'Superweeds' choke farms
(edited)
Growers have lived through nearly a decade of
torment, fighting a destructive, fast-growing weed - Palmer amaranth -
that can carry a million seeds and is unfazed by several
herbicides.
It has the power to choke the economy and
environment - and increase prices for consumers. Even a moderate
infestation of Palmer amaranth can rob farmers of about two-thirds of
their corn and soybean yields, experts say.
Many U.S. products are tied to (genetically
manipulated) corn and soybeans - from sodas to cereals and fuels -
and prices will rise, said Mike Owen, professor of agronomy at Iowa
State University.
The growth of herbicide resistance means farmers will use more - and
potentially more toxic - chemicals to battle the aggressive
weed.
Agribusinesses are introducing a new lineup of
herbicides and seeds to the battle. Environmental groups worry that
those proposed solutions will only worsen the problem. "This is a
recipe for disaster," said Dr. Doug Gurian-Sherman, senior
scientist with the Center for Food Safety.
Robert Hartzler, an ISU professor of agronomy,
say herbicide resistance in weeds was inevitable. "You've heard
of this guy called Chuck Darwin and evolution?"
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