Toward Reduced Herbicide Rates and Adapted Weed Management

Abstract

Herbicides are an integral part of farmers' cultural practices worldwide. Growing concerns about agrochemical residues in the environment and in the food supply require a critical discussion about how to secure the environmental fitness of any weed management practice. Promising ways to minimize herbicide consumption include the introduction of new (low-rate) chemistries, the low-rate concept, innovative formulations, application timing, and a cropping systems approach. However, many questions with regard to crop/weed dynamics in different agricultural production systems require answers before final recommendations can be made, and the farmer has to occupy a central part of our considerations. Besides conducting more basic weed research to reduce herbicide rates, it will be equally important to integrate the efforts of all parties involved and to improve the communication with our customers, including the public, environmental interest groups, and politicians. To be widely accepted, weed management practices for the future have to be adapted such that the respective requirements of environment, society, and economics are fully met.