Canadian farmers concerned about herbicide-resistant weeds

According to a recent poll conducted by Ipsos Reid on behalf of BASF Canada Inc. (BASF), three out of four Canadian growers say herbicide-resistant weeds are impacting their bottom line.

The telephone poll, conducted in March 2012, included a sample of 500 farmers in Western and Eastern Canada with minimum acre thresholds.

"We are not surprised by these findings," says Michael Schaad, BASF Business Manager, Eastern Canada Crop Protection. "Resistance is becoming a bigger issue and growers are starting to understand the impacts."

Group 2 and triazine (Group 5) resistant weeds have been a nuisance to control for decades, and continue to rob farmers of yield. Most recently, Group 2 resistance has been discovered in Quebec for Eastern black nightshad (EBNS), ragweed and pigweed. Glyphosate resistance has been most prevalent lately with the discovery of glyphosate-resistant kochia in the Prairies, and Canada fleabane and giant ragweed in Ontario.

With the 2012 growing season in full swing, growers across the country are starting to scout for troublesome weeds. Even if you have missed your first opportunity to manage resistant weeds by changing your burndown practices, it is not too late to address the challenge with best practices and innovative chemistry solutions. There are opportunities for growers to be proactive.

According to the poll, one in two farmers say weeds in their fields are getting tougher to control and most "strongly agree" that they use herbicides from more than one group to manage their weeds.

"Rotate your crops and your herbicide chemistry groups, use herbicides with multiple modes of action and use full label use rates whenever possible," says Schaad. "BASF is committed to the long-term sustainability of Canadian agriculture. Through research and innovation, we are well positioned with a portfolio of products to combat tough weeds and improve yields."