ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER INDUSTRY NEWS 29 Grain can be dangerous. For more information on BeGrainSafe, visit casa-acsa.ca/begrainsafe Most people who become engulfed in grain do not survive. Stay out and CASA BeGrainSafe Print Ad - GFO Half Page FINAL.indd 1 2025-04-22 5:48 PM We need to continue using integrated weed management approaches that include both chemical and non-chemical strategies. We also need to work closely with colleagues in the U.S. as they have dealt with increasing cases of herbicide resistance, and they are, therefore, a valuable resource in evaluating various strategies.” MOLECULAR ASPECTS Over the long term, Aicklen remains interested in understanding the molecular mechanisms underpinning herbicide resistance. Several years ago, green pigweed resistant to some Group 4 herbicides was found in a field of processing peas in southwestern Ontario— the first case of Group 4 herbicide resistance in Ontario—and Aicklen made this the focus of her doctorate. Group 4 chemistry was introduced many decades ago, during World War 2, and weeds have been slow to develop resistance to it compared to Groups 2 and 5 chemistries, for example. Aicklen did greenhouse tests to confirm resistance in the discovered green pigweed population. She then completed the first comprehensive review of pre- and postherbicide options for controlling resistant green pigweed in soybeans and corn. She also investigated the molecular mechanisms of Group 4 chemistry resistance (synthetic auxin herbicide resistance) in this population. Aicklen ruled out several possible mechanisms, which substantially advanced the progress towards unravelling the resistance puzzle of group 4 herbicides. Looking ahead, Aicklen sees molecular research becoming increasingly important in controlling resistant weeds. “I would be interested to help develop a rapid test for farmers to quickly determine what resistance is present in their field,” she says. “Currently, farmers can send tissue samples to confirm resistance to some herbicides, but this is limited to certain modes of action.” In the meantime, Aicklen is focused on producing results that form solid programs of recommended practices for Ontario crop growers to better manage weeds. “I want to help farmers continue to be productive, profitable and ultimately to continue to increase crop yields,” she says. “That’s the main goal for me.” Aicklen is also enjoying Ridgetown. “It’s a smaller campus, which makes it easier to get to know people at the same time I’m getting to know the great community,” she says. “I am grateful to the OBG for supporting this position and for their interest in my work and what I can bring to this role. I am looking forward to collaborating with colleagues in helping Ontario growers continue to achieve high yields.” •
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTQzODE4