When it comes to managing glyphosate resistance in weeds, Australian grain growers could benefit from their Canadian counterparts' experience, according to Grains Research and Development Corporation-supported weed researcher, Dr Sally Peltzer, of the Department of Agriculture and Food WA (DAFWA), Albany.
Unlike the situation south of the border in the USA, where glyphosate resistant weeds are increasing, resistance in Canada has been kept at bay through effectively rotating crops and herbicides.
"Where the US has relied heavily on Roundup Ready canola cropping systems, the Canadians alternate with Liberty Link canola, or transgenic canola resistant to glufosinate, to reduce the selection pressure for glyphosate," she said.
"Canola is rarely grown continuously on the same field and usually rotated with wheat and barley. Winter snow cover also stops fallow spraying with glyphosate."
Dr Peltzer suggested Australia adopt Canada's approach, combining chemical and non-chemical tactics to control glyphosate resistant weed problems and maintain long term sustainability.
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