The trouble with noxious weeds: Predicting herbicide resistance

Abstract

Noxious weeds plague farmers and ranchers, push out native species, and cause both economic and ecological damage. Synthetic herbicides, developed in the 1940s, are often used to control the spread of these plants. By the late 1950s, scientists noticed that some herbicides were no longer effective on certain plant species, even after a typically lethal dose. Since then, scientists have worked to understand the plant traits and management actions that lead to herbicide resistance. This work is especially important as land managers attempt to eradicate plants legally deemed "noxious" and requiring removal.

Citation

Ott, Jacqueline P. 2023. The trouble with noxious weeds: Predicting herbicide resistance. Science You Can Use (in 5 Minutes), September 2023. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. 2 p.