NCGA Launches Weed Resistance Management Learning Center (4-29-05)
Recognizing
the need to preserve the viability of technologies that farmers
depend upon, the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) in conjunction
with university weed scientists and leading developers of agricultural
crop protection products, has developed an online Weed Resistance
Management Learning Center (WRMLC) to educate growers and ag industry
professionals on how to reduce the development of resistant weeds.
Now accessible
at www.ncga.com, the WRMLC was produced by NCGA with the support
of industry partners including BASF, Bayer CropScience, Dow AgroSciences,
Monsanto and Syngenta. The WRMLC is the second installment in NCGA’s
grower education strategy, following the release of the Insect Resistance
Management Learning Center in March 2004.
In both Learning
Centers, participants go through a series of simple ‘how-to’
lessons on steps they can take to manage against resistance. Each
audio/visual lesson contains interactive learning exercises. The
WRMLC is approved by the American Society of Agronomy for Certified
Crop Advisors to earn continuing education units.
“NCGA
is pleased to provide producers and industry a platform to receive
education on integrated weed resistance management strategies for
both conventional and biotech crops,” said Darrin Ihnen, chair
of the NCGA Biotech Working Group. “Our grower members depend
upon herbicide technology and management against the development
of resistant weeds is crucial to maintain that option. That makes
the WRMLC central to our mission.”
The WRMLC focuses
on a variety of resistance management strategies, including use
of herbicides with different modes of action and implementation
of cultural weed control methods. Its content reflects the scientific
databases and conclusions of the Herbicide Resistance Action Committee
(HRAC) and the Weed Science Society of America. HRAC is an international
body founded by the agrochemical industry.
“It is
critical that everyone involved with developing, marketing and applying
crop protection technology in the field work together to prevent
the loss of valuable crop production tools,” Ihnen said. “The
WRMLC is a positive step forward in helping us to that.”
For more information
or to participate in the WRMLC, visit www.ncga.com
or call NCGA at 636.733.9004.