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Cannabis sativa is an economically important crop, yet weed management remains a significant challenge due to limited herbicide options. Cytochrome P450 enzymes play crucial roles in plant metabolism, including herbicide detoxification. This study aimed to identify and characterize the CYP gene family in Cannabis and investigate their potential role in herbicide metabolism. We identified 225 CYP proteins encoded by 221 genes in the Cannabis genome, classified into 9 clans and 47 families. The majority of CsCYPs were predicted to be located in endomembrane system and chromosomal mapping revealed that they were present in all the chromosomes. Motif and gene structure analysis supported the results from phylogenetic analysis. The gene duplication analysis results showed that tandem duplication plays a pivotal role in evolutionary expansion of CsCYP superfamily. Promoter analysis revealed various cis-acting elements involved in stress, light, hormone and development responses. Molecular docking simulations identified several CsCYPs with strong binding affinities to ALS-inhibiting herbicides, particularly bispyribac-sodium, propoxycarbazone-sodium, and pyriftalid. CsCYP_215, CsCYP_213, CsCYP_217 and CsCYP_14 emerged as promising candidates for herbicide metabolism. Analysis of binding site residues revealed the importance of hydrophobic and aromatic interactions in herbicide binding. This study provides the first comprehensive characterization of the CYP gene family in C. sativa and offers new insights into their potential roles in herbicide metabolism. The identification of promising herbicide-metabolizing CYP candidates opens new avenues for developing herbicide-tolerant Cannabis varieties, potentially addressing key challenges in weed management and crop productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Weed competition significantly impacts sesame yields, making herbicide use essential in both pre-and post-emergence stages. However, current agricultural practices do not endorse the application of post-emergence herbicides in sesame cultivation due to potential crop sensitivity issues. This study screened two susceptible varieties (VRI 2 and VRI 5), and three tolerant genotypes for imazethapyr herbicide tolerance and reduction indices of 14 quantitative traits. The tolerant lines, IC 0131493, IC 0204614, and IC 0205513 displayed excellent tolerance with an injury score of 1 at 1ml/L, 2ml/L, and 3ml/L on 90 days after sowing, whereas VRI 2 and VRI 5 were highly sensitive with a score of 4. The reduction indices of various quantitative traits showed significant reductions due to the application of imazethapyr herbicide in the susceptible lines than in the tolerant genotypes. Three cross combinations were made using these parents, viz., VRI 5 x IC 0131493, VRI 2 x IC 0204614, and VRI 5 x IC 0205513, and studied for the inheritance of Imazethapyr herbicide tolerance. The segregation patterns in the F1, F2, and BC1 populations revealed that a single dominant gene governs Imazethapyr herbicide tolerance. The present investigation provides a foundation for breeding imazethapyr herbicide-tolerant varieties in sesame. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food insecurity which has been a global threat, forces researchers to develop crops with increased productivity even under varying climatic conditions. Rice, being a significant staple and strategic crop, helps ensure economic stability, food, and nutritional security globally. It meets 20% of the calorie requirement of people residing all over the world. Lately, rice cultivation and research have been facing hitherto unprecedented difficulties in the context of climate- induced water scarcity and dwindling resources of manpower, arable land, etc. In this regard, direct seeded rice (DSR) as a resource conservation technique is gaining popularity as a potential alternative to conventional transplanting with reduced input requirement, reduced methane and CO2 emission, increased adaptability to climate change, and increased economic returns. The weed menace in DSR prevents it from reaching its fruitful attainment to a significant level. DSR highly depends on herbicide for weed control as manual weeding and other cultural practices are labour intensive which again meets a setback of crop injury (non-selective herbicide) and resistant weeds (selective herbicides). Herbicide-tolerant (HT) rice could be an effective and long-term solution for weed management in DSR. Three HT rice systems, viz., imidazolinones, glyphosate, and glufosinate, have already been developed in this context. This review gives an insight into the need for HT rice in DSR, its production system, limitations, and stewardship guidelines for proper weed management in rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food insecurity which has been a global threat, forces researchers to develop crops with increased productivity even under varying climatic conditions. Rice, being a significant staple and strategic crop, helps ensure economic stability, food, and nutritional security globally. It meets 20% of the calorie requirement of people residing all over the world. Lately, rice cultivation and research have been facing hitherto unprecedented difficulties in the context of climate-induced water scarcity and dwindling resources of manpower, arable land, etc. In this regard, direct seeded rice (DSR) as a resource conservation technique is gaining popularity as a potential alternative to conventional transplanting with reduced input requirement, reduced methane and CO2 emission, increased adaptability to climate change, and increased economic returns. The weed menace in DSR prevents it from reaching its fruitful attainment to a significant level. DSR highly depends on herbicide for weed control as manual weeding and other cultural practices are labour intensive which again meets a setback of crop injury (non-selective herbicide) and resistant weeds (selective herbicides). Herbicide-tolerant (HT) rice could be an effective and long-term solution for weed management in DSR. Three HT rice systems, viz., imidazolinones, glyphosate, and glufosinate, have already been developed in this context. This review gives an insight into the need for HT rice in DSR, its production system, limitations, and stewardship guidelines for proper weed management in rice.

Introduction: Effective weed management tools are crucial for maintaining the profitable production of snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Preemergence herbicides help the crop to gain a size advantage over the weeds, but the few preemergence herbicides registered in snap bean have poor waterhemp (Amaranthus tuberculatus) control, a major pest in snap bean production. Waterhemp and other difficult-to-control weeds can be managed by flumioxazin, an herbicide that inhibits protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO). However, there is limited knowledge about crop tolerance to this herbicide. We aimed to quantify the degree of snap bean tolerance to flumioxazin and explore the underlying mechanisms. Methods: We investigated the genetic basis of herbicide tolerance using genome-wide association mapping approach utilizing field-collected data from a snap bean diversity panel, combined with gene expression data of cultivars with contrasting response. The response to a preemergence application of flumioxazin was measured by assessing plant population density and shoot biomass variables. Results: Snap bean tolerance to flumioxazin is associated with a single genomic location in chromosome 02. Tolerance is influenced by several factors, including those that are indirectly affected by seed size/weight and those that directly impact the herbicide's metabolism and protect the cell from reactive oxygen species-induced damage. Transcriptional profiling and co-expression network analysis identified biological pathways likely involved in flumioxazin tolerance, including oxidoreductase processes and programmed cell death. Transcriptional regulation of genes involved in those processes is possibly orchestrated by a transcription factor located in the region identified in the GWAS analysis. Several entries belonging to the Romano class, including Bush Romano 350, Roma II, and Romano Purpiat presented high levels of tolerance in this study. The alleles identified in the diversity panel that condition snap bean tolerance to flumioxazin shed light on a novel mechanism of herbicide tolerance and can be used in crop improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cannabis sativa is an economically important crop, yet weed management remains a significant challenge due to limited herbicide options. Cytochrome P450 enzymes play crucial roles in plant metabolism, including herbicide detoxification. This study aimed to identify and characterize the CYP gene family in Cannabis and investigate their potential role in herbicide metabolism. We identified 225 CYP proteins encoded by 221 genes in the Cannabis genome, classified into 9 clans and 47 families. The majority of CsCYPs were predicted to be located in endomembrane system and chromosomal mapping revealed that they were present in all the chromosomes. Motif and gene structure analysis supported the results from phylogenetic analysis. The gene duplication analysis results showed that tandem duplication plays a pivotal role in evolutionary expansion of CsCYP superfamily. Promoter analysis revealed various cis-acting elements involved in stress, light, hormone and development responses. Molecular docking simulations identified several CsCYPs with strong binding affinities to ALS-inhibiting herbicides, particularly bispyribac-sodium, propoxycarbazone-sodium, and pyriftalid. CsCYP_215, CsCYP_213, CsCYP_217 and CsCYP_14 emerged as promising candidates for herbicide metabolism. Analysis of binding site residues revealed the importance of hydrophobic and aromatic interactions in herbicide binding. This study provides the first comprehensive characterization of the CYP gene family in C. sativa and offers new insights into their potential roles in herbicide metabolism. The identification of promising herbicide-metabolizing CYP candidates opens new avenues for developing herbicide-tolerant Cannabis varieties, potentially addressing key challenges in weed management and crop productivity.

