Agricultural News
BIO Group Applauds USDA Efforts to Address Weed Resistance
Thu, 16 Oct 2014 19:29:26 CDT
New and diverse strategies are needed for farmers to better fight weeds in today's agricultural systems said the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) Thursday.
"Because weeds are very effective at stealing light, water and nutrients needed by crops, effective weed management is critical to farmers' productivity," says Cathleen Enright, BIO's Executive Vice President for Food and Agriculture. "And while weed resistance has been plaguing farmers for millennia, we are pleased with the urgency that the Department is placing on this challenge."
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced October 15 several new programs aimed at addressing weeds management.
"The biotechnology and seed industries have been working to develop and promote best practices and stewardship programs and continue to work with weed scientists to better understand resistance issues and improve mitigation strategies," said Enright. "USDA's long commitment to addressing weed resistance is recognized, and with the Department's announcement of additional new programs, the emphasis for new seeds and crop protection products to give farmers a variety of new tools to fight weeds is welcome news."
While the emergence of weed resistance is unavoidable, slowing its occurrence is the agricultural community's responsibility. Weed scientists point to several factors that contribute to resistance including limited or no crop rotation, a high dependency on a specific herbicide and a limited use of other herbicides.
"Now more than ever farmers and growers need choices when it comes to weed control," says Enright. "The biotechnology industry is committed to working with the USDA to develop new products and new tactics to help our farmers better feed the world."
About BIO
BIO is the world's largest trade association representing biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and in more than 30 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of innovative healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products.
Click here to read more about the announcement made earlier this week from USDA in addressing herbicide resistance in the US.
Click here to read more from Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) as Weed Scientists Uproot Commom "Superweed Myths"
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