There is a growing concern from farmers and the industry to herbicide resistance. Whether its giant ragweed or kochia, hebicide resistance is a challenge for farmers. Currently, there is 8 different herbicide groups with confirmed resistance.
According to Michael Schaad, Eastern Business Manager, BASF Canada, Glyphosate resistance was first found in the mid 90’s and has developed further over time. Glyphosate tolerant crops has allowed Canadians to rapidly adopt conservation tillage and seeding. Globally there are 21 species of glyphosate resistance and three in Canada (Canada flea bane, kochia and giant ragweed).
BASF and Ipsos Reid recently surveyed 500 farmers about herbicide resistance on their farm. The results showed that 75% are concerned about herbicide resistance on their farm because its impacting their bottom line. Also, 56% believed that weeds are getting tougher to kill over time. 55% of Manitoba farmers believe that they have a problem with herbicide resistance while only 26% of Saskatchewan.
From the press release:
According to the poll, one in two farmers say weeds in their fields are getting tougher to control and most “strongly agree” that they use herbicides from more than one group to manage their weeds.
One of the industry solutions to this issue is herbicide stewardship through rotating chemistries and using multiple modes of action in your crop protection plan.
How concerned are you about herbicide resistance on your farm? How are you managing herbicide resistance?
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