Mechanistic understanding and sustainable management of non-target site herbicide resistance in modern day agriculture

Background: The evolution of non-target site resistance (NTSR) to herbicides in weeds has made weed management extremely difficult. Weeds can develop NTSR to herbicides because of changes in one or more physiological processes.

Objective: This review aims to address the complexities of NTSR by investigating the factors influencing the evolution of NTSR in weeds. It explains mechanisms associated with NTSR and examines sustainable management strategies.

Methods: This review draws upon an extensive examination of existing literature on NTSR. It summarizes NTSR mechanisms in weeds and discusses strategies that delay the evolution of herbicide resistance.

Results: The analysis reveals that NTSR mechanisms threaten not only the efficacy of existing herbicides but also the utility of new herbicides. The study highlights that crop diversification, improved herbicide use patterns and understanding of weed biology, including fitness costs and gene flow, are crucial for developing sustainable weed management strategies. The study advocates a holistic approach, integrating diverse weed management practices and modern technologies, to effectively address the challenges posed by NTSR and ensure sustainable herbicide resistance management.

Conclusions: A holistic approach is urgently needed to manage NTSR. Understanding the complex interaction of genetic factors, inheritance patterns, effects of herbicide application patterns, and fitness costs is crucial for managing NTSR. This knowledge informs effective use of technology and conventional tools for effective weed control.