1. Principles of Managing Herbicide Resistance
Lesson 5
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Welcome to Lesson 5 of the herbicide-resistant weeds training lessons, provided by the Weed Science Society of America. Prior to this lesson, we covered the growing problem of herbicide-resistant weeds, including the need for better management strategies, terms related to herbicide use, the process of selection by herbicides, and procedures for scouting and confirming herbicide resistance. It is now time to pull the information together into a lesson that will describe broad strategies and specific tactics for field management of herbicide-resistant weeds. Lesson 5 is the “Principles of Managing Herbicide Resistance.”
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2. Objectives By the end of this lesson, you will:
Understand that diversity is an important concept in the management of herbicide-resistant weeds.
Identify the broad strategies and specific tactics for managing herbicide-resistant weeds.
Above: Seedling stage of waterhemp, a weed that is known to be resistant to several herbicides.
Image number K at the USDA-ARS online image gallery.
This lesson presents several practical concepts related to the management of herbicide-resistant weeds in the field. We will emphasize the differences between two key management approaches relative to the presence of herbicide-resistant weeds: proactive management, or management before a herbicide-resistant population evolves, and reactive management, or management after the herbicide-resistant population is confirmed.
By the end of this lesson, you will <mouse click> understand that diversity is an important concept in the management of herbicide-resistant weeds; <mouse click> identify the broad strategies and specific tactics for managing herbicide-resistant weeds; and <mouse click> compare the value of proactive versus reactive management for herbicide-resistant weeds.
Before we begin, the reader is advised that this lesson, by design, is intended to provide a description of the most commonly used management options. Consult your local extension specialist for management recommendations that are best suited to your specific situation.
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Compare the value of proactive versus reactive management for herbicide-resistant weeds.

3. Diversity of Practices
Mechanical, Chemical, Biological and Cultural Management Options
Management
Diversity
Mechanical
Cultural
Biological
Chemical
Diversity of Practices
Mechanism of action (MOA) is the biochemical site within a plant with which a herbicide directly interacts. Herbicides with different MOAs are identified by different group numbers. For example, 2,4-D is a group 4 herbicide, and glyphosate is a group 9 herbicide.
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The best strategies to manage herbicide resistance in weeds are established on the concept of diversity. Diversity can be achieved by:
Using mechanical, cultural, and biological practices in addition to herbicides
Applying several herbicides with different mechanisms of action and overlapping control (each herbicide is active on the target weed or weeds)
and
The best strategies to manage herbicide resistance in weeds are established on the concept of diversity. You may be familiar already with diversity in weed management, but expressed within the context of integrated weed management. Diversity in the management of herbicide-resistant weeds can be achieved by <mouse click> using mechanical, cultural, and biological tactics in addition to herbicides. Diverse herbicide use is achieved by applying several herbicides with different mechanisms of action, identified by their unique group numbers, and overlapping weed control spectrums. The phrase “overlapping weed control spectrums” refers to two or more herbicides that are effective on the same target weed or weeds. <mouse click> A combination of diverse management tactics reduces the selection pressure imposed by any single practice, such as the exclusive use of one herbicide, and reduces the risk of selecting for more difficult to control weeds, such as herbicide-resistant weeds.
Later in this lesson, details are provided around the use of mechanical, cultural and herbicide use in the context of herbicide-resistant weeds. While biological control options are available in some environments, they are generally not used broadly as part of resistance management. This is an area of active research pursued by weed scientists.
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A combination of tactics reduces the selection pressure imposed by any single practice.
Information
For More

4. Management Strategies
Proactive management is the implementation of tactics before herbicide-resistant weeds are apparent.
PROACTIVE: before confirmation
Reactive management is the implementation of tactics after herbicide resistance has been confirmed in the field.
In the broader scope of right of way management, there are two general approaches to decision making. These same approaches can be applied to managing herbicide-resistant weeds. Decisions based on a proactive management approach implement tactics before herbicide-resistant weeds are apparent, while <mouse click> decisions based on a reactive management approach implement tactics after herbicide resistance has been confirmed in the field. Both forms of decision making have merit in today’s rapidly changing agricultural environment. We will now take a closer look at proactive management.
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REACTIVE: after confirmation 4

5. Proactive Management: Defined
Proactive management is a style of decision making that anticipates events or changes in the field, plans ahead for them, and should include weed management planning.
Examples of decisions to anticipate:
Equipment needs
Review herbicide application history
Within a growing season or across years, there may be decisions and events that you can anticipate prior to spray season. Proactive management is a style of decision making that anticipates events or changes, plans ahead for them, and should include weed management planning. Some common examples include <mouse click> ensuring that equipment needs are met, <mouse click>, review past herbicide application history, <mouse click> inspect right of way to determine weed spectrum and <mouse click> weed management needs. Weed management planning needs to include the potential for weeds to become resistant to herbicides within the current management program. Land managers that use proactive management understand that weeds and herbicide resistance are largely a consequence of management decisions. They plan for short- and long-term events, they work closely with local extension specialists to anticipate changes in the field, and they are willing to try new ideas.
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Monitor weed population
Weed management

6. PROACTIVE: before confirmation
Proactive Management
PROACTIVE: before confirmation
Proactive management in the context of herbicide-resistant weeds is critical for the long term sustainability of effective herbicide options.
Advantages of proactive management:
Save money compared to reactive methods
Prevent the need for dramatic, short- term shifts in treatment strategies
Proactive management of herbicide-resistant weeds is critical for the long term sustainability of effective herbicide options in all application sites. There are several advantages of proactive management, including the abilities to: <mouse click> save money compared with reactive methods; <mouse click> prevent the need for dramatic, short-term shifts in farm practices; and <mouse click> protect herbicide options for the future.
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Protect herbicide options for future operations
Common lambsquarters is found in many states. It is known to be resistant to several herbicides.
Photo: Image number at image gallery

7. Proactive Management avoids headache, saves time and money
Weed management decisions based on proactive management can be more cost-effective over time compared to programs based on reactive management.
Hostile phone calls from elected officials and/or the boss can be prevented
Contractors don’t have to be chased
Retreatment can be avoided, so other right of way miles can be sprayed
More expensive mechanical management can be minimized
Weed management decisions based on proactive management prevent headaches and save time and money compared with programs based on reactive management.  
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8. Progression of Weed Resistance
Year 0
Year 1
Year 2
Weed resistance progresses logarithmically
Credit: Mike DeFelice
Herbicide-resistant biotype
Treatment
% Resistant Weeds in Population
Weed
Control
0 Application
.0001
Excellent
1st Application
.00143
2nd Application
.0205
3rd Application
.294
4th Application
4.22
5th Application
60.5
Failure
Proactive management is important because herbicide-resistant populations generally evolve slowly.
By the time one recognizes the presence of a herbicide-resistant population in the field, the population is large. The following is an animation showing a typical progression of herbicide resistance in the field.
In year 0, a herbicide is applied to the base population. <mouse click> After the first application, the herbicide-resistant individual, shown in red, survives the treatment and produces seed. At the end of year 1, control overall is excellent.
<mouse click> In year 2, a second application of the same herbicide is applied to the field. Control is still excellent, but the number of herbicide-resistant seeds in the soil seed bank continues to increase.
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seed pool or seed bank in soil
After first application, the resistant individual survives the treatment and produces seed
First application of herbicide to the initial population
Control is still excellent, but
resistant seed continue to increase

9. Progression of Weed Resistance
Year 5
Year 4
Year 3
Weed resistance progresses logarithmically
Credit: Mike DeFelice
Treatment
% Resistant Weeds in Population
Weed
Control
0 Application
.0001
Excellent
1st Application
.00143
2nd Application
.0205
3rd Application
.294
4th Application
4.22
5th Application
60.5
Failure
By year 3, control is now very good. Herbicide-resistant seed make up less than one-half of one percent of the population, yet the number of herbicide-resistant seed in the soil seed bank continues to increase.
<mouse click> By year 4, control may still be in the acceptable range, but the soil seed bank is almost completely composed of the herbicide-resistant biotype.
<mouse click> By year 5, weed plants and the soil seed bank are composed of herbicide-resistant biotypes. With 60% of the weed population surviving the herbicide application, weed control has failed.
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Herbicide resistance cannot be reversed in a practical time frame. In many cases, the seed pool is unlikely to change back because there is no fitness penalty.
seed pool or seed bank in soil
Control may still appear acceptable, but the seed pool is almost completely composed of the resistant type
Control is still very good, but
resistant seed continue to increase
Weed plants and seed pool are now mostly herbicide-resistant

