(IARN) — Herbicide resistant weeds have become “increasingly common since the first report of their occurence in the 1950s,” according to the Weed Science Society of America.
Stacked traits have become a popular means for control. Yet, farmers will soon receive a new tool to help combat tough-to-control weeds.
Bayer last week made a pipeline announcement, which delivered big, exciting news to United States farmers and ranchers.
This breakthough is “exciting,” as “farmers need more innovation,” according to Wallis.
“Farmers are facing more challenges in fields and they’re using stacked traits to get through that. So more modes of action to help control tough-to-control weeds,” Wallis said. “Bayer is an innovation company, so through crop rotation strategies and stacking, we’re able to help put more tools in their hands.”
The new mode of action is in Phase Two of a Phase Four pipeline. Wallis expects full commercialization by the end of the decade.
“What’s equally as exciting is because of Bayer’s commitment to work in chemistry and leadership in biotechnology, we’re working on a biotech trait as well,” Wallis said. “What farmers can expect from us is a new chemistry at the end of the decade and quickly following a trait that will be able to provide herbicide tolerance.”
Story and photo courtesy of the Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network.
