HERBICIDE RESISTANCE IN ITALIAN RICE CROPS:A LATE-DEVELOPING BUT FAST-EVOLVING STORY

Herbicides have been used intensively in Italian rice crops for the last 40 years. Use of ALS-inhibitors began in 1988 and now more than 80% of rice fields are treated with these herbicides. Since 1994, three species (Alisma plantago-aquatica, Schoenoplectus mucronatus and Cyperus difformis) have evolved resistance to ALS inhibitors, while three populations of Echinochloa crus-galli have evolved resistance to propanil. A population of Echinochloa erecta recently proved to be multiple-resistant to quinclorac and propanil. It is estimated that resistance exists in more than 25,000 ha, with S. mucronatus and C. difformis showing the highest rate of increase. Field histories show that high selection pressure had been imposed for several years prior to resistance development, as well as a lack of any resistance prevention strategy. Most ALS-resistant populations show a wide pattern of cross-resistance with a high level of resistance to SU and a lower level to the TP metosulam. The ALS-resistance mechanism is due to an altered herbicide site of action. Resistance management strategies are discussed.