Our Academics

Being Proactive Against Weed Resistance

To help win the battle against herbicide-resistant weeds and prevent future outbreaks from occurring, it’s going to require taking a proactive approach to weed management rather than a reactive one. Through years of research and outreach efforts, Kurt Hembree has helped design a series of strategies to help one plan a weed management program that considers weed resistance. These strategies can be modified, depending on location, cost, and preference. Some of the most important ones are listed below:

• Don’t let weeds produce new seed, including surrounding areas.
• Make sure the spray operation is up to par.
• Follow herbicide label guidelines.
• Use a diverse pre- and postemergent herbicide program.
• Thank-mix and/or rotate herbicides with different active ingredient modes-of-actions.
• Apply herbicides at the appropriate weed stage of growth.
• Eliminate weeds escaping treatment.
• Vary control tactics, including tillage, hand removal, and mulches.