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WSSA Brings “Clean Bean” Message to Farm Broadcasters

WESTMINSTER, Colorado – November 1, 2018 –  In a recent audio news release taped by the National Association of Farm Broadcasters (NAFB), the Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) addresses one of the most significant issues facing agriculture today:  the presence of weed seeds in soybeans and other harvested crops.

“When weed seeds are detected in crops, the importing country may reject or destroy the shipment or even close their markets entirely,” says Lee Van Wychen, Ph.D., executive director of science policy for WSSA. “It is imperative that we protect valuable exports by adopting ‘clean bean’ strategies that span how crops are planted, harvested, stored, handled and transported.”

During the news release taping last week by the NAFB News Service , Van Wychen highlighted the clean bean strategies recommended by the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and endorsed by WSSA. Examples of those recommendations include:

  • Doing something different. It’s time to diversify and change up management practices to avoid development of resistant weeds.
  • Using herbicide mixtures with multiple sites of action, including a combination of pre- and post-emergence herbicides with residual control.
  • Rotating crops to reduce weed densities, improve soil quality and increase crop yields.
  • Narrowing the spacing between rows to allow crops to form a closed canopy and outcompete weeds for sun and water.
  • Removing any late-season weeds that escape control.
  • Adjusting combine settings to remove weed seeds.
  • Cleaning storage bins, augers and legs, transport vehicles and farm equipment to prevent weed spread and cross-crop contamination.

The WSSA’s “clean bean” audio news release is being made available to all NAFB members and is also posted on the WSSA website

About the Weed Science Society of America

The Weed Science Society of America, a nonprofit scientific society, was founded in 1956 to encourage and promote the development of knowledge concerning weeds and their impact on the environment. The Society promotes research, education and extension outreach activities related to weeds, provides science-based information to the public and policy makers, fosters awareness of weeds and their impact on managed and natural ecosystems, and promotes cooperation among weed science organizations across the nation and around the world.  For more information, visit www.wssa.net.

Press Contact:

Lee Van Wychen

Executive Director of Science Policy, National & Regional Weed Science Societies

[email protected]

202-746-4686