Glyphosate-resistant Common Ragweed Research Articles

Economic impact of glyphosate-resistant weeds on major field crops grown in Ontario

AbstractLimited information exists on the global economic impact of glyphosate-resistant (GR) weeds. The objective of this manuscript was to estimate the potential yield and economic loss from uncontrolled GR weeds in the major field crops grown in Ontario, Canada. The impact of GR weed interference on field crop yield was determined using an extensive database of field trials completed on commercial farms in southwestern Ontario between 2010 and 2021. Crop yield loss was estimated by expert opinion (weed scientists and Ontario government crop specialists) when research data were unavailable. This manuscript assumes that crop producers adjust their weed management programs to control GR weeds, which increases weed management costs but reduces crop yield loss from GR weed interference by 95%. GR volunteer corn, horseweed, waterhemp, giant ragweed, and common ragweed would cause an annual monetary loss of (in millions of Can$) $172, $104, $11, $3, and $0.3, respectively, for a total annual loss of $290 million if Ontario farmers did not adjust their weed management programs to control GR biotypes. The increased herbicide cost to control GR volunteer corn, horseweed, waterhemp, giant ragweed, and common ragweed in the major field crops in Ontario is estimated to be (in millions of Can$) $17, $9, $2, $0.1, and $0.02, respectively, for a total increase in herbicide expenditures of $28 million annually. Reduced GR weed interference with the adjusted weed management programs would reduce farm-gate monetary crop loss by 95% from $290 million to $15 million. This study estimates that GR weeds would reduce the farm-gate value of the major field crops produced in Ontario by Can$290 million annually if Ontario farmers did not adjust their weed management programs, but with increased herbicide costs of Can$28 million and reduced crop yield loss of 95% the actual annual monetary loss in Ontario is estimated to be Can$43 million annually.

Weed Control with Halauxifen-Methyl Applied Alone and in Mixtures with 2,4-D, Dicamba, and Glyphosate

AbstractSynthetic auxin herbicides such as 2,4-D and dicamba are often utilized to control broadleaf weeds in preplant burndown applications to soybean. Halauxifen-methyl is a new synthetic auxin herbicide for broadleaf weed control in preplant burndown applications to corn, cotton, and soybean at low use rates (5 g ae ha–1). Field experiments were conducted to evaluate efficacy and weed control spectrum of halauxifen-methyl applied alone and in mixtures with 2,4-D (560 g ae ha–1), dicamba (280 g ae ha–1), and glyphosate (560 g ae ha–1). Glyphosate-resistant (GR) horseweed was controlled with halauxifen-methyl applied alone (90% control) and in mixtures (87% to 97% control) 35 d after treatment (DAT). Common ragweed was controlled 93% with halauxifen-methyl applied alone and 91% to 97% in mixtures 35 DAT. Halauxifen-methyl applied alone resulted in poor giant ragweed control 21 DAT (73% control); however, mixtures of halauxifen-methyl with 2,4-D, dicamba, or glyphosate controlled giant ragweed (86% to 98% control). Halauxifen-methyl alone resulted in poor redroot pigweed control (62% control) 21 DAT; however, mixtures of halauxifen-methyl with dicamba, 2,4-D, or glyphosate controlled redroot pigweed (89% to 98% control). Halauxifen-methyl controls GR horseweed and common ragweed applied alone and in mixtures with other synthetic auxin herbicides and glyphosate. Furthermore, mixing 2,4-D or dicamba with halauxifen-methyl can increase the weed control spectrum in preplant burndown applications.

Preplant followed by postemergence herbicide programs and biologically effective rate of metribuzin for control of glyphosate-resistant common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) in soybean

