Glyphosate resistance spreads in southwestern Ontario Thursday, April 19, 2012 by DAVE PINK The widening range of two glyphosate-resistant weed species in southwestern Ontario should be a signal to the province’s farmers to adopt a more diverse herbicide application strategy, says one of the two University of Guelph weed scientists who conducted recent field surveys. Glyphosate is a widely-used, broad spectrum herbicide used to control broadleaf weeds and grasses. It is the active ingredient in Monsanto’s Roundup herbicides. Initial surveys of weed resistance were conducted in 2008 by Peter Sikkema and Francois Tardif of the university’s department of plant agriculture and graduate student Joe Vink. They were followed up in 2010 and again this year. The results are unmistakeable. “In 2008 we had one field in Essex County that was resistant to giant ragweed. Now we have 48 in Essex, Kent and Lambton,” said Sikkema. “In 2008, we found no fields with resistance to Canada fleabane. Now we have 10 in Essex, Kent and Lambton. “We now have more species that are resistant over a wider area.” Asked if the number of glyphosate resistant varieties would grow and continue to spread, Sikkema responded: “If I were a betting man, I’d say probably. But I can’t say that with any form of certainty.” He cautioned farmers to reassess their weed-control strategies, on a field-by-field basis. “The single-most important word is diversity — diverse crops and diverse weed-control tactics.” Rotate crops, plant aggressive strains of seeds, and don’t be reliant on any single variety of herbicide, he advised. “What it comes down to is just good agronomic practices,” said Sikkema. “Do everything you can to make that crop more competitive and you’ll help yourself out in the long run. “And it’s imperative that you use other forms of weed management. Every field is different, and every weed management strategy has to be adjusted for each field.” He concedes, however, these new tactics are “going to affect farm profitability.” The study was partially funded by Monsanto Canada, the Grain Farmers of Ontario, and the Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program. BF New organization elects board Ministers meeting to focus on national ag policy
Health Canada sets rules for drone spraying Wednesday, June 25, 2025 Health Canada has approved the use of drones, also called Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), for pesticide application under the Pest Control Products Act (PCPA). Drones are considered aircraft by Transport Canada, but Health Canada treats them differently due to their unique... Read this article online
Twelve Ontario Agri-Businesses Receive Funding Support Wednesday, June 25, 2025 Bioenterprise Canada has announced the successful recipients of the second call for proposals under the Ontario Agri-Food Research Initiative (OAFRI) Commercialization Stream. Twelve organizations across Ontario will receive support to bring innovative agri-food solutions to the... Read this article online
Early Career Research Award supports two Guelph research initiatives Tuesday, June 24, 2025 The was presented to two University of Guelph researchers at the recently held Livestock Research Innovation Corporation (LRIC) symposium. Dr. Kelsey Spence received $40,000 towards her work in on-farm biosecurity research, and Dr. Sam Workenhe was awarded $60,000 to further his... Read this article online
Rural internet speeds have improved, but compared to urban gap is wide Friday, June 20, 2025 Rural internet speeds have improved, but the gap with urban areas is still wide, says Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA) - the national not-for-profit best known for managing the .CA domain. Regional differences also continue—New Brunswick shows faster speeds, while as... Read this article online
Ontario Bean Growers are having a day and you are invited Friday, June 20, 2025 The Ontario Bean Growers have announced it will be holding its annual on August 20, 2025. The day begins with research presentations at 1 pm. Details of the research presentations will be published as they become available. At 4 pm, Chris Gillard will lead attendees on a tour... Read this article online