10. Proactive Management Tactics
Strategies to proactively delay herbicide resistance can include one or more of the following tactics:
Cultural
Plant ground covers adapted to the environment
Fertilize during establishment to encourage rapid growth
Sanitize equipment
Avoid use of contaminated soil or mulch
Mechanical
Mowing
Hand removal
Mulching
Herbicide
Multiple herbicides with different mechanisms of action
Mixes
Sequence
Across seasons
Combine with mechanical
Diversified weed management is an important component of sustainable, long-term right of way management. A combination of weed management tactics helps to reduce the risk of selecting difficult to control weeds, and specifically, herbicide-resistant weeds. Several vegetation management tactics, including <mouse click> herbicide tactics, <mouse click> mechanical tactics and <mouse click> cultural tactics are used to build a diversified weed management program.
<mouse click> Herbicide tactics include the use of several herbicides with different mechanisms of action, either within or across seasons, applying herbicides at the labeled rate at the correct timing, and proper application of a herbicide, including making adjustments for equipment and the environment.
<mouse click> Mechanical tactics include the use of mowing to control weeds.
<mouse click> Cultural tactics include the practices of choosing ground covers adapted to the location when new rights of way are created, fertilize new plantings to encourage rapid cover, and cleaning weed seed from equipment. We will now take a closer look at herbicide tactics. <mouse click>
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Photo credits John Byrd, Mississippi State University 10

11. Proactive Management: Cultural Tactics
Sanitation. Sanitation is one of the most often overlooked ways to minimize the spread of herbicide resistant weeds across the right of way. Equipment that has been used in areas heavily infested with herbicide resistant weeds should be cleaned to avoid spreading the seed. Similarly, soil that contains herbicide resistant weed seed should not be used for new construction or maintenance of existing rights of way.
Cultural tactics involve the manipulation of right of way management practices to suppress weed growth, yet encourage growth of a suitable ground cover. In practice, a vigorously growing ground cover on the right of way floor will compete with undesirable weeds compared to an unhealthy cover, and is an effective and economical weed management practice. Soil nutrients and conditions should be adjusted to favor growth of selected ground cover. Make sure adequate sunlight is available for the groundcover. Make sure water does not stand in areas to cause drowning. Cultural practices, also include tactics, such as cleaning equipment that has been worked in areas infested with resistant weeds before moving to areas without resistant populations. It also includes using weed-free seed, soil and mulches that do not contain resistant weed seed during right of way construction and maintenance.
Ground cover selection and establishment. Rights of way need ground covers that are low growing and easily maintained. Suitable choices should be adapted to the environment for the region. This includes the light received and rainfall amounts. Soil should be tested and fertilized during establishment to encourage rapid ground cover growth. Avoid moving herbicide resistant weed seed onto the sight during establishment and after. 11

12. Proactive Management: Herbicide Tactics
Herbicide choice requires careful planning so that products with different mechanisms of action (MOA), or unique group numbers, and activity on the same target weeds, are intentionally combined with each other or other weed control practices.
SUSTAINABLE
Repeated annual use of a herbicide with the same MOA in the absence of other MOAs or different management strategies can lead to resistance.
Season 1: Group 9 plus 4
Season 2: Group 9 plus 14
Season 3 Group 2
NOT SUSTAINABLE
Herbicides have been an important part of weed management since their discovery more than 70 years ago. The choice of which herbicides to use, especially in the context of herbicide-resistant weeds, requires careful planning so that products with different mechanisms of action, yet activity on the same target weeds, are intentionally combined with each other and/or other weed control practices. <mouse click> The repeated annual use of herbicides with the same mechanism of action or group number in the absence of other mechanisms of action or different management strategies can lead to herbicide resistance in weed populations. For all herbicide applications, it is critical to apply the labeled rate at the correct time. Management strategies based only on a herbicide mechanism of action classification system, or herbicide group number, may not adequately address specific and local needs. Consult product labels and the assistance of your local extension specialist for more information.
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Season 1: Group 9
Season 2: Group 9
Season 3 Group 9
Note: For all herbicide applications, it is critical to apply the labeled rate at the correct time. Management strategies based only on a herbicide mechanism of action classification system, or herbicide group number, may not adequately address specific and local needs. Consult product labels and the assistance of your local extension specialist for more information. 12

