This study shows that the resistance mechanism endowing pyroxasulfone resistance in this Lolium rigidum population is enhanced rates of pyroxasulfone metabolism. This enhanced rate of pyroxasulfone metabolism is associated with over-expression of two glutathione transferases. Thus, the resistance mechanism in this Lolium population of enhanced rates of pyroxasulfone metabolism suggests GST-catalysed increased rates of glutathione conjugation. More work is required for definitive evidence of specific responsible GSTs.
Agricultural weeds have rapidly adapted to intensive herbicide selection and resistance to herbicides has evolved within ecological timescales. Yet, the genetic basis of broad-spectrum generalist herbicide resistance is largely unknown. This study aims to determine the genetic control of non-target-site herbicide resistance trait(s) that rapidly evolved under recurrent selection of the novel lipid biosynthesis inhibitor pyroxasulfone in Lolium rigidum.
Gene mutations that endow herbicide resistance may cause pleiotropic effects on plant ecology and physiology. This paper reports on the effect of a number of known and novel target-site resistance mutations of the ALS gene (Ala-122-Tyr, Pro-197-Ser, Asp-376-Glu or Trp-574-Leu) on vegetative growth traits of the weed Raphanus raphanistrum.