Multiple herbicide‐resistant Lolium rigidum (annual ryegrass) now dominates across the Western Australian grain belt

Lolium rigidum (annual or rigid ryegrass) is a widespread annual weed in cropping systems of southern Australia, and herbicide resistance in L. rigidum is a common problem in this region. In 2010, a random survey was conducted across the grain belt of Western Australia to determine the frequency of herbicide‐resistant L. rigidum populations and to compare this with the results of previous surveys in 1998 and 2003. During the survey, 466 cropping fields were visited, with a total of 362 L. rigidum populations collected. Screening of these populations with the herbicides commonly used for control of L. rigidum revealed that resistance to the ACCase‐ and ALS‐inhibiting herbicides was common, with 96% of populations having plants resistant to the ACCase herbicide diclofop‐methyl and 98% having plants resistant to the ALS herbicide sulfometuron. Resistance to another ACCase herbicide, clethodim, is increasing, with 65% of populations now containing resistant plants. Resistance to other herbicide modes of action was significantly lower, with 27% of populations containing plants with resistance to the pre‐emergent herbicide trifluralin, and glyphosate, atrazine and paraquat providing good control of most of the populations screened in this survey. Ninety five per cent of L. rigidum populations contained plants with resistance to at least two herbicide modes of action. These results demonstrate that resistance levels have increased dramatically for the ACCase‐ and ALS‐inhibiting herbicides since the last survey in 2003 (>95% vs. 70–90%); therefore, the use of a wide range of integrated weed management options are required to sustain these cropping systems in the future.     

Amaranthus hybridus populations resistant to triazine and acetolactate synthase-inhibiting herbicides

Amaranthus hybridus L. populations (A, B and C) obtained from escapes in Massac County and Pope County fields in southern Illinois, USA were subjected to greenhouse and laboratory experiments to measure multiple resistance to triazine and acetolactate synthase (ALS)‐inhibiting herbicides and cross‐resistance between sulfonylurea and imidazolinone herbicides. Phytotoxicity responses of the three populations revealed that only population B exhibited multiple resistances to triazine and ALS‐inhibiting herbicides. This population was >167‐, >152‐ and >189‐fold resistant to atrazine, imazamox and thifensulfuron, respectively, at the whole plant level compared with the susceptible population. Population A was only resistant to triazines and population C was only resistant to ALS‐inhibiting herbicides. Results from in vivo ALS enzyme and chlorophyll fluorescence assays confirmed these findings and indicated that an altered site‐of‐action mediated resistance to both triazine and ALS‐inhibiting herbicides. Gene sequencing revealed that a glycine for serine substitution at residue 264 of the D1 protein, and a leucine for tryptophan substitution at residue 574 of ALS were the causes of resistance for the three populations.     

A novel amino acid substitution Ala-122-Tyr in ALS confers high-level and broad resistance across ALS-inhibiting herbicides

BACKGROUND: Wild radish, a problem weed worldwide, is a severe dicotyledonous weed in crops. In Australia, sustained reliance on ALS‐inhibiting herbicides to control this species has led to the evolution of many resistant populations endowed by any of several ALS mutations. The molecular basis of ALS‐inhibiting herbicide resistance in a novel resistant population was studied. RESULTS: ALS gene sequencing revealed a previously unreported substitution of Tyr for Ala at amino acid position 122 in resistant individuals of a wild radish population (WARR30). A purified subpopulation individually homozygous for the Ala‐122‐Tyr mutation was generated and characterised in terms of its response to the different chemical classes of ALS‐inhibiting herbicides. Whole‐plant dose‐response studies showed that the purified subpopulation was highly resistant to chlorsulfuron, metosulam and imazamox, with LD₅₀ or GR₅₀ R/S ratio of > 1024, > 512 and > 137 respectively. The resistance to imazypyr was found to be relatively moderate (but still substantial), with LD₅₀ and GR₅₀ R/S ratios of > 16 and > 7.8 respectively. In vitro ALS activity assays showed that Ala‐122‐Tyr ALS was highly resistant to all tested ALS‐inhibiting herbicides. CONCLUSION: The molecular basis of ALS‐inhibiting herbicide resistance in wild radish population WARR30 was identified to be due to an Ala‐122‐Tyr mutation in the ALS gene. This is the first report of an amino acid substitution at Ala‐122 in the plant ALS that confers high‐level and broad‐spectrum resistance to ALS‐inhibiting herbicides, a remarkable contrast to the known mutation Ala‐122‐Thr endowing resistance to imidazolinone herbicide. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry     

Control by glyphosate and its alternatives of glyphosate‐susceptible and glyphosate‐resistant Echinochloa colona in the fallow phase of crop rotations in subtropical Australia

Echinochloa colona is the most common grass weed of summer fallows in the grain‐cropping systems of the subtropical region of Australia. Glyphosate is the most commonly used herbicide for summer grass control in fallows in this region. The world's first population of glyphosate‐resistant E. colona was confirmed in Australia in 2007 and, since then, >70 populations have been confirmed to be resistant in the subtropical region. The efficacy of alternative herbicides on glyphosate‐susceptible populations was evaluated in three field experiments and on both glyphosate‐susceptible and glyphosate‐resistant populations in two pot experiments. The treatments were knockdown and pre‐emergence herbicides that were applied as a single application (alone or in a mixture) or as part of a sequential application to weeds at different growth stages. Glyphosate at 720 g ai ha^?1 provided good control of small glyphosate‐susceptible plants (pre‐ to early tillering), but was not always effective on larger susceptible plants. Paraquat was effective and the most reliable when applied at 500 g ai ha^?1 on small plants, irrespective of the glyphosate resistance status. The sequential application of glyphosate followed by paraquat provided 96–100% control across all experiments, irrespective of the growth stage, and the addition of metolachlor and metolachlor + atrazine to glyphosate or paraquat significantly reduced subsequent emergence. Herbicide treatments have been identified that provide excellent control of small E. colona plants, irrespective of their glyphosate resistance status. These tactics of knockdown herbicides, sequential applications and pre‐emergence herbicides should be incorporated into an integrated weed management strategy in order to greatly improve E. colona control, reduce seed production by the sprayed survivors and to minimize the risk of the further development of glyphosate resistance.     

Resistance of barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crus-galli) to atrazine and quinclorac

Two populations of Echinochloa crus-galli (R and I) exhibited resistance to quinclorac. Another population (X) exhibited resistance to quinclorac and atrazine. The R and I populations were collected from monocultures of rice in southern Spain. The X population was collected from maize fields subjected to the application of atrazine over several years. The susceptible (S) population of the same genus was collected from locations which had never been treated with herbicides. The quinclorac ED₅₀ value (dose causing 50% reduction in shoot fresh weight) for the R and I biotypes were 26- and 6-fold greater than for the S biotype. The X biotype was 10 times more tolerant to quinclorac than the S biotype and also showed cross-resistance to atrazine, being 82-fold more resistant to atrazine than the R, I and S biotypes. Chlorophyll fluorescence and Hill reaction analysis supported the view that the mechanism of resistance to atrazine in the X biotype was modification of the target site, the DI protein. Quinclorac at 20 mg litre^-1 did not inhibit photosynthetic electron transport in any of the test biotypes. The quinclorac I₅₀ values (herbicide dose needed for 50% Hill reaction reduction) of the S population was over 50000-fold higher than the atrazine I₅₀ value for the same S population, indicating that quinclorac is not a PS II inhibiting herbicide. Propanil at doses greater than 0·5 kg ha^-1 controlled all the biotypes. © 1997 SCI     

Development of near-isogenic lines and identification of markers linked to auxinic herbicide resistance in wild mustard (Sinapis arvensis L.)

BACKGROUND: Auxinic herbicides are widely used for selective control of many broadleaf weeds, e.g. wild mustard. An auxinic‐herbicide‐resistant wild mustard biotype may offer an excellent model system to elucidate the mechanism of action of these herbicides. Classical genetic analyses demonstrate that the wild mustard auxinic herbicide resistance is determined by a single dominant gene. Availability of near‐isogenic lines (NILs) of wild mustard with auxinic herbicide resistance (R) and herbicide susceptibility (S) will help to study the fitness penalty as well as the precise characterization of this gene. RESULTS: Eight generations of backcrosses were performed, and homozygous auxinic‐herbicide‐resistant and auxinic‐herbicide‐susceptible NILs were identified from BC₈F₃ families. S plants produced significantly more biomass and seed compared with R plants, suggesting that wild mustard auxinic herbicide resistance may result in fitness reduction. It was also found that the serrated margin of the first true leaf was closely linked to auxinic herbicide resistance. Using the introgressed progeny, molecular markers linked to auxinic herbicide resistance were identified, and a genetic map was constructed. CONCLUSION: The fitness penalty associated with the auxinic herbicide resistance gene may explain the relatively slow occurrence and spread of auxinic‐herbicide‐resistant weeds. The detection of the closely linked markers should hasten the identification and characterization of this gene. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry     

Absorption, translocation and metabolism of metamitron in Chenopodium album

BACKGROUND: In recent years, common lambsquarters (Chenopodium album L.) populations from sugar beet fields in different European countries have responded as resistant to the as‐triazinone metamitron. The populations have been found to have the same D1 point mutation as known for atrazine‐resistant biotypes (Ser₂₆₄ to Gly). However, pot experiments revealed that metamitron resistance is not as clear‐cut as observed with triazine resistance in the past. The objectives of this study were to clarify the absorption, translocation and metabolic fate of metamitron in C. album. RESULTS: Root absorption and foliar absorption experiments showed minor differences in absorption, translocation and metabolism of metamitron between the susceptible and resistant C. album populations. A rapid metabolism in the C. album populations was observed when metamitron was absorbed by the roots. The primary products of metamitron metabolism were identified as deamino‐metamitron and metamitron‐N‐glucoside. PABA, known to inhibit the deamination of metribuzin, did not alter the metabolism of metamitron, and nor did the cytochrome P450 inhibitor PBO. However, inhibition of metamitron metabolism in the presence of the cytochrome P450 inhibitor ABT was demonstrated. CONCLUSION: Metamitron metabolism in C. album may act as a basic tolerance mechanism, which can be important in circumstances favouring this degradation pathway. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Identification of resistance to either paraquat or ALS-inhibiting herbicides in two Western Australian Hordeum leporinum biotypes

BACKGROUND: Hordeum populations are becoming increasingly difficult to control in cropping fields. Two herbicide‐resistant H. leporinum populations were identified during a random crop survey after herbicides were applied. The study aimed to determine the herbicide resistance profile of these H. leporinum biotypes to a range of herbicides used for their control. RESULTS: Based on dose–response studies, one H. leporinum population was very highly resistant to sulfosulfuron and sulfometuron (both sulfonylurea herbicides) and also displayed low‐level resistance to imazamox (an imidazolinone herbicide). Reduced sensitivity of the ALS enzyme was identified with in vitro activity assays. Gene sequence analysis revealed a proline‐to‐threonine substitution at amino acid position 197 of ALS, which is likely to be the molecular basis for resistance in this population. Herbicide screening also revealed a different H. leporinum population with resistance to the bipyridyl herbicide paraquat. CONCLUSION: This study established the first cases of (1) sulfonylurea‐to‐imidazolinone cross‐resistance and (2) field‐evolved paraquat resistance in a Hordeum species in Western Australia. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry     

Non-target-site-based resistance to ALS-inhibiting herbicides in six Bromus rigidus populations from Western Australian cropping fields

BACKGROUND: Bromus rigidus is a common weed species that has increased in cropping fields owing to limited control options. During a random field survey in Western Australia, six B. rigidus populations that had survived in‐crop weed control programmes were collected. The study aimed to determine the resistance profile of these six populations. RESULTS: Based on dose–response studies, all six B. rigidus populations had a low‐level resistance to sulfosulfuron and sulfometuron (both sulfonylurea herbicides) while remaining susceptible to herbicides with other modes of action. ALS in vitro activity assays revealed no differences in enzyme sensitivity between susceptible and resistant populations, while the use of malathion (a cytochrome P450 inhibitor) in combination with sulfosulfuron caused the resistant populations to behave like the susceptible population. CONCLUSION: This study established that these six B. rigidus populations have a low‐level resistance to the ALS‐inhibiting sulfonylurea herbicides, but are able to be controlled by other herbicide modes of action. The low‐level, malathion‐reversible resistance, together with a sensitive ALS, strongly suggest that a non‐target‐site enhanced metabolism is the mechanism of resistance. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry     

Corn poppy (Papaver rhoeas) cross-resistance to ALS-inhibiting herbicides

BACKGROUND: Papaver rhoeas (L.) has evolved resistance to tribenuron in winter wheat fields in northern Greece owing to multiple Pro₁₉₇ substitutions. Therefore, the cross‐resistance pattern to other sulfonylurea and non‐sulfonylurea ALS‐inhibiting herbicides of the tribenuron resistant (R) and susceptible (S) corn poppy populations was studied by using whole‐plant trials and in vitro ALS catalytic activity assays. RESULTS: The whole‐plant trials revealed that tribenuron R populations were also cross‐resistant to sulfonylureas mesosulfuron + iodosulfuron, chlorsulfuron and triasulfuron. The whole‐plant resistance factors (RFs) calculated for pyrithiobac, imazamox and florasulam ranged from 12.4 to > 88, from 1.5 to 28.3 and from 5.6 to 25.4, respectively, and were lower than the respective tribenuron RF values (137 to > 2400). The ALS activity assay showed higher resistance of the ALS enzyme to sulfonylurea herbicides (tribenuron > chlorsulfuron) and lower resistance to non‐sulfonylurea ALS‐inhibiting herbicides (pyrithiobac > florasulam ≈ imazamox). CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that Pro₁₉₇ substitution by Ala, Ser, Arg or Thr in corn poppy results in a less sensitive ALS enzyme to sulfonylurea herbicides than to other ALS‐inhibiting herbicides. The continued use of sulfonylurea herbicides led to cross‐resistance to all ALS‐inhibiting herbicides, making their use impossible in corn poppy resistance management programmes. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Status of black grass (Alopecurus myosuroides) resistance to acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase inhibitors in France

We assessed the contributions of target site‐ and non‐target site‐based resistance to herbicides inhibiting acetyl‐coenzyme A carboxylase (ACC) in Alopecurus myosuroides (black grass). A total of 243 A. myosuroides populations collected across France were analysed using herbicide sensitivity bioassay (24 300 seedlings analysed) and ACC genotyping (13 188 seedlings analysed). Seedlings resistant to at least one ACC‐inhibiting herbicide were detected in 99.2% of the populations. Mutant, resistant ACC allele(s) were detected in 56.8% of the populations. Among the five resistant ACC alleles known in A. myosuroides, alleles containing an isoleucine‐to‐leucine substitution at codon 1781 were predominant (59.5% of the plants containing resistant ACC alleles). Comparison of the results from herbicide sensitivity bioassays with genotyping indicated that more than 75% of the plants resistant to ACC‐inhibiting herbicides in France would be resistant via increased herbicide metabolism. Analysis of herbicide application records suggested that in 15.9% of the populations studied, metabolism‐based resistance to ACC‐inhibiting herbicides was mostly selected for by herbicides with other modes of action. Our study revealed the importance of non‐target site‐based resistance in A. myosuroides. Using herbicides with alternative modes of action to control populations resistant to ACC‐inhibiting herbicides, the recommended management approach, may thus be jeopardised by the widespread occurrence of metabolism‐based resistance mechanisms conferring broad‐spectrum cross‐resistance.     

Confirmed resistance to aryloxyphenoxypropionate herbicides in Phalaris minor populations in Iran

Phalaris minor (littleseed canary grass) is a major weed in wheat fields in some parts of Iran. Diclofop‐methyl, fenoxaprop‐P‐ethyl, and clodinafop‐propargyl are three acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase (ACCase)‐inhibiting herbicides that are commonly used to control this grass in wheat fields. Thirty‐four P. minor populations with suspected resistance to ACCase‐inhibiting herbicides were sampled from wheat fields in the provinces of Fars and Golestan in Iran. The dose–response assays that were conducted under controlled greenhouse conditions indicated that 14 populations were resistant to fenoxaprop‐P‐ethyl, seven populations were resistant to both fenoxaprop‐P‐ethyl and diclofop‐methyl, and three populations were resistant to fenoxaprop‐P‐ethyl, diclofop‐methyl, and clodinafop‐propargyl. These populations showed different levels of resistance to the applied herbicides, compared to the susceptible population. These results suggest that different mechanisms of resistance could be involved. The enzyme assay revealed that the existence of modified ACCase in the three most‐resistant populations (AR, MR4, and SR3) is responsible for the resistance of these populations.     

