Resistance will mean changed tactics needed
Resistance will mean changed tactics needed
HERBICIDE resistance in the next few years will be a big challenge to the sustainability of current farming systems, and weed control strategies will have to take this into account.
That prediction comes from James Clarke of ADAS Boxworth, who believes maintaining weed management in non-cereal crops will increase in importance as herbicide options decline.
"More attention will need to be paid to cultural measures and physical weed control," he says.
"It will also be important to reduce the pressure on herbicides by maximising the opportunities for minimising weeds by good stubble management, prevention of and monitoring for resistance, and integration of mechanical weed control with herbicides."
Mr Clarke believes improved mechanical weeders will have a stronger role in future, both in reducing herbicide use and controlling larger weeds. *