Session C: Understanding the Basics of Glyphosate in Weed Management


Presentations

Understanding the Basics of Glyphosate in Weed Management

Dr. Sammons will use research data to explain glyphosate uptake and movement in weeds and explain how glyphosate kills plants. By understanding the translocation patterns in growing plants he will show why the weather and environmental growing conditions are so important to glyphosate effectiveness. The physical properties of glyphosate are key to understanding the impacts of water impurities and metal ions on glyphosate efficacy. The translocation studies reveal that glyphosate is not exuded from the roots of plants, unless they are dying, and that the amount of glyphosate in the root zone is so miniscule that the soil microbes are not affected. Dr. Sammons will explain how yellowflash occurs in Roundup Ready® soybean. Finally, the issues related to glyphosate resistant weeds will be covered showing how low doses of glyphosate can successfully select resistant biotypes in weed management.

Speakers

Dr. Doug Sammons

Monsanto
800 North Lindbergh Blvd
St. Louis, MO 63167
r.douglas.sammons@monsanto.com

BIO: Dr. Doug Sammons obtained his PhD from Ohio State University in 1982 and completed a National Institutes of Health postdoctoral fellowship at Penn State University with Dr. Stephen Benkovic before joining Monsanto in 1984. Starting in the Herbicide Discovery Program his work focused on the molecular mechanism of glyphosate inhibition of the target enzyme EPSPS. Dr. Sammon's studied methods to control corn rootworm while leading the insecticidal protein discovery team and he completed the required characterization studies for the Cry1Ac Bt toxin for the registration of Bollgard® cotton. Dr. Sammon's studied glyphosate herbicide physiology using Roundup Ready® soybean to elucidate the major barriers to glyphosate delivery and efficacy. His studies on Roundup Ready® soybean determined that sufficient glyphosate in soybean was metabolized to aminomethylphosphonate to induce Yellowflash. Dr. Sammon's studies on glyphosate physiology supported the WeatherMax™ launch and he has been involved in training field sales teams and distributors on the best use of glyphosate. In the past 27 years Doug has worked on several major commercial products and is now a Senior Fellow in the Chemistry Unit leading a discovery research team focusing on the mechanisms and management of glyphosate resistant weeds.

You can catch this session:
Tuesday, December 1, 2009 10:50am - 11:10am