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Weed Resistance to Glyphosate: What does it mean and what are the facts?

Last week, several reports by farming press referred to glyphosate resistance in the UK. This came after the Weed Resistance Action Group (WRAG), a guidance producer on pesticide resistance issues, announced problems relating to the herbicide on a UK farm. NFU Scotland Senior Policy Manager John Flanagan, has kept a close eye on these reports, he writes: 

This is the first time resistance to maximum label rate glyphosate has been found on a UK farm. It was reported in a field of Italian Ryegrass on a farm in Kent and was identified by ADAS, an independent agricultural and environmental consultancy, following rigorous investigation.

The finding is of concern but not a surprise. Glyphosate resistance has been previously identified in Europe, as well as North and South America, but has not progressed to become a widespread problem. 

In the hope this issue is contained to the individual farm, WRAG has committed to continue testing for glyphosate resistance around the UK. In the meantime, it has emphasised its four key practices of glyphosate use. They are as follows:

  1. Maximise Efficacy: Apply the appropriate dose at the correct timing under optimal conditions to ensure effective weed control.
  2. Prevent Survivors: Eliminate surviving weeds to reduce seed spread and report any suspected resistance to agronomists or product manufacturers.
  3. Use Alternatives: Integrate non-chemical methods, such as cultivation, and employ other herbicides in rotation to diversify weed management approaches.
  4. Monitor Success: Regularly assess weed control effectiveness and investigate any potential resistance issues promptly.

WRAG has released more detailed information on each of these practices. I would advise NFUS members to check its guidelines on minimising glyphosate resistance risks in grass weeds (available here).

I would also like to stress that my key message here for members is to remain vigilant, work with their agronomists and advisers where they suspect an issue, and implement effective glyphosate stewardship practices on their farms. 

Author: John Flanagan

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About The Author

John Flanagan

John graduated from Aberdeen University with a BSc Agriculture. Prior to joining NFU Scotland, John worked for SRUC, as Senior Lecturer in Agriculture at the Barony Campus, Dumfries, and for SAC Consulting. John was previously farmed in France, running a mixed unit of cattle, sheep and arable in the Limousin region. John first worked for NFU Scotland within the regional team and rejoined NFU Scotland in June 2024 as Senior Policy Manager to lead the Food and Farming team. John’s current role sees him having direct responsibility for combinable crops, potatoes, pesticides and organic farming.

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