Herbicide-resistant "superweeds" change their mating strategies over time, an evolutionary shift that helps them hold onto valuable genes and outcompete other plants, including herbicide-resistant genetically modified (GM) crops, according to a new study from University of Michigan.The study examined the relationships between plant mating systems and herbicide resistance in the common agricultural weed morning glory.The researchers found that morning glory populations that have evolved resistance to the herbicide Roundup rely on self-fertilization more than susceptible populations do.
