Herbicides have been placed in global Herbicide Resistance Action Committee (HRAC) herbicide groups based on their sites of action (e.g., acetolactate synthase–inhibiting herbicides are grouped in HRAC Group 2). A major driving force for this classification system is that growers have been encouraged to rotate or mix herbicides from different HRAC groups to delay the evolution of herbicide-resistant weeds, because in theory, all active ingredients within a herbicide group physiologically affect weeds similarly. Although herbicide resistance in weeds has been studied for decades, recent research on the biochemical and molecular basis for resistance has demonstrated that patterns of cross-resistance are usually quite complicated and much more complex than merely stating, for example, a certain weed population is Group 2-resistant. The objective of this review article is to highlight and describe the intricacies associated with the magnitude of herbicide resistance and cross-resistance patterns that have resulted from myriad target-site and non–target site resistance mechanisms in weeds, as well as environmental and application timing influences. Our hope is this review will provide opportunities for students, growers, agronomists, ag retailers, regulatory personnel, and research scientists to better understand and realize that herbicide resistance in weeds is far more complicated than previously considered when based solely on HRAC groups. Furthermore, a comprehensive understanding of cross-resistance patterns among weed species and populations may assist in managing herbicide-resistant biotypes in the short term by providing growers with previously unconsidered effective control options. This knowledge may also inform agrochemical company efforts aimed at developing new resistance-breaking chemistries and herbicide mixtures. However, in the long term, nonchemical management strategies, including cultural, mechanical, and biological weed management tactics, must also be implemented to prevent or delay increasingly problematic issues with weed resistance to current and future herbicides.

Downy brome (Bromus tectorum L.) is a difficult species to control in the dryland wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production areas of northeastern Oregon. The selection of herbicide-resistant B. tectorum populations has further complicated B. tectorum management. A survey of wheat growers was conducted in 2021 and 2022 to understand B. tectorum management practices. The survey included four questions based on the growing seasons from 2017 to 2022 related to crop rotation, tillage versus no-tillage, irrigation versus dryland, and herbicide programs. To determine the extent of herbicide resistance, seeds were collected from 49 B. tectorum populations in wheat fields in northeastern Oregon and tested for resistance. Herbicides tested were clethodim, glyphosate, imazamox, mesosulfuron, metribuzin, propoxycarbazone, pyroxasulfone, pyroxsulam, quizalofop, and sulfosulfuron. Winter wheat–summer fallow rotation was the most predominant cropping system in the region. Most of the fields were in no-tillage systems, and none were irrigated. Pyroxasulfone applied preemergence and acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibitors applied postemergence were the most often used herbicides for B. tectorum control in winter wheat. Glyphosate was the most frequently used herbicide for B. tectorum control in summer fallow. Resistance screenings confirmed that 46 of the 49 B. tectorum populations were resistant to ALS inhibitors with different cross-resistance patterns. Two populations were resistant to metribuzin and exhibited multiple resistance to ALS inhibitors. All populations were susceptible to clethodim, glyphosate, pyroxasulfone, and quizalofop. The widespread occurrence of ALS inhibitor–resistant B. tectorum populations limits effective postemergence herbicide options in winter wheat.

