Preserving Glyphosate in the Time of GT Crops
Glyphosate-tolerant (GT) crops have been the fastest-adopted technology in agricultural history. According to a recent
article in
High Plains Journal, more than 155 million acres of cropland were treated with glyphosate during the 2008 growing season. During the first 10 years GT crops were available, growers relied heavily on glyphosate as the only herbicide used for weed management. Now, at a time when glyphosate-resistant weeds are becoming more prominent, more growers are beginning to see the value in an integrated weed management program.
University of Minnesota research indicates that in growers in the state will continue to plant a very high percentage of GT crops in 2009, estimating 98 percent of soybeans, 85 percent of corn and 80 percent of sugar beets.
At best, half the GT corn acres in Minnesota are treated with a pre-emergence, residual herbicide. Soybeans have generally been approached with a glyphosate-only management program, as they have in most other parts of the country. With the addition of GT sugar beets, there is a higher likelihood that farms may continue the cycle of continuous glyphosate use.
The benefits of glyphosate and glyphosate technology are still very valuable. Glyphosate controls over 170 weeds and GT crops have benefited growers efficiency, productivity and profitability. The consequences of abuse are all too apparent in the form of resistant weeds, additional costs, and lost yield; and will likely become worse before they get better. Minnesota researchers underscore the importance of managing corn and soybeans properly-alternating modes of action, applying a pre-emergence residual herbicide and using cultural control methods where applicable to keep this technology viable for future generations..
Have you or are you considering planting GT sugar beets? What management How will you manage those? What additional changes will need to be made in managing other crops?