Biology and management of glyphosate-resistant kochia

The Challenge

Glyphosate-resistant kochia is suspected in southern Alberta, and with warming temperatures kochia is spreading across the prairies.

The Project

To better understand the biology of kochia for economical integrated control strategies, and to develop best management practices for growers with glyphosate-resistant kochia.

The Results

Glyphosate-resistant kochia has been identified in 7 counties in Alberta, 14 municipalities in Saskatchewan, and 2 municipalities in Manitoba since 2011. Kochia emerging as late as mid-July (Edmonton) and mid-August (Lethbridge) could produce viable seed before a killing fall frost.  Seed dormancy is only a few weeks. Glyphosate resistance trait did not confer resistance to any other class of herbicides.

Grower Benefits

Staying on top of kochia flushes are a must in season. There are many herbicides to control kochia, and those should remain effective against the weed in a good herbicide rotation.