Recent reports of herbicide-resistant giant ragweed in Indiana and Ohio, and similar reports of herbicide-resistant Palmer amaranth (pigweed) in Georgia and North Carolina once again focus attention on the need for weed resistant management (WRM) programs. The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) urges growers to adapt and follow a consistent WRM program.

NCGA launched its online Weed Resistance Management Learning Center (WRMLC) in 2005 to educate growers and agriculture industry professionals on how to reduce the development and spread of resistant weeds.

“Herbicide technology is an important tool in a grower’s battle against weeds,” said Paul Bertels, NCGA director of biotechnology. “Good stewardship is essential to ensuring this technology is available for farmers.”

“Growers need to utilize the tools they have available to combat resistance so the technology to combat weeds is available to us in the future,” noted Martin Barbeof Carmi, Illinois, chairman of NCGA’s Biotechnology Working Group.

The WRMLC includes an interactive, self-paced learning program, featuring a series of simple “how-to” lessons on steps they can take to manage against herbicide resistance. Topics include:

• Why herbicide resistance is a naturally occurring ability of weeds
• What integrated weed management is and why it is important
• How to prevent weed resistance with integrated weed management
• How to scout for weed resistance
• What steps to take if you suspect weed resistance.

The program can be completed in about 45 minutes in a series of online sessions. “It’s one of the best resources available to keep corn growers informed about how to manage their weed programs,” Barbre said.

The WRMLC is available at the biotechnology section of the ncga website.