Postemergence weed control in sorghum, especially grass weeds, has always been limited compared to many of our commonly grown crops. Although sorghum is a major crop in Kansas, the acreage planted nationwide is considerably less than for corn, soybeans, or wheat (Figure 1). Consequently, herbicides used in sorghum must often be registered in other crops in order to be economically practical for chemical companies. However, herbicide-resistant sorghum hybrids have been developed to help producers manage weeds.
Herbicide-tolerant sorghum is not a Genetically Modified Organism (GMO). Rather it is a trait that was discovered in johnsongrass that showed resistance to a specific grass herbicide. It was patented and bred into conventional grain sorghum. The breeding work began in 2019 between the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station and Texas A & M AgriLife Research. It was commercially released to production agriculture in 2021.
There are three herbicide-resistant sorghum technologies available in Kansas in 2026. They are Inzen grain sorghum and Zest (nicosulfuron) herbicide. Pioneer has two hybrids available in Kansas in 2026 suited for a range of yield environments.
Igrowth sorghum (both grain and forage hybrids) and ImiFlex (imazamox) herbicide. For 2026, Alta Seed has three hybrids available suited for a range of yield environments.
Double Team sorghum (both grain and forage hybrids) allows the postemergence application of FirstAct (quizalofop) herbicide. Sorghum Partners was acquired by Warner Seed, Inc. from S&W Seed Company in September 2025. Warner Seeds acquired the brand, germplasm portfolio, and all sorghum assets to continue offering grain and forage sorghum products.
Important considerations with herbicide-resistant sorghum
Properly managing herbicide-tolerant sorghum is important for preserving the technology in the future. Cultural and mechanical weed management practices are necessary for successful sorghum production. Controlling any existing weeds prior to planting and applying a strong preemergence herbicide at planting are critical for managing weeds in sorghum. No herbicide-tolerant sorghum is currently labeled for control of shattercane (Sorghum bicolor) or johnsongrass (Sorghum halapense).
Both of these species readily cross-pollinate with our cultivated sorghum varieties, and the likelihood of resistance being passed to these weeds is high. Shattercane resistance to ALS-inhibiting herbicides was first identified in Kansas in 1996. Steps must be taken to ensure shattercane and johnsongrass in or near fields planted to herbicide-tolerant sorghum do not flower at the same time as the crop. To read the full article with specifics of each products use guidelines and weeds controlled or suppressed, search for K-State Agronomy eUpdate,
Specific stewardship guidelines are available from retailers marketing the sorghum and herbicides mentioned in this article. The United Sorghum Checkoff Program provides an excellent pamphlet of general stewardship guidelines at: https://www.sorghumcheckoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/09_2022_HT_StewardshipGuide.pdf More information on sorghum weed control can be found in the 2026 K-State Chemical Weed Control Guide SRP-1194.
The use of trade names is for clarity to readers and does not imply endorsement of a particular product, nor does exclusion imply non-approval. Always consult the herbicide label for the most current use requirements.
Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.