Common ragweed is a troublesome weed in many crops. Farmers and crop advisors in the coastal Mid-Atlantic region have reported inadequate control of common ragweed in soybean fields with glyphosate and other herbicide modes of action. To determine whether herbicide resistance was one of the causes of poor herbicide performance, 29 accessions from four states (Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, and Virginia) where common ragweed plants survived herbicide applications and produced viable seeds were used for greenhouse screening. Common ragweed seedlings from those accessions were treated with multiple rates of cloransulam, fomesafen, or glyphosate, applied individually postemergence (POST). All accessions except one demonstrated resistance to at least one of the herbicides applied at twice the effective rate (2×), 17 accessions were two-way resistant (to glyphosate and cloransulam, or to glyphosate and fomesafen), and three-way resistance was present in eight accessions collected from three different states. Based on the POST study, five accessions were treated preemergence (PRE) with herbicides that inhibit acetolactate synthase (ALS), and two accessions were treated with herbicides that inhibit protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO). All accessions treated PRE with the ALS inhibitors chlorimuron or cloransulam demonstrated resistance at the 2× rates. Both accessions treated PRE with the PPO inhibitor sulfentrazone had survivors at the 2× rate. When the same accessions were treated PRE with fomesafen, one had survivors at the 2× rate, and one had survivors at the 1× rate. Results from these tests confirmed common ragweed with three-way resistance to POST herbicides is widespread in the region. In addition, this is the first confirmation that common ragweed accessions in the region are also resistant to ALS- or PPO-inhibiting herbicides when applied PRE.

Hairy fleabane and horseweed are pervasive weed species in agriculture. Glyphosate-resistant (GR) and glyphosate/paraquat–resistant (GPR) biotypes challenge current management strategies. These GR and GPR biotypes have non–target site resistance, which can confer resistance to herbicides with different sites of action (SOAs). This study’s objective was to characterize the response of GR, GPR, and glyphosate/paraquat–susceptible (GPS) biotypes of both weed species to herbicides with a different SOA. Whole-plant dose–response bioassays indicated a similar response among tested biotypes of both weed species to rimsulfuron, dicamba, hexazinone, glufosinate, flumioxazin, saflufenacil, or mesotrione. The hairy fleabane GR and GPR biotypes were 2.7- and 2.9-fold resistant to 2,4-D relative to the GPS biotype (GR50 766.7 g ai ha–1), confirming 2,4-D resistance in hairy fleabane for the first time in California. The GR and GPR biotypes were not cross-resistant to dicamba. No differences in response to 2,4-D were observed among horseweed biotypes with a GR50 ranging from 150.2 to 277.4 g ai ha–1. The GPR biotypes of both species were cross-resistant to diquat, with a 44.0-fold resistance in hairy fleabane (GR50 863.7 g ai ha–1) and 15.6-fold resistance in horseweed (GR50 563.1 g ai ha–1). The confirmation of multiple resistances to glyphosate, paraquat, and 2,4-D in hairy fleabane curtails herbicide SOA alternatives and jeopardizes resistance management strategies based on herbicide rotation and tank mixtures, underscoring the critical need for nonchemical weed control alternatives.

Redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus L.) is a troublesome dicot weed species widely distributed across China. A population of A. retroflexus that survived the recommended label rate of thifensulfuron-methyl was collected from the main soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] production area in China. Whole-plant dose–response assays indicated that the resistant (R) population was highly resistant (61.80-fold) to thifensulfuron-methyl compared with the susceptible (S1 and S2) populations. In vitro acetolactate synthase (ALS) activity experiments showed that the thifensulfuron-methyl I50 value for the R population was 40.17 times higher than that for the S1 population. A preliminary malathion treatment study indicated that the R population might have cytochrome P450–mediated metabolic resistance. The R population exhibited a high level of cross-resistance to representative ALS herbicides (imazethapyr, flumetsulam, and bispyribac-sodium) and multiple resistance to the commonly used protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO)-inhibiting herbicides lactofen and fomesafen. Two common mutations, Trp-574-Leu in ALS and Arg-128-Gly in PPO2, were identified within the R population. This study identified possible enhanced metabolism of thifensulfuron-methyl coexisting with target-site mutations in both ALS and PPO2 in a multiple-resistant A. retroflexus population.

Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri S. Watson) populations resistant to acetolactate synthase (ALS)-inhibiting herbicides and glyphosate are fairly common throughout the state of North Carolina (NC). This has led farm managers to rely more heavily on herbicides with other sites of action (SOA) for A. palmeri control, especially protoporphyrinogen oxidase and glutamine synthetase inhibitors. In the fall of 2016, seeds from A. palmeri populations were collected from the NC Coastal Plain, the state’s most prominent agricultural region. In separate experiments, plants with 2 to 4 leaves from the 110 populations were treated with field use rates of glyphosate, glufosinate-ammonium, fomesafen, mesotrione, or thifensulfuron-methyl. Percent visible control and survival were evaluated 3 wk after treatment. Survival frequencies were highest following glyphosate (99%) or thifensulfuron-methyl (96%) treatment. Known mutations conferring resistance to ALS inhibitors were found in populations surviving thifensulfuron-methyl application (Ala-122-Ser, Pro-197-Ser, Trp-574-Leu, and/or Ser-653-Asn), in addition to a new mutation (Ala-282-Asp) that requires further investigation. Forty-two populations had survivors after mesotrione application, with one population having 17% survival. Four populations survived fomesafen treatment, while none survived glufosinate. Dose–response studies showed an increase in fomesafen needed to kill 50% of two populations (LD50); however, these rates were far below the field use rate (less than 5 g ha−1). In two populations following mesotrione dose–response studies, a 2.4- to 3.3-fold increase was noted, with LD90 values approaching the field use rate (72.8 and 89.8 g ha−1). Screening of the progeny of individuals surviving mesotrione confirmed the presence of resistance alleles, as there were a higher number of survivors at the 1X rate compared with the parent population, confirming resistance to mesotrione. These data suggest A. palmeri resistant to chemistries other than glyphosate and thifensulfuron-methyl are present in NC, which highlights the need for weed management approaches to mitigate the evolution and spread of herbicide-resistant populations.

Herbicide resistance has for decades been an increasing problem of agronomic crops such as corn and soybean. Several weed species have evolved herbicide resistance in turfgrass systems such as golf courses, sports fields, and sod production—particularly biotypes of annual bluegrass and goosegrass. Consequences of herbicide resistance in agronomic cropping systems indicate what could happen in turfgrass if herbicide resistance becomes broader in terms of species, distribution, and mechanisms of action. The turfgrass industry must take action to develop effective resistance management programs while this problem is still relatively small in scope. We propose that lessons learned from a series of national listening sessions conducted by the Herbicide Resistance Education Committee of the Weed Science Society of America to better understand the human dimensions affecting herbicide resistance in crop production provide tremendous insight into what themes to address when developing effective resistance management programs for the turfgrass industry.

Herbicide-resistant weeds pose a severe threat to sustainable vegetation management in various production systems worldwide. The majority of the herbicide resistance cases reported thus far originate from agronomic production systems where herbicide use is intensive, especially in industrialized countries. Another notable sector with heavy reliance on herbicides for weed control is managed turfgrass systems, particularly golf courses and athletic fields. Intensive use of herbicides, coupled with a lack of tillage and other mechanical tools that are options in agronomic systems, increases the risk of herbicide-resistant weeds evolving in managed turfgrass systems. Among the notable weed species at high risk for evolving resistance under managed turf systems in the United States are annual bluegrass, goosegrass, and crabgrasses. The evolution and spread of multiple herbicide resistance, an emerging threat facing the turfgrass industry, should be addressed with the use of diversified management tools. Target-site resistance has been reported commonly as a mechanism of resistance for many herbicide groups, though non–target site resistance is an emerging concern. Despite the anecdotal evidence of the mounting weed resistance issues in managed turf systems, the lack of systematic and periodic surveys at regional and national scales means that confirmed reports are very limited and sparse. Furthermore, currently available information is widely scattered in the literature. This review provides a concise summary of the current status of herbicide-resistant weeds in managed turfgrass systems in the United States and highlights key emerging threats.

