Barriers to the Effective Management of Herbicide-Resistant Weeds: Perspectives from Crop Advisors

Abstract

This article presents the findings of a national survey of Certified Crop Advisors (CCAs), reporting on their attitudes and perspectives towards pesticide resistance issues. Specifically, our 2022 survey addresses CCAs' levels of concern, barriers to discussing resistance management with their customers, the role of retailers and manufacturers, customers' constraints to management, future needs, and effective management options. We find high levels of concern among CCAs, particularly related to herbicide resistance. Various barriers include customer's economic and time constraints, conflicting retailer recommendations, and management complexity. Changing producers' mindsets through firsthand experience and the cultivation of trusting relationships between customers and CCAs are highlighted as ways to encourage more effective pesticide resistance management going forward.