With no new herbicides with a novel mode of action in the marketplace in corn–soybean cropping systems, control of glyphosate-resistant (GR) weeds requires the re-evaluation of existing herbicides. This necessitates a renewed focus on using herbicide tank-mixes and sequential herbicide programs while also striving to minimize the environmental impact of weed management. Preliminary research identified four preplant (PP) herbicides (2,4-D, saflufenacil/dimethenamid-P, linuron, and metribuzin) and one postemergence (POST) herbicide (fomesafen) that provided good but inconsistent control of GR common ragweed when applied alone in soybean. The objectives of this study were to determine the biologically effective rate of metribuzin and evaluate PP followed by POST herbicide programs for control of GR common ragweed in soybean. The aforementioned PP herbicides reduced GR common ragweed density and aboveground biomass by 82%–94% and 55%–89%, respectively. In contrast, a PP herbicide followed by fomesafen applied POST decreased common ragweed densities and aboveground biomass by 97%–99% and 93%–98%, respectively. Metribuzin applied at 824 and 1015 g a.i. ha−1 controlled GR common ragweed 90% at 4 and 8 wk after application, respectively. This study concludes that GR common ragweed can be controlled with a PP followed by POST herbicide program and metribuzin has potential for control of GR common ragweed in soybean.

Control of glyphosate-resistant common ragweed in corn with preemergence herbicides

Four field experiments were conducted during 2016 and 2017 to evaluate the efficacy of preemergence herbicides to control glyphosate-resistant common ragweed in corn. Dicamba, dicamba/atrazine, mesotrione + atrazine, isoxaflutole + atrazine, saflufenacil/dimethenamid-P, and S-metolachlor/mesotrione/bicyclopyrone/atrazine were the most efficacious herbicides, providing 94%–100% control of GR common ragweed and reducing density and biomass 98%–100%.

Glyphosate-Resistant Common Ragweed Control in Corn with Postemergence Herbicides

Four field trials were conducted on a farm infested with glyphosate-resistant (GR) common ragweed during 2016 and 2017 to evaluate various postemergence (POST) herbicides for the control of GR common ragweed in GR corn. Dicamba at 600 g·a.i.·ha-1, dicamba/diflufenzopyr at 200 g·a.i.·ha-1, dicamba/atrazine at 1500 g·a.i.·ha-1, topramezone + atrazine at 12.5 + 500 g·a.i.·ha-1, bromoxynil + atrazine at 280 + 1500 g·a.i.·ha-1, glufosinate at 500 g·a.i.·ha-1 and 2,4-D ester at 560 g·a.i.·ha-1 provided 58% to 85% control at 4 WAA and 49% to 88% control at 8 WAA. Other herbicides evaluated controlled GR common ragweed 9% to 41%. Common ragweed density was reduced 97%, 95%, 95% and 87% and shoot dry weight was reduced 93%, 95%, 94% and 90% with bromoxynil + atrazine, dicamba, glufosinate and topramezone + atrazine applied POST in GR corn, respectively. Results show that dicamba, bromoxynil + atrazine, topramezone + atrazine and glufosinate applied POST are the most efficacious herbicides among the herbicides evaluated for the control of GR common ragweed in GR corn.

Single and sequential applications of dicamba for the control of glyphosate-resistant common ragweed in glyphosate- and dicamba-resistant soybean

Confirmation of glyphosate-resistant (GR) weeds in southwestern Ontario has led to a change in weed management practices, particularly in soybean. Registered soil-applied herbicides have been identified that have activity on GR common ragweed; however, due to the long emergence period of common ragweed, additional postemergence options are required. The recent development of glyphosate- and dicamba-resistant soybean (Roundup Ready Xtend soybean) allows for the preplant and postemergence application of dicamba. Three field studies were conducted in Ontario, Canada, in a field with confirmed GR common ragweed. Glyphosate-resistant common ragweed interference resulted in 75% yield loss in soybean compared with the weed-free check. At 4 wk after application, dicamba tank-mixed with glyphosate applied preplant only, postemergence only, or preplant followed by postemergence controlled GR common ragweed up to 94%, 87%, and 99%, respectively. The availability of dicamba for use in glyphosate- and dicamba-resistant soybean will provide an additional mode of action for weed management in soybean.

