Companies Battle Glyphosate Resistance
3 August 2011 Companies are continuing to develop alternative pre- and post-emergence herbicides to combat glyphosate resistance.
One new product slated to launch in the United States in spring 2012 is FMC Corporation’s Anthem herbicide. The main molecule in Anthem is pyroxasulfone, which provides pre- and post-contact activity on broadleaf weeds including pigweeds, morningglory, lambsquarter, waterhemp and velvetleaf, according to the company.
“Glyphosate is a fine product, but it is becoming more tolerant,” says Bob Hooten, FMC technical sales manager. “Growers are finding out that they have to put something down to cover Roundup weaknesses.”
When a whole class of chemicals becomes tolerant and is eliminated as a form of use, farmers become limited with the types of products they can use. Farmers also need to be innovative and try to fix the problem before it occurs. However, most wait until a weed problem develops and is harder to control, Hooten says.
“Farmers need to start saying ‘If I can make a $7 investment, that could bring me more bushels.’ Then, they would increase their profit,” he says.
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