Weed Thresholds in Southern U.S. Rice,Oryza sativa

Abstract

Knowledge of interference thresholds, biology, and growth habits of weeds of rice is essential to implement timely, effective, economical weed control technology for profitable rice production. Regression analyses were used to determine threshold levels for weed densities and durations of interference for major weeds of rice. Weed threshold information for individual species or combinations of species can be used to develop models for initiating control inputs and determining their costs and returns. Among the grass weeds in density experiments, red rice reduced rice grain yields the most followed by barnyardgrass, beared sprangletop, and broadleaf signalgrass. Among broadleaf/aquatic weeds in density experiments, hemp sesbania reduced rice grain yields the most followed by northern jointvetch, ducksalad, spreading dayflower, and eclipta. Barnyardgrass, broadleaf signalgrass, and ducksalad interfered with rice the most during early season, whereas eclipta, hemp sesbania, northern jointvetch, red rice, and spreading dayflower caused greater interference during mid- to late-season.