Sandbur IPM Field Demonstration
Extension Education
Erin Hubbard
Agriculture Educator
Oklahoma State University
Ada
Abstract
Sandbur is a persistent and economically damaging weed in Oklahoma forage and grazing systems. Its sharp burs injure livestock, reduces forage quality, and spread easily through contaminated hay, equipment, clothing, and animals. In September 2024, a regional request from a graduate student for sandbur samples prompted county educators across Oklahoma to collect specimens for a species-distribution project. This effort revealed a broader need for producer education and long-term management strategies in Pontotoc County, where sandbur infestations have intensified due to poor fertility, overgrazing, and reliance on ineffective, one-time control attempts.
The goal of our project was to demonstrate integrated pest management (IPM) strategies for sandbur control by evaluating the combined effects of fertility management and herbicide treatments, while increasing producer awareness of sandbur ecology, multi-year control requirements, and sustainable pasture management practices.
A demonstration trial was established on a private landowner's ranch in Ada, OK. The study used a split-block design with fertility as whole plots and herbicide treatments as subplots with three replications. Weekly data collection measured sandbur control, seedhead suppression, and bermudagrass recovery. The trial highlighted the enhanced effectiveness of herbicides when paired with fertility management and revealed limitations of pre-emergent herbicides on weak-biennial sandbur species.
A public sandbur control demonstration was held on September 16, 2025, featuring a 30-minute educational session on sandbur ecology, trial design, herbicide timing, sanitation, prescribed burning, and grazing management. Twenty producers attended, including participants from outside Pontotoc County. One pesticide CEU was offered to pesticide applicators. The event provided participants with control methods that reduced reliance on ineffective pesticide practices by promoting targeted, research-supported strategies and emphasizing the importance of integrated, multi-year control.
The 2025 demonstration improved producer understanding of sandbur biology and long-term management needs. Producers showed a better understanding about herbicide timing applications. and how pre-emergents have little to no effect on weak, biennial sandburs. Integrated fertility and herbicide strategies showed clear advantages for bermudagrass recovery and sandbur suppression. A second year of the trial (2026) will evaluate cumulative treatment effects and strengthen long-term recommendations. Continued research and education will reinforce that sandbur control requires sustained multi-year IPM commitment.
Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.
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Authors: Erin Hubbard, Michael Trammell
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Hubbard, E. Agriculture Educator, Oklahoma State University, Oklahoma, 74820
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Trammell, M. Southeast Area Agronomist, Oklahoma State University, Oklahoma, 74820