Ecological implications of row width and cultivar selection on rice (Oryza sativa) and barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crus-galli)

Abstract Rice (Oryza sativa L.) producers in the Mid-south are experiencing difficulties with herbicide-resistant weeds such as barnyardgrass [Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) P. Beauv.]. As a result, methods that can alter E. crus-galli ecology are needed. This research evaluated the ecological implications of rice cultivar and row widths on crop and E. crus-galli growth. Overall, for E. crus-galli, as the row width increased, greater density, panicle counts, and seed production occurred. Echinochloa crus-galli density was 120% greater in a 38-cm row width than the 13-cm row width at the preflood rice stage. Reduced early-season rice canopy coverage in the wider row widths allowed for increased E. crus-galli densities. At the preharvest stage, E. crus-galli panicle counts were similar for the 13- and 19-cm rows. Row width did not affect rice yield, indicating wider row widths could be feasible agronomically, but additional weed management efforts would be needed because greater ecological advantages were obtained in narrower rows. Less E. crus-galli seed production occurred in competition with hybrid cultivars compared to inbred cultivars. Overall, the standard row width (19-cm) and hybrid cultivars would provide the greatest ecological advantage over E. crus-galli.