Posted: April 7, 2010

Evaluations by University of Guelph weed researchers have confirmed a population of glyphosate-resistant giant ragweed in Ontario, according to a Monsanto news release. This is the first confirmed case of a glyphosate-resistant weed in Canada.

"Growers frequently use glyphosate as an important weed control tool so the appearance of a glyphosate-resistant population is an important reminder for growers to consider diversity in their weed management strategies and crop management practices," says Dr. Peter Sikkema, a plant agriculture professor at the University of Guelph's Ridgetown Campus.

Sikkema advises growers to include diversity in their cropping systems. This includes a diverse crop rotation with multiple herbicide modes of action over time. Growers are advised to use appropriate rates and other herbicides in their program where possible, including existing residual herbicides, to reduce the likelihood of glyphosate resistance developing in their fields.

The confirmation is the result of research that began late in 2008 when the population was first brought to the attention of the University of Guelph researchers and Monsanto.

Read the full Monsanto news release here.

Posted: April 7, 2010

Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development (ARD) is offering a Farmer Pesticide Training Certificate Course to help producers reduce the risks associated with pesticide use.

"The course is recommended for those completing the Alberta Environmental Farm Plan but it is a requirement for any farmer wishing to use restricted chemicals," says Harry Brook, crop specialist, ARD, Stettler. "Anyone who takes the course will find useful information applicable to their pesticide operations. At the moment, you'll also need a certificate before you can get either phostoxin or gastoxin, both of which are used for stored grain fumigation."

The course was updated in 2009 and it now includes a five year renewal period on certificates. Any certificates that were issued prior to 2005 will expire as of December 31, 2010. "If your certificate was issued after 2005, you have a five-year period that the certificate is valid," says Brook. "There will be a renewal process, but it's not yet decided what the renewal requirements will be."

The course is set up in seven modules and is available on-line in Alberta Agriculture's website at www.agriculture.alberta.ca and searching "Farmer Pesticide Training Certificate Course."