Research Update
January 5, 2026
Diligence Technologies Inc. | West Tennessee
Events From the Past Month
A good time was had by all at the North Central Weed Science Society meeting in Grand Rapids. It was great to see old friends and officially begin the process of preparing for the 2026 field season.
If you missed us there, we will still be out and about later this winter. Look us up at one of the events listed below.
Upcoming Events
- National
Alliance of Independent Crop Consultants
January 26–31 | Orlando, FL - Cotton &
Rice Conference
February 5–6 | Jonesboro, AR - Mid-South Farm
& Gin Show
February 27–28 | Memphis, TN
Cropping Seasons
Most of our field activities have been replaced by equipment and facilities maintenance as we fix the broken stuff from last season and work to be more efficient in 2026. We have about two months to get everything in shape before we start venturing back out into the fields.
Greenhouse Activities
The greenhouse is in full swing as we move into what are traditionally our most active months of winter testing. The period after the holidays tends to get busier as folks begin to think about projects that might impact the coming year.
Aphid Testing Update
It appears that we will be able to conduct aphid testing this season. We
currently have a population building that we hope to use to infest test plants
later this winter. If you need aphid data, please let us know as soon as
possible so we can run trials before the population crashes.
Upcoming Trial Reminders
Winter Wheat (Spring Applications)
We plant extra wheat in the fall in anticipation of wheat trials that arise the following spring. This year is no exception, and we have space available to accommodate new protocols this season.
- Postemergence
Herbicide Trials
Applications can be made over the next few months. We have locations with a variety of common winter annuals found in wheat production, including henbit and chickweed. - Wheat Fungicide
Trials
Trial areas will be marked in February and March ahead of anticipated applications. - Septoria leaf spot is our most common foliar disease and is typically sprayed at flag leaf, generally in mid-April.
- Head scab trials are usually sprayed on developing wheat heads, typically in early May.
- Wheat Fertility
Trials
Please let us know soon if you are considering wheat fertility trials. As the season progresses, it becomes increasingly difficult to find sites where spring fertilization programs have not already begun.
Burndown Trials
Diligence Technologies has several excellent locations for spring burndown trials. Early communication is critical so potential trial areas are not oversprayed or tilled in preparation for other work.
- We typically have a strong presence of winter annuals common to our area, including henbit, chickweed, cutleaf evening primrose, and poa. These weeds emerge during winter and are typically sprayed as temperatures increase in March.
- Horseweed
Horseweed is frequently requested for burndown trials due to its increased importance as a weed that often survives into the cropping season. Horseweed typically emerges later than other winter annuals, with targeted applications often occurring in April depending on desired weed size. - Ryegrass
Burndown trials targeting ryegrass have increased in recent years as effective control options have declined. These trials often require additional scouting to locate suitable sites. Please notify us as early as possible if you are planning a ryegrass trial.
Weather Update
Overall, the winter has been generally mild so far, with a couple of bone-chilling cold snaps thrown in to remind us it really is winter. We will see what lies ahead as we move into what is typically the coldest part of the year.
Looking Ahead
We look forward to another great year in 2026. Please let us know how we can support your research needs in the greenhouse this winter and during the coming field season.
Tim, Jackson, Jake, Will, Jim, & JT
Proverbs 27:23–24
Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy
herds; for riches are not forever.
