An Overnight Problem
Crop acres lost, producers frustrated and no end in sight. What's causing such turmoil? Glyphosate-resistant weeds - Palmer pigweed, in particular. Chuck Farr, owner and chief operator of MidSouth Ag Consultants, Crawfordsville, Ark., has helped many of his clients deal with such issues. Last February Farr appeared on RFD-TV Live! with Syngenta to discuss the issue and what needs to be done to stay ahead of it.
Our number one problem
Sound bite: We have weeds resistant to glyphosate in almost every field we walk. 75 percent of fields we deal with have multiple resistance. It's real. Multiple weeds species with resistance popped up over night. We've got to start being proactive now. Most of my growers have done a good job using residuals, and those that haven't will start this year and probably use more than one. Our resistant weed problem is our number one pest problem, beyond any disease or insect pressure. Farr hasn't given up on glyphosate technology, though. He still sees the value in it and how important it is to preserve for future use. But, when it comes to tough weeds like Palmer pigweed, glyphosate alone isn't enough.
Still a good tool
Sound bite: Glyphosate is still a good tool. It controls over 100 weeds. We need to make sure we use it properly and use full rates of herbicides tank mixed with it to get maximum control of any weed species. Using half rates ends up creating more resistance than good. Palmer pigweed is a close relative of waterhemp, a weed that has developed resistance to glyphosate herbicides in the Midwest. University scientists and industry experts have warned that resistance issues experienced by producers in the South could be foreshadowing what's to come across the Corn Belt. Farr adamantly encourages producers to be proactive against glyphosate resistance. And, his recommendations aren't specific to the South - all producers can take advantage of his advice. The number one suggestion? Act now.
Start now
Sound bite: Resistance exploded overnight. It's real. Multiple weeds are resistant to glyphosate. They key message is residuals, residuals, residuals. We need to start doing something about this now to protect agriculture for the future. Syngenta recommends the use of Resistance FighterTM residual herbicides like Prefix® and Boundary® herbicides in soybeans; Lumax® and Lexar® herbicides in corn; and Reflex® herbicide in cotton.
Resistance Fighter of the Year
If you know of someone who has has been proactive and on the forefront of tough weed management issues, nominate them for Resistance Fighter of the Year. Nominations are accepted through Monday, November 30, 2009, at http://www.resistancefighteroftheyear.com/. Eligible nominees include retailers, consultants and county extension agents who have successfully implemented resistance management practices with producers in their area.