Genetically modified herbicide-tolerant crops: The weed science aspect

Abstract

Development and production of genetically modified crops is the hallmark of the end of last and beginning of new century. The most remarkable commercial success regarding genetically modified crops has been achieved with herbicide-tolerant crops as HTCs offer the potential for many benefits: simpler weed control, more effective management of problematic and resistant weeds, control of parasitic weeds, use of minimum tillage, additional tool in integrated weed management, avoidance of yield loss caused by current herbicides, etc. Potential risks associated with HTCs include: gene flow, herbicide resistant volunteers, selection of weed flora in favor of species less susceptible to herbicides, potential development of herbicide-resistant weeds, growers' increased dependency on herbicides, reduced application of integrated weed management, losing of traditional skills of weed management, possible decrease in biodiversity in fields, etc.