“Superweeds” a problem for farmers

In the 1990s, glyphosate was introduced to farmers as an herbicide to combat weeds. After years of use, some weeds are resisting the herbicide, commonly known as Roundup.

The Southeast Missourian reports that 50 percent of U.S. farmland is dealing with these “superweeds.” Experts are encouraging farmers to choose another plan of attack, such as other herbicides, for these weeds instead of relying on glyphosate to protect their crops.

In 1996, Roundup came out with the herbicide known to be resistant to genetically-modified seeds. For the first time, farmers could use one herbicide and effectively eliminate everything except their crops.

Related story: The time to act against herbicide-resistant weeds is now, not next season

Via: Southeast Missourian > Herbicide-resistant weeds trouble Midwestern farms