Herbicide Tolerance

Definition

Herbicide tolerance refers to the ability of plants, especially genetically modified ones, to survive exposure to specific herbicides that would normally kill them or stunt their growth.

Scientific / Technical Definition

Herbicide tolerance is the result of genetic modifications in plants, allowing them to withstand applications of herbicides that inhibit the growth of, or kill, weeds. This modification often involves the introduction of genes that metabolize the herbicide, rendering it ineffective against the modified plant.

Benefits

• Allows farmers to control weeds more effectively and with less manual labor
• Reduces the need for multiple herbicide applications, potentially decreasing overall chemical use
• Can lead to increased crop yields by minimizing competition from weeds

Examples

• Soybeans genetically engineered to tolerate glyphosate
• Corn modified to resist glufosinate

Additional Information

• Known issues: There are concerns about the environmental impact of increased herbicide use and the potential for developing herbicide-resistant weed species.

Related Terms

• Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO)
• Biotechnology
• Glyphosate
• Selective Herbicides

References

• Understanding Herbicide Resistance: A Key Aspect of Modern Agriculture
• Genetically Modified Herbicide-Tolerant Crops, Weeds, and Herbicides