Characterisation of Avena fatua populations with resistance to multiple herbicides

Avena fatua (wild oat) populations with resistance (R) to one or more herbicides have been described in numerous cropping systems worldwide. We previously reported that the R3 and R4 wild oat populations from Montana, USA, were resistant to four herbicides representing three different modes of action: tralkoxydim [acetyl‐CoA carboxylase (ACCase] inhibitor), imazamethabenz and flucarbazone [acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibitors] and difenzoquat (growth inhibitor). We now quantify resistance levels of these populations to triallate [very long chain fatty acid (VLCFA) biosynthesis inhibitor], pinoxaden (ACCase inhibitor) and paraquat (photosystem I inhibitor). Glasshouse dose–response experiments showed that, compared with the means of two susceptible (S) populations, the R3 and R4 populations were 17.5‐ and 18.1‐fold more resistant to triallate, 3.6‐ and 3.7‐fold more resistant to pinoxaden, respectively, and 3.2‐fold (R3) more resistant to paraquat. Pre‐treatment of R plants with the cytochrome P450 inhibitor malathion partially reversed the resistance phenotype for flucarbazone (both populations), imazamethabenz (R4), difenzoquat (R4) and pinoxaden (R3), but not for tralkoxydim, fenoxaprop‐P‐ethyl or triallate. Target site point mutations known to confer resistance to ALS or ACCase inhibitors were not detected via DNA sequencing and allele‐specific PCR assays in R plants, suggesting the involvement of non‐target site resistance mechanism(s) for these herbicides. Together, our results complete the initial characterisation of wild oat populations that are resistant to seven (R3) or six (R4) herbicides from five or four mode of action families respectively.     

Multiple herbicide resistance in littleseed canarygrass (Phalaris minor): A threat to wheat production in India

Littleseed canarygrass (Phalaris minor Retz.), a troublesome weed of wheat in India, has evolved multiple herbicide resistance across three modes of action: photosynthesis at the photosystem II site A, acetyl‐coA carboxylase (ACCase), and acetolactate synthase inhibition. The multiple herbicide‐resistant (MHR) populations had a low level of sulfosulfuron resistance but a high level of resistance to clodinafop and fenoxaprop (ACCase inhibitors). Some of the populations had GR₅₀ (50% growth reduction) values for clodinafop that were 11.7‐fold greater than that of the most susceptible population. The clodinafop‐resistant populations also showed a higher level of cross‐resistance to fenoxaprop (fop group) but a low level of cross‐resistance to pinoxaden (den group). Although clodinafop and pinoxaden are from two different chemical families (fop and den groups), their same site of action is responsible for cross‐resistance behavior. The populations that were resistant to four groups of herbicides (phenylureas, sulfonylurea, aryloxyphenoxypropionate, and phenylpyrazolin) were susceptible to the triazine (metribuzin and terbutryn) and dinitroaniline (pendimethalin) herbicides. The P. minor populations that were resistant to the aryloxyphenoxypropionate and phenylurea herbicides were effectively controlled by the sulfonylurea herbicide, sulfosulfuron. In the fields infested with P. minor that was resistant to clodinafop, a sulfosulfuron application (25 g ha^?1) increased the wheat yield by 99.2% over that achieved using the recommended rate of clodinafop (60 g ha^?1). However, the evolution of multiple resistance against the four groups is a threat to wheat production. To prevent the spread of MHR P. minor populations, as well as the extension of multiple resistance to new chemicals, concerted efforts in developing and implementing a sound, integrated weed management program are needed. The integrated approach, consisting of crop and herbicide rotation with cultural and mechanical weed control tactics, should be considered as a long‐term resistance management strategy that will help to sustain wheat productivity and farmers' income.     

