Industry program recognizes proactive efforts of retailers, crop consultants
and county Extension agents in the fight against weed resistance.
Retailer Jim Corley, Jimmy Sanders Seed Company, Clarksdale, Miss., understands the importance of educating producers on what they can do to prevent major resistance problems on their farm and encourages a zero-tolerance attitude toward resistant weeds.
When resistance does occur, Corley prefers to offer tailored solutions on a fieldby- field basis to help his farmers effectively and economically keep up with their resistance management plans. He ultimately credits application timing and routinely scouting fields to the success of any resistance management program.
Corley’s No. 1 concern in his area is Palmer amaranth. The Mississippi retailer says it is an on-going fight, and producers can’t let up. Moreover, stopping its prolific seed production is imperative to keep resistance from spreading.
“A robust residual program before and directly after planting is an effective counter against herbicide resistance developments,” says Corley, who recommends frequent preemergence product rotation as well as using tillage and post-emergence applications to keep resistant weeds at bay.
Corley wants growers to understand the need to alternate herbicide chemistry in order to preserve the industry’s current technology. He urges producers to consider all of the options available and to make informed decisions to keep their farms free of herbicideresistant weeds. To help with these decisions, Corley sponsors local meetings with sales representatives to keep himself and his farmers up-to-date on the latest technology.
Providing guidance/effective tools
To recognize his leadership and advocacy in the fight against herbicide resistance, Syngenta has named Corley the 2011 Southern Resistance Fighter of the Year.
Introduced in 2009, the Resistance Fighter of the Year program recognizes those who serve as role models and provide growers with the guidance and tools they need to manage weeds successfully within their operations. Eligible recipients include retailers, consultants and county Extension agents who have successfully implemented resistance management programs with producers in their area.
“As a company, we strive to be on the forefront in the war against herbicide-resistant weeds,” says Les Glasow, Ph.D., Manager of Herbicide Resistance Strategy, Syngenta. “Having advisors on the ground who effectively balance being proactive and being responsive with herbicide resistance management efforts is vital. Just like previous years, our 2011 winners value working together and moving forward toward solutions when concerns arise.”
The 2011 Resistance Fighter of the Year recipients were nominated by their peers and selected by a distinguished judging panel. Like Corley, there are others out there on the front line of resistance issues. If someone in your area is managing resistance proactively, please consider nominating him or her for this special recognition.
For more information about the Resistance Fighter of the Year program and the winners, visit http://resistancefighter.com and follow Syngenta on Twitter and Facebook.
Syngenta provided information for this article. Visit www.syngenta.com.