The weed barnyardgrass has been the devil plant to farms and
fields out there. Barnyardgrass is a weed that has grown to devastate many
farmers and ultimately ruin profits and livestock. This weed is particularly
strong due to its evolving resistance to herbicides. Herbicides are used by
farmers to destroy weeds, but this particular weed has found a way to oppose
herbicides. This weed has been known to produce seeds which lie in wait in the
soil, lingering for a chance to strike. Barnyardgrass is one of many types of
weeds out there, but it is definitely deadly. It has been known to cause a
shocking amount of $33 billion in losses each year. While herbicides do reduce
this number, the weed’s tough defiance allows it to evolve. The barnyardgrass
problems do not stop there, as it has been found to mimic other crops. It is
able to change to look like certain plants, such as rice. The barnyardgrass has
found its way to blend in with other plants, making it tough for farmers to
weed them out. Researchers, however, have discovered that there are some
possible solutions. A new herbicide was created in the 1970s, which is often
known today as Roundup, has been a great help in reducing the growth of these
weeds. In the 1980s, this herbicide was given more recognition as genetically
modified crops were announced to the world. By creating a genetically modified
crop, an increase in resistance occurred in the plants. Weeds such as barnyard
could not easily attack the plants anymore. However, studies have been shown
that just like the flu, weeds will mutate. As more and more herbicides are
being used, mutations will be more likely to occur. Personally, I feel that
while herbicides can kill weeds and save crops, they can also cause damage to
the environment. If weeds can destroy plants and the environment around it, why
can’t herbicides? That is why I feel more research should be put into this
before coming to any rash decisions. The weeds should be studied in a
precarious fashion, not rashly. The environment and soil has suffered a lot as
a result and more damage will be even deadlier.
Source: New York Times
I completely agree that the environmental impact of the herbicide needs to be considered before being put into use. The damage that it could cause to plants that are not weeds could be potentially more harmful then the weeds themselves. Even proven herbicides like Round-up should be used with care, I wonder if the use of herbicides for the use of landscaping instead of being utilized solely by farmers causes some problems because it allows those weeds to evolves and since homeowners aren’t as concerned or vigilant about the spreading of weeds it allows those mutated weeds to spread. Secondly, I agree that these weeds are dangerous and that their continue mutation could mean stronger and potentially more environmentally unfriendly herbicides but I can’t help but marvel at the weeds “intelligence.” I find it amazing weeds where able to mutate to become not only resistant to the herbicide but be able to mimic itself to look like desired plants. The fact that scientists cannot genetically alter plants to do what these weeds are doing is unfathomable, so while the problem these weeds are causing could potentially cause much bigger problems, I think the resilience of the weeds to continue live despite herbicides and other methods of killing them is remarkable.
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