Control of Glyphosate-Resistant Common Ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.) in Glufosinate-Resistant Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr

Common ragweed emerges early in the season in Nebraska, USA and is competitive with soybean; therefore, preplant herbicides are important for effective control. Glyphosate has been used as a preplant control option; however, confirmation of glyphosate-resistant (GR) common ragweed in Nebraska necessitates evaluating other herbicide options. The objectives of this study were to (1) evaluate the efficacy of preplant (PP) herbicides followed by (fb) glufosinate alone or in tank-mixture with imazethapyr, acetochlor, or S-metolachlor applied post-emergence (POST) for control of GR common ragweed in glufosinate-resistant soybean; (2) their effect on common ragweed density, biomass, and soybean yield; and (3) the partial economics of herbicide programs. A field experiment was conducted in a grower's field infested with GR common ragweed in Gage County, Nebraska, USA in 2015 and 2016. Preplant herbicide programs containing glufosinate, paraquat, 2,4-D, dimethenamid-P, cloransulam-methyl, or high rates of flumioxazin plus chlorimuron-ethyl provided 90–99% control of common ragweed at 21 d after treatment (DAT). The aforementioned PP herbicides fb a POST application of glufosinate alone or in tank-mixture with imazethapyr, acetochlor, or S-metolachlor controlled GR common ragweed 84–98% at soybean harvest, reduced common ragweed density (≤20 plants m−2) and biomass by ≥93%, and secured soybean yield 1,819–2,158 kg ha−1. The PP fb POST herbicide programs resulted in the highest gross profit margins (US$373–US$506) compared to PP alone (US$91) or PRE fb POST programs (US$158). The results of this study conclude that effective and economical control of GR common ragweed in glufosinate-resistant soybean is achievable with PP fb POST herbicide programs.

Temperature Influences Efficacy, Absorption, and Translocation of 2,4-D or Glyphosate in Glyphosate-Resistant and Glyphosate-Susceptible Common Ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) and Giant Ragweed (Ambrosia trifida)

Glyphosate and 2,4-D have been commonly used for control of common and giant ragweed before planting of corn and soybean in the midwestern United States. Because these herbicides are primarily applied in early spring, environmental factors such as temperature may influence their efficacy. The objectives of this study were to (1) evaluate the influence of temperature on the efficacy of 2,4-D or glyphosate for common and giant ragweed control and the level of glyphosate resistance and (2) determine the underlying physiological mechanisms (absorption and translocation). Glyphosate-susceptible (GS) and glyphosate-resistant (GR) common and giant ragweed biotypes from Nebraska were used for glyphosate dose–response studies, and GR biotypes were used for 2,4-D dose–response studies conducted at two temperatures (day/night [d/n]; low temperature [LT]: 20/11 C d/n; high temperature [HT]: 29/17 C d/n). Results indicate improved efficacy of 2,4-D or glyphosate at HT compared with LT for common and giant ragweed control regardless of susceptibility or resistance to glyphosate. The level of glyphosate resistance decreased in both the species at HT compared with LT, primarily due to more translocation at HT. More translocation of 2,4-D in GR common and giant ragweed at HT compared with LT at 96 h after treatment could be the reason for improved efficacy. Similarly, higher translocation in common ragweed and increased absorption and translocation in giant ragweed resulted in greater efficacy of glyphosate at HT compared with LT. It is concluded that the efficacy of 2,4-D or glyphosate for common and giant ragweed control can be improved if applied at warm temperatures (29/17 C d/n) due to increased absorption and/or translocation compared with applications during cooler temperatures (20/11 C d/n).

Influence of Tillage on Common Ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) Emergence Pattern in Nebraska

Spring tillage is a component of an integrated weed management strategy for control of early emerging glyphosate-resistant weeds such as common ragweed; however, the effect of tillage on common ragweed emergence pattern is unknown. The objectives of this study were to evaluate whether spring tillage during emergence would influence the emergence pattern or stimulate additional emergence of common ragweed and to characterize common ragweed emergence in southeast Nebraska. A field experiment was conducted for three years (2014 to 2016) in Gage County, Nebraska in a field naturally infested with glyphosate-resistant common ragweed. Treatments consisted of a no-tillage control and three spring tillage timings. The Soil Temperature and Moisture Model (STM2) software was used to estimate soil temperature and moisture at a 2-cm depth. The Weibull function was fit to total common ragweed emergence (%) with day of year (DOY), thermal time, and hydrothermal time as independent variables. Tillage treatments and year had no effect on total common ragweed emergence (P=0.88 and 0.35, respectively) and time to 10, 25, 50, 75, and 90% emergence (P=0.31). However, emergence pattern was affected by year (P=<0.001) with 50% total emergence reached on May 5 in 2014, April 20 in 2015, and April 2 in 2016 and 90% total emergence reached on May 12, 2014, May 8, 2015, and April 30, 2016. According to the corrected information-theoretic model comparison criterion (AICc), the Weibull function with thermal time and base temperature of 3 C best explained the emergence pattern over three years. This study concludes that spring tillage does not stimulate additional emergence; therefore, after the majority of the common ragweed has emerged and before the crop has been planted, tillage could be used as an effective component of an integrated glyphosate-resistant common ragweed management program in Nebraska.