13. Proactive Management: Herbicide Tactics
The main schemes for applying herbicides with different mechanism of action (MOA) to manage herbicide resistance are:
MOA #2
MOA #4
These options can provide the flexibility to choose the best fit or combinations of fit for local operations.
Mixture application
Sequentially throughout season
MOA #2
MOA #4
To minimize the risk of selecting herbicide-resistant weeds, herbicides with different mechanisms of action, or different group numbers, and activity on the same target weeds should be applied to the right of way. <mouse click> Herbicides may be combined as a mixture application (for example, metsulfuron-methyl, a group 2 herbicide, plus triclopyr, a group 4 herbicide), or <mouse click> sequentially throughout the season (for example, metsulfuron-methy, a group 2 herbicide, followed by glyphosate, a group 9 herbicide). <mouse click> Alternatively, herbicides with different mechanisms of action may be used across multiple seasons (for example, metsulfuron-methyl, or Escort, a Group 2 herbicide one year followed by aminopyralid, or Milestone, a Group 4 herbicide the following year, both with activity on major broadleaf weeds). <mouse click>
These options can provide the flexibility to choose the best fit or combinations of fit for individual management operations. The use of mixtures, sequences, or herbicide rotation across seasons can depend upon the availability of herbicides to meet the needs of a specific location and weed spectrum. Antagonism or antagonistic effects may occur from mixing herbicides, especially postemergence foliar herbicides. For example, there can be antagonism when mixing a postemergence herbicide that must be translocated throughout the plant to be effective (for example, glyphosate and 2,4-D) with a herbicide that primarily acts on contact (for example, MSMA and diquat). Consult product labels, extension bulletins, and the assistance of your local extension specialist for more information.
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Across multiple seasons
MOA #2
MOA #4
Note: For all herbicide applications, it is critical to apply the labeled rate at the correct time. Management strategies based only on a herbicide mechanism of action classification system, or herbicide group number, may not adequately address specific and local needs. Consult product labels and the assistance of your local extension specialist for more information. 13

14. Proactive Management: Herbicide Tactics
Tank mixing or the use of pre-mixed products with different mechanisms of action and activity on the same target weed or weeds can be effective at delaying the onset of herbicide-resistant weeds.
Herbicide mixtures contain more than one active ingredient.
Herbicide mixtures may be marketed as prepackaged formulations.
MOA #4
MOA #2
Herbicide A
Herbicide B
Tank mixing or the use of pre-mixed products with different mechanisms of action and activity on the same target weed or weeds can be effective at delaying the onset of herbicide-resistant weeds. <mouse click> Herbicide mixtures contain more than one active ingredient. Opensight, for example, contains aminopyralid (Group 4 mode of action) and metsulfuron-methyl (Group 2 mode of action). Mixtures may also include the use of <mouse click> two foliar active products combined in the tank, rather than purchased in the same container. Adding Escort (active ingredient metsulfuron-methy) and Transline (active ingredient clopyralid) to the spray tank.<mouse click>
It is extremely important to follow all directions on the product labels when mixing and applying herbicides, and especially to use the full labeled rates for each product in a mixture. If you are unsure about mixing chemicals, please consult the chemical dealer, company representative, or local extension specialist for additional information.
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Herbicide A + B
Note: For all herbicide applications, it is critical to apply the labeled rate at the correct time. Management strategies based only on a herbicide mechanism of action classification system, or herbicide group number, may not adequately address specific and local needs. Consult product labels and the assistance of your local extension specialist for more information. 14

