MIT Technology Review Narrated The weeds are winning
Feb 19, 2025
As climate change impacts agriculture, genetic engineering becomes crucial for food production. However, this advancement has led to a rise in superweeds, like waterhemp and Palmer amaranth, that resist herbicides. Experts discuss the evolutionary race between crops and these resilient weeds, highlighting the urgent need for innovative management strategies. Diverse control tactics and a blend of traditional methods are essential to tackle this growing challenge in farming.
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Waterhemp’s Impact
- Waterhemp, a Midwestern weed, grows rapidly and resists herbicides.
- It reduces soybean yields by 44% and corn yields by 15%, showing the impact of resistance.
Escalating Resistance
- Herbicide resistance is worsening, with weeds evolving to survive various chemicals.
- Over 500 resistance cases exist across 273 weed species, impacting global agriculture.
Palmer Amaranth’s Resistance
- Palmer amaranth, a Southern weed, resists nine herbicide classes and grows two inches daily.
- This fast-growing, drought-resistant weed can decimate entire crop fields if not controlled quickly.