Chemical Weed Control in Direct-seeded Flooded Rice in Taiwan

Abstract

Abstract Seven new granular herbicides were evaluated in Taiwan for the control of weeds in broadcast flooded rice. In general, herbicides applied early (6 days after seeding) gave better weed control but caused more crop damage than when applied late (12 days after seeding). Benthiocarb applied at 6 days after seeding, when most weeds were at the one to two leaf stage, was highly selective in controlling broad-leaved weeds and sedges with no sustained injury to rice. Butachlor failed to control broad-leaved weeds at the two to three leaf stage. The initial toxicities of C-288 (dimethatryn plus piperophos, 1:4) piperophos (C-19490), and CRD 71.6388 were too severe to warrant their use in direct-seeded flooded rice in Taiwan. Among the herbicides tested, thiochlormethyl and molinate and thiochlormethyl when applied late, were the most selective. When applied 12 days after seeding or at the three to four leaf stage of weeds, both treatments provided excellent control of weeds without causing any crop injury.