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Can herbicide safeners allow selective control of weedy rice infesting rice crops?
Author(s) -
Busi Roberto,
Nguyen Nghia K,
Chauhan Bhagirath S,
Vidotto Francesco,
Tabacchi Maurizio,
Powles Stephen B
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
pest management science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.296
H-Index - 125
eISSN - 1526-4998
pISSN - 1526-498X
DOI - 10.1002/ps.4411
Subject(s) - weedy rice , agronomy , weed control , biology , rice plant , chemical control , oryza sativa , biochemistry , gene
BACKGROUND Rice is a major field crop of paramount importance for global food security. However, the increased adoption of more profitable and resource‐efficient direct‐seeded rice ( DSR ) systems has contributed to greater weed infestations, including weedy rice, which has become a severe problem in several Asian regions. In this study we have developed a conceptually novel method to protect rice plants at high doses of clomazone and triallate. RESULTS The insecticide phorate applied to rice seeds provided a substantial level of protection against the herbicides clomazone or triallate. A quantity of 15 kg phorate ha −1 significantly increased the LD 50 values, which were more than twofold greater than for rice plants treated only with clomazone. A quantity of 20 kg phorate ha −1 in combination with 2000 g triallate ha −1 safened rice plants (80% survival) with LD 50 >3.4‐fold greater than in phorate‐untreated rice. Weed control efficacy was not lowered by the presence of phorate‐treated rice seeds. CONCLUSION Weedy rice is one of the most damaging global weeds and a major threat to DSR systems. In this study we have developed a proof‐of‐concept method to allow selective weedy rice control in rice crops. We call for herbicide discovery programmes and research to identify candidate safener and herbicide combinations to achieve selective herbicide control of weedy rice and alleviate weed infestations in global rice crops. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry