The efficacy of selected herbicides for control of narrow-leaf weeds in wheat (Triticum aestivum) fields: With emphasis on rigid ryegrass (Lolium rigidum)

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Research Assistant Professor, Department of Plant Protection Research, Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center of Fars, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Darab, Iran

2 Researcher Instructor, Iranian Research Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Tehran, Iran

3 Researcher, Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center of Khuzestan, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Ahvaz, Iran

4 Research Assistant Professor, Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center of Semnan, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Shahrood, Iran

5 Research Professor, Iranian Research Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Introduction
Wheat is the most important agricultural crops in the country and plays a critical role in ensuring food security. Weeds are one of the most significant limiting factors for the production of wheat, as they can significantly reduce grain yield. Due to the morphological and ecological similarities between narrow-leaved weed species and wheat, controlling these weeds in this crop is difficult. Rigid ryegrass (Lolium rigidum) is one of the most damaging weed species in wheat, particularly widespread in the southern regions of Fars Province, and has shown resistance to certain herbicides. This weed can significantly reduce wheat yield through intense competition with the crop. This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of several herbicides in controlling narrow-leaved weeds, with a focus on rigid ryegrass (Lolium rigidum).

Materials and methods
This experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 14 treatments and 4 replications at the Hasanabad Agricultural Research Station of Darab (Fars) during 2023–2024. The treatments included the application of Clodinafop-propargyl (Topik, 8% EC) herbicide at a rate of 80 g.a.i.ha-1; Fenoxaprop-P-ethyl (Puma Super, 7.5% EW) at a rate of 75 g.a.i.ha-1; Mesosulfuron-methyl (Mesomax, 3% OD) at a rate of 37.5 g.a.i.ha-1; Mesosulfuron-methyl+ mefenpyr-diethyl (Ritmica, 3% OD) at dose rates of 9, 12, 15 g.a.i.ha-1; Iodosulfuron-methyl-sodium+ Mesosulfuron-methyl+ Mefenpyr-diethyl (Atlantis, 1.2% OD) at a rate of 18 g.a.i.ha-1; Iodosulfuron-methyl-sodium+ Mesosulfuron-methyl+ Diflufenican+ mefenpyr-diethyl (Othello , 6% OD) at a rate of 96 g.a.i.ha-1; Pinoxaden (Axial, 5% EC) at a rate of 62.5 g.a.i.ha-1; Pendimethalin (Fist Super, 45.6% CS) at rates of 1365, 1824 g.a.i.ha-1; Metribuzin (Sencor, 70% WP) at a rate of 560 g.a.i.ha-1; and a tank mix of Fist Super (1365 g.a.i.ha-1) + Sencor (280 g.a.i.ha-1) and control (Weed free). The herbicides Topik, Puma Super, Mesomax, Ritmica, Atlantis, Othello, and Axial were applied at the wheat tillering stage. Sencor was applied in two stages of early post-emergence and at tillering stage. Fist Super was applied pre-emergence, and the combined treatment was applied Fist Super (pre-emergence) + Sencor (post-emergence at the tillering stage). Each plot was divided into two subplots. One subplot was sprayed (treatment) and subplot was unsprayed (weedy check). The spraying was done using a fixed-pressure back sprayer equipped with a fan spray nozzle (8003) at a pressure of 2 bar and spray volume of 350 L.ha-1. The measured traits included determining density, dry weight, the percentage of control of weed species, as well as grain yield and its components. Statistical analysis was performed using SAS software version 9.3, and the mean of treatments were compared using the Tukey’s test at a 5% probability level.

Research findings
The dominant weed species observed in the experiment were rigid ryegrass (Lolium rigidum), wild oat (Avena ludoviciana), and littleseed canarygrass (Phalaris minor), respectively. L. rigidum had the highest relative frequency (90%). The results showed that the herbicide treatments were applied significantly decreased weed density and dry weight of these weed species, as well as a significant increase in grain per spike, the number of spikes per m2, 1000 grains weight and grain yield. The highest efficacy in controlling L. rigidum was achieved with the application of Sencor at 560 g.a.i.ha-1 and Ritmica at 15 g.a.i.ha-1. These treatments reduced the dry weight of the weed by 65% and 61%, respectively. In contrast, the lowest efficacy in controlling L. rigidum (less than 35%) was observed with the application of Fist Super (1365 g.a.i.ha-1) and Puma Super. Additionally, the efficacy of the herbicides Atlantis, Othello, Mesomax, Axial, and Ritmica in controlling A. ludoviciana and P. minor ranged from 91% to 100. Overall, the most favorable treatments in the experiment were the application of Sencor and Ritmica (15 g.a.i.ha-1), which reduced the total dry weight of weeds by 68% and 64%, respectively, and increased grain yield by 30% and 28%, respectively.

Conclusion
Based on the results of this experiment, the efficacy of Ritmica herbicide in controlling A. ludoviciana and P. minor was comparable to or even superior to that of the herbicides Atlantis, Othello, Axial, and Mesomax. Sencor showed the highest efficacy in controlling L. rigidum. However, its performance against A. ludoviciana and P. minor was weaker than that of Ritmica. Although, Sencor showed the highest efficacy in controlling L. rigidum; however, its efficacy in controlling A. ludoviciana and P. minor was lower than that of Ritmica. Therefore, considering the weed control spectrum and resulting the increase in grain yield, the application of Ritmica is recommended for the control of A. ludoviciana and P. minor, while Sencor is suggested for use in wheat fields where L. rigidum is the dominant weed species.

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Main Subjects

References

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Cereal Research
Volume 15, Issue 3 - Serial Number 56
October 2025
Pages 269-284

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