Scientists agree: Farmers worldwide urgently need new solutions in weed control

At the International Weed Science Congress in Prague, scientists from 57 countries have come together to discuss the way forward in weed control and possible solutions against the global problem of weed resistance. As a leading innovative company and platinum sponsor of the Congress, Bayer has sent its weed research experts to speak about the latest developments in weed control research and its solutions for herbicide resistant weeds. During the whole week, Bayer is welcoming guests at its exhibition booth to showcase its expertise in weed control and integrated weed management.

 

With the number of herbicide-resistant weeds growing dramatically worldwide, scientists at the Congress agreed that breakthrough innovations in weed research were urgently needed in order to address the severe agricultural problems of today and tomorrow. “It is high time that we speed up research in weed control,” said Hermann Stuebler, Head of Weed Control Research at Bayer, in the opening speech. “In order to prevent new resistances from spreading and preserve the efficacy of current weed control solutions, we need to provide farmers with new tools so that they can diversify their weed control strategies. For many farmers worldwide, new and resistance-breaking herbicides are a question of economic survival.”

 

In combatting weed resistance, Bayer emphasizes innovation, partnerships and dialogue. The Weed Resistance Competence Center (WRCC) located in Frankfurt, Germany, where Bayer’s weed research activities are concentrated, is engaged in understanding resistance mechanisms, testing and developing new concepts and tools to manage resistant weeds, and communicating and sharing Bayer’s knowledge and solutions. Currently, the Center’s focus is on resistance research and support projects in many countries across Europe, North and South America, Australia, South Africa and Asia Pacific. In the US, the WRCC cooperates with and supports scientists who are investigating population genetics and resistance mechanisms in Palmer Amaranth, and in Australia metabolic resistance in Lolium (ryegrass).

 

Bayer recently boosted its weed research activities in Frankfurt with a significant number of scientists, who joined the company in the context of a partnership with the Australian Grains Research & Development Corporation. Among them are eleven post-doctoral students from Australia and New Zealand, who will concentrate on looking for new herbicides with novel modes of action to be used in fighting yield-robbing weeds. “Working together with these young people will also help us build our university network to Australia and New Zealand and help transfer our knowledge and experience in weed science to the next generation,” Stuebler said. 

 

At its exhibition booth at the International Weed Science Congress, Bayer is using the opportunity to dialogue and showcase its activities at the WRCC, which is part of Bayer’s holistic approach to weed management and supports the company’s strategy of developing integrated weed management (IWM) solutions for sustainable agriculture. Bayer’s IWM Program offers farmers customized solutions for weed control through cutting-edge seeds, crop protection products and a wide range of services such as diagnostic tools and prediction models – all backed up by the latest scientic insights. Bayer implements its IWM Program in local initiatives according to best weed management practices.