Regular Update
ATM News Network: Weed infestation causes 18-48% loss in rice yield. Weeds are managed by keeping standing water in the field or by manual or mechanical weeding. Thus the availability of any cost-effective weed control method makes rice cultivation economically viable and sustainable.
Broadleaf and grassy weeds, weedy rice, are an emerging problem. Its competitiveness is very high. Conventional herbicides cannot control such weeds. The herbicides that destroy rice also destroy the rice crop. Against this backdrop, there is a need to develop rice varieties that can control weedy rice as well as other weeds.
Recognizing this need, scientists in India have successfully developed a mutant line 'Robin' in the variety N22. It is resistant to the herbicide imazethapyr due to a mutation in the acetohydroxy acid synthase (AHAS) gene.
At the ICAR-National Rice Research Institute (NRRI) here, the weed killer gene (Sahbhagidhan, Navin, Swarnasub 1 and Pooja) has been incorporated into four popular rice varieties. It is currently being tested.
Imazethapir herbicide effectively controlled rice as well as weed weeds without affecting the yield potential of tolerant cultivars when sprayed 21 days after sowing. Greater adoption of herbicides can significantly reduce cultivation costs. Also the acreage under direct seeded rice in India may increase.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by ATM staff and is published from a web feed.)
