The Importance of Extension Work in Slowing the Spread of Glyphosate Resistance

All crop farmers face the problem of weeds, and they generally take whatever course of action is cheapest and most effective in controlling weeds. While this may be the most economical solution in the short run, overuse of the herbicide glyphosate (commonly known as Round-Up) is giving rise to glyphosate-resistant weeds. One of the main foci of Dr. Bill Johnson’s work is to educate the public about the threat of increasing glyphosate resistance in hopes that by addressing the consumers of the herbicide he can reduce its use.

A farmer’s dependence on glyphosate varies from crop to crop, but up to 95% of farmers use this herbicide as their primary means of controlling weeds in soy fields (Johnson). In order to fight this problem, scientists must not only discover alternative methods of weed control, but also educate farm-owners about the importance of implementing these methods. In Facts About Glyphosate-Resistant Weeds, one of the publications from an extension group he has written for, the common man is presented with all sorts of useful information. He finds easily understood information about resistant weeds ranging from the number of resistant species to why resistance has developed. Warnings against counter-productive ways of combating resistance, such as increasing the number or concentration of glyphosate applications, are provided. Suggestions are given for effective alternative or companion weed control methods including mixing other herbicides with glyphosate or planting groundcover control crops (Boerboom). This and other publications from extension workers across the country inform glyphosate users about resistance and how to fight it.

By directly addressing the people with the power to reduce glyphosate use, Johnson and others hope to see the rise of more diverse methods of weed management and a decrease in the spread of glyphosate resistance. Studies show that many farmers are aware of glyphosate resistance, but not all of these farmers change their practices to reflect this knowledge (Johnson et al.). Johnson attributes this to the fact that today glyphosate is still largely effective and far less expensive and labor-intensive than the alternatives. Once farmers are convinced that action must be taken now if we want to be able to continue using this herbicide, dependence on glyphosate will decrease and the spread of resistance will be slowed. Glyphosate will remain a useful tool in the agricultural industry, but we will no longer be devastated if it loses effectiveness. Farmers may have to pay more in the short-term to control weeds, but in the long run they will have greater success with managing weeds and thereby increase their profit.

Resistance to glyphosate is spreading at an alarming rate. Research is being done on methods of weed control that will supplement or replace glyphosate, but the research is not very useful unless farmers are knowledgeable about how important it is to combat this problem and the methods of doing so. The work of Johnson and others strives to make research easily accessible to farmers and thus reduce glyphosate dependence. It may take time to convince growers of this, but it will be worth it in the long run to preserve the effectiveness of glyphosate even though it means combining this herbicide with other more expensive weed management methods.


Bibliography

• Boerboom, Chris, and Michael Owen. “Facts About Glysophate-Resistant Weeds.” The Glyphosate, Weeds, and Crops Series. GWC-1. Purdue Extension Knowledge To Go. December 2006. Web. 14 October 2009.
• Johnson, William G. Personal Interview. 24 September 2009.
• Johnson, William G., et al. “University Weed Scientists Report on Grower Awareness and Perceptions on Weed Resistance to Glyphosate in Roundup Ready® Crops.” Benchmark Study: Glyphosate Resistance Management. 2009 - Report #5. Web. 14 October 2009.