From the winter meeting circuit: Experts on weed resistance
Over the winter months, I’ve attended several industry trade shows and meetings at which weed resistance has been a topic of heavy focus, and for good reason. Linked below are a few recent articles and broadcasts that came about as a result of weed resistance sessions and discussions. The media has done a great job of sharing out the information presented on weed resistance management, and I would encourage you to read these articles and listen to the broadcasts if you have not already, as they include valuable tips and information from researchers and other experts we need to put into practice as we head into the 2010 production season.
For the past few years, Syngenta has sponsored Dr. Stephen Powles, professor of plant biology at the University of Western Australia and director of the Western Australia Herbicide Resistance Initiative, in his travels to the United States and hosted grower meetings at which Powles spoke on the principles of resistance management. During an interview conducted recently by Farm Press editor David Bennett, Powles stressed the importance of herbicide diversity and sound weed management strategies.
During a weed resistance special session sponsored by Syngenta at Commodity Classic featuring Syngenta Resistance Fighter of the Year Paul Barchenger, Michigan State University weed science specialist Christy Sprague and University of Arkansas weed scientist Nilda Burgos as panelists, Barchenger stressed the importance of perimeter management in fields where resistant weeds are present.
At the Mid-South Farm and Gin show, attendees participated in a weed resistance special session where university researchers from across the South discussed the current state of resistance and made management recommendations for growers to consider as they develop their weed control programs for 2010. Jeremy Kichler, Syngenta Resistance Fighter of the Year, was recognized during the session and offered his advice during an interview with Arkansas Radio Network host, Gary Digiuseppe. Kichler encourages producers to the consider tillage and other cultural practices in addition to the incorporation of residual herbicides when developing a weed resistance management plan.