About this Research Topic

Background

Herbicide resistance has become a pressing issue in modern agriculture, significantly impacting crop production worldwide. The history of herbicide resistance dates back to the 1950s when synthetic herbicides were first introduced for weed control. Initially, herbicides were highly effective, but over time, repeated and often exclusive use of the same chemicals led to the emergence of resistant weed populations. Since then, the number of herbicide-resistant weed species has steadily increased, posing a significant challenge to farmers and agronomists.

There are several key mechanisms by which weeds develop resistance to herbicides. One common mechanism is target-site resistance, where genetic mutations alter the binding site of the herbicide target enzyme or gene amplification overproduces the target enzyme, rendering it less susceptible to inhibition. Other non-target-site mechanisms involve metabolic resistance, where weeds produce enzymes that detoxify or degrade the herbicide before it can exert its effect, and exhibit reduced herbicide uptake or sequestration, minimizing the amount of herbicide reaching its target site within the plant.

Understanding these resistance mechanisms is crucial for effective weed management. By studying the genetic, biochemical, and physiological basis of resistance, researchers can develop strategies to combat resistant weed populations. This may involve rotating herbicides with different modes of action, implementing integrated weed management practices, or developing herbicide-resistant crop varieties. Moreover, studying herbicide resistance can guide the design of new herbicides that are less prone to resistance development or alternative weed control methods that reduce reliance on chemical inputs altogether.

The area of herbicide resistance research is situated within the broader field of weed science, a multidisciplinary area that encompasses plant biology, agronomy, genetics, chemistry, and ecology. Weed science emerged in the early 20th century in response to the challenges posed by weeds that compete with crops for resources and reduce yields. Initially, weed control relied heavily on manual labour and mechanical methods, but the advent of synthetic herbicides, chemical substances designed to control unwanted vegetation, revolutionized weed management in the mid-20th century. The widespread adoption of herbicides led to significant increases in agricultural productivity, allowing for more efficient weed control and higher crop yields. However, the emergence of herbicide-resistant weed populations poses a significant threat to crop yields and agricultural sustainability. Understanding the genetic, biochemical, and physiological mechanisms underlying herbicide resistance is crucial for developing effective weed management strategies, preserving crop productivity, and ensuring the long-term viability of agricultural systems.

The aim is to comprehensively investigate and characterize the mechanisms underlying herbicide resistance in weeds, with the overarching goal of enhancing agricultural sustainability. Through a deep exploration of the genetic, biochemical, and physiological factors contributing to resistance, we seek to develop effective strategies for managing weed populations. By empowering farmers with this knowledge, we aim to promote the adoption of sustainable weed management practices that reduce reliance on chemical inputs and mitigate the emergence of herbicide resistance. Additionally, our research endeavours to contribute to the development of novel herbicides or alternative weed control methods, thereby ensuring the long-term viability of agricultural systems. Through these efforts, we strive to safeguard global food security and advance sustainable agricultural practices in the face of evolving challenges posed by herbicide resistance.

This Research Topic welcomes potential contributors to submit original research articles, reviews, and meta-analyses on (but not limited to) the following themes:
• Genetic Basis of Herbicide Resistance: Manuscripts delving into the genetic mechanisms that underlie herbicide resistance in weeds, including studies on specific genes, mutations, and genetic pathways involved in conferring resistance.
• Biochemical Pathways of Resistance: Contributions exploring the biochemical processes linked to herbicide resistance mechanisms in weeds, such as enzyme detoxification, and metabolic pathways involved in herbicide metabolism.
• Physiological Responses to Herbicide Exposure: Manuscripts examining the physiological reactions of weeds to herbicide exposure, including studies on plant stress responses, hormone signalling pathways, and physiological adaptations that contribute to herbicide resistance.
• Mechanisms of Cross-Resistance and Multiple Resistance: Research focusing on the phenomena of cross-resistance and multiple-resistance in weeds, investigating how resistance mechanisms interact and evolve in response to various herbicide selection pressures.
• Integrated Weed Management Strategies for Herbicide Resistance: Manuscripts discussing strategies for managing herbicide resistance in weeds through integrated weed management approaches, including cultural practices and alternative weed control methods.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Policy Brief
• Review
• Systematic Review

Keywords: herbicide resistance, Weed management, Agricultural sustainability, Target site, Non-Target site

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

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