This investigation was conducted to determine the utility of tank mixtures of propanil and benthiocarb for weed control in direct-seeded rice on upland field. The results are summarized as follows:
(1) To decide the optimum timing of application we investigated the period of emergence of main weeds. Barnyardgrass (
Echinochloa crusgalli Beauv.) which is the most problematical weed reached almost final stage of emergence, and early emerged ones reached 3.5 leaf stage when the rice plants reached 1.5 leaf stage. Other major weeds (grassy weeds, broad leaved weeds and sedges) had almost reached final stage of emergence when rice plants reached 2 to 3 leaf stage.
(2) The combinations of propanil and soil persistent herbicides (such as X-52, Nitrofen, TOPE, Molinate, SAP, Amiprophos, Swep and Benthiocarb) were tested. We found that mixtures of propanil and benthiocarb were the most effective among them.
(3) The combination rates of these two herbicides were evaluated. Propanil 17.5g/a plus benthiocarb 50g/a applied at the 2 leaf stage of rice resulted in the best control of weeds, and phytotoxicity for rice was very slight.
(4) The effectiveness of these mixtures was not reduced by rainfall beginning one hour after application.
(5) These mixtures did not increase the phytotoxicity when followed by application of organophosphate granular insecticides (ethylthiometon, dimethoate).
(6) The optimum timing of application was found to be 1-1.5 leaf stage of rice.
(7) A single treatment of high dosage of propanil 35g/a plus benthiocarb 75g/a applied at the 2 leaf stage of rice failed to show complete control of weeds.
(8) In a heavily infested field, the sequential application of these mixtures (at first: 1-1.5 leaf stage of rice, secondly: 3.5-4.5 leaf stage or 2-10 days before flooding) gave excellent weed control until harvest. The second application caused some toxicity to rice plant, but prevented over-vegetative growth and gave high yield.
(9) The above mentioned methods have been recommended to farmers in Hyogo Prefecture and they have obtained good results.
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