Integrated red rice management in Latin American rice fields

Red rice is an old problem, even in highly developed areas where considerable technology has been developed. Although red rice control in the field may often be successful, effective measures to prevent field reinfestations are still lacking. Key issues among the latter, are the availability of red-rice-free seed, and the economic incentives for its use. Herbicide use for red rice control is high in the region, and in addition to preventive measures, it can be reduced by good water control, competitive and submergence-tolerant cultivars, and the use of economic thresholds. The use of herbicide-resistant rice cultivars is controversial, but may have a niche in specific situations, and if the spread of resistance genes to non-target species can be controlled.