Shropshire Farming Talk: Glyphosate Resistance in the UK - a growing concern
Glyphosate is one of the most frequently used herbicides in the UK across all crop production systems.
In cereal crops, glyphosate is used regularly to control a range of weeds as part of stale seed bed technique pre-drilling.
It was reported earlier this year that the first case of glyphosate resistance has been confirmed in a single field population of Italian Ryegrass in the UK.
Whilst this is not a cause for immediate panic, it has brought into sharp focus our approach to glyphosate stewardship and what can be done to ensure the problem does not develop further.
To combat this issue, the Weed Resistance Action Group (WRAG) has issued guidelines to minimize resistance risk.
These include preventing weed survivors by avoiding repeat applications, maximizing efficacy through correct dosing and conditions, using alternative non-chemical controls and diverse herbicides, and monitoring success by removing surviving plants and reporting suspected resistance.
Farmers are encouraged to collaborate with agronomists to implement these guidelines and ensure diverse and effective weed management strategies.
This proactive approach is essential to maintaining the long-term viability of glyphosate and safeguarding crop yields.
by Huw Jenkins, Farming Consultant at Ceres
