Pam Smith, Farm Journal Seeds & Production Editor

 

It’s all about weeds and how they adapt to chemical controls. Bayer Crop Science has brought together over 200 scientists from across the globe at the Pan-American Weed Resistance Conference, Jan. 19-21 in Miami, Fla.

 

Bill Buckner, Bayer CropScience Head of Business Operation North America, says farmers have always been good stewards. “Weed resistance is just one more area they need a solid plan to address,” says Buckner.

 

Bayer CropScience has a vested interest in the discussion. Glufosinate ammonium, the active ingredient marketed by Bayer under the brand names Liberty and Ignite is an alternative for growers struggling with weeds resistant to glyphosate and ALS inhibitors. Combining LibertyLink tolerance with the active ingredient glufosinate-ammonium is marketed as the only nonselective alternative to glyphosate.

 

The company is planning to bring its first dual herbicide tolerant trait, known as a “double stack,” to market in cotton in 2010. The modified seed is tolerant of both the glufosinate-ammonium and glyphosate. Bayer is also working with collaborative partners to develop further herbicide tolerant traits in soybeans. A triple trait combo of glufosinate/glyphosate and an HPPD inhibitors should be available in soybeans in 2015.

 

Buckner says the goal of the conference is for scientists across the world to compare notes on weed resistance problems and solutions. Stephen Powles, professor at the University of Western Australia, challenged the scientists to ask themselves what Charles Darwin would have said about using the same herbicide on every crop, every year and every field. “He would say, nature will win,” says Powles. “Diversity is essential for sustainability.”

 

Listen as Bill Buckner, Bayer CropScience Head of Business Operations North America, discusses the need to understand and study weed resistance and the company’s new investments in research and development.