Resistance of flaxleaf fleabane (Conyza bonariensis (L.) Cronquist) to glyphosate

What is it about?

Resistance to glyphosate has been reported in flaxleaf fleabane populations within a number of grain growing areas in southern Queensland and northern New South Wales and other cropping regions across Australia. To investigate the processes contributing to the evolution and spread of glyphosate-resistant flaxleaf fleabane, the resistant populations tested in dose-response experiments varied in their responses to glyphosate from two to eight times the recommended rate. The different dose responses obtained may indicate different mechanisms of resistance. This can possibly be attributed to an independent evolution of resistance. The results demonstrate that glyphosate resistance is widespread across Australia and has likely evolved multiple times as well as dispersing by seeds.

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Photo by Roberto Valdivia on Unsplash

Photo by Roberto Valdivia on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This result suggests that increasing herbicide dose will not improve weed control when resistance exists in a field. Therefore, alternative strategies will be required to control glyphosate-resistant flaxleaf fleabane populations. Furthermore, the relative significance of these differences among weed populations relates to the success of numerous management strategies in discontinuing or minimizing the dispersal of resistance to neighbouring regions, plantations and agricultural areas

Perspectives