What risk is associated with relying solely on one herbicide for weed control?

Relying solely on one herbicide for weed control is associated with the development of weed resistance. When a specific herbicide is used repeatedly over time, the weeds that are susceptible to that herbicide are eliminated, while those with genetic traits that confer resistance survive and reproduce. This leads to a population of weeds that are increasingly resistant to the herbicide, making it less effective over time and creating a cycle where stronger and more diverse weeds take over.

This resistance development can pose significant challenges for farmers and land managers. It may result in the need for greater quantities or more expensive alternatives to manage weed populations, impacting overall agricultural productivity and sustainability. Consequently, integrating multiple modes of action and rotating different herbicides is a recommended practice to mitigate the risk of resistance and maintain effective weed management.