LAUSR

Abstract Herbicide-resistant Echinochloa species are among the most problematic weeds in agricultural crops globally. Recurring herbicide selection pressure in the absence of diverse management practices has resulted in greater than 20% of sampled Echinochloa populations from rice (Oryza sativa L.) fields demonstrating multiple resistance to herbicides in Arkansas, USA. We assessed the resistance profile and potential mechanisms of resistance in a multiple herbicide–resistant junglerice [Echinochloa colona (L.) Link] (ECO-R) population. Whole-plant and laboratory bioassays were conducted to identify the potential mechanisms of non–target site resistance in this population. ECO-R was highly resistant to propanil (>37,800 g ha–1) and quinclorac (>17,920 g ha–1) and had elevated tolerance to cyhalofop (R/S = 1.9) and glufosinate (R/S = 1.2) compared to the susceptible standard. The addition of glufosinate (590 g ha–1) to cyhalofop (314 g ha–1), propanil (4,500 g ha–1), or quinclorac (560 g ha–1) controlled ECO-R 100%. However, cyhalofop applied with propanil (48% control) or quinclorac (15% control) was antagonistic. The application of the known metabolic enzyme inhibitors malathion, carbaryl, and piperonyl butoxide increased control of ECO-R with propanil (>75%) but not with other herbicides. Neither absorption nor translocation of [14C]cyhalofop or propanil was different between ECO-R and ECO-S. [14C]Quinclorac absorption was also similar between ECO-R and ECO-S; however, translocation of quinclorac into tissues above the treated leaf of ECO-R was >20% higher than that in ECO-S. The abundance of metabolites was higher (∼10%) in the treated leaves of ECO-R than in ECO-S beginning 48 h after treatment. The activity of β-cyanoalanine synthase, which detoxifies hydrogen cyanide, was not different between ECO-R and ECO-S following quinclorac treatment. Resistance to propanil was due to herbicide detoxification by metabolic enzymes. Resistance to quinclorac was due to a detoxification mechanism yet to be understood. The reduction in sensitivity to cyhalofop and glufosinate might be a secondary effect of the mechanisms conferring high resistance to propanil and quinclorac.