According to the International Survey of Herbicide Resistant Weeds, there are currently 16 species of glyphosate-resistant weeds spread across 38 states. If not controlled, these weeds can result in total crop loss in severe cases. Glyphosate resistance issues continue to cause headaches for growers, but how did this problem start?
Glyphosate was introduced to growers in the mid-1970s and was used primarily for burndown and perennial weed control in corn and soybeans, according to the Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service program. At that time, glyphosate was also mixed with or followed by other herbicides, a practice that Purdue Extension says likely increased herbicide diversity.
In 1996, glyphosate dramatically decreased in price, making it more widely used for burndown and in-crop weed control. This significantly increased the number of acres and the amount of times the product was used in-season, thus increasing the potential for developing glyphosate-resistant weeds.
The glyphosate resistance issue brings stewardship to the forefront, which is the foundation for the development of Engenia™ herbicide.
Developed to provide an additional effective site of action for post-emergent weed control, Engenia herbicide controls more than 200 broadleaf weeds, including glyphosate-resistant weeds. Engenia herbicide is the most flexible and advanced dicamba for dicamba-tolerant soybeans and cotton.
To help sustain this new technology and the land for future generations, growers should use Engenia herbicide as part of a complete herbicide program. Utilizing multiple sites of action as part of a herbicide program is a sound strategy to prevent weed resistance and is a foundational element of application stewardship. Growers should visit engeniatankmix.com for approved tank mix solutions* and plan their trips to the field appropriately.
With stakeholder input, BASF developed a comprehensive set of best management practices and label requirements for Engenia herbicide to help maximize on-target application and minimize off-target spray drift.
To promote stewardship and educate growers, retailers and applicators on how to properly apply Engenia herbicide, BASF created the On Target Application Academy (OTAA). To date, more than 13,000 growers and applicators have attended an OTAA training.
Glyphosate resistance highlights the importance of proper application practices. By focusing on stewardship, the agriculture industry can create a sustainable future of effective weed control. To learn more about how Engenia herbicide can help address glyphosate resistance, visit engeniaherbicide.com.