Glyphosate-Resistant Common Ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) in Nebraska: Confirmation and Response to Postemergence Corn and Soybean Herbicides

Common ragweed is an important broadleaf weed in agronomic crops in the northcentral United States. A common ragweed biotype in glyphosate-resistant (GR) soybean production field in southeast Nebraska was not controlled after sequential applications of glyphosate at the labeled rate. The objectives of this study were to confirm GR common ragweed in Nebraska by quantifying the level of resistance in greenhouse and field whole-plant dose-response studies and to evaluate the response of the putative GR common ragweed to POST corn and soybean herbicides. Greenhouse whole-plant dose-response studies confirmed 7- and 19-fold resistance to glyphosate compared to the known glyphosate-susceptible (GS) biotype based on biomass reduction and control estimates, respectively. Field dose-response studies conducted in 2015 and 2016 at the putative GR common ragweed research site suggested that glyphosate doses equivalent to 15- and 40-times the labeled rate (1,260 gaeha–1) were required for 90% control and biomass reduction, respectively. Response of GR common ragweed to POST soybean herbicides in greenhouse studies indicated ≥89% control with acifluorfen, fomesafen, fomesafen plus glyphosate, glyphosate plus dicamba or 2,4-D choline, glufosinate, imazamox plus acifluorfen, and lactofen. POST corn herbicides, including 2,4-D, bromoxynil, diflufenzopyr plus dicamba, glufosinate, halosulfuron-methyl plus dicamba, mesotrione plus atrazine, and tembotrione provided ≥87% control, indicating that POST herbicides with distinct modes of action are available in corn and soybean for effective control of GR common ragweed. Results also suggested a reduced efficacy of the acetolactate synthase (ALS)-inhibiting herbicides tested in this study for control of GR and GS biotypes, indicating further research is needed to determine whether this biotype has evolved multiple herbicide resistance.

Glyphosate resistance in common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifoliaL.) from Mississippi, USA

Glyphosate is one of the most commonly used broad‐spectrum herbicides over the last 40 years. Due to the widespread adoption of glyphosate‐resistant (GR) crop technology, especially corn, cotton and soybean, several weed species have evolved resistance to this herbicide. Research was conducted to confirm and characterize the magnitude and mechanism of glyphosate resistance in two GR common ragweed ( A mbrosia artemisiifolia L.) biotypes from Mississippi, USA. A glyphosate‐susceptible (GS) biotype was included for comparison. The effective glyphosate dose to reduce the growth of the treated plants by 50% for the GR1, GR2 and GS biotypes was 0.58, 0.46 and 0.11 kg ae ha−1, respectively, indicating that the level of resistance was five and fourfold that of the GS biotype for GR1 and GR2, respectively. Studies using 14 C‐glyphosate have not indicated any difference in its absorption between the biotypes, but the GR1 and GR2 biotypes translocated more 14 C‐glyphosate, compared to the GS biotype. This difference in translocation within resistant biotypes is unique. There was no amino acid substitution at codon 106 that was detected by the 5‐enolpyruvylshikimate‐3‐phosphate synthase gene sequence analysis of the resistant and susceptible biotypes. Therefore, the mechanism of resistance to glyphosate in common ragweed biotypes from Mississippi is not related to a target site mutation or reduced absorption and/or translocation of glyphosate.

