Summary

Rice weed control research has been supported by RIRDC since it’s formation and has led to many tangible benefits including new herbicide registrations (eg: benzofenap, clomazone, bentazon) and drift reduction technology (SCWIIRT). These tools are critical components of Integrated Weed Management in Australian rice crops.

We propose to continue this work, conducting field trials to evaluate the efficacy and crop safety of novel herbicides that offer potential in direct seeded (dry broadcast, water seeded and drill sown) rice. Multi-season and site data will be generated to demonstrate consistency and reliability of herbicide product and program performance.

A proportion of the endeavor will be targeted towards agronomist and ricegrower training in rice weed management techniques.

Aspects of organic rice weed control techniques will also evaluated in this project.

Program

Rice

Research Organisation

Agropraisals Pty Ltd

Objective Summary

To identify and develop new herbicides for direct seeded rice that can be integrated with existing practices to enhance the economic and environmental performance and sustainability of contemporary rice production in Australia.

Specifically we will investigate:

Group G plus Group I herbicide combinations for floodwater delivery targeting broadleaf and sedge weeds in water seeded rice.

Foliar KD herbicides as potential alternatives to glyphosate and paraquat in drill sown rice

Residual grass herbicides (Groups K and G) as alternatives to pendimethalin and clomazone in drill sown rice

Tolerance of new herbicide treatments by commercial Australian rice cultivars

The potential of forage legumes as allelopathic cover crops for organic rice production.

Extension of results to ricegrowers and agronomist training will continue through addressing field days and rice industry meetings.