Consultant's Perspective on the Evolution and Management of Glyphosate-Resistant Kochia (Kochia scoparia) in Western Kansas

Abstract

Glyphosate is the leading herbicide used in glyphosate-resistant (GR) crops and no-till production systems. Evolved resistance to glyphosate in kochia was first reported in Kansas in 2007. Shortly thereafter, GR kochia became prevalent in western Kansas. An online survey of crop consultants was conducted in fall 2012 to gain their perspectives on evolving glyphosate resistance in kochia in western Kansas, to gather information on how grower weed management practices have changed from before to after occurrence of GR kochia, and to assess the effectiveness of management practices used during 2011 to 2012. Results of the survey indicated increasing infestation of kochia from prior to 2007 (present in 47% of fields) through 2012 (present in 70% of fields). It was estimated that greater than one-third of the cropland in western Kansas was thought to be infested with GR kochia by 2012. Growers increased glyphosate use rates from an average of 0.8 to 1.22 kg ae ha−1and application frequencies from 2.0 to 2.9 from the period before 2007 to 2012. The spread of GR kochia has resulted in changing weed management practices. During the survey period, growers reduced the exclusive use of glyphosate from 49 to 15% for GR crop fields and diversified weed management practices. Though other herbicides in addition to or in place of glyphosate were often applied prior to kochia emergence and were effective in more than half the fields, at least one-fourth of respondents reported inconsistent results with alternative kochia control practices other than tillage. These results are educational and helpful in developing both proactive and reactive tactics to manage GR kochia.