Integrating Herbicide-Resistant Crops into Discovery Research

Abstract

Technology is now available to create herbicide-tolerant soybeans. This technology, when combined with environmentally- and toxicologically-sound herbicides and when used wisely in an integrated weed management program, can contribute positively to soybean production. Sulfonylurea-tolerant soybeans will be commercialized in 1993, and by 2000, will be available in most soybean-growing countries. Sulfonylurea-tolerant soybeans will provide crop safety during periods of reduced metabolism of chlorimuron ethyl and thifensulfuron methyl caused by environmental stresses. They will also allow the selection of new soybean-safe herbicides with the optimum biology, toxicology, and environmental properties from the tens of thousands of sulfonylurea herbicides that have been synthesized.