New herbicide-resistant corn and soybeans are a step closer to reaching farm fields in the U.S. They would help farmers control weeds that are no longer killed by the popular herbicide, Roundup.
Roundup resistant crops dominate corn, soybean and cotton production in the U.S. But the list of weeds that have evolved to withstand Roundup is growing, and as a result, farmers are using more chemicals to keep up.
Dow Agrosciences has engineered new crops that can withstand the herbicide 2,4-D giving farmers a new tool against weeds resistant to Roundup.
The USDA released a draft environmental report on Friday January 3, 2014 that puts those seeds one step closer to commercial release. Iowa State weed specialist Bob Hartzler says if they’re approved the crops would give farmers a new use for an old weed killer.
“2,4-D basically is the chemical that started the whole chemical era of weed management,” Hartzler said. “It gives them a new solution, but I wouldn’t call it a new direction.”
That’s because, Hartzler says, weeds will eventually build resistance to 2,4-D. That drawback is also pointed out in the USDA report. If managed properly 2,4-D resistant crops would work for a time, but eventually weeds like kochia, water hemp, and palmer amaranth could end up being even harder to kill.
“If farmers adopt these herbicides and use them in the same way they’ve used herbicides for the past decade it’s very likely that resistance will show up fairly quickly for these products,” Hartzler said.
Another drawback pointed out by USDA and critics of 2,4-D crops is that increased use of the chemical could harm sensitive vine crops like grapes and tomatoes. Dow has responded by reformulating its 2,4-D to reduce drift into neighboring fields. The EPA could also decide to place restrictions on farmers and pesticide applicators to protect sensitive crops.
USDA regulators are taking comments on the draft environmental report, but won’t make a final decision on whether to approve the new crops until the EPA also weighs in.
Dow expects that will happen in time for 2,4-D crops to be ready for the 2015 planting season.
