Midwestern Soybean Farmers' Perceptions and Management of Glyphosate Resistant Weeds

Abstract

<p>Glyphosate resistant weeds have emerged as a serious threat to U.S. agricultural production. In 1996, Monsanto’s Roundup Ready genetically engineered herbicide-resistant seed varieties first became commercially available. As a result, post-application of the herbicide glyphosate increased dramatically. Over-application and misuse of glyphosate also followed, which fostered the evolution of new glyphosate resistant weeds [1]. By 2016, 16 glyphosate resistant species had been identified in the U.S. alone, with another 37 species identified worldwide [1]. The impact of weed resistance continues to grow, disproportionately affecting soybeans as compared to other glyphosate resistant crop varieties. By 2014, more than 96 percent of U.S. soybeans were herbicide resistant varieties [2], indicating that resistant weeds are likely to impact U.S. soybean farmers into the future.</p>