Research by the University of Illinois shows herbicide resistance in waterhemp continues to grow. A new study by the University found some populations of waterhemp, resistant to many commonly used herbicides, are also resistant to alternative herbicide options. University of Illinois weed scientist Aaron Hager says the study “essentially confirmed that we can’t control this population with three classes of herbicides.” The study, focusing on the waterhemp population in central Illinois, did find the population was sensitive to glyphosate. But, researchers cautioned that, if farmers switch to a class of herbicides that works today, it is unlikely to work for very long before waterhemp develops resistance to that herbicide. The University offers an alternative method for farmers to beat waterhemp. Researchers say if farmers attack waterhemp at the seed, where the weed is at the most vulnerable stage, then farmers could beat the weed in five to seven years. The University recommends that farmers let seeds germinate, then mechanically work the soil before planting a crop. The researchers say farmers should repeat this strategy for multiple years until the seed bank is diminished.
Source: NAFB News Service