The Foundation for Arable Research is leading a research project aimed at learning more about the issue of glyphosate resistance in New Zealand weed populations.
The Avoiding Glyphosate Resistance project, which is funded by the Ministry for Primary Industries’ Sustainable Farming Fund (SFF) and led by FAR’s Mike Parker, brings together representatives from a range of agricultural and horticultural industries, chemical companies and regional authorities.
Mr Parker says a key outcome of the project will be the formulation and dissemination of national and also sector-specific strategies for avoiding resistance.
“In New Zealand we are very reliant on a single herbicide glyphosate for vegetation control. Repeat use of this herbicide in the same sites increases the risk of persistent herbicide resistant weeds developing in productive land. Elsewhere in the world glyphosate resistant weeds have developed and are a significant cost to agriculture. New Zealand needs a strategy to prevent the same problems occurring.
“Over 500,000 hectares are now under reduced cultivation and direct drilling. These practices are heavily dependent on the repeated use of glyphosate, as is weed management of crop boundaries. Similarly, conventional cropping and pasture renovation systems frequently depend on glyphosate to control vegetation pre-cultivation and/or to treat persistent weeds after crop removal.
“Vineyard and orchard tree lines and other perennial crops are commonly repetitively treated solely with glyphosate to manage weeds. Also, it is increasingly common for both national and local authorities to manage roadside vegetation with repeat applications of glyphosate. There is also a risk of importing glyphosate resistant weeds with imported grains, seeds or farm machinery, and accidentally contaminating rural New Zealand.”
Mr Parker says the spread of glyphosate resistant weeds, either in or around crops or on the roadside, would have a huge impact on the cost of weed control in both our cropping and pastoral agricultural systems.
“The most recent published information reveals that at least 21 different weed species worldwide known to be resistant to glyphosate. Many of these species, which include annual and perennial ryegrass, are present in New Zealand. If this matter is not immediately addressed, current practices and use of glyphosate in New Zealand are going to lead to the evolution of glyphosate resistance.”
With this in mind a cross-sector workshop was held in September, with the discussion led by Australian glyphosate resistance expert Associate Professor Chris Preston from the University of Adelaide.
The outcomes of this workshop can be read here.
During the workshop Assoc Prof Preston also led a question answer session.Details of that session can be read here.