Outlook for Resistance
Researchers estimate that more than seven million row crop acres were infested with glyphosate-resistant weeds in 2008 in the U.S. Taking into account an expected 40 percent compounded annual growth rate over the next five years, that means that experts expect more than 38 million row crop acres could be infested with glyphosate-resistant weeds by 2013. That is one in every four acres!
Knowing this, it is important to know what to look for as you scout your fields. What weeds are likely to develop glyphosate resistance? What can you do to reduce this?
Weeds at risk include those that exhibit broad genetic diversity, produce large amounts of seed (ex. waterhemp and Palmer pigweed), germinate through a longer period of the growing season and that survive or thrive in poor growing conditions. These weeds are more prone to develop resistance.
Proper resistance management strategies are key to helping to manage herbicide resistance on your fields this season. To help fight the spread of glyphosate-resistant weeds, Syngenta recommends:
- Using a pre-emergence residual herbicide
- Choose herbicides or tank mixes with multiple modes of action
- Rotate crops and herbicide systems
- Use full herbicide rates
- Scout fields and develop a multi-year weed resistance management plan
Check out Syngenta recommendations on Fighting Resistance with Overlapping Strategies.