Most herbicide resistance "spreads" from farm to farm by co-evolution in each focus and usually not by spread of pollen or seed. The factors controlling the rates of evolution are varied and they can be a function of the genetic systems controlling resistance. The polygenic-type-resistant weeds evolved so far have cross resistance to all other wheat herbicides, with metabolic selectivity, and thus are more ominous to agriculture. Genetic-engineering of herbicide-resistant crops must be done judiciously. There is a great need for a gathering of minds from the farming sector, the chemical and other agro-industries, government, and academia to continually design and monitor the efficacy of resistance management strategies. Whereas product stewardship of herbicides is the chemical industry's obligation, the long-term total stewardship of crop production agro-eco systems is everyone's task and must be disassociated from product stewardship.

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Borlaug, N.E. : No CIMMYT Affiliation