with the crop during the critical weed-free period when significant yield loss can occur.
If that's not bad enough, there are kochia populations in Western Canada resistant to Groups 2, 4, and 9 (glyphosate). Since kochia can cross- and self-pollinate, a population of kochia can become resistant to herbicides quickly.
We've created articles that help you understand kochia better and outlined strategies to combat it here.
A Deeper Dive into Kochia
Kochia biology and ecology - Why kochia is such a tough customer
Kochia has unique characteristics that allow it to thrive in the southern Prairies. Knowing the weed’s biology and ecology provides the basis for a rigorous defense.
Research reveals viable kochia management strategy
A weed scientist looked at managing kochia through the span of a four-year crop rotation. Learn the chemical and cultural practices that can manage the worst impacts of this weed and help contain its spread
Kochia and agroclimatic factors
Kochia emerges in cool soil yet also thrives when it’s hot. That’s not only bad news now… it’s probably going to get worse. Learn why a weed scientist says kochia is well suited to shifting environmental conditions on the Prairies.
Let’s Talk Kochia – A Challenging Weed by Nature
Kochia is not only a persistent challenge but a weed that’s expanding its footprint on the Prairies. It emerges early, can survive heat, drought, and saline conditions, and produces a lot of seed. Here are some strategies to get ahead of kochia.
Let’s Talk Kochia – What’s driving the spread of kochia?
Kochia pressure used to be limited to Southern Alberta. Not anymore. A number of factors, including a higher number of growing degree days across the Prairies, are driving the spread of kochia. Here's what you need to know about kochia -- and why increased glyphosate use isn't the answer.
Our new publication, Kochia: Management Strategies and Resources, gives you a 360-degree view of this pressing agronomic challenge. Learn from top scientists and the most current research, not only why kochia is thriving and spreading, but which tactics show the most promise in managing it on your farm.
Pre-seed Kochia Products
A strong Group 14 glyphosate partner for quick, enhanced burnoff of hard-to-control weeds including kochia (Group 2, 4 and 9 resistant), flixweed, lamb’s-quarters, redroot pigweed and cleavers (Group 2 and 4 resistant). Aim® EC herbicide adds a novel mode of action to glyphosate for resistance management.
Consistent, pre-emergent extended Group 14 activity to control kochia, redroot pigweed, lamb’s-quarters, cleavers*, wild buckwheat and more. Apply pre-seed or up to 3 days after seeding wheat, field peas, flax and more.
Uses two modes of action – Groups 13 and 14 – to deliver fast control of emerged broadleaf weeds including kochia, volunteer canola, lamb’s-quarters and flixweed and extended activity on flushing cleavers and chickweeds.
Provides three modes of action, Groups 2, 4 and 9 when combined with glyphosate for comprehensive weed control and excellent resistance management.
Gives lentils and wheat powerful grassy and broadleaf weed control from two modes of action.
Provides consistently quick and lasting burnoff control of tough weeds like kochia, narrow-leaved hawk’s-beard and volunteer canola in front of cereals.
In-Crop Kochia Products
Fall Kochia Products
Provides three modes of action, Groups 2, 4 and 9 when combined with glyphosate for comprehensive weed control and excellent resistance management.
Gives lentils and wheat powerful grassy and broadleaf weed control from two modes of action.
Provides consistently quick and lasting burnoff control of tough weeds like kochia, narrow-leaved hawk’s-beard and volunteer canola in front of cereals.