Abstract Glyphosate, widely used to manage weeds in cassava crops, simultaneously inhibits cassava growth, necessitating the development of herbicide-tolerant cassava varieties. In this study, screened 262 cassava varieties, identifying the glyphosate-resistant (GR) variety ZM8701 and the glyphosate-sensitive (GS) variety SC9. Transcriptomic analysis via Illumina sequencing revealed differentially expressed genes associated with resistance, including Cytochrome P450, GST, GT, ABC transporters, and others such as MIOX1, LHCA1, PPH, HSP26, HSP83A, and UGT73C5. Notably, the EMB3004 gene, involved in the biosynthesis of aromatic amino acids, was significantly upregulated in resistant varieties, suggesting a key role in countering glyphosate’s inhibition of the shikimic acid pathway. These genes are pivotal in enhancing cell wall biosynthesis, optimizing photosynthesis, and improving detoxification processes. This research elucidated the molecular mechanisms underlying cassava’s resistance to glyphosate, thereby laying the groundwork for breeding programs aimed at developing herbicide-resistant varieties. Graphical Abstract

Glyphosate, widely used to manage weeds in cassava crops, simultaneously inhibits cassava growth, necessitating the development of herbicide-tolerant cassava varieties. In this study, screened 262 cassava varieties, identifying the glyphosate-resistant (GR) variety ZM8701 and the glyphosate-sensitive (GS) variety SC9. Transcriptomic analysis via Illumina sequencing revealed differentially expressed genes associated with resistance, including Cytochrome P450, GST, GT, ABC transporters, and others such as MIOX1, LHCA1, PPH, HSP26, HSP83A, and UGT73C5. Notably, the EMB3004 gene, involved in the biosynthesis of aromatic amino acids, was significantly upregulated in resistant varieties, suggesting a key role in countering glyphosate's inhibition of the shikimic acid pathway. These genes are pivotal in enhancing cell wall biosynthesis, optimizing photosynthesis, and improving detoxification processes. This research elucidated the molecular mechanisms underlying cassava's resistance to glyphosate, thereby laying the groundwork for breeding programs aimed at developing herbicide-resistant varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Incorporation of red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) into grass pastures can reduce the need for nitrogen fertilizer applications and increase the nutritional value of the forage. However, red clover cultivars available for Kentucky producers are highly susceptible to herbicides, such as 2,4-D (2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid), used for pasture broadleaf weed control. To overcome this problem, 'UK2014' red clover was selected for increased tolerance to 2,4-D. We employed a transcriptome analysis approach to compare the gene expression response following 2,4-D treatment of 'UK2014' to that of 'Kenland', a 2,4-D sensitive red clover and one of the parents of 'UK2014'. The objectives were to first determine if the increased 2,4-D tolerance in 'UK2014' is reflected in a change of transcription response and/or a quicker recovery of a transcriptional response following 2,4-D treatment, and second, to identify genes, whether constitutively expressed or induced by 2,4-D, which could be the basis for the increased 2,4-D tolerance. Leaf tissue from the two red clovers grown in the field was collected at 4, 24, and 72 h after 2,4-D (1.12 kg 2,4-amine a.e. ha−1) treatment from both untreated and treated plants. Global gene expression was determined with reads from Illumina Hiseq 2500 mapped against the red clover draft genome, Tpv2.1 (GenBank Accession GCA_900079335.1). Genes that displayed differential expression (DEGs) following 2,4-D treatment were selected for further analysis. The number of DEGs was higher for 'Kenland' than for 'UK2014', suggesting that a lower transcriptional response corresponds with the higher 2,4-D tolerance in the 'UK2014' line. Similarly, gene ontology enrichment analysis revealed that expression of photosynthesis-related genes was less affected by 2,4-D in the 'UK2014' line than 'Kenland'. Although we were not able to identify any specific genes that are the basis for the increased 2,4-D tolerance of 'UK2014', we concluded that the increased 2,4-D tolerance of 'UK2014' correlates with a decreased transcription response to 2,4-D. Additionally, expression of several cytochrome P450 genes that had different isoforms between 'UK2014' and 'Kenland' increased significantly in both following 2,4-D treatment, one or more of these P450s could be mediators of 2,4-D metabolism and tolerance in red clover. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The post‐emergent herbicide options to control grasses in sorghum have historically been limited. Therefore, a mass selection program was implemented to increase the tolerance of sorghum to the broad‐spectrum herbicide tembotrione. The objectives of this study are to determine (i) which observation timing and vegetative indices are most effective in assessing sorghum injury to tembotrione using unoccupied aerial system imagery and (ii) if mass selection can be used to increase the tolerance of sorghum to tembotrione. Using an unoccupied aerial system, several vegetative indices, collected at either 14 or 21 days after tembotrione application, accurately measured sorghum injury. Over four cycles of selection, tembotrione tolerance increased in a linear and consistent manner. This demonstrates that mass selection can be used as a strategy for developing herbicide tolerance in crops. The modest, but steady genetic gain indicates both the quantitative nature of the trait and sufficient heritability to improve it. Given further development, tembotrione‐resistant sorghum hybrids could provide an effective means of post‐emergent weed control for a range of common weeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionEffective weed management tools are crucial for maintaining the profitable production of snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Preemergence herbicides help the crop to gain a size advantage over the weeds, but the few preemergence herbicides registered in snap bean have poor waterhemp (Amaranthus tuberculatus) control, a major pest in snap bean production. Waterhemp and other difficult-to-control weeds can be managed by flumioxazin, an herbicide that inhibits protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO). However, there is limited knowledge about crop tolerance to this herbicide. We aimed to quantify the degree of snap bean tolerance to flumioxazin and explore the underlying mechanisms.MethodsWe investigated the genetic basis of herbicide tolerance using genome-wide association mapping approach utilizing field-collected data from a snap bean diversity panel, combined with gene expression data of cultivars with contrasting response. The response to a preemergence application of flumioxazin was measured by assessing plant population density and shoot biomass variables.ResultsSnap bean tolerance to flumioxazin is associated with a single genomic location in chromosome 02. Tolerance is influenced by several factors, including those that are indirectly affected by seed size/weight and those that directly impact the herbicide's metabolism and protect the cell from reactive oxygen species-induced damage. Transcriptional profiling and co-expression network analysis identified biological pathways likely involved in flumioxazin tolerance, including oxidoreductase processes and programmed cell death. Transcriptional regulation of genes involved in those processes is possibly orchestrated by a transcription factor located in the region identified in the GWAS analysis. Several entries belonging to the Romano class, including Bush Romano 350, Roma II, and Romano Purpiat presented high levels of tolerance in this study. The alleles identified in the diversity panel that condition snap bean tolerance to flumioxazin shed light on a novel mechanism of herbicide tolerance and can be used in crop improvement.

The research was carried out on newly planted bare-root plants at an early stage of their cultivation. The scope of the growth responses of woody plants was verified in relation to the recommended herbicide rate, namely for herbicide solution application rates of 0.825% and 1.025%. The new increment of the longest shoot and the mortality rate were evaluated. The selective efficacy on weeds was observed. Data collection took place at 2, 4, 8, 12 and 24 weeks after application. The experiment followed the manufacturer's recommendations for application. It was conducted on an experimental area of loamy sand soil in 2019 and it was not affected by extreme weather conditions. The application of the herbicide to privet (Ligustrum vulgare) showed a small inhibitory effect, reducing the average increment of the longest plant shoot by 4.7% and 8.3%, respectively, by the end of the study period compared to the control. By contrast, in the case of the European Bladdernut (Staphylea pinnata), the application was found to have an adverse effect. The role of the application rate was secondary. The average increment of the longest shoot was reduced by 45.68% and 50.13%, respectively, and the mortality rate of the treated woody plants reached 10% at the end of the study period. The highest inhibitory effect of the herbicide on the ornamental woody plants that had been treated was observed in the first 2 and 4 weeks after treatment, respectively. The application of the herbicide proved ineffective against horseweed (Conyza canadensis) and groundsel (Senecio vulgaris).

