IDENTXX GmbH supports Syngenta Agro GmbH in Triazine Field Monitoring

• detection of triazine resistance with molecular analysis of different weed species in Germany

One reason for the failure of chemical weed control is herbicide resistance. In some cases the widespread and long-term use of terbuthylazine in maize selected resistance in weed populations. To observe and evaluate the decreased efficacy, the Syngenta Agro GmbH conducts an ongoing extensive monitoring in maize. IDENTXX GmbH supports Syngenta with molecular studies to detect target-site resistance in different weed species.

Within the monitoring program single plots were selected for the sampling. Some weeks after the herbicide application leaves were sampled and sent to IDENTXX GmbH. The most common weed species like Lambsquarters (Chenopodium album), Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), Wild Buckwheat (Polygonum convolvulus), Prostrate Knotweed (Polygonum aviculare) and Black Nightshade (Solanum nigrum) were investigated in the lab to detect genetic changes that are responsible for target-site resistance. The target of triazines and other PSII-Inhibitors is the photosystem II. The herbicides inhibit one step in the electron transport. A change of the target to undergo inhibition by herbicides is called target-site resistance. The reasons are point mutations in the gene of the target which can be detected with the DNA analysis techniques used by IDENTXX GmbH.

Genetic investigations provide insights into evolution of weed field populations and support decision making for efficient chemical weed control.