Global Trends and Research Insights on Herbicide Resistance: A Bibliometric Analysis

Abstract

Herbicide resistance is a growing challenge to global agricultural systems, undermining crop productivity and threatening long-term sustainability. This study conducts a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of herbicide resistance research published between 1980 and 2024, using data from the Web of Science Core Collection. Altogether 7,690 publications were identified, including 6,178 research articles, 683 reviews and 836 proceedings. The corpus has a high scholarly impact, with an average of 26.78 citations per publication and an h-index of 163. Temporal analysis indicates a sharp increase in research activity after 1996, coinciding with the global spread of glyphosate-resistant weed species. Co-occurrence and thematic analyses delineate five major research clusters covering molecular mechanisms of resistance, gene flow, integrated weed management and sustainable strategies. Citation analysis indicates the foundational impact of key publications from 2008 and 2010, complemented by methodological advancements established in 1995, which have collectively shaped current research frameworks. Geospatial analysis suggests a concentration of research output in the United States, Australia, and China, with major institutional contributors including the USDA and the University of Western Australia. Co-authorship and institutional collaboration networks reveal strong intra-regional ties but limited intercontinental connectivity, especially with respect to underrepresented regions such as Africa and Latin America. Thematic evolution and multiple correspondence analysis suggest a disciplinary shift from mechanistic studies to more integrative, agroecological paradigms. Despite significant progress, strengthening interdisciplinary linkages and broadening global research participation, in collaboration with local stakeholders, remain essential to develop sustainable herbicide resistance management strategies adapted to local coditions.