Discussion – Superweeds
Superweeds are wild plants that have developed herbicide resistance. The only difference from the natural weeds is their ability to resist one or more specific herbicides (Nalia et al., 2019). Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are engineered with various improved traits to encourage reproduction even under stressful stimuli. Production of herbicide-resistant crops (HRCs) where crops are resistant to herbicides is one of the applications of this technology. Additionally, targeted weeds may move, die, or evolve in ecosystems associated with genetically modified crops (Daubenmire, 2019). Therefore, GMOs may encourage the emergence of superweeds in cases where the weed species evolve by acquiring herbicide-resistant genes.
The Emergence of Superweeds and Influence by GMOs
GMOs can cause the emergence of superweeds through gene transfer to wild-type crops. Popular superweeds include the Sorghum halepence, Italian Ryegrass, and Common ragweed, which have developed resistance against glyphosate. The herbicide-resistant genes can be introduced to the wild weeds through inter-specific, inter-generic, or intra-specific pollen transfer. Factors encouraging the emergence of superweeds include the practice of monoculture. Weeds target certain crops over others; thus, monoculture allows the weeds to best adapt to how to compete with the crop. The other factor is the over-reliance on a single chemical. Since different chemicals apply different molecular mechanisms, weeds treated with different herbicide varieties are unlikely to develop resistance. However, repeated use of certain herbicides over time and space encourages the weeds to develop and accumulate resistance leading to the emergence of the superweeds, which are a nuisance and difficult to manage (Dart et al., 2021).
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Conclusion
In conclusion, superweeds are notorious plants that have accidentally acquired herbicide-resistant traits. Moreover, GMOs encourage the emergence of superweeds. The resistant trait can be accidentally transferred from the GM crop to the plants of the wild type via inter-specific, inter-generic, or intra-specific pollen transfer. Finally, poor farming practices such as monoculture and over-reliance on certain herbicides further encourage the growth of superweeds.
References
Dart, S., Kangacha, J., & Newell, E. (2021). Superweeds [Video]. Retrieved 11 January 2022, from https://ecommons.cornell.edu/bitstream/handle/1813/110292/Dart_Kangacha_Newell_Superweeds.mp4?sequence=1&isAllowed=y.
Daubenmire, P. (2019). Genetically Modified Organisms as a Food Source: History, Controversy, and Hope. ACS Symposium Series, 207. https://doi.org/10.1021/bk-2019-1314.ch014
Nalia, A., Ghosh, A., Reja, M., Kumari Venugopalan, V., & Nath, R. (2019). Superweed- An Alarming Threat. Indian Farmer, 6(12), 878-881. Retrieved 11 January 2022, from https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ananya-Ghosh-6/publication/340720920_Superweed-An_Alarming_Threat/links/5e9a0ca2a6fdcca78920844f/Superweed-An-Alarming-Threat.pdf.
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Question 
Discussion – Superweeds
Superweeds are plants that have a high resistance to different herbicides. How do superweeds grow? Do GMOs influence the growth of superweeds? Why or why not?