Author:

Abstract

Over the last three decades substantial effort has been made to breed herbicide resistant crops (HRCs) and introduce them as a measure to relieve the constraints imposed by different combinations of chemicals, solving problems associated with herbicide residues, expansion of the range of compounds available, simplify crop management and extending the useful life of currently utilizing herbicides. A limited number of HRCs have been commercialized in the last three decades and a majority of these crops are cultivated in developed countries. Although evidences support that farmers can benefit from HRCs, there are many concerns about the health risks and environmental impacts related to HRCs. As an agriculturally based developing country, introduction of HRCs and their impacts could be an important issue to Sri Lanka. The farmer’s main concern is to produce as much crop as possible with a high yield to meet the consumer demand. Therefore, the national level institutional capacity, scientific infra-structure and financial support need to be expanded for the development of country’s own biotechnological programs to produce new crop cultivars. Further, focus is a need in comprehensive studies to fully assess the potential benefits and adverse consequences of introducing HRCs in Sri Lanka. Thus, the best alternatives would be to look for naturally accessible HRC germplasms, crop rotation, and sustainable farming practices including sustainable herbicide utilization to compete with weeds.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/ouslj.v7i0.7310

OUSL Journal Vol.7 2014: 95-122

Keywords: Bio-pollution, Herbicide resistant crops, Sri Lanka, Weeds