Continual use of glyphosate herbicides alone has led to a weed resistance crisis in many parts of the United States, with farmers struggling with severe weed problems while watching profits drain from their pocketbooks.

At the recent University of Nebraska field days in Big Springs and David City, Neb. sponsored in part by Respect the Rotation™ and Bayer CropScience, nearly 300 farmers, retailers, seed company and association representatives heard warnings from those in the forefront of the problem about what is right around the corner, if not already present - resistance. They listened to the latest updates on giant ragweed, kochia and resistance hot spots, as well as timely information on how to reduce the potential for resistance issues to emerge on their farms.

Field plots at the event clearly demonstrated what can occur with lack of herbicide diversity. Many attendees saw a reflection of what they already see in their fields at home.

“The take-home message for today is rotate crops, tankmix, use multiple modes of action and rotate herbicides,” said Greg Kruger, University of Nebraska weed scientist. “To keep weeds like glyphosate-resistant giant ragweed, marestail, waterhemp and kochia under control, we need to aggressively manage them throughout Nebraska.”

“More than at any time in our history, farmers must manage for weed control or face the loss of productivity, sustainability and their legacy to future generations,” Kevin Wattyne, Bayer technical service representative, explained. “These integrated weed management practices provide a solid foundation to preserve conservation tillage, steward additional herbicide-tolerant technologies and promote sustainable and profitable row crop production.”