What are Roundup resistant weeds?

Roundup resistant weeds are weeds that no longer respond to the application of Roundup (glyphosate herbicide) products. Glyphosate was first introduced in the 1970s as perennial weed control for corn and soybean crops. Under the brand name Roundup, glyphosate quickly became the industry standard providing broad-spectrum, low-cost weed control for farmers with operations of all sizes.

How to kill roundup resistant weeds

Weed biology, intensity of glyphosate use, and application rate of glyphosate are all factors that affect whether or not a given weed population will develop a resistance to Roundup products. When weeds reproduce, they pass on their best genes to the next generation. Many weeds depend on the production of an enzyme called EPSPS synthase to grow. Glyphosate uses the action of EPSPS inhibitors to stunt weed growth and thus kill weeds. Weed populations become Roundup resistant when genes adapt to allow the weed to survive without the production of this EPSPS synthase, and other enzymes targeted by pesticides. Roundup resistant weeds may be treated successfully with pesticides and herbicides that employ other modes of action to attack weed growth, such as pesticides that use the ALS inhibitor action, such as FirstRate.

How to treat roundup resistant weeds with weed wiper products

Weed wiper products may also be successful in treating Roundup resistant weeds. Unlike most overhead spray systems, weed wiper systems can be used on windy days. They are the best method for farmers looking to save time and use less chemicals on hard-to-kill Roundup resistant weeds. Weed wipers are mountable pump-fed sponges that can be situated on either three-point or front mount booms to provide overhead pesticide application to taller growing weeds without causing damage to valuable crops. Weed wiper sponge systems are considered superior to rope wicks or carpet wick applicators due to their affordability and uniform distribution of the intended herbicide on target weeds. When a weed wiper system is used with Roundup ready crops (crops that are protected against the application of broad-spectrum pesticides), weeds can be targeted and eliminated efficiently.