EXTRACTS: Kansas State University said scientists had found five kochia
weed populations in western Kansas that have been confirmed to have become
resistant to glyphosate.
So far, more than 130 types of weeds have
developed levels of herbicide resistance in more than 40 U.S. states, more
resistant weeds than found in any other country, according to weed
scientists.
Experts estimate glyphosate-resistant weeds have infested
close to 11 million acres.
"All being driven by Roundup Ready crop
systems," said Bill Freese, science policy analyst for the Center for Food
Safety.
---
---
More US weeds found resisting Monsanto Roundup
By
Carey Gillam
Reuters, February 26
2010
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN2623528420100226?type=marketsNews
*
Herbicide resistance found in kochia weed
* Farmers may suffer increased
costs to treat weeds
* Monsanto evaluating problem, advising
farmers
KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Scientists said on Friday they have confirmed
expanding weed resistance to a key ingredient in Monsanto's (MON.N)widely used
Roundup herbicide, a troubling development for farmers and fresh fodder for
Monsanto critics.
Kansas State University said scientists had found five
kochia weed populations in western Kansas that have been confirmed to have
become resistant to glyphosate.
Kochia, also called fireweed, is a
drought-tolerant weed commonly found on land in the western United States and
Canada where crops are grown and cattle are grazed.
"This complicates and
may increase control costs for those growers who may have a resistance problem,
but there are other herbicides," said Kansas State weed scientist Phil
Stahlman.
Stahlman and other university researchers are recommending
farmers use other herbicides to try to control the weeds.
Monsanto said
it was working with university scientists on a multi-state effort to keep
evaluating the problem and advise farmers how to respond.
The company
declined to answer questions about how significant the resistance problems are
to date, and if resistance is expected to expand further.
Weed resistance
to glyphosate, a key ingredient in Roundup herbicide, has been mounting across
the United States in recent years as Monsanto's genetically modified "Roundup
Ready" corn, soybeans and other crops have gained popularity with
farmers.
Monsanto has genetically altered the crops so they can withstand
dousings of Roundup herbicide. But environmentalists and other critics claim
herbicide usage has increased, making weeds more resistant, which ultimately
makes it more difficult to kill weeds and leads farmers to boost use of other
types of herbicide as well.
It is common for weeds to develop resistance
to herbicides. So far, more than 130 types of weeds have developed levels of
herbicide resistance in more than 40 U.S. states, more resistant weeds than
found in any other country, according to weed scientists.
Experts
estimate glyphosate-resistant weeds have infested close to 11 million
acres.
"All being driven by Roundup Ready crop systems," said Bill
Freese, science policy analyst for the Center for Food Safety.
Freese
said the U.S. government needs to do a better job of regulating
herbicide-tolerant crops and herbicide usage.
"We've been telling USDA
for several years now that they have to regulate the herbicide-tolerant crop
systems that are driving the evolution and spread of these noxious weeds,"
Freese said. (Reporting by Carey Gillam; Editing by David Gregorio)
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