BACKGROUND: Tolpyralate, a relatively new inhibitor of 4‐hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD), is registered for postemergence use in all types of corn (Zea mays L.) and has a record of excellent crop tolerance. A report of severe crop injury to sweet corn inbred (XSEN187) led to the following objectives: (i) determine whether sensitivity to tolpyralate in XSEN187 exists, and if confirmed, (ii) determine the genetic basis of tolpyralate sensitivity, and (iii) screen other corn germplasm for sensitivity to tolpyralate. RESULTS: Inbred XSEN187 was confirmed sensitive to tolpyralate. Inclusion of methylated seed oil or nonionic surfactant in the spray volume was necessary for severe crop injury. Tolpyralate sensitivity in XSEN187 is not conferred by alleles at Nsf1, a cytochrome P450‐encoding gene (CYP81A9) conferring tolerance to many corn herbicides. Evidence suggests that tolpyralate sensitivity in XSEN187 is conferred by a single gene mapped to the Chr05: 283 240–1 222 909 bp interval. Moreover, tolpyralate sensitivity was observed in 48 other sweet corn and field corn inbreds. CONCLUSIONS: Severe sensitivity to tolpyralate exists in sweet corn and field corn germplasm when the herbicide is applied according to label directions. Whereas the corn response to several other herbicides, including HPPD‐inhibitors, is conferred by the Nsf1 locus, corn sensitivity to tolpyralate is the result of a different locus. The use of tolpyralate should consider herbicide tolerance in inbred lines from which corn hybrids were derived, whereas alleles that render corn germplasm sensitive to tolpyralate should be eliminated from breeding populations, inbreds, and commercial cultivars. © 2023 Illinois Foundation Seeds, Inc and The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry. This article has been contributed to by U.S. Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soybean (Glycine max L.) is a major global crop. Genetic modification of this crop can contribute to enhance yields, reduce pesticide use, and facilitate sustainability, but there is a need for locally adapted genetically modified varieties. Glyphosate tolerant soybean developed under an agbiogeneric model is an attractive prospect as the technology is now mostly in the public domain. This research evaluates the potential for transformation of three soybean varieties (BR1, BR2, and FNS) and an established variety (SK7). The study investigates the interaction between these genotypes and two A. tumefaciens strains, establishes a selection protocol using glyphosate, compares two explant types and evaluates a bacterial removal protocol. Our findings highlight the importance of plant genotype and bacterial strain specificity in the transformation process, with variety BR1 consistently showing the best performance. While challenges remain, this study advances in the development of glyphosate-tolerant soybean varieties as agbiogenerics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using glyphosate is easier than manually controlling the invasive plant Carpobrotus in dune ecosystems. However, before it is used its effect on native species in this ecosystem needs to be determined. This study reports the effects in the laboratory of different concentrations of glyphosate (1.0, 0.5, 0.3, 0.1, 0.05, 0.01, and 0.005 g/m2 ) on germination and seedling emergence of four species of Mediterranean dune plants, Lotus creticus, Medicago marina, Ononis ramosissima and Ammophila arenaria, used in the restoration of this natural ecosystem. Germination was completely inhibited when glyphosate was applied at 0.5, and 1.0 g/m². The recommended dose (0.3 g/m²) also inhibited the germination of L. creticus and M. marina. The percentage germination of O. ramosissima and A. arenaria was around 40% and 30% respectively when a dose of glyphosate of 0.1 g/m² was used, whereas for seeds of L. creticus and M. marina it was lower than 5%. The T50 at germination of seed incubated with glyphosate increased in all species independently of the dose of glyphosate. Seedling emergence from seeds previously germinated in the presence of glyphosate was only recorded for O. ramosissima and A. arenaria. The results indicate that seeds of O. ramosissima are more tolerant of glyphosate, followed by those of A. arenaria and those of L. creticus and M. marina are the most sensitive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated protein (CRISPR/Cas) genome editing technology, derived from the adaptive immune system of bacteria, has now been recognized as one of the most useful genetic tools in genome engineering. Short stretch of RNA guides the Cas enzyme to precise locations within the target genome of living organisms to accurately modify and control the functions of genes with high accuracy. Cas-mediated genome editing is scalable, practically feasible, and permits the research community to expound the functional organization of the hereditary material and helps to understand the relationship between genetic variations and biological phenotypes. Although CRISPR/Cas system has opened many possibilities in the field of genetic engineering, it still has some shortcomings, such as constraints of the protospacer-adjacent motif (PAM) sequence, relatively larger size of the Cas9 gene and higher chances of off-targeting. To overcome these shortcomings, many new Cas9 variants have been engineered with improved features such as specificity and editing efficacy. Anticipated traits can be developed in plants with high utility in agriculture. For the past decade, this editing system has made significant progress and has been widely used in genome editing to create gene knock-ins and knock-outs. Genome editing is mediated either by non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) or homology-directed repair (HDR) mechanism, consequently resulting in desired mutations that directly enhance plant performance. This paper summarizes the new variants of the CRISPR/Cas system and applications of the CRISPR system in plant science for the enhancement of various attributes such as yield, quality, nutritional factors, stress tolerance, and herbicide tolerance through knock-in and knock-out strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research was carried out on newly planted bare-root plants at an early stage of their cultivation. The scope of the growth responses of woody plants was verified in relation to the recommended herbicide rate, namely for herbicide solution application rates of 0.825% and 1.025%. The new increment of the longest shoot and the mortality rate were evaluated. The selective efficacy on weeds was observed. Data collection took place at 2, 4, 8, 12 and 24 weeks after application. The experiment followed the manufacturer's recommendations for application. It was conducted on an experimental area of loamy sand soil in 2019 and it was not affected by extreme weather conditions. The application of the herbicide to privet (Ligustrum vulgare) showed a small inhibitory effect, reducing the average increment of the longest plant shoot by 4.7% and 8.3%, respectively, by the end of the study period compared to the control. By contrast, in the case of the European Bladdernut (Staphylea pinnata), the application was found to have an adverse effect. The role of the application rate was secondary. The average increment of the longest shoot was reduced by 45.68% and 50.13%, respectively, and the mortality rate of the treated woody plants reached 10% at the end of the study period. The highest inhibitory effect of the herbicide on the ornamental woody plants that had been treated was observed in the first 2 and 4 weeks after treatment, respectively. The application of the herbicide proved ineffective against horseweed (Conyza canadensis) and groundsel (Senecio vulgaris). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The potential of weed species to respond to selection forces affecting the evolution of weedy traits such as competitive ability is poorly understood. This research characterized evolutionary growth changes in a single Abutilon theophrasti Medik. population comparing multiple generations collected from 1988 to 2016. A competition study was performed to understand changes in competitive ability, and a herbicide dose–response study was carried out to assess changes in sensitivity to acetolactate synthase‐inhibiting herbicides and glyphosate over time. RESULTS: When grown in monoculture, A. theophrasti biomass production per plant increased steadily across year‐lines while leaf number decreased. In replacement experiments, A. theophrasti plants from newer year‐lines were more competitive and produced more biomass and leaf area than the oldest year‐line. No clear differences in sensitivity to imazamox were observed among year‐lines. However, starting in 1995, this A. theophrasti population exhibited a progressive increase in growth in response to a sublethal dose of glyphosate (52 g a.e. ha−1), with the 2009 and 2016 year‐lines having more than 50% higher biomass than the nontreated control. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that weeds can rapidly evolve increased competitive ability. Furthermore, the results indicate the possibility of changes in glyphosate hormesis over time. These results highlight the importance of the role that rapid (i.e., subdecadal) evolution of growth traits might have on the sustainability of weed management strategies. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Incorporation of red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) into grass pastures can reduce the need for nitrogen fertilizer applications and increase the nutritional value of the forage. However, red clover cultivars available for Kentucky producers are highly susceptible to herbicides, such as 2,4-D (2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid), used for pasture broadleaf weed control. To overcome this problem, ‘UK2014’ red clover was selected for increased tolerance to 2,4-D. We employed a transcriptome analysis approach to compare the gene expression response following 2,4-D treatment of ‘UK2014’ to that of ‘Kenland’, a 2,4-D sensitive red clover and one of the parents of ‘UK2014’. The objectives were to first determine if the increased 2,4-D tolerance in ‘UK2014’ is reflected in a change of transcription response and/or a quicker recovery of a transcriptional response following 2,4-D treatment, and second, to identify genes, whether constitutively expressed or induced by 2,4-D, which could be the basis for the increased 2,4-D tolerance. Leaf tissue from the two red clovers grown in the field was collected at 4, 24, and 72 h after 2,4-D (1.12 kg 2,4-amine a.e. ha−1) treatment from both untreated and treated plants. Global gene expression was determined with reads from Illumina Hiseq 2500 mapped against the red clover draft genome, Tpv2.1 (GenBank Accession GCA_900079335.1). Genes that displayed differential expression (DEGs) following 2,4-D treatment were selected for further analysis. The number of DEGs was higher for ‘Kenland’ than for ‘UK2014’, suggesting that a lower transcriptional response corresponds with the higher 2,4-D tolerance in the ‘UK2014’ line. Similarly, gene ontology enrichment analysis revealed that expression of photosynthesis-related genes was less affected by 2,4-D in the ‘UK2014’ line than ‘Kenland’. Although we were not able to identify any specific genes that are the basis for the increased 2,4-D tolerance of ‘UK2014’, we concluded that the increased 2,4-D tolerance of ‘UK2014’ correlates with a decreased transcription response to 2,4-D. Additionally, expression of several cytochrome P450 genes that had different isoforms between ‘UK2014’ and ‘Kenland’ increased significantly in both following 2,4-D treatment, one or more of these P450s could be mediators of 2,4-D metabolism and tolerance in red clover.

