Missouri Growers Take In Respect the Rotation Event

At a recent Respect the Rotation field day in Portageville, MO, sponsored by Bayer CropScience, 200 attendees heard how continual use of a single mode of action intensifies selection pressure and contributes to the development of weed resistance. As the story moving through the Mid-South indicates, Midwest and northern Delta growers have a narrow window to take advantage of and stay ahead of the issue.

Attendees also saw the results of that approach to weed management. “The problem of glyphosate-resistant Palmer pigweed is something that we need to get under control,” said Jason Wierich with the University of Missouri Delta Weed Science Program. “The costs associated with control continue to increase – it is a threat to profitability. Growers need to make sure diversity is a key part of their weed management program.”

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“We were really able to drive home the principles of Integrated Weed Management. These practices provide a foundation to preserve conservation tillage, steward herbicide-tolerant technologies and promote sustainable and profitable row crop production,” John Smith, Technical Support Representative with Bayer CropScience said.

With several different herbicide-tolerant crops coming down the pipeline, Wierich warns that there is no silver bullet on the way. “My generation is known as the glyphosate babies. It’s all we grew up with – glyphosate, glyphosate, glyphosate. We need to move beyond that. The real take home messages are to Incorporate residuals, make timely applications and start clean.”

Growers were also able to learn how Bayer Innovative Solutions can be incorporated into their management programs. Plots included a wide-range of Bayer products including, LibertyLink technology and Ignite® herbicide, as well as other crop protection solutions.

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“LibertyLink and Ignite fit very well into the principles of Respect the Rotation,” said Smith. “The goal of the initiative is to promote grower adoption of diversified management practices that help manage or prevent glyphosate-resistant weeds, as well as promote stewardship of viable alternatives. And, LibertyLink soybeans are a perfect fit.”

Bayer stands behind the Respect the Rotation initiative and has seen positive changes implemented throughout the weed science and ag industry communities, as well as changes being employed on farm that are helping growers continue to raise a profitable crop.

Respect the Rotation is an initiative to elevate the importance and grower adoption of herbicide diversity. Rotating crops, herbicide-tolerant traits, and modes of action are essential to improve weed resistance management. The Respect the Rotation Field Tours scheduled for 2011 are bringing the issues to the doorsteps of those who can benefit most from its message.

To find out more about weed resistance management or Respect the Rotation, see: http://www.bayercropscience.us/our-commitment/respect-the-rotation.

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