Urbandale, Iowa
April 7, 2009
Glyphosate-resistant weeds have
likely arrived in Iowa. It was inevitable – certain members of
any weed population have the genetics to fight whatever strategy
is used against them.
“Isolated fields are there, but we can still get ahead of the
resistant weeds,” says Mike Owen, professor of agronomy and
Extension weed science at Iowa State University. “We need to
think like this: It’s not broken and we need to fix it so it
stays that way.”
By realizing the problem early and taking appropriate action,
producers can create management plans that keep
glyphosate-resistant weeds from advancing.
The Iowa Soybean Association
(ISA) in partnership with Iowa
State University (ISU) has published a guide, “Glyphosate
Stewardship: Fix It Before It Breaks,” to help soybean producers
keep glyphosate-resistant weeds out of their fields…and keep
yields up.
Globally, 14 weed species have evolved resistance to glyphosate,
and it looks like the trend is increasing.
Resistant weeds can be in a field for up to two years before
they are discovered. “That’s why you have to fix a problem
before you have it,” Owen notes. “Prevent resistant weeds from
moving in…because once you have a problem, it can be managed,
but never totally fixed.”
The publication discusses strategies for fighting resistance,
including using soil applied herbicides in addition to
glyphosate applications.
The benefits of glyphosate stewardship will be realized in
improved profitability because eliminated weed competition means
higher soybean yields. Weeds that aren’t controlled will affect
yields for many years.
Producers should look for their copy of “Glyphosate Stewardship:
Fix It Before It Breaks” in the current issue of The Soybean
Review. They can also request a copy at no cost by calling ISA
at 515-251-8640.
The Iowa Soybean Association develops policies and programs
that help farmers expand profit opportunities while promoting
environmentally sensitive production using the soybean checkoff
and other resources. The Association is governed by an elected
volunteer board of 21 farmers. |
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