Crop wild relatives (CWRs) belonging to the Brassicaceae family possess extensive genetic diversity and have frequently been utilized in the enhancement of cultivated Brassica species. However, their tolerance to glyphosate, a widely used herbicide, has remained unknown. Our study examined the glyphosate response of 20 genotypes from the Brassicaceae family, which included genotypes within the U triangle and their wild relatives. We evaluated their behaviour based on morpho-biochemical responses, specifically focusing on the traits of germination percentage, root length, and survival percentage. By calculating the mean membership function value (MFV) for each genotype's response to these traits, we classified them into three distinct groups: susceptible, moderately tolerant, and tolerant. Among these genotypes, Brassica rapa (NRCPB rapa 8) demonstrated tolerance to glyphosate, as indicated by their mean MFV value of 0.68. Moderate tolerance to glyphosate was observed in Brassica juncea (Pusa Jaikisan) with a mean MFV of 0.52. Conversely, Diplotaxis catholica, Diplotaxis muralis, and Enarthrocarpus lyratus were susceptible, with mean MFV values of 0.37, 0.35, and 0.34, respectively. These findings revealed varying levels of response to glyphosate among these genotypes, with some displaying significant tolerance. The study provides valuable insights into the herbicide tolerance of Brassica CWRs and emphasizes the potential use of phenotypic and biochemical markers in evaluating herbicide tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Herbicide tolerance in crops enables them to survive when lethal doses of herbicides are applied to surrounding weeds. Herbicide-tolerant crops can be developed through transgenic approaches or traditional mutagenesis approaches. At present, no transgenic herbicide tolerant cotton have been commercialized in China due to the genetically-modified organism (GMO) regulation law. We aim to develop a non-transgenic herbicide-tolerant cotton through ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) mutagenesis, offering an alternative choice for weed management. Results Seeds of an elite cotton cultivar Lumianyan 37 (Lu37) were treated with EMS, and a mutant Lu37-1 showed strong tolerance to imidazolinone (IMI) herbicides was identified. A novel nonsynonymous substitution mutation Ser642Asn at acetolactate synthase (ALS) (Gh_D10G1253) in Lu37-1 mutant line was found to be the potential cause to the IMI herbicides tolerance in cotton. The Ser642Asn mutation in ALS did not present among the genomes of natural Gossypium species. Cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence (CAPS) markers were developed to identify the ALS mutant allele. The Arabidopsis overexpressing the mutanted ALS also showed high tolerance to IMI herbicides. Conclusion The nonsynonymous substitution mutation Ser642Asn of the ALS gene Gh_D10G1253 is a novel identified mutation in cotton. This substitution mutation has also been identified in the orthologous ALS genes in other crops. This mutant ALS allele can be used to develop IMI herbicide-tolerant crops via a non-transgenic or transgenic approach. Graphical abstract

