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Researchers find suspected glyphosate resistance
News from University of Guelph indicates researchers have discovered a giant ragweed biotype that is showing signs of resistance to glyphosate, at rates that would kill weeds that are normally susceptible.
May 8, 2009 By University of Guelph
May 7, 2009
Researchers at the University of Guelph's Ontario Agricultural College have found a giant ragweed biotype that is showing resistance to the popular herbicide glyphosate. The plants are able to survive glyphosate use rates that kill normal susceptible weeds.
"We've seen a difference in control of this giant ragweed biotype than what is normally expected when sprayed with glyphosate," said Dr. François Tardif of the Department of Plant Agriculture. The plants were still able to grow after an application of the herbicide at recommended levels, whereas susceptible ragweed did not survive.
"Glyphosate has become a tool of choice for the control for many weeds, so the appearance of a glyphosate resistant population can complicate management for growers," added Dr. Peter Sikkema, a plant agriculture professor at the University's Ridgetown Campus, who conducted the research with Tardif.
Currently, no weeds in Canada have been confirmed as resistant to glyphosate, the most often used herbicide globally. But in other countries around the world, 15 weed species –including giant ragweed –have been confirmed as resistant to glyphosate. Eight of those species are in the United States.
The giant ragweed population in question was brought to the researchers’ attention in late 2008. It was found in a small portion of a 580-acre field of Roundup Ready soybeans in Essex County. Weed seeds were collected from the area and used in greenhouse tests. As well, researchers are collecting information on the field’s history including crops grown, tillage practice and the herbicide program used.
The researchers stress that the results are preliminary and that, thus far, the suspected resistant biotype has been found only in the one identified area.
Further greenhouse and field trials will be conducted on the weed biotype to confirm resistance as well as identify potential management options. Researchers will also be working to understand the genetic and biochemical basis for resistance.
Resistance evolves after a weed population has been subjected to intense selection pressure in the form of repeated use of a single herbicide. The herbicide controls all the susceptible weeds, leaving only those with a resistant gene to reproduce.
"This is a very serious situation," Sikkema said. "In other jurisdictions, most glyphosate-resistant weeds biotypes have been effectively managed with other herbicides and cultural practices. We’ll continue our research so we can make recommendations to growers on effective control options."