Managing glyphosate-resistant common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia): effect of glyphosate-phenoxy tank mixes on growth, fecundity, and seed viability

Common ragweed is one of the most important weeds in the soybean-producing areas of the United States and Canada. Recently, glyphosate-resistant (GR) biotypes have been reported in 15 states and one Canadian province. Reducing the proliferation of GR common ragweed biotypes is complicated by the high fecundity and complex seed germination behavior exhibited by this species. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of late herbicide applications for reducing seed production, seed weight, and seed viability of a GR common ragweed biotype. Herbicide treatments included: water control, glyphosate, 2,4-D, dicamba, 2,4-D plus glyphosate, and dicamba plus glyphosate. Treatments were applied at the appearance of male flower buds (Biologische Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamt and Chemical industry scale [BBCH] 51) or at the early female flowering stage (BBCH 61 to 63). At BBCH 51, 2,4-D or dicamba applied alone or in a tank mix with glyphosate reduced seed production by an average of 80%. Conversely, seed production following these same treatments applied at BBCH 61 to 63 was not significantly different from when glyphosate was applied alone. At this stage of development, all herbicide treatments reduced seed viability relative to the control; however, treatments containing 2,4-D or dicamba resulted in significantly lower viability than when glyphosate was applied alone. These results suggest that the application of tank mixes containing 2,4-D or dicamba have the potential to limit seed production of GR common ragweed when applied on or before BBCH 51. The development of new technologies that facilitate the in-crop application of tank mixes containing 2,4-D or dicamba may therefore be an effective option for limiting population establishment, seedbank replenishment, and future spread of glyphosate-resistant alleles.

Glyphosate-Resistant Weed Control and Soybean Injury in Response to Different PPO-Inhibiting Herbicides

<p>In Nebraska, 5-enolpyruvyl shikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS) as well as acetolactate synthase (ALS)-inhibitor-resistant weeds occur in many soybean fields where herbicides from these modes-of-action have been frequently used in the past. Currently, the protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO)-inhibitors are the only effective herbicides for POST control of both glyphosate- and ALS-inhibitor-resistant weeds in soybean. Greenhouse experiments were conducted in 2014 to evaluate the efficacy of PPO-inhibitors applied POST for the control of three glyphosate-resistant (GR) weeds and potential for soybean injury, when applied at two growth stages. All herbicide treatments controlled 10- and 20-cm tall GR common waterhemp ≥ 95% at 21 DAT. GR giant ragweed and kochia were controlled 86 to 99% when treated at 10-cm height and 78 to 92% at 20-cm height by 21 DAT. Herbicide treatments reduced shoot biomass in the three GR weeds 88 to 100% when treated at 10-cm height and 73 to 100% when treated at 20-cm height, at 21 DAT. Soybean injury and shoot biomass data revealed that acifluorfen and lactofen were more injurious (≥ 17%), whereas fomesafen, and fomesafen plus glyphosate were relatively safer (< 10% injury). Overall, fomesafen and fomesafen plus glyphosate caused least injury to soybean and were more effective in controlling GR common waterhemp, giant ragweed, and kochia compared with acifluorfen and lactofen.</p>

Glyphosate-Resistant Common Ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) Control with Postemergence Herbicides and Glyphosate Dose Response in Soybean in Ontario

Field trials were conducted in Ontario in 2013 and 2014 in soybean to determine the efficacy of POST herbicides on common ragweed resistant to group 2 and group 9 herbicides. Glyphosate dose-response experiments were conducted in the field on two resistant common ragweed populations and one susceptible population. None of the POST herbicides evaluated provided 80% control of glyphosate-resistant (GR) common ragweed. The most effective POST herbicide mixture was glyphosate (Monsanto Canada Inc., 67 Scurfield Blvd., Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada) plus fomesafen(Syngenta Canada Inc., 140 Research Lane, Research Park Guelph, Ontario, Canada), which provided 68 to 98% control of GR common ragweed. Chlorimuron, cloransulam, imazethapyr, and thifensulfuron provided control similar to glyphosate alone. An application of glyphosate/fomesafen reduced biomass by as much as 95%. Glyphosate plus acifluorfen reduced GR common ragweed biomass by as much as 92%. The remaining POST herbicide tank mixes evaluated reduced GR common ragweed biomass by less than 80%. Glyphosate plus bentazon, glyphosate plus chlorimuron, and glyphosate plus thifensulfuron resulted in soybean yields similar to the weedy control, with yield reductions of 70, 62, and 73%, respectively. An application of glyphosate plus fomesafen or glyphosate/fomesafen had the lowest soybean yield reductions of 29 and 34%, respectively. The resistant biotype required a 2- to 28-fold increase in glyphosate dose compared to the susceptible population to achieve 50% control.

