MSU Leads Innovative Research Project on Herbicide-Resistant Weeds in Soybeans

EAST LANSING, Mich. — A national research initiative spearheaded by Michigan State University (MSU) has secured a significant $500,000 grant from the United Soybean Board. The funding aims to create advanced diagnostic tools for the identification of herbicide-resistant weeds in soybeans. Initially spanning one year, this grant has the potential for a three-year extension.

Project Leadership and Collaborators

At the helm of the project is Eric Patterson, an assistant professor and weed geneticist in the MSU Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences (PSM). The research team consists of several other notable MSU members: Erin Hill, a weed diagnostician at MSU Plant & Pest Diagnostics; Erin Burns, an assistant professor in PSM; and Christy Sprague, a PSM professor.

This multistate research endeavor also includes collaborations with experts from Kansas State University, Mississippi State University, Penn State University, Purdue University, Texas A&M AgriLife Research, the University of Arkansas, the University of Illinois, the University of Missouri, and the University of Wisconsin.

Combatting Herbicide Resistance

For decades, herbicides have been the primary strategy in weed management. However, researchers and farmers are grappling with rising instances of herbicide-resistant weed species. Patterson attributes this escalation largely to an overreliance on a limited array of herbicides.

A 2014 study noted that these resistant weeds cost U.S. soybean growers over $2 billion each year. The problem has only grown, affecting nearly all major crops and increasing the overall economic impact on the agricultural sector.

Introducing HERMON: A Targeted Approach

The project, aptly named HERMON (Herbicide Resistance Monitoring Network), aims to develop rapid diagnostics for resistance detection, enhance screening capabilities, and provide improved chemical management strategies. The ultimate goal is to deliver effective solutions directly to soybean farmers.

Patterson explained, “HERMON will unify efforts across a network of herbicide resistance specialists at various universities to create new technologies for quickly detecting resistance and monitoring its spread.” The initiative is designed to foster collaboration among weed scientists and enhance the development of crucial decision-support tools for local and regional weed management.

Comprehensive Objectives of HERMON

HERMON features five key objectives that will unfold at its partner universities. Among these:

• Researchers from MSU, Arkansas, Mississippi State, and Missouri will formulate standardized greenhouse protocols for resistance diagnostics.
• MSU is positioned as a northern diagnostic hub, focusing on species like waterhemp, ragweeds, and marestail, while Mississippi State will serve as a southern hub for grasses and Arkansas will focus on Palmer amaranth, known for its severe impact on U.S. soybeans.
• Penn State and Purdue will drive efforts to create rapid testing for known resistance mechanisms.
• Research from Arkansas, Mississippi State, Purdue, and Wisconsin will delve into resistance associated with both soil-applied and foliar herbicides in common weed species.
• Kansas State will lead dissemination efforts, ensuring that research findings reach growers through various platforms, including webinars, discussions, and direct outreach.

Future of Weed Science Education

A portion of the grant will go towards training opportunities for six graduate students and two postdoctoral researchers within the network. Those educated through this initiative will become proficient in resistance management within various sectors, including industry, academia, and government.

Patterson emphasized, “Training the next generation of weed scientists is pivotal for this project. Equipping them with essential skills will be crucial for addressing the challenges faced by U.S. growers now and in the future.”