Weed management is an important issue for nursery crop and Christmas tree producers, as well as for those maintaining turfgrass or ornamental species in landscape plantings. PRE and POST herbicides are important weed management tools for these industries. Reports of herbicide-resistant weeds increased from fewer than 100 cases in 1985 to nearly 500 cases globally in 2019, including ones found in turfgrass or ornamental systems. The evolution, persistence, and management of herbicide-resistant weeds are an ongoing educational process. We must keep our stakeholders aware of improved weed control technology and provide them information on resistant weeds. A symposium at the 2019 Weed Science Society of America meeting was conducted with presentations and discussions by invited speakers in relation to current research and potential management strategies for resistant weeds in turfgrass, landscape ornamental, and nursery crops. To prepare for the symposium, a survey was prepared for nursery producers and landscapers on the issues of herbicide-resistant weeds and offsite movement of herbicides used to control herbicide-resistant weeds. Overall, most respondents felt herbicide-resistant weeds are a serious problem and most had personally observed herbicide resistance on properties they maintain. Resistance to glyphosate was the herbicide cited by most respondents, followed by resistance to triazine herbicides. Most felt their weed-control costs had increased because of resistant weeds. Approximately 20% of respondents had their operation affected by drift of herbicides from nearby farm fields, with most reporting no damage from spray or vapor drift, but a few reported greater than 50% of the crop damaged.

Diversity is key for sustainable weed management and can be achieved via both chemical and nonchemical control tactics. Genetically modified crops with two-way or three-way stacked herbicide-tolerant traits allow use of herbicide mixtures that would otherwise be phytotoxic to the crop. Early weed management (EWM) strategies promote the use of PRE herbicides with residual activity to keep the field free of weeds early in the season for successful crop establishment. To evaluate the respective sustainability and practicality of the two chemical-based management tactics (i.e., stacked traits and EWM), we used a population model of waterhemp, Amaranthus tuberculatus (Moq.) Sauer (syn. rudis), to simulate the evolution of resistance in this key weed species in midwestern U.S. soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] agroecosystems. The model tested scenarios with a varying number of herbicide sites of action (SOAs), application timings (PRE and POST), and preexisting levels of resistance. Results showed that both tactics provided opportunity for controlling resistant A. tuberculatus populations. In general, each pass over the field should include at least two effective herbicide SOAs. Nevertheless, the potential evolution of cross-resistance may void the weed control programs embraced by stacked traits and diverse herbicide SOAs. Economic calculations suggested that the diversified programs could double long-term profitability when compared to the conventional system, because of improved yield and grain quality. Ultimately, the essence of a sustainable herbicide resistance management strategy is to be proactive. Although a herbicide-dominated approach to diversifying weed management has been prevalent, the increasing presence of weed populations with multiple resistance means that finding herbicides to which weed populations are still susceptible is becoming increasingly difficult, and thus the importance of reintroducing cultural and mechanical practices to support herbicides must be recognized.

A redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus L.) population (HN-02) collected from Nenjiang County, Heilongjiang Province, exhibited multiple resistance to fomesafen and nicosulfuron. The purposes of this study were to characterize the herbicide resistance status of an HN-02 population for both acetolactate synthase (ALS) and protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO) inhibitors and the response to other herbicides and to investigate the target site-based mechanism governing fomesafen and nicosulfuron resistance. Three mutations, Ala-205-Val and Trp-574-Leu mutations in the ALS gene and an Arg-128-Gly mutation in the PPX2 gene, were identified in individual resistant plants. An HN-02F1-1 subpopulation homozygous for the Ala-205-Val and Arg-128-Gly mutations was generated, and whole-plant experiments confirmed multiple resistance to PPO inhibitors (fomesafen, fluoroglycofen-ethyl, and acifluorfen) and ALS inhibitors (imidazolinones [IMI], sulfonylureas [SU], and triazolopyrimidines [TP]) in the HN-02F1-1 plants, which presented resistance index values ranging from 8.3 to 110; however, these plants were sensitive to flumioxazin, fluroxypyr-meptyl, and 2,4-D butylate. In vitro ALS enzyme activity assays revealed that, compared with ALS from susceptible plants, ALS from the HN-02F1-1 plants was 15-, 28- and 320-fold resistant to flumetsulam, nicosulfuron, and imazethapyr, respectively. This study confirms the first case of multiple resistance to PPO and ALS inhibitors in A. retroflexus and determines that the target-site resistance mechanism was produced by Ala-205-Val and Arg-128-Gly mutations in the ALS gene and PPX2 gene, respectively. In particular, the Ala-205-Val mutation was found to endow resistance to three classes of ALS inhibitors: TP, SU, and IMI.

