Building an integrated weed management strategy

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Herbicide resistance is an escalating challenge in modern agriculture, threatening crop yields and sustainable farming practices. “It’s important to be proactive instead of reactive” when it comes to managing herbicide resistance, says Rory Cranston, Cereals North American Technical Strategy Lead for Bayer Crop Science Canada. “It’s cheaper than the cost of having a problem then trying to solve it.”

According to Cranston, “We can’t spray our way out of the problem.” What’s required is an Integrated Weed Management (IWM) strategy that combines various control methods, as well as crop protection products.

Key IWM strategies to consider

There are many ways to manage weeds, especially resistant weeds. Let’s take a closer look at some of those options.

Get to know your weed challenges

Regular field scouting is essential to identify weed species, assess weed pressure, and monitor herbicide efficacy. You can leverage Bayer’s herbicide chatbot tool at ExpertControl.ca to get tailored recommendations for your crop and weed challenges. At ExpertControl.ca you can also learn about the latest innovations from Bayer Crop Science including Huskie™ PRE and Varro® FX herbicides.

Rotate crops

Rotating crops disrupts weed life cycles and reduces the chance that resistance will develop or worsen. Different crops have different growth patterns, which means they may be able to compete with weeds more effectively.

Seed cover crops

Seeding cover crops can compete with weeds, reducing their establishment and spread. Cover crops also improve soil health and biodiversity, contributing to long-term weed management.

Control weeds mechanically

It may not be practical for all farming operations but physically removing weeds through tillage or harrowing can be effective, especially in fallow fields.

Rotate herbicides

Rotating herbicides with different modes of action can slow the spread of weed resistance. Rory Cranston says that could include using fall-applied herbicides on problem fields or using registered contact and residual products to improve control. Cranston adds that rate cutting will make weeds more likely to survive and eventually become resistant.

Use digital tools and precision farming

Leveraging digital technologies to map and monitor weed populations allows for targeted interventions. You can use digital tools like FieldView™ to map weed infestations and track control performance over multiple seasons. Rory Cranston favors early season management: “That means hitting those weeds when they’re at a smaller stage. Once they grow up, those weeds could develop an increased ability to deal with or survive the same products.” Precision farming techniques can optimize herbicide application, reducing overall usage and minimizing resistance risks.

Reduce your environmental impact

As always, follow best practices for herbicide use to minimize environmental impact. This includes following label directions, avoiding runoff into water bodies, and using buffer zones to protect non-target areas.

Resistant weeds are here to stay

Herbicide-resistant weeds aren’t going away. They’re part of modern farming, just like advanced seed genetics and digital tools. An Integrated Weed Management strategy offers a viable solution. By combining chemical and cultural tactics, you can effectively manage resistant weed populations. As Rory Cranston points out, proactive management is essential to success. Embracing these strategies will not only combat herbicide resistance but also promote sustainable and productive farming practices. In fact, Integrated Weed Management is essential to the future of your farming operation.

Want to learn more about Integrated Weed Management? Bayer Crop Science has some resources to share. Have a look at the Mix It Up learning module. Better still, contact your local Bayer Crop Science representative or check out the chatbot tool at: ExpertControl.ca

Services and products offered by Climate LLC are subject to the customer agreeing to our Terms of Service. Our services provide estimates or recommendations based on models. These do not guarantee results. Consult with your agronomist, commodity broker, or other industry professional before making financial, farming, or risk management decisions. More information at https://climatefieldview.ca/legal/disclaimer. FieldView™ is a trademark of Climate LLC, Bayer CropScience Inc. licensee. ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW PESTICIDE LABEL DIRECTIONS. Bayer, Bayer Cross, Huskie™ and Varro® are trademarks of Bayer Group. Used under license. Bayer CropScience Inc. is a member of CropLife Canada. ©2025 Bayer Group. All rights reserved.

Categories: Bayer / Sponsored

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