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From GPS-coordinated combines with integrated recording applications
for precision crop information, to accelerated development of new
hybrid seeds, genetically modified seed with traits resistant to
insects and tolerant to specific herbicides, never before have there
been more choices available to the farmer.
When it comes to crops, one of the less predictable variables,
yet offering the widest opportunities in how to farm, is that of
pest controls.
Pests, as defined as United States Department of Agriculture, are
weeds, insects and diseases.
What are the primary pest concerns for today's farmer?
Weeds! Worse yet, glyphosate-resistant weeds -- resistant to
Roundup weedkiller.
According to local University of Extension adviser John Fulton,
local fields are seeing two of the 22 globally problematic weeds:
waterhemp, found primarily in soybeans, and mare's-tail. And not so
far away, Indiana adds giant ragweed to waterhemp and mare's-tail.
The development of plant varieties tolerant to herbicides has led
to simpler, less expensive weed control and better stewardship of
the land through reduced tillage. Now, however, after 30 years of
heavy use and dependency on Roundup (glyphosate), some changes are
needed.
In November 2012, a Purdue Extension research report said: "The
existence of glyphosate-resistant weeds requires producers to use
additional herbicide tools and cultural practices to effectively
manage the weeds."
Agricultural companies are responding to producers' needs, taking
strong action by joining forces to develop chemical technologies and
gene resistance to hard-to-control weeds, as well as continuing to
offer support and advancements in whole pest control systems.
The following is a brief review of some of the industry
announcements made this past year that offer a glimpse into the
future. There is more than a hint of expectation for more rapid
advancements in seed traits, chemical and system developments.
Herbicide and application technology systems
n In September, Dow AgroSciences announced Arylex™, a new
active ingredient for herbicides. The new molecule was developed
with Taminco, the world's largest producer of alkylamines and
alkylamine derivatives.
Aryex is the first member of a new structural class of synthetic
auxin herbicides. Arylex will be used in low-use-rate herbicides for
the control of broadleaf weeds and has utility in multiple crops.
Initial registrations are anticipated beginning in 2014.
n In February, Dow AgroSciences announced that the Enlist™
Weed Control System is awaiting regulatory approvals.
According to the news release: "Enlist Duo™ herbicide with Colex-D™
Technology would provide greater than 95 percent control of several
key weed species that are tough to control or glyphosate-resistant.
Used with best application practices, Colex-D Technology reduces
drift by up to 90 percent compared to other 2,4-D and glyphosate
herbicide formulations."
Mark Peterson, global biology leader for the Enlist system with
Dow AgroSciences, spoke on a panel regarding the path forward for
herbicide-resistant weed management.
"Herbicides have been shown to be a key part of efficient,
sustainable weed management systems that maximize production while
preserving soil and water resources," Peterson said.
"It is important to note that herbicide-tolerant crops have
enabled great advances in soil conservation and carbon
sequestration," he added. "Having farmers go back to widespread
tillage to control weeds will negate those environmental advances."
Enlist is a next-generation system that combines innovative
traits, herbicides and stewardship to deliver weed control.
Enlist corn and Enlist soybean traits were approved in October
2012 in Canada for food, feed and environmental release, and Enlist
Duo™ herbicide was approved in Canada in May 2013.
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n The most recent announcement, made on Oct. 3, was that Dow
AgroSciences and Synpromics R&D plan to collaborate in plant
technology.
"Technologies such as those developed by Synpromics can
significantly enhance Dow AgroSciences' tool kit for developing
improved crops," said Daniel R. Kittle, Ph.D., vice president for
research and development with Dow AgroSciences. He added that the
liaison would give the agricultural industry significant potential
to accelerate the gene discovery and product development of new
traits.
In soybeans
Enlist E3™ soybeans are being jointly developed by Dow
AgroSciences and MS Technologies. The three-trait gene stack offers
tolerance to 2,4-D, glyphosate and glufosinate.
Pending approvals, the companies anticipate launching Enlist E3
soybeans to key export geographies in 2015. Enlist E3 soybean
cultivation registrations are being sought in the United States and
South American countries.
For corn
In April, Dow AgroSciences and Monsanto announced agreements to
cross-license advanced corn trait technology. Dow AgroSciences has
licensed to Monsanto its proprietary Enlist corn herbicide-tolerant
trait on a nonexclusive basis. Monsanto licensed to Dow its
third-generation corn rootworm technology, Corn Rootworm III, on a
nonexclusive basis.
The agreements pave the way for U.S. introduction of
next-generation SmartStax products, pending regulatory approvals, by
the end of the decade.
Fungicide
In July, Dow AgroSciences and Meiji Seika Pharma Co. announced
signing an exclusive fungicide co-development, commercialization
agreement. The fungicide offers potential use applications in
cereals, vegetables, fruits and ornamentals as a foliar treatment.
"The mode of action is new in cereal disease control, and the
compound does not show cross-resistance to other modes of action,"
the announcement said.
Dow AgroSciences intends to submit this for regulatory approval
in the European Union in 2014, with commercial launch expected in
2019.
Other companies not mentioned that are working on research and
development applications in plant biotechnology are BASF, Bayer
CropScience, DuPont and Syngenta.
Given all the advancements and some challenges created by
technology, the farmer will continue to need to weigh many options
for years ahead.
[By JAN YOUNGQUIST]
The Purdue University Extension article
below discusses in more detail some of the pros, cons and general
information about problem weeds and technology:
"2,4-D-
and Dicamba-tolerant Crops -- Some Facts to Consider" (PDF)
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