What is one strategy to slow the development of resistant weeds using herbicides?

One effective strategy to slow the development of resistant weeds is through mowing to remove flowers before seeds can form. This practice helps prevent weeds from reproducing and spreading their seeds into the environment, thereby reducing the overall weed population and its ability to develop resistance to herbicides.

When weeds are allowed to mature and produce seeds, they have the opportunity to pass on any genetic traits that may confer resistance to herbicides. By removing flowers before they can produce seeds, the lifecycle of the weeds is interrupted, which in turn diminishes the chances that resistant populations will establish themselves.

This strategy supports integrated weed management practices, which are designed to combine various approaches (cultural, mechanical, and chemical) to effectively control weed populations while minimizing the development of resistance. Therefore, mowing is a proactive measure that complements herbicide application and contributes to long-term weed control success.