Two Retailers Recognized For Fight Against Resistance
February 14, 2011 Glyphosate-resistant weeds are a serious threat to crops in the southern U.S., and they are popping up more frequently across the Midwest. The Syngenta Resistance Fighter of the Year program recognizes leaders on the front lines of this battle who are helping area growers successfully control resistant weeds.
Keith Baioni, business manager of crop protection products for Jimmy Sanders, Cleveland, MS, and Steve Muhlenbruch, agronomist for Farmer’s Cooperative Co., Dows, IA, were selected as Resistance Fighters of the Year for their leadership and advocacy efforts to manage glyphosate-resistant weeds in 2010 in their regions.
“The Resistance Fighter of the Year program recognizes those who show passion and commitment to fighting glyphosate weed resistance,” says Chuck Foresman, manager of weed resistance strategies for Syngenta. “Both Keith Baioni and Steve Muhlenbruch demonstrate persistent dedication to addressing this issue and providing solutions to growers.”
Southern Winner: Keith Baioni, Jimmy Sanders
In Mississippi, where six weeds have been confirmed resistant to glyphosate, Baioni has made it his mission to educate growers, Sanders field staff and others in the industry about how to successfully manage glyphosate-resistant weeds. He works closely with university and industry experts to find answers for the resistance problem.
He has developed the F.A.R.M.’N. (Fall Applied Resistance Management Now) program for Sanders retail locations to highlight the importance of year-round emphasis on controlling glyphosate-resistant Palmer pigweed, horseweed and Italian ryegrass with multiple modes of action. Baioni recommends herbicides like Gramoxone Inteon for burndown, and early post-emergence applications of residual herbicides like Prefix in soybeans and Halex GT in corn.
Northern Winner: Steve Muhlenbruch, Farmer’s Cooperative Co.
North-central Iowa is just starting to see pockets of glyphosate-resistant weeds, but according to Muhlenbruch, resistance is inevitable if growers don’t adapt. He recommends using multiple modes of action and early timing to keep weeds down.
Muhlenbruch works closely with his customers, often one-on-one, to explain the agronomic and economic benefits of minimizing the impact of glyphosate-resistant weeds. This coming season, he estimates that more than 80 percent of his customers will have an early residual herbicide in soybeans. He recommends products like Prefix herbicide in soybeans and Harness pre-emergence or Halex GT herbicide early post-emergence in corn.
“Concerted efforts like these will help growers stay productive and profitable, despite the growing threat of glyphosate resistance,” says Foresman. “Both men are clearly having a positive impact in their areas, and Syngenta is pleased to recognize them as the 2010 Resistance Fighters of the Year.”
To learn more about the Resistance Fighter of the Year program, award winners and finalists, visit www.resistancefighter.com. The site also includes information about glyphosate weed resistance and a customized solution builder.
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