A field survey to determine distribution and frequency of glyphosate-resistant horseweed (Conyza canadensis) in Indiana

In-field surveys, which directly estimate weed population densities, typically utilize either random or nonrandom field selection methods. We used both methods to characterize the distribution and frequency of glyphosate-resistant (GR) horseweed populations and other late-season soybean weed escapes and to develop a database for tracking weed shifts, control failures, and the presence of other herbicide-resistant biotypes over time in Indiana. In-field surveys were conducted in a total of 978 Indiana soybean fields during September and October of 2003, 2004, and 2005. Information from fields with horseweed was obtained from 158 sites (19%) sampled through a systematic random site selection method and 128 fields through a nonrandom site selection method. When present, horseweed seed was collected and germinated in the greenhouse; rosettes 5 to 10 cm wide were sprayed with 1.72 kg ae/ha of glyphosate. Populations with less than 60% control at 28 d after treatment were determined to be glyphosate resistant. A selected subset of glyphosate-resistant populations was confirmed resistant by subsequent glyphosate dose response experiments. All populations in the subset with less than 60% control at the 1.72 kg ae/ha rate of glyphosate demonstrated 4- to 110-fold levels of resistance (R : S ratios). Glyphosate-resistant populations were found in all regions of Indiana; however, the highest frequencies were in the southeastern (SE) region with 38% of fields sampled and only 1, 2, and 2% of fields sampled in the northwestern (NW), northeastern (NE), and southwestern (SW) regions, respectively. Information gathered in this survey can assist in the development of applied research, as well as reactive glyphosate-resistant horseweed management education in the SE region of the state. Moreover, detecting resistance at low frequencies can direct proactive resistance education to farmers and practitioners in the other regions of the state as a means of providing an early warning system to address glyphosate resistance in weeds.