Australia
May 6, 2009
When it comes to managing
glyphosate resistance in weeds, Australian grain growers could
benefit from their Canadian counterparts' experience, according
to
Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) supported
weed researcher, Dr Sally Peltzer of the Department of
Agriculture and Food WA (DAFWA), Albany.
Unlike the situation in the USA, where glyphosate resistant
weeds are increasing, resistance in Canada has been kept at bay
through effectively rotating crops and herbicides.
"Where the US has relied heavily on Roundup Ready canola
cropping systems, the Canadians alternate with Liberty Link
canola, or transgenic canola resistant to glufosinate, to reduce
the selection pressure for glyphosate," she said.
"Canola is rarely grown continuously on the same field and
usually rotated with wheat and barley. Winter snow cover also
stops fallow spraying with glyphosate."
Dr Peltzer suggested Australia adopt Canada's approach,
combining chemical and non-chemical tactics to control
glyphosate resistant weed problems and maintain long term
sustainability.
Contact: Dr Sally Peltzer, Tel 08 9892 8504 |
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