RESEARCH INTERESTS:

Develop sustainable weed control systems involving cultural practices, tillage, and herbicides for sugarbeet, dry bean, corn, alfalfa, chicory, selected horticulture crops, and rangeland. Examine the life cycles, seed germination, biology, carbohydrate physiology, and competitiveness of economically troublesome weeds found in western Nebraska.

EXTENSION INTERESTS:

Explore the root yield and economic potential of chicory in western Nebraska. Work closely with businesses to build a processing industry and establish a new crop for Nebraska growers. Work closely with the sugarbeet production task force to demonstrate new technology that will allow growers to minimize production costs and maximize profits.

MAJOR PROJECT ACTIVITIES:

Major project emphasis has been to explore the changes in carbohydrate content in the roots of chicory, dandelion, and Canada thistle during winter. An understanding of how these important perennial plants respond to stress will enhance our ability to develop sustainable control strategies. Studies have also been initiated to explore the potential for weed population shifts and weed resistance to glyphosate. The advent of glyphosate tolerant corn, soybean, and sugarbeet allow the same herbicide to be repeatedly used in continuous and rotational cropping sequences

SELECTED PUBLICATIONS:

• Wilson, R. G. and A. Michiels. (2003). Fall herbicide treatments affect carbohydrate content in roots of Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense) and dandelion (Taraxacum officinale). Weed Sci. 51:299-304.
  
  
• Wilson, R. G. and J. A. Smith. 2002. Influence of harvest-aid herbicides on dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) desiccation, seed yield, and quality. Weed Tech. 16:109-115.
  
  
• Wilson, R. G., C. D. Yonts, and J. A. Smith. 2002. Influence of glyphosate and glufosinate on weed control and sugarbeet (Beta vulgaris) yield in herbicide tolerant sugarbeet. Weed Tech.16:66-73.
  
  
• Wilson, R. G., S. D. Kachman, and A. R. Martin. 2001. Seasonal changes in glucose, fructose, sucrose and fructans in the roots of dandelion. Weed Sci. 49:150-155.
  
  
• Wilson, R. G. and S. D. Kachman. 1999. Effect of perennial grasses on Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense) control. Weed Tech. 13:83-87.
  
  
• Wilson, R. G. 1999. Response of nine sugarbeet (Beta vulgaris) cultivars to postemergence herbicide applications. Weed Tech. 13:25-29.
  
  
• Wilson, R., J. Smith, D. Yonts and C. Hibberd. 1998. Chicory production in Nebraska (USA) for inulin processing. p. 13-24 [IN] A. Fuchs and A. Van Laere (eds.) Proc. Seventh Seminar on Inulin, January 22-23, 1998, Leuven, Belgium, European Fructan Association, Stuttgart, Germany.
  
  
• Wilson, R. G. 1998. Postemergence herbicide timing for maximum weed control in sugarbeet. J. Sugar Beet Res. 35:15-27.
  
  
• Wilson, R. G. 1997. Downy brome (Bromus tectorum) control in established alfalfa (Medicayo sativa). Weed Tech. 11:277-282.
  Burnside, O. C., R. G. Wilson, S. Weisberg, and K. G. Hubbard. 1996. Longevity of buried weed seed in eastern and western Nebraska. Weed Sci. 44:74-86.
  
  
• Wilson, R. G. 1996. Response of sugarbeets, common sunflower, and common cocklebur to clopyralid or desmidipham plus phenmedipham. J. Sugar Beet Res. 32:89-97.
  
  
• Wilson, R. G. 1993. Wild proso millet (Panicum miliaceum) interference in dry beans (Phaseolus vulgaris). Weed Sci. 41:607-610.
  
  
• Forcella, F., R. G. Wilson, K.A. Renner, J. Dekker, R. G. Harvey, D.A. Alm, D. D. Buhlee, and J. Cardina. 1992. Weed seedbanks of the U.S. corn belt: Magnitude, variation, emergence, and application. Weed Sci. 40:636-644.
  
  
• Wilson, R. G. and P. Westra. 1991. Wild-proso millet (Panicum miliaceum) interference in corn (Zea mays). Weed Sci. 39:217-220.
  
  
• Wilson, R.G. 1980. Dissemination of weed seeds by surface irrigation water in western Nebraska. Weed Sci. 28:87-92.