Herbicide-resistant weeds are becoming a problem in different parts of the world. Even you may have some in your garden or fields. That should be considered as a growing problem which needs the attention of agriculture specialists around the globe. In this article, we will discuss a few studies conducted in Canada and how they impact the global approach to the problem.
Let the studies speak for themselves
A study carried out in Western Canada, showed that 57% of the 500 fields surveyed had been attacked by weeds, which are resistant to one or more types of herbicides. A previous study carried out in 2009 showed that they were present in only 31% of the surveyed fields.
This type of methodology doesn’t take into account all problems connected to herbicide resistance, but it’s clear that the percentage of fields impacted by such weeds is almost 60% and growing. Hugh Beckie, a research scientist on herbicide-resistant plants, shares experience and observations he has accumulated during his long career.
According to Beckie, there are several factors to take into consideration when dealing with herbicide resistance.
Practices which affect herbicide resistance in weeds
In past years, farmers used to consistently spray in the middle of June, using the same method every time until they faced the weeds’ growing resistance. They had completely adapted to the herbicides. At the same time, the low density of the weeds shows that farmers have some success, Beckie adds.
He advises farmers to add one more herbicide to deal with the resistant varieties, as many of them have shown adaptation to currently recommended methods.
For example, farmers fighting confirmed or suspected herbicide resistance prefer to update their sowing methods, use only recommended groups of herbicides and apply them in another stage of the field management. They also carry out field studies before applying the herbicide to the crops.
Hugh Beckie advises farmers to change the herbicide groups each year and apply different mixes, as using different methods to get rid of the weed has been proven to be more effective. Herbicides can also be used at different times: for preliminary treatment, before, during and harvest.
Introducing change in other agricultural practices can also make it difficult for weeds to become resistant.
Farmers who suspect their fields might be infested with herbicide-resistant weeds should send specimens for screening as soon as possible. If they suspect resistance to groups 4 or 9, they should act immediately.
Beckie also stresses the fact that variety is key when dealing with weeds.
How about you – do you suspect any of your weeds to be resistant to the treatment you’re using?