Weeds that usually grow in non-agricultural areas have become increasingly common invading perennial crops. Species of the genus Filago, in addition to invading Spanish olive groves, have developed certain levels of natural tolerance to the acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibiting herbicide flazasulfuron. The objective of this study was to determine the level and the mechanism involved in the tolerance to flazasulfuron in Filago pyramidata L., which occurs in olive groves of southern Spain, as well as to identify possible cross- or multiple-tolerances by evaluating alternative herbicides for its control. A population resistant (R) to flazasulfuron and a susceptible (S) one of Conyza canadensis were used as references. The accessions of F. pyramidata presented LD50 values (from 72 to 81 g active ingredient (ai) ha−1) higher than the field dose of flazasulfuron (50 g ai ha−1), being 11–12.5 times more tolerant than the S population of C. canadensis, but less than half the R population (170 g ai ha−1). Enzymatically, F. pyramidata was as sensitive to flazasulfuron (I50 = 17.3 μM) as the S population of C. canadensis. Filago pyramidata plants treated with flazasulfuron, combined with 4-chloro-7-nitro-2,1,3-benzoxadiazole, had a growth reduction of up to 85%, revealing the participation of glutathione-S-transferases in herbicide metabolism. Filago pyramidata presented cross-tolerance to the different chemical groups of ALS inhibitors, except triazolinones (florasulam). Synthetic auxins (2,4-D and fluroxypyr) presented good control, but some individuals survived (low multiple resistance). Cellulose synthesis, 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate, 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase, protoporphyrinogen oxidase, photosystem I, and photosystem II inhibitor herbicides, applied in PRE or POST-emergence, presented excellent levels of control of F. pyramidata. These results confirmed the natural tolerance of F. pyramidata to flazasulfuron and cross-tolerance to most ALS-inhibiting herbicides. The mechanism involved was enhanced metabolism mediated by glutathione-S-transferases, which also conferred low multiple tolerance to synthetic auxins. Even so, herbicides with other mechanisms of action still offer excellent levels of control of F. pyramidata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A temperature-controlled glasshouse study was conducted to evaluate the influence of elevated temperature (eT – 34/24 ± 2°C) on the growth and glyphosate susceptibility of windmill grass (Chloris truncata R.Br.), common sowthistle (Sonchus oleraceus L.), and flaxleaf fleabane [Conyza bonariensis (L.) Cronquist]; and to determine the morpho-physiological factors involved in differential glyphosate tolerance under eT. Results showed that elevation of temperature from ambient temperature (aT – 28/20 ± 2°C) to 34/24 ± 2°C increased growth and biomass production of C. truncata. In contrast, eT suppressed growth of S. oleraceus and C. bonariensis, resulting in fewer, thicker, and smaller leaves with reduced stomatal conductivity and less total plant biomass. In terms of herbicide susceptibility, the responses to glyphosate under different temperature regimes were species- and rate-specific. Slight variations in glyphosate susceptibility were observed when sprayed at sub-lethal rates at eT. Under eT, C. truncata, S. oleraceus, and C. bonariensis required 1.5, 2.0-, and 1.6-times higher glyphosate rates, respectively, to suppress biomass by 50% compared with plants grown at aT. Depending upon the species and glyphosate rate, differences in leaf characteristics (i.e. leaf chlorophyll content, leaf area/thickness, and stomatal conductance) could have promoted or delayed glyphosate activity under eT over the period, especially at sub-lethal rates. Overall, the glyphosate efficacy was unaffected since herbicide within the recommended rates completely controlled all tested weed species under both temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assessing the adaptability and stability of herbicide-tolerant lentil accessions to two broad-spectrum post-emergence herbicides in multi-environment trials has become a must in a breeding program to improve its selection. The adaptability and stability of 42 herbicide-tolerant lentil accessions were investigated using five stability parameters under eight different environments. Significant Genotype–Environment (GE) interaction was found for days to flowering (DFLR), days to maturity (DMAT), and seed yield per plant (SY). The analyzed stability parameters such as Cultivar superiority, Finlay–Wilkinson, Shukla, Static Stability, and Wricke's Ecovalence ranked the tested accessions differently, confirming the importance of using a combination of stability parameters when evaluating the performance of a group of accessions. GGE biplot of the SY trait accounted for 60.79% of sums of squares of the GE interaction and showed that cool and high rainfall environments are ideal for testing the agronomic performance of tolerant accessions. The GGE biplot of SY showed that IG4605(19), IG195(6), and IG156635(12) were specifically adapted to one mega environment, whereas IG70056(38) was identified as a superior line having a high and stable yield. These lines should be included in lentil crossing programs to develop herbicide-tolerant cultivars adapted to diverse environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insect infestation and weed interference have a seriously negative impact on the growth, yield, and grain quality of maize. In this study, transgenic maize plants harboring three exogenous genes, cry2Ab, vip3A, and cp4epsps, that were constructed into a single T-DNA were developed for protection against insects and weeds. The transgene integration sites on the chromosomes in two transgenic maize events, CVC-1 and CVC-2, were determined using whole genome sequencing and specific PCR detection. As revealed by laboratory insect bioassays, these two transgenic events exhibited strong insecticidal toxicity against three major species of Lepidoptera insects, including Mythimna separata, Helicoverpa armigera, and Spodoptera frugiperda, with mortality rates exceeding 96%, 100%, and 100%, respectively, after six days of infestation. In addition, CVC-1 exhibited a high tolerance to glyphosate under field conditions. The successful expressions of cry2Ab, vip3A, and cp4epsps in various tissues at different developmental stages of CVC-1 were validated at the transcriptional and translational levels using quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. These findings demonstrated that the transgenic maize CVC-1 developed using this triple gene construct has excellent insect resistance and herbicide tolerance, which may provide a valuable germplasm resource and data support for future maize breeding of insect and weed control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soybean is one of the most important agricultural products that are closely related to people’s life and economic and social development. At present, the improvement of soybean production level and increasing soybean self-sufficiency rate are major problems that must be solved in China’s agricultural development. Due to the shortage of cultivated land resources in China, scientific and technological innovation is the only way to improve soybean production capacity. Transgenic breeding is a key technology to promote the development of soybean production, and it has played an important role in the development of soybean industry in the world’s major producers such as the United States, Brazil and Argentina. In last 20 years, the breeding techniques of herbicide-tolerant and insect-resistant soybean have obtained a great progress and some products can be used for commercialization in China. And the commercial planting of transgenic soybeans can significantly reduce productive cost and raise soybean yield. Based on the developmental progress of transgenic soybean techniques and the characteristics of soybean production in China, the following strategy is suggested to boost the commercialization scientifically and orderly. Firstly, in terms of product application, based on the single trait product for glyphosate tolerance, and the products with multiple genes for two or more herbicide tolerant traits such as glyphosate and glufosinate tolerance, as well as for stacking of herbicide tolerance and insect resistance traits, the commercialization of the above seeds should be conducted in order. Secondly, in terms of product regional layout, based on occurrence and regional distribution characteristics of target weeds and pests, top-level design of growing zones to herbicide-tolerant and insect-resistant soybean products should be performed. Thirdly, in terms of biosafety management, population monitoring and management techniques for resistant weeds and pests should be developed to extend service period of genetically modified products. In the meantime, the conservation of wild soybean germplasm resources should be strengthened to reduce the negative impact on biodiversity of wild soybean caused by gene flow from transgenic soybean in natural eco-system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Quinoa (Chenpodium quinoa Willd.) is an herbaceous flowering annual plant from amaranth family grown as a crop primarily for its valuable seeds; the seeds are rich in protein, fibers, vitamins, and minerals in amounts greater than in many grains. Because of drought and salt tolerance, Quinoa can be cultivated in the areas affected by drought and salt stress conditions in the country. Weeds are the major obstacles in increasing the productivity of Quinoa. Since now, there has been no remarkable research and suitable herbicides available for weed control in Quinoa fields during the post-emergence stage. The aim of the present study was to screening the herbicides already registered for weed control in different crops rather than quinoa, and to test the possible tolerance of quinoa to the applied herbicides for secure and safe herbicide recommendations. Materials and Methods: A field study was conducted for screening and selection of possible herbicides to be used for chemical weed control in quinoa fields of Astan Ghods Razavi, in Anabad, located in Bardascan in Khorasan Razavi province, Iran, in during 2019. Herbicides were sprayed as post emergence (foliar applied) at 4-6 leafy stage of quinoa by Matabi® rechargeable sprayer calibrated to deliver 350 l ha-1 of spray solution. The layout was a completely randomized blocks design with three replicates. Treatments were post emergence application of atrazine (800 g a i ha-1 ), metribuzin (525 g a i ha-¹ ), phenmedipham+ desmedipham+ ethofumesate (822 g a i ha-1 ), quizalofop tefuryl (60 g a i ha-1 ), clethodim (96 g a i ha-1 ), haloxyfop methyl (104 g a i ha-1 ), acetochlor (228 g a i ha-1 ), bensulfuron methyl (30 g a i ha-1 ), bentazon (1440 g a i ha-1 ), queen merak+ metazachlor (1040 g a i ha-1 ), clopyralid (225 g a i ha-1 ), 2, 4-D + dicamba (698 g a i ha-1 ), imazethapyr (100 g a i ha-1 ), isoxaflutole+ thiencarbazone methyl (232.5 g a i ha-1 ), ethofumesate (1250 g a i ha-1 ), oxadiazone (360 g a i ha-1 ), oxyfluorfen (360 g a i ha-1 ), pendimethalin (Prol® ) (675 and 1350 g a i ha-1 ), sethoxydim (375 g a i ha-1 ), sulfosulfuron (19.95 g a i ha-1 ), clodinafop (192 g a i ha-1 ), tribenuron methyl (15 g a i ha-1 ), rimsulfuron+ nicosulfuron (131.25 g a i ha-1 ) plus hand weeding and untreated control. Results: Two weeks after herbicide spray, no visual injury were observed on quinoa when sprayed with clethodim, quizalofop tefuryl, clodinafop, haloxyfop methyl, sethoxydim and pendimethalin (675 g a i ha-1 ). Severe visual damage (100% injury) however, observed on quinoa when sprayed with atrazine, metribuzin, phenmedipham+ desmedipham+ ethofumesate, oxyfluorfen, bentazon and oxadiazone. The rest of the herbicides were rated in between. Quinoa grain yield when sprayed with clethodim (3190.7kg ha-1 ) and quizalofop tefuryl (2674.7 kg ha-1 ) were not significantly different from hand weeding (3346.7 kg ha-1 ). But application of atrazine, metribuzin, phenmedipham+ desmedipham+ ethofumesate, oxyfluorfen, bentazon and 2, 4-D + dicamba yielded to complete quinoa death. Quinoa grain yield when sprayed with bensulfuron methyl (1402.7 kg ha-1 ), imazethapyr (1184 kg ha -1 ), clopyralid (1402.7 kg ha-1 ) and pendimethalin (784 and 964 kg ha-1 at doses of 675 and 1350 g a i ha-¹, respectively) were promising results while still significantly lower than that of hand weeding control. Conclusion: Application of quizalofop-tefuryl and clotidim can be recommended to be used for weed control in quinoa. Besides application of haloxyfop methyl, sethoxydim, clodinafop, bensulfuron methyl, imazethapyr, clopyralid, pendimethalin and queen merak+ metazachlor showed promising results but still more experimentation need to be done for final recommendation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Yield losses in lentil (Lens culinaris ssp. culinaris Medik.) caused by weeds are estimated at 20–80%. In the absence of effective broad-spectrum herbicides, the menace of weed has emerged as a serious yield constraint in lentil. Aims: Identification of tolerance to two broad-spectrum post-emergence herbicides, imazethapyr and metribuzin. Methods: 221 lentil accessions were screened at the experimental research station of the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas, Terbol (Lebanon) over four crop seasons (2014/15–2018/19). During the 2014/15 season, a preliminary screening experiment was conducted with 221 lentil accessions in an alpha lattice design with two replications, where accessions were treated at the pre-flowering stage at 150% of the recommended dose of imazethapyr (112.5 g active ingredient/ha) or metribuzin (315 g active ingredient/ha). Based on the preliminary results, 38 accessions were selected for further evaluation. In subsequent testing, the selected accessions were screened at 100% and 150% of the recommended doses of imazethapyr or metribuzin. Key results: Herbicide treatments delayed the flowering time and maturation of tested lentil accessions. The plant height of selected tolerant accessions was reduced by 15% and 8% in the plots treated by imazethapyr and metribuzin, respectively. Reduction index (RIsy) was an effective tool to select for herbicide tolerance. Stability analysis indicated that two accessions (IG4400 and IG5722) performed under high rainfall environments while two other accessions (IG323 and IG4605) were adapted to low rainfall environments. Conclusions: Four accessions (IG323, IG5722, IG4400, IG4605) were identified as independently tolerant to metribuzin and imazethapyr. Implications: The identified herbicide-tolerant accessions can be used to develop herbicide-tolerant cultivars. The integration of herbicide-tolerant lentil in the cropping system increases its sustainability and soil fertility in West Asian and North African regions. Therefore the identified sources for herbicide tolerance combined with other traits can be used to develop new cultivars that can be adapted to modern cropping systems in the region. The cultivars can decrease the cost of the production by reducing the cost of laborious hand weeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Weed interference in the crop field is one of the major biotic stresses causing dramatic crop yield losses, and the development of herbicide-resistant crops is critical for weed control in the application of herbicide technologies. To identify herbicide-resistant germplasms, we screened 854 maize inbreed lines and 25,620 seedlings by spraying them with 1 g/L glufosinate. One plant (L336R), possibly derived from a natural variation of line L336, was identified to have the potential for glufosinate tolerance. Genetic analysis validated that the glufosinate tolerance of L336R is conferred by a single locus, which was tentatively designated as ZmGHT1. By constructing a bi-parental population derived from L336R, and a glufosinate sensitive line L312, ZmGHT1 was mapped between molecular markers M9 and M10. Interestingly, genomic comparation between the two sequenced reference genomes showed that large scale structural variations (SVs) occurred within the mapped region, resulting in 2.16 Mb in the inbreed line B73, and 11.5 kb in CML277, respectively. During the fine mapping process, we did not detect any additional recombinant, even by using more than 9500 F2 and F3 plants, suspecting that SVs should also have occurred between L336R and L312 in this region, which inhibited recombination. By evaluating the expression of the genes within the mapped interval and using functional annotation, we predict that the gene Zm00001eb361930, encoding an aminotransferase, is the most likely causative gene. After glufosinate treatment, lower levels of ammonia content and a higher activity of glutamine synthetase (GS) in L336R were detected compared with those of L336 and L312, suggesting that the target gene may participate in ammonia elimination involving GS activity. Collectively, our study can provide a material resource for maize herbicide resistant breeding, with the potential to reveal a new mechanism for herbicide resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: CYP81A cytochrome P450s (CYP81As) play a key role in herbicide detoxification in Poaceae plants. Crop CYP81As confer natural tolerance to multiple herbicides, whereas CYP81As in weeds disrupt herbicide action. Identifying differences in CYP81A herbicide specificity between crops and weeds could provide valuable information for controlling weeds. In this study, we quantitatively compared herbicide specificity between CYP81A6 from rice (Oryza sativa) and CYP81A12 and CYP81A21 from a weed, Echinochloa phyllopogon, using transgenic Escherichia coli and Arabidopsis. RESULTS: All three CYP81As metabolized the five tested herbicides and formed similar metabolites, with the highest relative activities of 400 to 580% toward bentazone compared to their activity on bensulfuron‐methyl (defined as 100%). However, they showed differing activity toward propyrisulfuron. The relative activities of Echinochloa phyllopogon CYP81A12 (12.2%) and CYP81A21 (34.4%) toward propyrisulfuron were lower than that of rice CYP81A6 (98.5%). Additionally, rice CYP81A6 produced O‐demethylated propyrisulfuron and hydroxylated products, whereas Echinochloa phyllopogon CYP81As produced only hydroxylated products. Arabidopsis expressing CYP81A12 and CYP81A21 exhibited lower levels of resistance against propyrisulfuron compared to that in Arabidopsis expressing CYP81A6. Homology modeling and in silico docking revealed that bensulfuron‐methyl docked well into the active centers of all three CYP81As, whereas propyrisulfuron docked into rice CYP81A6 but not into Echinochloa phyllopogon CYP81As. CONCLUSION: The differing herbicide specificity displayed by rice CYP81A6 and Echinochloa phyllopogon CYP81A12 and CYP81A21 will help design inhibitors (synergists) of weed CYP81As, as well as develop novel herbicide ingredients that are selectively metabolized by crop CYP81As, to overcome the problem of herbicide resistance. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crop wild relatives (CWRs) belonging to the Brassicaceae family possess extensive genetic diversity and have frequently been utilized in the enhancement of cultivated Brassica species. However, their tolerance to glyphosate, a widely used herbicide, has remained unknown. Our study examined the glyphosate response of 20 genotypes from the Brassicaceae family, which included genotypes within the U triangle and their wild relatives. We evaluated their behaviour based on morpho-biochemical responses, specifically focusing on the traits of germination percentage, root length, and survival percentage. By calculating the mean membership function value (MFV) for each genotype’s response to these traits, we classified them into three distinct groups: susceptible, moderately tolerant, and tolerant. Among these genotypes, Brassica rapa (NRCPB rapa 8) demonstrated tolerance to glyphosate, as indicated by their mean MFV value of 0.68. Moderate tolerance to glyphosate was observed in Brassica juncea (Pusa Jaikisan) with a mean MFV of 0.52. Conversely, Diplotaxis catholica, Diplotaxis muralis, and Enarthrocarpus lyratus were susceptible, with mean MFV values of 0.37, 0.35, and 0.34, respectively. These findings revealed varying levels of response to glyphosate among these genotypes, with some displaying significant tolerance. The study provides valuable insights into the herbicide tolerance of Brassica CWRs and emphasizes the potential use of phenotypic and biochemical markers in evaluating herbicide tolerance.