Glyphosate and acetolactate synthase inhibitor resistant common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.) in southwestern Ontario

Van Wely, A. C., Soltani, N., Robinson, D. E., Hooker, D. C., Lawton, M. B. and Sikkema, P. H. 2015. Glyphosate and acetolactate synthase inhibitor resistant common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.) in southwestern Ontario. Can. J. Plant Sci. 95: 335-338. Common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.) was found to be resistant to glyphosate in Ontario. Field surveys were conducted from 2011 to 2013 to determine the distribution of glyphosate-resistant (GR) and acetolactate synthase inhibitor resistant common ragweed. GR common ragweed was confirmed in Essex County. All GR populations were found to be resistant to acetolactate synthase-inhibiting herbicides.

Glyphosate and acetolactate synthase inhibitor resistant common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.) in southwestern Ontario

Van Wely, A. C., Soltani, N., Robinson, D. E., Hooker, D. C., Lawton, M. B. and Sikkema, P. H. 2015. Glyphosate and acetolactate synthase inhibitor resistant common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.) in southwestern Ontario. Can. J. Plant Sci. 95: 335–338. Common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.) was found to be resistant to glyphosate in Ontario. Field surveys were conducted from 2011 to 2013 to determine the distribution of glyphosate-resistant (GR) and acetolactate synthase inhibitor resistant common ragweed. GR common ragweed was confirmed in Essex County. All GR populations were found to be resistant to acetolactate synthase-inhibiting herbicides.

Control of Glyphosate and Acetolactate Synthase Resistant Common Ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.) in Soybean (Glycine max L.) with Preplant Herbicides

A population of common ragweed in Ontario was confirmed to be resistant to glyphosate in 2011. Group 2 [acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibitors] resistant common ragweed was first confirmed in Ontario in 2000. Previously, glyphosate provided excellent control of common ragweed in glyphosate resistant soybean but with the confirmation of glyphosate resistant (GR) common ragweed, alternative herbicides need to be evaluated. Eight field trials with preplant herbicides were completed over two years (2013 and 2014) in fields with confirmed GR common ragweed. Tank-mixes of glyphosate and linuron or metribuzin provided 88% - 99% and 86% - 98% control 4 weeks after application (WAA) and 80% - 92% and 80% - 95% control 8 WAA, respectively. However, these herbicides also had among the highest environmental impact of the herbicides tested. Based on the results of these studies, GR common ragweed can be controlled with residual herbicides when applied preemergence in soybean. Currently, there are no post emergence herbicides that provide adequate control of GR common ragweed, therefore, preemergence herbicides with residual are essential for full season control.

Confirmation and Resistance Mechanisms in Glyphosate-Resistant Common Ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) in Arkansas

Greenhouse studies were established in Fayetteville, AR, to investigate glyphosate resistance in Arkansas common ragweed populations. Common ragweed seed were collected from plants in Pope and Jackson counties in Arkansas. Plants grown from seed were sprayed with one of seven glyphosate rates. Populations in Pope and Jackson counties were 21-fold and 10-fold more tolerant to glyphosate, respectively, than a known susceptible population. Based on14C-glyphosate absorption and translocation studies, reduced glyphosate absorption or translocation was not the resistance mechanism in Arkansas glyphosate-resistant common ragweed. Shikimate accumulation did not differ among the known susceptible and the two resistant populations at 3 d after treatment (DAT). However, by 5 DAT, shikimate accumulation in the two resistant populations was lower than the known susceptible population. Data indicate that glyphosate-resistant common ragweed is present in at least two locations in Arkansas, and the resistance mechanism is not an insensitive target site or reduced glyphosate absorption or translocation.