Find out what is new in the world of research

Taking extra measures to control weeds early Joey Sabljic
Corn plants can actually sense neighboring weeds in their midst by the different ways weeds alter light quality, from far-red to red light. Plants react to the weeds’ presence by changing how they allocate resources to roots, stems and leaves. Yet, this renders their roots underdeveloped, and may hinder corn yield.

Controlling weeds with glyphosate has proven to be a popular approach. However, Scott Cressman, a Master’s student in the Department of Plant Agriculture working with Dr. Clarence Swanton at the University of Guelph, says that while glyphosate is an effective herbicide, it can take several days to control weeds after it is initially applied.

Cressman is trying to determine whether or not weeds continue to send light quality signals that can alter corn growth during their slow death.

If this is found to be true, it will provide further evidence in support of the need for early season weed control.

Controlling less common weed species Johnny Roberts
When it comes to controlling less common weeds, researchers at the University of Guelph have found little information and few strategies that exist to help producers.

But, Peter Sikkema, Department of Plant Agriculture at the university’s Ridgetown campus, is trying to change that. He’s working on strategies to control problem weeds that can compete for moisture, nutrients and light with the crop.

Control strategies for a number of weed species, such as the bur cucumber and spreading atriplex, have already been developed. These weeds can be controlled in corn by combining two herbicides, Pardner and Atrazine.

“Some weed species already have information available while others have none or very little,” says Sikkema. “We’re trying to develop control strategies for those uncommon species in order to help farmers maintain their crop yield and quality.”

Sikkema also hopes his research will cut producers’ costs by helping them target weeds with specific control methods.

Fishing for more profits with corn gluten meal Natalie Osborne
Corn gluten meal is less costly than many other protein sources used in fish feed production. However, the carotenoids from corn can give fish flesh a yellowish hue, which consumers have found undesirable. Reducing these yellow pigments in corn by-products could increase the use of corn-based ingredients in fish feed, say researchers at the University of Guelph.

Dr. Dominique Bureau and graduate student Patricio Saez, Department of Animal and Poultry Science, are developing a natural and economical processing technique to reduce this pigment and increase aquaculture feed producers’ interest in corn by-products, such as gluten meal.

The researchers are using a soy compound that naturally bleaches the carotenoids in corn gluten meal, and seeing if it changes the meat colour of rainbow trout. They say this could drive up demand for these ingredients by allowing feed manufacturers to include more corn products in their feed without affecting the appearance of the filets.

“The aquaculture feed market is a 30 million metric tonne market, growing at a very steady rate,” says Saez. “We believe there are market opportunities for feed ingredient producers who can adjust their products to the market requirements.”