Abstract Trifloxysulfuron (Envoke) is an acetolactate synthase-inhibitor herbicide and can be used to control many broadleaf weeds and nutsedges in cotton production. However, there is a lack of information on genotypic variation in response to the herbicide. In this field study, 60 Pima (Gossypium barbadense L.) lines, 122 Upland (G. hirsutum L.) lines, and 9 Upland × Pima segregating populations were divided into five tests (18A, 18B, 18G, 18RB, and 18HQ) to evaluate trifloxysulfuron tolerance at the 7-true leaf stage (42 days after planting) under the same field conditions in 2018. Across the five tests, Pima cotton genotypes tested in this study did not show any visual crop injury based on percentage of plants with chlorosis at 6 days after treatment (DAT), indicating consistent and high levels of trifloxysulfuron tolerance. However, the response to trifloxysulfuron within Upland cotton is highly variable. While Upland cotton is overall more sensitive to trifloxysulfuron with crop injury up to 80% than Pima cotton, 19 lines had injury below 5% including one line with no visual injury, and 19 lines had injury between 5% and 10%. In test 18HQ with 15 transgenic Upland cultivars and 17 non-transgenic Upland lines, the analysis of variance detected a significant genotypic difference. The broad-sense heritability estimates for trifloxysulfuron tolerance based on crop injury at 6 DAT was 0.555, suggesting that trifloxysulfuron tolerance in Upland cotton is moderately heritable. This study represents the first report that Pima cotton and many Upland cotton lines are highly tolerant to trifloxysulfuron with no or little crop injury.