Herbicide-resistant Echinochloa species are among the most problematic weeds in agricultural crops globally. Recurring herbicide selection pressure in the absence of diverse management practices has resulted in greater than 20% of sampled Echinochloa populations from rice (Oryza sativa L.) fields demonstrating multiple resistance to herbicides in Arkansas, USA. We assessed the resistance profile and potential mechanisms of resistance in a multiple herbicide–resistant junglerice [Echinochloa colona (L.) Link] (ECO-R) population. Whole-plant and laboratory bioassays were conducted to identify the potential mechanisms of non–target site resistance in this population. ECO-R was highly resistant to propanil (>37,800 g ha−1) and quinclorac (>17,920 g ha−1) and had elevated tolerance to cyhalofop (R/S = 1.9) and glufosinate (R/S = 1.2) compared to the susceptible standard. The addition of glufosinate (590 g ha−1) to cyhalofop (314 g ha−1), propanil (4,500 g ha−1), or quinclorac (560 g ha−1) controlled ECO-R 100%. However, cyhalofop applied with propanil (48% control) or quinclorac (15% control) was antagonistic. The application of the known metabolic enzyme inhibitors malathion, carbaryl, and piperonyl butoxide increased control of ECO-R with propanil (>75%) but not with other herbicides. Neither absorption nor translocation of [14C]cyhalofop or propanil was different between ECO-R and ECO-S. [14C]Quinclorac absorption was also similar between ECO-R and ECO-S; however, translocation of quinclorac into tissues above the treated leaf of ECO-R was >20% higher than that in ECO-S. The abundance of metabolites was higher (∼10%) in the treated leaves of ECO-R than in ECO-S beginning 48 h after treatment. The activity of β-cyanoalanine synthase, which detoxifies hydrogen cyanide, was not different between ECO-R and ECO-S following quinclorac treatment. Resistance to propanil was due to herbicide detoxification by metabolic enzymes. Resistance to quinclorac was due to a detoxification mechanism yet to be understood. The reduction in sensitivity to cyhalofop and glufosinate might be a secondary effect of the mechanisms conferring high resistance to propanil and quinclorac.

The widespread, rapid evolution of herbicide-resistant weeds is a serious and escalating agronomic problem worldwide. During China’s economic boom, the country became one of the most important herbicide producers and consumers in the world, and herbicide resistance has dramatically increased in the past decade and has become a serious threat to agriculture. Here, following an evidence-based PRISMA (preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses) approach, we carried out a systematic review to quantitatively assess herbicide resistance in China. Multiple weed species, including 26, 18, 11, 9, 5, 5, 4, and 3 species in rice (Oryza sativa L.), wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.], corn (Zea mays L.), canola (Brassica napus L.), cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)., orchards, and peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) fields, respectively, have developed herbicide resistance. Acetolactate synthase inhibitors, acetyl-CoA carboxylase inhibitors, and synthetic auxin herbicides are the most resistance-prone herbicides and are the most frequently used mechanisms of action, followed by 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase inhibitors and protoporphyrinogen oxidase inhibitors. The lack of alternative herbicides to manage weeds that exhibit cross-resistance or multiple resistance (or both) is an emerging issue and poses one of the greatest threats challenging the crop production and food safety both in China and globally.

Experiments were initiated to characterize a waterhemp population (CHR) discovered in a central Illinois corn field after it was not controlled by the 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD) inhibitor topramezone. Field experiments conducted during 2014–2015 indicated that acetolactate synthase (ALS)-, protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO)-, photosystem II (PSII)-, and HPPD-inhibiting herbicides and the synthetic auxin 2,4-D did not control the CHR population. Laboratory experiments confirmed target site–based resistance mechanisms to ALS- and PPO-inhibiting herbicides. Herbicide doses required to reduce dry biomass 50% (GR50) were determined in greenhouse dose–response experiments, and indicated 16-fold resistance to the HPPD inhibitor mesotrione, 9.5-fold resistance to the synthetic auxin 2,4-D, and 252-fold resistance to the PSII inhibitor atrazine. Complementary results from field, laboratory, and greenhouse investigations indicate that the CHR population has evolved resistance to herbicides from five sites of action (SOAs): ALS-, PPO-, PSII-, and HPPD-inhibiting herbicides and 2,4-D. Herbicide use history for the field in which CHR was discovered indicates no previous use of 2,4-D.

Five populations of rigid ryegrass (Lolium rigidum Gaudin) from fields across cropping regions in southern Australia were suspected of having resistance to thiocarbamates, chloroacetamides, and sulfonylisoxazoline herbicides. Resistant (R) populations 375-14, 198-15, 16.2, EP162, RAC1, and A18 and two susceptible (S) populations (SLR4 and VLR1) were included in a dose–response study. All suspected R populations expressed resistance to one or all herbicides (thiocarbamates, chloroacetamides, and pyroxasulfone). Population 198-15 exhibited the highest LD50 to triallate (44.7-fold), prosulfocarb (45.7-fold), S-metolachlor (31.5-fold), and metazachlor (27.2-fold) compared with the S populations. Populations 198-15 and 375-14 were also resistant to pyroxasulfone (13.5- and 14.9-fold) compared with the S populations, as was population EP162. This study documents the first case of field-evolved resistance to thiocarbamate, chloroacetamide, and sulfonylisoxazoline herbicides in L. rigidum.

Corn poppy (Papaver rhoeas L.) is the most widespread broadleaf weed species infesting winter cereals in Europe. Biotypes that are resistant to both 2,4-D and tribenuron-methyl, an acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibitor, have evolved in recent decades, thus narrowing the options for effective chemical control. Though the effectiveness of several integrated weed management (IWM) strategies have been confirmed, none of these strategies have been tested to manage multiple herbicide–resistant P. rhoeas under no-till planting. With the expansion of no-till systems, it is important to prove the effectiveness of such strategies. In this study, a field experiment over three consecutive seasons was conducted to evaluate and compare the effects of different weed management strategies, under either direct drilling (i.e., no-till) or intensive tillage, on a multiple herbicide–resistant P. rhoeas population. Moreover, evaluations were carried out as to whether the proportions of ALS inhibitor–resistant individuals were affected by the tillage systems for each IWM strategy at the end of the 3-yr period. The IWM strategies tested in this research included crop rotation, delayed sowing, and different herbicide programs such as PRE plus POST or POST. All IWM strategies greatly reduced the initial density of P. rhoeas each season (≥ 95%) under either direct drilling or intensive tillage. After 3 yr, the IWM strategies were very effective in both tillage systems, though the effects were stronger under direct drilling (~95%) compared with intensive tillage (~86%). At the end of the study, the proportion of ALS inhibitor–resistant plants was not different between the IWM strategies in both tillage systems (94% on average). Therefore, crop rotation (with sunflower [Helianthus annuus L.]), delayed sowing, or a variation in the herbicide application timing are effective under direct drilling to manage herbicide-resistant P. rhoeas. Adoption of IWM strategies is necessary to mitigate the evolution of resistance in both conventional and no-till systems.

