News Excerpt:
Farmers in US are struggling advancing resistant weeds as chemicals lose efficacy, imperiling grain and oilseed harvests.
More details on news:
- Crop-killing weeds such as kochia are advancing across the U.S. northern plains and Midwest.
- It is the latest sign that weeds are developing resistance to chemicals faster than companies including Bayer and Corteva can develop new ones to fight them.
- Kochia, which spreads as many as 30,000 seeds per plant, can cut yields by up to 70% if left unchecked.
- Environmental groups argue that farmers should embrace natural weed-control methods instead of chemicals.
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Weed
- A plant that is growing in an area where it is not wanted.
- Weeds are plants which are undesirable, persistent, damaging and interfere with growth of other crop plants thus affecting human activities, agriculture, natural processes and economy of the country.
- Weeds can impede the proper development of a crop as they compete for light, moisture and nutrients affecting quality and quantity of produce.
- Addition to adversely affecting the Crop they also:
- Have toxic properties that can cause health problems to humans and animals.
- Contaminate aquatic resources.
- Interferes and adversely affects natural ecosystem.
Kochia weed
- Kochia is one of the major weed problems in the U.S. Great Plains where small grains are grown.
- It is problematic because of its ability to emerge in early-spring, grow rapidly, and tolerate heat, drought, and saline soil conditions.
- The spread of kochia, including widespread herbicide-resistant biotypes, is facilitated by obligate outcrossing and tumbleweed physical seed dispersal mechanisms.
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