Mechanisms of resistance to acetyl‐coenzyme A carboxylase‐inhibiting herbicides in a Hordeum leporinum population

A failure of acetyl‐coenzyme A carboxylase (ACCase)‐inhibiting herbicides to control a population of Hordeum leporinum Link (barleygrass) occurred following eight applications of these herbicides in both crops and pastures. This population was 7.6‐fold resistant to fluazifop‐P‐butyl compared with standard susceptible populations. The population was between 3.6‐ and 3.8‐fold resistant to other ACCase‐inhibiting herbicides, except butroxydim to which it was susceptible. ACCase extracted from resistant plants and assayed in the presence of herbicides in vitro was susceptible to fluazifop acid and other aryloxyphenoxypropanoate herbicides, but was 4‐fold less sensitive to sethoxydim compared with ACCase from susceptible plants. Resistant plants metabolised fluazifop acid about 1.3‐fold more rapidly compared with susceptible plants; however, sethoxydim was metabolised equally in both populations. Resistance to fluazifop‐P‐butyl and other aryloxyphenoxypropanoate herbicides may be the result of increased herbicide detoxification, whereas resistance to sethoxydim appears to be due to a modified target enzyme. Herbicide resistance in this population is unusual in that different mechanisms appear to confer resistance to the aryloxyphenoxypropanoate and cyclohexanedione herbicides. © 2000 Society of Chemical Industry     

Multiple resistance across glufosinate,glyphosate, paraquat and ACCase‐inhibiting herbicides in an Eleusine indica population

An Eleusine indica population was previously reported as the first global case of field‐evolved glufosinate resistance. This study re‐examines glufosinate resistance and investigates multiple resistance to other herbicides in the population. Dose–response experiments with glufosinate showed that the resistant population is 5‐fold and 14‐fold resistant relative to the susceptible population, based on GR₅₀ and LD₅₀ R/S ratio respectively. The selected glufosinate‐resistant subpopulation also displayed a high‐level resistance to glyphosate, with the respective GR₅₀ and LD₅₀ R/S ratios being 12‐ and 144‐fold. In addition, the subpopulation also displayed a level of resistance to paraquat and ACCase‐inhibiting herbicides fluazifop‐P‐butyl, haloxyfop‐P‐methyl and butroxydim. ACCase gene sequencing revealed that the Trp‐2027‐Cys mutation is likely responsible for resistance to the ACCase inhibitors examined. Here, we confirm glufosinate resistance and importantly, we find very high‐level glyphosate resistance, as well as resistance to paraquat and ACCase‐inhibiting herbicides. This is the first confirmed report of a weed species that evolved multiple resistance across all the three non‐selective global herbicides, glufosinate, glyphosate and paraquat.     

Mutations of the ALS gene endowing resistance to ALS-inhibiting herbicides in Lolium rigidum populations

BACKGROUND: In the important grass weed Lolium rigidum (Gaud.), resistance to ALS‐inhibiting herbicides has evolved widely in Australia. The authors have previously characterised the biochemical basis of ALS herbicide resistance in a number of L. rigidum biotypes and established that resistance can be due to a resistant ALS and/or enhanced herbicide metabolism. The purpose of this study was to identify specific resistance‐endowing ALS gene mutation(s) in four resistant populations and to develop PCR‐based molecular markers. RESULTS: Six resistance‐conferring ALS mutations were identified: Pro‐197‐Ala, Pro‐197‐Arg, Pro‐197‐Gln, Pro‐197‐Leu, Pro‐197‐Ser and Trp‐574‐Leu. All six mutations were found in one population (WLR1). Each Pro‐197 mutation conferred resistance to the sulfonylurea (SU) herbicide sulfometuron, whereas the Trp‐574‐Leu mutation conferred resistance to both sulfometuron and the imidazolinone (IMS) herbicide imazapyr. A derived cleaved amplified polymorphic sequences (dCAPS) marker was developed for detecting resistance mutations at Pro‐197. Furthermore, cleaved amplified polymorphic sequences (CAPS) markers were developed for detecting each of the six mutant resistant alleles. Using these markers, the authors revealed diverse ALS‐resistant alleles and genotypes in these populations and related them directly to phenotypic resistance to ALS‐inhibiting herbicides. CONCLUSION: This study established the existence of a diversity of ALS gene mutations endowing resistance in L. rigidum populations: 1–6 different mutations were found within single populations. At field herbicide rates, resistance profiles were determined more by the specific mutation than by whether plants were homo‐ or heterozygous for the mutation. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

