ARS | Publication request: HERBICIDES-WEEDS: A PRACTICAL APPROACH TO RESISTANCE MANAGEMENT IN POTATO CROPPING SYSTEMS

Submitted to: Popular Publication
Publication Type: Popular Publication
Publication Acceptance Date: October 1, 2005
Publication Date: November 1, 2005
Citation: Boydston, R.A., Hutchinson, P.J. 2005. Herbicides-weeds: a practical approach to resistance management in potato cropping systems. Pesticide Resistance Management for Potato Growers Publication Series: National Potato Council, Washington, DC, p. 2.

Technical Abstract: Herbicides exert a selection pressure on weed populations and weeds that are not controlled may produce seed and give rise to progeny with genetic resistance to the herbicide. Herbicide classification systems based on site/mode of action have been developed and knowing a herbicide’s mode/site of action is key to planning effective resistance management strategies. Growers should select herbicides with different modes of action and not use herbicides with the same mode of action every year in the crop rotation to slow the development of herbicide resistant weed populations. Weeds resistant to different herbicides with the same mode of action are termed cross-resistant. Multiple resistance occurs when weeds are resistant to two or more herbicides with different modes of action. Utilizing other weed control practices, such as cultivation will also help delay buildup of herbicide resistant weed populations. Preventing seed production of annual weeds that escape herbicide treatments is the surest way to prevent build up of herbicide resistant weed populations. Recognizing herbicide resistance, factors affecting herbicide resistance, and resistance management are discussed.