Crops Journal Global Herbicide Development – Opportunities and Constraints

Herbicides have been essential tools in agricultural production for decades. With the global introduction in Canada of herbicide tolerant (HT) crops in 1996, agriculture has changed drastically. More than 90 % of Canadian canola production is represented by three HT systems. In a few major crops like wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and pulse crops, HT systems have not yet achieved acceptance. New HT systems will be available soon. Companies with a tradition in conventional agrochemicals have changed objectives due to the growing importance and opportunity of the seed business resulting in reduced investment in conventional herbicide research. Clearly, there is still a need, however, for compounds with new modes of action to prevent and remedy weed resistance problems