The life cycle and ecology of Cyperus difformis (rice weed) in temperate Australia: a review

Abstract

The almost exclusive use of aerial sowing of rice in Australia and the concomitant reliance upon the herbicide bensulfuron-methyl to control Cyperus difformis has not been matched with an increase in the understanding of the biology of this major weed. Of great significance i s the recent discovery of C. difformis biotypes in California which are resistant to bensulfuron-methyl. Although Australian rice agroecosystems employ longer rotations than the intensive Californian systems, it is only a matter of time until resistant biotypes are identified in Australia. This paper identifies the life cycle characteristics of C. difformis that we need to understand for its future management.