Weed control is the botanical component of pest control, which attempts to stop weeds, especially noxious weeds, from competing with desired flora and fauna including domesticated plants and livestock, and in natural settings preventing non native species competing with native species.
A weed is a plant, in the wrong place, at the wrong time. These plants compete with crops for nutrients, water, and sunlight. When uncontrolled, weeds can take over a field, ruining a farmer’s chances of a productive harvest.
While chemical herbicides are often a familiar and effective solution for controlling weeds, the overdependence on a single solution can create resistance, leaving weeds unchecked. Increasing weed resistance threatens farmers’ harvests and livelihoods, while also increasing agriculture’s burden on the environment. Bayer has been partnering for many years with farmers, weed scientists, retailers, applicators and other agricultural stakeholders to implement integrated weed management programs by promoting a combination of diverse chemical and non-chemical methods.