Weed spectrum — Which herbicide is reported as effective against perennial shrubs, annual weeds, and several problematic weeds of rice production systems?

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: Bialaphos (pro-herbicide of glufosinate; broad-spectrum efficacy)

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Bialaphos is a microbial tripeptide that releases glufosinate (phosphinothricin) in planta, inhibiting glutamine synthetase and causing ammonia accumulation and plant death. It has been evaluated across cropping systems, including rice, for control of annual and perennial weeds and woody shrubs in non-crop situations.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Mode of action: glutamine synthetase inhibition leads to rapid chlorosis and necrosis.
  • Spectrum: broad, covering many grasses and broadleaf weeds; not inherently selective without crop tolerance.
  • Alternatives listed (cycloheximide, anisomycin, herbicidin) are not the standard broad-spectrum choice for rice weeds and shrubs.


Concept / Approach:
When a question points to efficacy against both perennial shrubs and annual weeds, a broad-spectrum non-selective herbicide fits best. Bialaphos/glufosinate is consistent with such a profile and has been studied in paddy systems and around rice culture, subject to registration and label constraints by country.



Step-by-Step Solution:

Match desired spectrum (annuals + perennials + shrubs) to known herbicides.Bialaphos (→ glufosinate) aligns with broad-spectrum control; choose it.Exclude narrow/selective or non-field agents.


Verification / Alternative check:
Field trials and literature show glufosinate efficacy across diverse weed flora; herbicidin is more dicot-selective and less used for grasses; cycloheximide/anisomycin are not standard field herbicides.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:

a,b) Protein synthesis inhibitors with limited herbicidal registrations.c) Dicot-leaning, not broadly effective on grasses or woody perennials.e) Auxin herbicides focus primarily on dicots; not the best fit for the stated broad spectrum including shrubs.


Common Pitfalls:
Assuming rice-system herbicides must be grass-selective; some are non-selective but used in specific management windows or non-crop areas.



Final Answer:
Bialaphos (pro-herbicide of glufosinate; broad-spectrum efficacy).

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