Traditionally, rice has been planted manually in flooded fields in Pakistan. This method of planting requires large amounts of water and a high level of labor. The sustainability of this system is threatened by severe labor and water shortages. Research has focused on direct machine planting of rice seeds in non-flooded soil. However, weeds flourish when the soil is not flooded making herbicides a necessary component of the new planting system.

“An increasing water crisis, as well as the unavailability and high cost of labor, in Pakistan has forced rice-growers to plant rice directly into the field. However, severe weed infestation causes disastrous effects on the productivity of this rice system. In this study, three herbicides were evaluated for weed control in direct-planted rice on a sandy loam soil. Weedy check and weed-free plots were established for comparison. Weed infestation decreased the rice yield by 75.2%. However, the application of herbicides suppressed the weed infestation, with a simultaneous increase in the rice yield.” 

Author: Khawar Jabran, et al.
Affiliation: Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad, Pakistan
Title: Application of bispyribac-sodium provides effective weed control in direct-planted rice on a sandy loam soil.
Publication: Weed Biology and Management. 2012. 12:136-145.