Single Major Gene Controlling S-Metolachlor Resistance Identified in a Central Illinois Waterhemp Population
17 January 2024
Last update: 17/01/24 10:11
WESTMINSTER, Colorado – 11 January 2024 – Recently published research in the journal Weed Science provides new mechanistic insights into S-metolachlor resistance in waterhemp (Amaranthus tuberculatus). Specifically, the study points to a single major gene that controls metabolic resistance to S-metolachlor (the active ingredient in Dual Magnum and Dual II Magnum), in the Stanford, Illinois resistant (SIR) population, which represents a relatively new and recent type of non-target-site resistance in waterhemp—to soil-applied, Group 15 herbicides.
“Waterhemp has ascended to its current status as the worst weed threatening Corn Belt crop production during the last thirty years,” says Dean Riechers, Professor, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. “In that time, waterhemp has developed resistance to seven herbicide sites-of-action classes, creating extremely difficult management challenges to farmers as they try to control it.”
The good news is that the germplasm derived from this research can assist in identifying the gene(s) and gene mutations conferring resistance to S-metolachlor in waterhemp. “We’ve identified a single, major gene that confers resistance, and a second, recessive gene that may also modify S-metolachlor resistance in SIR, which are both new discoveries,” adds Riechers.
The study’s findings will also will help establish a baseline for future molecular-genetic studies to pinpoint metabolic resistance traits in other dioecious weedy amaranths, such as A. palmeri. More information is available in the article, “Inheritance of resistance to S-metolachlor in a waterhemp (Amaranthus tuberculatus) population from central Illinois.”
About Weed Science
Weed Science is a journal of the Weed Science Society of America, a nonprofit scientific society focused on weeds and their impact on the environment. The publication presents peer-reviewed original research related to all aspects of weed science, including the biology, ecology, physiology, management and control of weeds. To learn more, visit www.wssa.net.
This entry was posted in Featured Articles, Press Release.
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