Herbicide resistance in crop plants is valuable for integrated weed management in agriculture. Herbicide resistant rice, in particular, is important to management of weedy rice, a close relative of cultivated rice and a noxious weed prevalent in rice fields that remains challenging to farmers worldwide. Herbicide resistant plants can be obtained through transgenic approach or by mutagenesis of regular plant and screening of mutants with elevated resistance to herbicide. In this study, we conducted ethyl methyl sulfonate mutagenesis (EMS) to elite indica cultivar Huanghuazhan (HHZ) and screened for mutants resistant to imazapic, a herbicide that can inhibit the acetolactate synthase (ALS) in plants. We obtained three mutants of OsALS gene that have not been reported previously in rice. One of the mutants, with Trp548 changed to Met (W548M), was analyzed in more details in this study. This mutation had no negative effect on the plant physiology and morphology as well as rice yield. Compared with the imidazolinone-resistant mutant S627N (Ser627 changed to Asn) that has been deployed for Clearfield rice development, W548M mutant showed high levels of resistance to a broad spectrum of five families of ALS-inhibiting herbicides, in addition to a higher level of resistance to herbicides of the imidazolinone family. The herbicide-resistance was stably inherited by crossing into other rice lines. Thus, the W548M mutation provides a valuable resource for breeding of herbicide resistant rice and weed management.

Relatively few herbicides are registered in Alabama or in the southeastern United States for use in annual hill plasticulture production of strawberries. Acquisition of 24(c) special local needs status for certain herbicides could make more of these chemistries available to the strawberry industry. These herbicides, especially when applied as tank mixes pose potential risks to strawberry plant growth and fruit yield. Special local needs status for these herbicides has been granted for other states, but more evaluation of these products in Alabama soils under plastic mulch is needed. The objective of this study was to assess tank mix applications of preemergence herbicides with different modes of action on plant growth, crop yield, and fruit size of ‘Camarosa’ strawberry. A study was conducted at the Chilton Research and Extension Center in Clanton, AL, in 2018 and 2019. Pendimethalin (3.5 L·ha–1) and S-metolachlor (1.6 L·ha–1) were evaluated for potential phytotoxicity in ‘Camarosa’ strawberry when applied alone or in tank mixes with napropamide (8.6 kg·ha–1), sulfentrazone (0.3 L·ha–1), or terbacil (0.42 L·ha–1) by comparing them to a nontreated control. At 18 weeks after planting, pendimethalin tank mixed with napropamide reduced plant dry weight by 33% compared with the control, but this reduction was not significant. Additionally, tank mixes of pendimethalin with sulfentrazone, napropamide, and terbacil reduced shoot dry weight by 43%, 52%, and 43%, respectively, compared with pendimethalin alone. Pendimethalin + napropamide tank mix reduced relative growth rate by 95% compared with the control between 6 and 18 weeks after planting. All treatments were similar to the control in marketable yield. Differences in plant growth parameters did not appear to affect yield by the end of the experiment. All single applied treatments along with S-metolachlor tank mixed with napropamide and sulfentrazone; pendimethalin tank mixed with sulfentrazone and terbacil appeared to be safe for direct application to strawberry planting beds covered in polyethylene mulch.

Weeds that usually grow in non-agricultural areas have become increasingly common invading perennial crops. Species of the genus Filago, in addition to invading Spanish olive groves, have developed certain levels of natural tolerance to the acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibiting herbicide flazasulfuron. The objective of this study was to determine the level and the mechanism involved in the tolerance to flazasulfuron in Filago pyramidata L., which occurs in olive groves of southern Spain, as well as to identify possible cross- or multiple-tolerances by evaluating alternative herbicides for its control. A population resistant (R) to flazasulfuron and a susceptible (S) one of Conyza canadensis were used as references. The accessions of F. pyramidata presented LD50 values (from 72 to 81 g active ingredient (ai) ha−1) higher than the field dose of flazasulfuron (50 g ai ha−1), being 11–12.5 times more tolerant than the S population of C. canadensis, but less than half the R population (170 g ai ha−1). Enzymatically, F. pyramidata was as sensitive to flazasulfuron (I50 = 17.3 μM) as the S population of C. canadensis. Filago pyramidata plants treated with flazasulfuron, combined with 4-chloro-7-nitro-2,1,3-benzoxadiazole, had a growth reduction of up to 85%, revealing the participation of glutathione-S-transferases in herbicide metabolism. Filago pyramidata presented cross-tolerance to the different chemical groups of ALS inhibitors, except triazolinones (florasulam). Synthetic auxins (2,4-D and fluroxypyr) presented good control, but some individuals survived (low multiple resistance). Cellulose synthesis, 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate, 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase, protoporphyrinogen oxidase, photosystem I, and photosystem II inhibitor herbicides, applied in PRE or POST-emergence, presented excellent levels of control of F. pyramidata. These results confirmed the natural tolerance of F. pyramidata to flazasulfuron and cross-tolerance to most ALS-inhibiting herbicides. The mechanism involved was enhanced metabolism mediated by glutathione-S-transferases, which also conferred low multiple tolerance to synthetic auxins. Even so, herbicides with other mechanisms of action still offer excellent levels of control of F. pyramidata.

Understanding the genetics of metribuzin (a group C herbicide) tolerance in wheat is vital in developing tolerant cultivars to improve wheat productivity in dryland farming systems. This study investigated metribuzin tolerance in wheat by conducting a Genome-wide Association Studies (GWAS) with a panel of 150 wheat genotypes of diverse genetic backgrounds and genotyped them with the wheat 90 K SNP genotyping assay. The phenotyping was conducted in a temperature-controlled glasshouse at the University of Western Australia (UWA). Genotypes were sprayed with a metribuzin dose of 400 grams of active ingredient (g. a.i.) ha−1 as pre-emergent in a specialized spraying cabinet and transferred to the glasshouse where the tolerance level of the genotypes was assessed by measuring the relative reduction in chlorophyll content of the leaves. The decrease in chlorophyll content of the treated plants compared to the control was regarded as the phytotoxic effects of metribuzin. GWAS analysis following a mixed linear model revealed 19 genomic regions with significant marker-trait associations (MTAs), including ten on chromosome 6A, three on chromosome 2B, and one on chromosomes 3A, 5B, 6B 6D, 7A, and 7B, respectively. Sequences of the significant markers were blasted against the wheat genome, IWGSC RefSeq V1.0, and candidate genes having annotations related to herbicide tolerance in wheat, especially in pathways reported to be involved in metribuzin tolerance, such as cytochrome P450 pathways and ATP Binding Cassette (ABC) superfamilies, were identified in these genomic regions. These included TraesCS6A01G028800, TraesCS6A02G353700, TraesCS6A01G326200, TraesCS7A02G331000, and TraesCS2B01G465200. These genomic regions were validated on 30 top tolerant and 30 most susceptible genotypes using the five closest SSR makers to the flanked SNPs. Sufficient polymorphism was detected on two markers (wms193 and barc1036) that were found to differentiate between the susceptible and tolerant alleles and a t-test analysis of the phenotypic data shows a significant (value of p < 0.001) difference suggesting that these markers can be used for marker-assisted selection (MAS) in metribuzin studies and wheat breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The availability of effective weed management tools against waterhemp (Amaranthus tuberculatus) is crucial to maintain profitable production of snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Preemergence herbicides enable the crop to gain a size advantage over the weed, but the few preemergence herbicides registered in snap bean have poor control of waterhemp. Sulfentrazone, a protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO) -inhibiting herbicide, provides significant control of waterhemp and other problematic weeds. However, crop tolerance to the herbicide is poorly known. To quantify snap bean tolerance to sulfentrazone and investigate the underlying tolerance mechanism(s), a genome-wide association mapping study was conducted using field-collected data on a snap bean diversity panel. Response to a preemergence application of sulfentrazone was measured using plant population density and shoot biomass variables. High levels of crop tolerance were found in several entries including Bush Romano 71, Navarro, and Flamata. Snap bean tolerance to sulfentrazone is associated with multiple genomic regions, indicating the trait is likely a non-target site resistance (NTSR). Seed size is partially responsible for the tolerance, thus the genetic factors conditioning sulfentrazone tolerance are likely a combination of those driven indirectly by seed size/weight and those acting directly on the metabolism of the herbicide or ameliorating its damage. In this study, several cytochrome P450 and ABC transporter genes were localized in associated genomic regions. Alleles conditioning snap bean tolerance to sulfentrazone identified in the diversity panel shed light on herbicide metabolism and could be used in snap bean improvement.