A population of rigid ryegrass (Lolium rigidum Gaudin) from a field on the Eyre Peninsula, South Australia, was suspected of resistance to thiocarbamate herbicides. Dose–response studies were conducted on this population (EP162) and two susceptible populations (SLR4 and VLR1). The resistant population exhibited cross-resistance to triallate, prosulfocarb, EPTC, and thiobencarb with higher LD50 to triallate (14.9-fold), prosulfocarb (9.4-fold), EPTC (9.7-fold), and thiobencarb (13.6-fold) compared with the susceptible populations SLR4 and VLR1. The resistant population also displayed resistance to trifluralin, pyroxasulfone, and propyzamide. The LD50 of the resistant population was higher for trifluralin (13.8-fold), pyroxasulfone (8.1-fold), and propyzamide (2.7-fold) compared with the susceptible populations. This study documents the first case of field-evolved resistance to thiocarbamate herbicides in L. rigidum.

Research was conducted from 2011 to 2015 to determine the effect of herbicide strategy on efficacy and evolution of herbicide resistance in weeds in a continuous glyphosate- and dicamba-resistant (GDr) soybean system. The nine herbicide strategies included sequential applications of glyphosate only, glyphosate plus dicamba with or without acetochlor, PRE application of residual herbicides with POST glyphosate or non-glyphosate herbicides, and their biennial rotation with one another. Giant foxtail and horseweed were the least problematic during all growing seasons. An increase in horseweed was observed by the end of the experiment especially in the plots where POST glyphosate was not used with PRE application of residual herbicides. Giant ragweed evolved resistance to glyphosate over a 4-yr period of selection with strategies that predominantly included PRE and POST glyphosate. Herbicide use strategies that included glyphosate-only and PRE application of residual herbicides fb POST glyphosate annually or in a biennial rotation were ineffective in controlling giant ragweed and glyphosate-resistant (GR) common waterhemp. Over the years, application of PRE herbicide mixtures before POST glyphosate application improved weed control and soybean yields compared with the glyphosate-only strategy. During all growing seasons, the greatest yield and reduction in total weed density before harvest was provided by herbicide use strategies that included glyphosate plus dicamba annually or in a biennial rotation regardless of the inclusion of acetochlor POST. Dicamba proved to be a valuable addition to improve the control of GR weeds. GDr soybean will provide growers with a new option for managing resistant weeds, but it needs to be used with caution, as multiple resistance in weeds, including waterhemp and giant ragweed, is already widespread.

Herbicide-resistant Echinochloa spp. pose a significant threat to U.S. rice production. Two surveys were conducted to characterize Echinochloa resistance to common rice herbicides and provide important demographic information on the populations in Arkansas: one was the Echinochloa Herbicide Resistance Confirmation Survey conducted annually since 2006; the other was the Echinochloa Herbicide Resistance Demographics Survey conducted since 2010. The Resistance Confirmation Survey showed that resistance to propanil (50%) was most prevalent, followed by quinclorac (23%), imazethapyr (13%), and cyhalofop (3%). Multiple resistance increased with time, with 27% of accessions being multiple-resistant, mostly to propanil+quinclorac (12%). The parallel Resistance Demographics Survey tested resistance by species. Of the 264 accessions collected, 73% were junglerice, 14% were rough barnyardgrass, and 11% were barnyardgrass. Overall, this survey also showed resistance to propanil (53%) and quinclorac (28%) being most prevalent, with low frequencies of resistance to cyhalofop (12%) and imazethapyr (6%). Resistance to herbicides was less frequent with barnyardgrass (54%) and rough barnyardgrass (28%) than with junglerice (73%). Multiple resistance was most frequent with junglerice (33%) and least frequent with rough barnyardgrass (8%). Across both surveys, the resistance cases were clustered in the northeast and Grand Prairie regions of the state. Herbicide resistance among Echinochloa populations in rice fields is continuing to increase in frequency and complexity. This is a consequence of sequential selection with different major herbicide sites of action, starting with propanil followed by quinclorac and others.