Cross-resistance of horseweed (Conyza canadensis) populations with three different ALS mutations

BACKGROUND: Horseweed is a weed commonly found in agronomic crops, waste areas and roadsides. Resistance to ALS‐inhibiting herbicides in horseweed was first reported in 1993 in a population from Israel. Resistance to ALS‐inhibiting herbicides in horseweed is now widespread, but, as of now, the resistance mechanism has not been reported. RESULTS: Two of three populations evaluated (P116 and P13) were found to be uniform for resistance (>98% of individuals survived 8.8 g AI ha^?1 of cloransulam), whereas a third population, P525, contained about 85% resistant individuals. Cross‐resistance to cloransulam, chlorimuron, imazethapyr and bispyribac was observed in the P116 population. P525 and P13 were both sensitive to imazethapyr but resistant to chlorimuron, imazethapyr and bispyribac. Enzyme activity assays indicated that resistance in P13 was due to an altered target site. Southern blot analysis indicated that the ALS target site is encoded by a single copy gene. Overlapping ALS gene regions were amplified and sequenced from each population. Amino acid substitutions of Ser for Pro at position 197 (P197S) was detected from P13, Ala for Pro (P197A) was identified from P525 and substitution of Glu for Asp (D376E) at position 376 was found in P116. Molecular markers were developed to differentiate between wild‐type and resistant codons at positions 197 and 376 of horseweed ALS. CONCLUSION: Resistance to ALS‐inhibiting herbicides in horseweed is conferred by target‐site mutations that have also been identified in other weed species. Identification of the mutations within horseweed ALS gene sequence enables molecular assays for rapid detection and resistance diagnosis. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Resistance levels of sulfonylurea‐resistant Schoenoplectus juncoides (Roxb.) Palla with various Pro197 mutations in acetolactate synthase to imazosulfuron,bensulfuron‐methyl,metsulfuron‐methyl and imazaquin‐ammonium

An investigation, using herbicidal pot tests in a greenhouse condition, was conducted to determine the whole‐plant dose–response relationships to several acetolactate synthase (ALS)‐inhibiting herbicides of sulfonylurea (SU)‐resistant Schoenoplectus juncoides with various Pro₁₉₇ mutations in ALS that was collected from Japanese rice paddy fields. All the tested SU‐resistant accessions with a Pro₁₉₇ mutation were highly resistant to two commonly used SU herbicides (imazosulfuron and bensulfuron‐methyl), but were much less resistant to another SU herbicide, metsulfuron‐methyl, and were substantially not resistant to imazaquin‐ammonium. These cross‐resistance patterns have been known previously in fragments of S. juncoides and other weed species and were comprehensively confirmed in this study with a whole set of Pro₁₉₇ mutations. The analyses of resistance levels, based on ED₉₀ values, newly showed that different accessions with a common amino acid substitution in ALS1 showed similar responses to these herbicides (confirmed with four amino acid substitutions), that the rankings of resistance levels that were conferred by various Pro₁₉₇ mutations in ALS1 differed among the SU herbicides and that the resistance levels of the ALS2‐mutated accessions were higher than, lower than or similar to those of the corresponding ALS1‐mutated accessions, depending on the compared pair, but the deviation patterns were generally similar among the SU herbicides in each compared pair. The final finding might suggest that the abundance of ALS2 is not as stable as that of ALS1. In addition, as a result of these new findings, together with expected further research, a suggested possibility is that substituting amino acids at Pro₁₉₇ generally could be estimated by plotting each accession's ED₉₀ values of imazosulfuron and bensulfuron‐methyl in a two‐dimensional graph.