Understanding the genetics of metribuzin (a group C herbicide) tolerance in wheat is vital in developing tolerant cultivars to improve wheat productivity in dryland farming systems. This study investigated metribuzin tolerance in wheat by conducting a Genome-wide Association Studies (GWAS) with a panel of 150 wheat genotypes of diverse genetic backgrounds and genotyped them with the wheat 90 K SNP genotyping assay. The phenotyping was conducted in a temperature-controlled glasshouse at the University of Western Australia (UWA). Genotypes were sprayed with a metribuzin dose of 400 grams of active ingredient (g. a.i.) ha−1 as pre-emergent in a specialized spraying cabinet and transferred to the glasshouse where the tolerance level of the genotypes was assessed by measuring the relative reduction in chlorophyll content of the leaves. The decrease in chlorophyll content of the treated plants compared to the control was regarded as the phytotoxic effects of metribuzin. GWAS analysis following a mixed linear model revealed 19 genomic regions with significant marker-trait associations (MTAs), including ten on chromosome 6A, three on chromosome 2B, and one on chromosomes 3A, 5B, 6B 6D, 7A, and 7B, respectively. Sequences of the significant markers were blasted against the wheat genome, IWGSC RefSeq V1.0, and candidate genes having annotations related to herbicide tolerance in wheat, especially in pathways reported to be involved in metribuzin tolerance, such as cytochrome P450 pathways and ATP Binding Cassette (ABC) superfamilies, were identified in these genomic regions. These included TraesCS6A01G028800, TraesCS6A02G353700, TraesCS6A01G326200, TraesCS7A02G331000, and TraesCS2B01G465200. These genomic regions were validated on 30 top tolerant and 30 most susceptible genotypes using the five closest SSR makers to the flanked SNPs. Sufficient polymorphism was detected on two markers (wms193 and barc1036) that were found to differentiate between the susceptible and tolerant alleles and a t-test analysis of the phenotypic data shows a significant (value of p

Copyright of Journal of Agricultural Science & Technology (1008-0864) is the property of Journal of Agricultural Science & Technology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Genetically modified (GM) plants can be created by adding specific DNA sequences obtained from the same plant species or different species. Which aims to achieve higher yields, disease and pest resistance, herbicide tolerance, production of antibodies, and other pharmaceutical molecules by manipulating gene expression to alter the protein properties. Insect resistant plants reduce the damage caused by pests and diseases. Herbicide glyphosate or glufosinate-tolerant GM plants gave promising results in combating weed. The properties of plants such as metal uptake, transport, accumulation, and detoxification of organic pollutants can be enhanced by genetically manipulating the fast-grown and introducing the responsible gene from the hyper accumulative species. GM plants can be used to produce cost-efficient and manageable drugs, vaccine, and biopharmaceuticals, if certain limitations are to be considered such as quality of final products, techniques for extraction and processing of biopharmaceuticals, and biosafety. Despite all these benefits, its adverse effects on the environment and human health have always been a matter of concern. The main limitation includes a horizontal transfer of the transgene to other species which may code for the specific antibiotic and herbicide resistance. It might be the possible transmission of resistance from the food products to the whole human population via intestinal bacteria. To address this several methods, need to be adopted to either keep away or eliminate marker genes from the transformed plants before growing in the field. Many scientists have come up with strategies to generate marker-free transgenic plants to give us safe and reliable GM technology.

Summary: Nutritional equivalency feeding studies with diets containing genetically modified grain continue to be required by some regulatory agencies as part of the safety assessment of new events. These studies have long been conducted using broiler chickens, as they are very sensitive to nutritional deficiencies and antinutrients in the diet owing to their very rapid growth rate. A new transgenic maize product containing event DP-2Ø2216-6 (DP202216) with enhanced grain yield potential and an herbicide-tolerance trait has been developed. The nutritional equivalency of grain produced from maize containing this event with conventional grain was evaluated in a 42-D feeding trial with male and female Ross 708 broiler chickens. Broilers consuming diets produced with grain from DP202216 maize plants performed as well and produced similar organ, carcass, and parts yields as broilers consuming diets produced with nontransgenic near-isogenic control grain. In addition, the ranges of observed performance and carcass and organ yield trait values from DP202216 and control groups were similar to the respective ranges observed for broilers fed diets containing nontransgenic commercially available maize grains. Based on these results, it is concluded that grain from DP202216 maize is nutritionally equivalent to grain from nontransgenic near-isogenic maize, consistent with previously published reports on whole-food (where the edible crop tissue is incorporated in the feed) animal feeding studies for other genetically modified events.

In order to introduce new chemical weed management program in maize weed control in Iran, a study was conducted during 2014 and 2015. Experiment were carried out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. 15 treatments of the common maize herbicides, including nicosulfuron, foramsulforon, eradicane and 2,4-D + MCPA were applied in their recommended doses, moreover the treatments related to cycloxydim with dicamba + tritosulfuron were used with different doses and in different times along with two control treatments (weedy and weed-free). Treatments contained 75-150 g a.i. ha-1 of cycloxydim, showed similar results with the common treatments including nicosulfuron, foramsulforon, eradicane and 2,4-D + MCPA. However, treatments with high doses of cycloxydim, had a significant reduction in weed density and weed biomass. There were no significant differences between the effects of treatments on maize grain yield and biomass. Despite the acceptable weed control of the combined treatment of cycloxydim with dicamba plus tritosulfuron, maize canopy could overcome weed growth. Based on the results and by considering cycloxydim efficacy in controlling perennial grassy weeds in maize plantation, this chemical is a suitable option during different growing stages of weeds and maize. Finally, the application of 200-300 g a.i. ha-1 of cycloxydim combined with dicamba plus tritosulfuron was the best option from an economic and environmental safety points of view.

Assessing the adaptability and stability of herbicide-tolerant lentil accessions to two broad-spectrum post-emergence herbicides in multi-environment trials has become a must in a breeding program to improve its selection. The adaptability and stability of 42 herbicide-tolerant lentil accessions were investigated using five stability parameters under eight different environments. Significant Genotype–Environment (GE) interaction was found for days to flowering (DFLR), days to maturity (DMAT), and seed yield per plant (SY). The analyzed stability parameters such as Cultivar superiority, Finlay–Wilkinson, Shukla, Static Stability, and Wricke’s Ecovalence ranked the tested accessions differently, confirming the importance of using a combination of stability parameters when evaluating the performance of a group of accessions. GGE biplot of the SY trait accounted for 60.79% of sums of squares of the GE interaction and showed that cool and high rainfall environments are ideal for testing the agronomic performance of tolerant accessions. The GGE biplot of SY showed that IG4605(19), IG195(6), and IG156635(12) were specifically adapted to one mega environment, whereas IG70056(38) was identified as a superior line having a high and stable yield. These lines should be included in lentil crossing programs to develop herbicide-tolerant cultivars adapted to diverse environments.

Insect infestation and weed interference have a seriously negative impact on the growth, yield, and grain quality of maize. In this study, transgenic maize plants harboring three exogenous genes, cry2Ab, vip3A, and cp4epsps, that were constructed into a single T-DNA were developed for protection against insects and weeds. The transgene integration sites on the chromosomes in two transgenic maize events, CVC-1 and CVC-2, were determined using whole genome sequencing and specific PCR detection. As revealed by laboratory insect bioassays, these two transgenic events exhibited strong insecticidal toxicity against three major species of Lepidoptera insects, including Mythimna separata, Helicoverpa armigera, and Spodoptera frugiperda, with mortality rates exceeding 96%, 100%, and 100%, respectively, after six days of infestation. In addition, CVC-1 exhibited a high tolerance to glyphosate under field conditions. The successful expressions of cry2Ab, vip3A, and cp4epsps in various tissues at different developmental stages of CVC-1 were validated at the transcriptional and translational levels using quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. These findings demonstrated that the transgenic maize CVC-1 developed using this triple gene construct has excellent insect resistance and herbicide tolerance, which may provide a valuable germplasm resource and data support for future maize breeding of insect and weed control.