Key independent bodies and industry companies in the UK have joined forces to promote best practice to help ensure the continued availability and efficacy of glyphosate-based herbicide products.

The European Commission recently renewed the approval of glyphosate for five years.

In response, the independent stakeholders AHDB, AIC, NFU and the Weed Resistance Action Group (WRAG) have worked alongside companies within the UK glyphosate industry – Albaugh, Barclay, FMC, Monsanto, Nufarm and Syngenta – to review guidance, update resources and publish materials related to best practice in use of the herbicide.

Paul Gosling, lead weed expert at AHDB, said: “Since its introduction over 40 years ago, glyphosate has become one of the most frequently used herbicides in the UK.

“The industry fought hard to retain it and now, with the herbicide’s immediate future secured, it is vital that residues are minimised and resistance risks are managed."

One way in which glyphosate is used is pre-harvest on a range of cereal, oilseed and pulse crops to control weeds, aid harvesting and protect grain quality and food safety. Label recommendations and harvest intervals must be adhered to and best practice followed to ensure that any crop residues are kept to a minimum.

Although there have been no confirmed cases of glyphosate-resistant weed populations in the UK, examples have been identified in Europe. Together with widespread resistance to other herbicides and the loss of key active ingredients, it is vital to prevent resistance to glyphosate and retain its efficacy.

In 2015, guidelines from WRAG were published by AHDB that detail how best to use glyphosate as a stale seedbed management tool. Put simply, the strategy is: one, prevent survivors; two, maximise efficacy; three, use alternatives; and four, monitor success.

James Clarke from ADAS and WRAG Chairperson said: “AHDB and industry-funded research conducted since 2015 has confirmed that these guidelines are robust. They represent the most recent position and, if followed, can help us to avoid the development of glyphosate resistance in the UK.

“Alternatives to glyphosate should be used whenever possible and more than two pre-drilling applications must always be avoided. When applied, it should be at the right dose, at the right time and in the right conditions. Any surviving weeds should not be treated with glyphosate again and any suspected resistance must always be reported and investigated.”