Expansion of Leptochloa fusca ssp. uninervia and Leptochloa fusca ssp. fascicularis in rice fields in Valencia, eastern Spain

Abstract

SummaryDue to the rapid spread of two subspecies of Leptochloa fusca through the Valencia rice‐growing region in the east of Spain, a 3‐year field study was carried out to establish the frequency, distribution and infestation level of the two subspecies in rice paddies in the area. A total of 3650 fields were visited, of which 1235 were visited in each year of the study period. Leptochloa fusca ssp. uninervia and Leptochloa fusca ssp. fascicularis were found to be widely distributed in the area, increasing from a frequency of 5.3% in 2008 to 20.1% in 2010. Leptochloa fusca ssp. uninervia was the largest contributor to the infestations, but subspecies fascicularis is now on the increase and represents a serious threat to rice crops, as it is found within the rice fields themselves. The irrigation system and the farm machinery used in the rice fields also contribute to the rapid spread of these weeds. Severe infestations have been caused by periodic water shortages, and the fact that new herbicides used to control Echinochloa spp. do not affect Leptochloa subspecies. Spatial differences in the distributions of the two subspecies are attributed to the different water management systems and also to differences in the germination and dormancy of both subspecies.