This letter was sent to Monsanto customers on April 28, 2006 to update them on the status of glyphosate-tolerant Palmer amaranth (Palmer pigweed) and to encourage them to be very proactive in managing that weed.)

 

April 28, 2006

Dear Valued Customer,

Palmer pigweed seedling and full growth Palmer pigweed As part of our stewardship commitment to you, we want to keep you posted on the latest information regarding glyphosate-resistant Palmer amaranth (Palmer pigweed).

 

As you may be aware, there have been reports of glyphosate-resistant Palmer amaranth in a number of states across the South. The University of Georgia confirmed glyphosate-resistant Palmer amaranth in central Georgia in August 2005. A number of other states have ongoing investigations of possible glyphosate-resistant Palmer amaranth, including North Carolina, Tennessee and Arkansas. When a population of Palmer amaranth is declared glyphosate resistant, then it is no longer controlled with labeled rates of glyphosate, including Roundup® agricultural herbicides. Therefore, Roundup agricultural herbicide warranties do not cover glyphosate-resistant Palmer amaranth.

 

It can be difficult to readily identify glyphosate-resistant Palmer amaranth in the field. Before treatment with glyphosate, there are no visual differences between a resistant plant and one that is controlled. The first indication will likely be that Roundup agricultural herbicides do not control this weed in the field when applied at labeled rates.

 

There are limited postemergence herbicide options to control Palmer amaranth in both cotton and soybeans. Therefore, it is important to be very proactive when it comes to managing glyphosate-resistant Palmer amaranth.

 

If you have: confirmed glyphosate-resistant Palmer amaranth on your field/farm; or have had problems controlling Palmer amaranth over the past few years on specific fields and suspect you might have resistance; or you have fields on your farm where Palmer amaranth is the dominant weed, you should take proactive measures to manage Palmer amaranth by including soil residual herbicides in your Roundup Ready® crop weed control programs.

 

We have enclosed a brochure on Palmer amaranth. This brochure contains information on Palmer amaranth biology and specific recommendations for controlling susceptible Palmer amaranth and glyphosate-resistant Palmer amaranth in Roundup Ready cropping systems. Please contact your local Monsanto representative, dealer or county agent for more information on managing Palmer amaranth. For more information on glyphosate resistance, you also can visit our website at www.weedresistancemanagement.com.

 

Rick Gaudet Coastal Region Sales Director

Gerry Dill Coastal Region Technology Development Manager

 

Always read and follow pesticide label directions. Roundup Ready® crops contain genes that confer tolerance to glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup® agricultural herbicides. Roundup agricultural herbicides will kill crops that are not tolerant to glyphosate. Roundup Ready is a registered trademark of Monsanto Technology LLC. ©2006 Monsanto Company.