WHAT’S NEW WITH BAYER PRODUCTS
Mix It Up to Keep Resistance at Bay Championing solutions to protect your productivity and profits
T
he evolution of herbicide-resistant weed populations is one of the most pressing and important challenges for the future of crop production. Everyone has a role to play in managing resistance — not only to protect productivity and profitability today but also to preserve tools and options for the next generation. As part of our commitment to help ensure the future sustainability of your farm, Bayer is proud to support MixItUp.ca, your online resource against herbicide resistance. A RISING ISSUE Every year, new survey results add to an expanding body of evidence showing that herbicide resistance is not going away and is a real threat to the productivity, profitability and sustainability of Canadian farms. Big financial impact. The economic consequences are especially dire. If resistance is not managed, resistant weed populations can rapidly expand resulting in major losses, increasing every year, as weeds outcompete your crops and drain away both yield and quality. Tough to fix if left unchecked. Make no mistake: resistance is out there. It may not seem likely or much of a threat until
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FA R M FO R U M .C A / SPRING 2017
A study from the University of Illinois and USDA-ARS shows that mixing two or more herbicide Groups in the same tank for each application produces the most effective results, making fields 83 times less likely to have resistance issues compared to those treated using only one herbicide or even just rotating crops.
it happens. Just look at our neighbours to the south, where herbicide resistance has required growers to rely on different, pricier herbicides due to their reliance on the same herbicide on the same field, yearafter-year. In some instances, growers have even incurred an additional $150/acre for hand roguing. USING NEW KNOWLEDGE TO FIGHT BACK The latest research shows one of the most effective strategies you can use to combat resistance pertains to herbicide mixing. It’s important to keep in mind that there is no silver bullet for combatting resistance. Utilizing an integrated strategy is one of the best things you can do to fully minimize the threat of resistance and make sure your yield and quality are protected. Together, we can champion stewardship
and with our actions, shape farming for years to come. We will diversify. This means diversity in our tools, tactics and skill sets. And perhaps most importantly, diversity in our mindset — because the answer to herbicide resistance isn’t the next herbicide.
Learn more about the full spectrum of integrated resistance management options at MixItUp.ca