Trends in herbicide resistance in North Africa, the Middle East and West Asia

Agriculture in North Africa, the Middle East, and West Asia is characterized by diverse climatic conditions and farming practices that significantly influence crop production. Main crops in these regions include major field crops such as wheat, barley, rice, cotton, and vegetables, as well as tree crops like almonds, pistachio, and citrus (FAO, 2021). Dryland farming is prevalent in areas with limited rainfall, such as the arid and semi-arid regions where crops are often planted during the rainy season and rely on rain events and stored soil moisture (López-Urrea et al., 2020). In contrast, irrigated agriculture, particularly in countries like Egypt, Jordan, and Israel, plays a critical role in enhancing productivity, especially in vegetable crops for export to Europe. Israel’s advanced water recycling and drip irrigation technologies have transformed its agricultural landscape, enabling efficient water use and high yields (Dinar et al., 2020). Tillage practices vary widely, with some farmers adopting conservation tillage to improve soil health and reduce erosion, while others continue traditional tillage methods. The integration of modern farming techniques, such as precision agriculture and integrated pest management, is increasingly being emphasized to optimize resource use and address the challenges posed by climate change and water scarcity.