Securing the long-term future of glyphosate is the aim of a working group on the sustainable use of the herbicide in cropping.

The Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) has initiated the national Glyphosate Sustainability Working Group, which has representatives from research and industry bodies, including the CRC for Australian Weed Management, Avcare and the WA Herbicide Resistance Initiative.

Research and industry stakeholders must work together to maximise the useful life of glyphosate, according to group chair, Rick Llewellyn of the University of Western Australia and Weeds CRC.

“The group aims to generate new opportunities and consistent information to improve the management of this important resource.

“The nature of glyphosate resistance means pre-emptive strategies can allow growers to continue to make good use of glyphosate and keep resistance rare,” Dr Llewellyn said.