Herbicide Resistance: Tackling the Ever-Present Challenge

By Wilbur-Ellis|

Herbicide-resistant weeds are an ever-changing, ever-growing threat growers must manage. Data from the University of Illinois highlights more than 500 existing cases of global herbicide resistance, with a dozen or so new cases cropping up every year, according to Wilbur-Ellis.

One potential solution for preventing future herbicide resistance is to not let any weeds go to seed. While thought-provoking, is that option physically or economically achievable? A holistic approach to weed control may offer a more realistic way to combat weed pressure and preserve herbicide efficacy.

“Growers are caught between a rock and a hard place because, absent any resistance, there’s an economic threshold for weed management,” says Alex Ceseski, Ph. D. field development specialist with Wilbur-Ellis. “Absent any resistance, there’s a point where your weed control methods stop being economically useful because the weeds that remain aren’t going to do any economic damage.”

A costly, compounding, contagious issue

Poor weed control presents immediate problems: weedy fields cost you yield, slow harvest, increased soil weed seed bed and spreading weed seed to other fields.

It is a future problem because any weed that survives herbicide exposure and produces seed potentially evolves resistance to the herbicide. Herbicide resistance is also a contagious problem as seeds are spread from field to field on farm equipment during harvest or spring field prep.

“If you leave a resistant weed to go to seed in your field, it may not be a big issue next year – a few escapes here or there,” says Ceseski. “But in five or ten years when you, your neighbors, and your county have to deal with the competition caused by herbicide resistant weeds, the additional cost will be significant.”

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Founded in 1921, the Wilbur-Ellis companies are leading international marketers and distributors of agricultural products, animal feed, and specialty chemicals and ingredients. By developing strong relationships, making strategic market investments and capitalizing on new opportunities, the Wilbur-Ellis companies have continued to grow the business with sales now over $3 billion.  Wilbur-Ellis Agribusiness generates more than $2 billion in sales revenue annually and has more than 160 branch locations throughout the U.S. See all author stories here.

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