One provision calls for planting only certified Clearfield seed rice purchased from accredited dealers. Saving planting seed from fields of Clearfield rice will not be permitted. The agreement will require two applications of Newpath herbicide, except in cases of crop-loss exemption. Non-ALS rice herbicides can be applied in tank mixes with Newpath and are, in fact, suggested where needed. This system will require restraint in applying the ALS mode of action herbicides because Newpath is in this same family of chemistry.
Research is still under way to identify the most effective and most feasible herbicide rotations.
Some farmers, no doubt, will have to adjust their thinking when reviewing the stewardship provisions. Although certified seed is widely used in southern Louisiana and the Texas Coastal Bend, bin-run seed is planted on a great deal of acreage in some areas. Or it could be the result of outcrossing and be tolerant to Newpath herbicide. In either case, Wayland notes, planting that seed would carry the risk of reseeding red rice in the field and expanding rather than eliminating a problem. Even more important, it would threaten long-term viability of the technology.