Home⇛Annals of Tropical Research⇛vol. 48 no. 1 (2026)

Application of Metamifop with Nonionic Surfactant for Chinese Sprangletop (Leptochloa chinensis) Control in Rice

Mayne Ramzelle G. Tamano | Mary Joy M. Abit

 

Abstract:

Background: Leptochloa chinensis is a major weed in rice systems, causing significant yield losses due to its competitive ability and difficulty to control, even with herbicides such as metamifop. The use of nonionic surfactants (NIS) may enhance herbicide efficacy. Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of metamifop combined with nonionic surfactant (NIS) for controlling L. chinensis and to assess the crop response of rice. Methods: A screenhouse experiment was conducted using L. chinensis and rice (NSIC Rc 222). Treatments included metamifop at 37.5, 56.25, and 75g ai ha-1 combined with NIS at 0.05, 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, and 1% v/v. Applications were made when plants were 10–13cm in height. Weed control efficacy and rice phytotoxicity were evaluated. Results: The addition of NIS significantly enhanced metamifop activity, improving L. chinensis control by 24–40% compared to the herbicide alone. Phytotoxicity symptoms were observed in rice, with injury increasing at higher herbicide rates (up to 12% at 75g ai ha-1) and higher NIS concentrations (up to 13% at 1% v/v). However, these symptoms were transient, and rice plants showed near-complete recovery by 21–28 days after treatment (DAT). Biomass reduction was minimal, and rice exhibited compensatory growth regardless of treatment. Conclusion: The efficacy of metamifop against L. chinensis can be substantially improved with the addition of NIS, particularly at 0.1–0.25% v/v, with only temporary and recoverable effects on rice.



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