Development of a field test kit for identifying ACCasE and ALS resistance in Blackgrass

Controlling weeds in crops is one of the greatest challenges to global agriculture, responsible for higher yield losses and greater input costs than all other biological constraints such as pests and diseases. Achieving this critical aim has become particularly problematic in UK arable agriculture, due largely to the evolution of herbicide resistance which is now reaching epidemic proportions in grass weeds, in particular black grass. Improved management of resistance in weeds relies on timely and targeted interventions. This project brings together diagnostic providers (Genesys ltd), underpinning science (University of Newcastle) and agronomists (Velcourt) to provide for the first time an inexpensive in-field test for real-time detection of target site resistance (TSR) in black grass. The results from the tests will directly inform the user on appropriate weed control intervention strategies, enabling selection of the most appropriate class of herbicide at each site. This will reduce expenditure on ineffective spraying, decrease losses maximising yield and crop productivity whilst enabling responsible use of herbicides