United States
June 29, 2009
Survey results published in
Weed Technology indicate
that U.S. farmers in general do not feel a sense of urgency when
it comes to developing a deeper understanding of the herbicide
glyphosate and its relationship to weed resistance.
What makes
this study, “U.S.
Farmer Awareness of Glyphosate-Resistant Weeds and Resistance
Management Strategies”
(2009, Vol. 23:308-312), especially important is that it is one
of only a few that have compiled information on a broad scale
about farmers’ perspectives on weed management in
glyphosate-resistant (GR) crops.
Many of the
surveyed farmers, who grow GR crops in six states, reported that
they were not very concerned about the emergence of GR weeds.
However, the more often glyphosate is used, the more likely GR
weeds will evolve. In fact, many weeds are already resistant,
and this has and will continue to have economic ramifications.
The farmers
also tended to believe they could reduce the likelihood of GR
weed proliferation most effectively by following the glyphosate
label’s instructions for use. Fewer understood that tillage and
crop rotation are other effective strategies. The farmers’
position stemmed from a belief that better herbicides would soon
be available to treat GR weeds. However, because of the time
commitment and high costs associated with developing these
products, they will probably not be available for several more
years.
Although the
farmers used a variety of publications as sources to keep
informed of optimal weed management strategies, inconsistent
information presented in these publications may compromise the
effectiveness of the results. Therefore, it is critical that
life science companies, universities, farmer groups, and the
government work together to create and disseminate dependable
information about the best herbicide resistance management.
Farmers must
not be complacent when it comes to managing GR weeds. Their
long-term success depends on appreciating and responding to the
complexities of these ever-evolving invaders.
To read the
entire study, visit
http://www.allenpress.com/pdf/WETE_23.2_308-312.pdf
Weed Technology is a quarterly
publication of the Weed Science Society of America, a nonprofit
professional society that promotes weed research, provides
science-based information about weeds to the public and policy
makers, and increases society’s awareness of weeds and their
effect on managed and natural ecosystems. For more information,
visit
http://www.wssa.net/. |