15. Need for Full Label Rate
Proactive Management: Herbicide Tactics
Need for Full Label Rate
Definitions:
“Labeled rate” = A rate or range of rates set by herbicide manufacturers to consistently provide effective control of weed species across growth stages and site conditions.
“Low rate” = A rate applied below the labeled rate that may provide effective control at an individual location, but will not provide consistent control over a wide range of conditions.
Routine exposure to low herbicide rates can allow a portion of the weed population to survive, leading to the evolution of herbicide-resistant populations.
An important proactive management practice is to use the full labeled rates of each herbicide used. Research has demonstrated that cutting rates can lead to an increase in the evolution of herbicide resistance in certain weeds and to many different herbicides.
Labeled rates are defined as a rate or range of rates set by herbicide manufactures in cooperation with local weed control experts. These rates are established to provide control of a given weed species across several growth stages and site conditions.
Low rates are defined as those that may provide effective control at an individual location but will not provide consistent control over a wide range of conditions.
<mouse click> Routine exposure to low herbicide rates can allow a portion of the weed population to survive, leading to the evolution of herbicide-resistant populations.
<mouse click> There are many ways by which weeds are exposed to low rates that are not related to the intended application of low rates. These include: spraying plants that are larger or at a more advanced growth stage than recommended on herbicide label, inadequate coverage of weeds because of size, density, or problems with sprayer calibration, faulty or ineffective equipment, and mixing.
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Weeds can be exposed to “low rates” due to:
Intended use of low rates
Spraying plants larger than those recommended on the label
Inadequate coverage of weeds because of size, density and/or crop cover
Inaccurate sprayer calibration, faulty or ineffective equipment, or mixing errors

16. Proactive Management: Mechanical Tactics
Mechanical tactics include techniques such as:
Mowing
Hand-removal
Mulchers
Mechanical tactics are an additional part of weed management diversity that can be used to delay the evolution of herbicide-resistant weeds. Hand-weeding and tillage have been used for weed control in agricultural environments since the beginning of cultivated crops. However, these practices have little use on for right of way management. Today, advances in equipment design have led to several options for mechanical vegetation management. If small patches of weeds are present in an area known to have herbicide resistance, <mouse click> hand-removal before seed set can prevent the build-up of herbicide-resistant weed populations.
<mouse click> Improper use of equipment can increase the risk of soil erosion. Equipment can also be a means of spreading weeds and weed seeds from one field to another. Equipment sanitation is important to slow the spread of herbicide-resistant weeds and weed seeds.
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Equipment sanitation is also important to slow the spread of herbicide-resistant weeds and weed seeds. 16

17. Combine Herbicide plus Mechanical
Proactive Management: Herbicide Tactics
Combine Herbicide plus Mechanical
<mouse click> Mechanical control can also be combined with chemical applications for improved woody plant control.

18. Reactive Management: Defined
Reactive management is a style of decision making that acts in response to events or changes in the field when they occur with little to no expectation or anticipation of the events or changes.
A reactive action is a response to an unexpected problem.
Reactive management is a necessary part of land management.
There is no way to plan for everything that can possibly happen.
Reactive management is a style of decision making that acts in response to events or changes on the right of way when they occur with little to no expectation or anticipation of the events or changes. Ideally, we all start out trying to be proactive. We make plans and then somewhere we run into an unexpected situation. <mouse click> A reactive action is a response to an unexpected problem. <mouse click> Reactive management is a necessary part of land management. <mouse click> There is no way to plan for everything that can possibly happen. Ask yourself, then – are herbicide-resistant weeds truly an unexpected problem? Generally not, so <mouse click> the proactive style of decision making is preferred in the context of herbicide-resistant weeds.
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The proactive style of decision making is preferred in the context of herbicide-resistant weeds.
Above: Common ragweed, a weed that is known to be resistant to several herbicides. Photo: Image number at image gallery

19. REACTIVE: after confirmation
Reactive Management
REACTIVE: after confirmation
Reactive management can be utilized during two general times:
Tactics used within the same season a population has been identified as herbicide-resistant
Tactics used in seasons after a population has been identified as herbicide-resistant or
The timing of the first reactive management tactics may affect the intensity and number of options necessary to manage herbicide-resistant weeds in the future.
Reactive management can be deployed during two general action times: <mouse click>
tactics used within the same season a weed population has been identified as herbicide-resistant, or <mouse click> tactics used in seasons after the herbicide-resistant weed population has been identified.
<mouse click> The initial timing of reactive management tactics may affect the intensity and number of options necessary to manage the herbicide-resistant weeds in the future. For example, <mouse click> early implementation will reduce weed densities in subsequent years and can reduce weed management costs in later years.
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Left: A median filled with glyphosate-resistant Palmer amaranth. Photo courtesy of Jason Bond, Mississippi State Universtiy..
Early detection and remediation prior to weed seed set within the same season (see above) will reduce weed density in subsequent years and can reduce weed management costs in later years.

20. Reactive Management: Same Season
Same season management tactics are generally limited and may not be effective when dealing with herbicide-resistant weed populations. Because situations can vary widely, consult your local extension specialist for advice.
Herbicide Options:
Apply the most effective postemergence herbicide with a different mechanism of action.
If low-level herbicide resistance has been identified, and no other options are available, apply the maximum labeled rate of the same postemergence foliar herbicide.
Mechanical Options:
Hand removal or mowing may be the primary options in some environments and geographies.
Same season management tactics are generally limited and may not be effective when dealing with herbicide-resistant weed populations. Because situations can vary widely, consult your local extension specialist for advice.
Some herbicide options may include: <mouse click> Apply the most effective postemergence foliar active herbicide with a different mechanism of action or group number, or, <mouse click> if low-level herbicide resistance has been identified and no other options are available, apply the maximum labeled rate of the same postemergence foliar herbicide. Re-spraying these weeds with the same herbicide may not result in effective control because the weeds may be too large and/or the level of herbicide resistance may be exceed the dose of the maximum labeled herbicide rate.
<mouse click> Hand removal or mowing may be the primary mechanical options in some environments and geographies or when the herbicide-resistant population is small.
<mouse click> In general, these options are limited in their effectiveness because of larger weeds or labor deficiencies.
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In general, these options are limited in their effectiveness because of larger weeds later in the season. 20

21. Conclusions
Strategies to manage herbicide resistance in weeds are best established on the concept of diversity.
Management diversity can be achieved by using herbicides in mixtures, sequences, or rotation with and without the use of mechanical and cultural methods of weed management.
This concludes the lesson “Principles of Managing Herbicide Resistance.” As you prepare weed management plans for your rights of way, please remember these key points:
Strategies to manage herbicide resistance in weeds are best established on the concept of diversity.
<mouse click> Management diversity can be achieved by using herbicides in mixtures, sequences, or rotation with and without the use of mechanical and cultural methods of weed management.
<mouse click> Proactive management can be a more effective way to minimize the impact of herbicide resistant weeds compared to waiting to implement reactive strategies after herbicide-resistant weed populations are identified.
Thank you for participating in the herbicide-resistant weeds training lessons as provided by the Weed Science Society of America.
Proactive management can be more cost effective and provides greater potential to develop alternative management strategies compared to after herbicide-resistant weed populations are identified.

22. Credits:
This lesson was developed by a WSSA sub-committee and reviewed by the WSSA Board of Directors and other WSSA members before being released. The sub-committee was composed of the following individuals.
Wes Everman, PhD (North Carolina State University)
Les Glasgow, PhD (Syngenta Crop Protection)
Lynn Ingegneri, PhD (Consultant)
Jill Schroeder, PhD (New Mexico State University)
David Shaw, PhD (Mississippi State University)
John Soteres, PhD (Monsanto Company) (Sub-committee chairman)
Jeff Stachler, PhD (North Dakota State University and University of Minnesota)
François Tardif, PhD (University of Guelph)
The module was adapted for noncropland applicators by John D. Byrd, Jr., Ph. D. (Mississippi State University) and William W. Witt, Ph. D. (University of Kentucky, retired).
Financial support for this was provided by Global HRAC, North America HRAC, and WSSA.
Our thanks are extended to the National Corn Growers Association for allowing us to use training materials posted on their website as the starting point for these training lessons.