ABSTRACT: Herbicide promotes physiological and biochemical changes even in tolerant species. The objective of this study was to evaluate the interference of the herbicides clodinafop-propargyl and 2,4-D in the antioxidant system of wheat, and iodosulfuron-methyl in wheat and ryegrass. Two studies, divided into three experiments, were conducted in an entirely randomized design in a greenhouse and phytotron. The first study tested herbicides iodosulfuron-methyl, clodinafop-propargyl, 2,4-D, and a control without application in wheat. The second, divided into two experiments with wheat and ryegrass, tested iodosulfuron-methyl doses (0, 1.75, 3.5, and 7.0 g a.i. ha-1). The variables analyzed were the concentrations of chlorophylls a, b, carotenoids, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), lipid peroxidation (TBARS), electrolyte leakage, and antioxidant system activity. The herbicide treatments iodosulfuron-methyl, clodinafop-propargyl, and 2,4-D decreased the concentrations of chlorophylls and carotenoids in wheat plants. The herbicides promoted oxidative stress with increased H2O2 and TBARS concentrations. Increasing the dose of iodosulfuron-methyl provided a reduction in the activity of the enzymatic antioxidant system in wheat and ryegrass. ABSTRACT species clodinafoppropargyl clodinafop propargyl 2,4D 24D D 2,4 2 4 iodosulfuronmethyl iodosulfuron methyl ryegrass studies phytotron iodosulfuronmethyl, methyl, clodinafoppropargyl, propargyl, 2,4D, D, second 0, 0 (0 175 1 75 1.75 35 3 5 3.5 70 7 7. ai i a.i ha1. ha1 ha . ha-1) b H2O2, HO , H O (H2O2) TBARS, (TBARS) leakage plants H2O 4D 24 2, ( 17 1.7 3. ha-1 (H2O2 (TBARS 1. ha- (H2O

RESUMO: A aplicação de herbicidas promove alterações fisiológicas e bioquímicas mesmo nas espécies tolerantes. O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a interferência dos herbicidas clodinafop-propargyl e 2,4-D no sistema antioxidante do trigo, e iodosulfuron-methyl em trigo e azevém. Dois estudos, divididos em três experimentos, foram conduzidos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado em casa de vegetação e fitotron. O primeiro estudo testou os herbicidas iodosulfuron-methyl, clodinafop-propargyl, 2,4-D, e testemunha sem aplicação em trigo. O segundo, dividido em dois experimentos com trigo e azevém, testou doses de iodosulfuron-methyl doses (0, 1,75, 3,5, and 7,0 g i.a. ha-1). As variáveis analisadas foram as concentrações de clorofilas a, b, carotenoides, peróxido de hidrogênio (H2O2), peroxidação lipídica (TBARS), extravazamento de eletrólitos e atividade do sistema antioxidante. O uso dos herbicidas iodosulfuron-methyl, clodinafop-propagyl e 2,4-D diminuíram o teor de clorofilas e carotenoides nas plantas de trigo. Os herbicidas promovem estresse oxidativo com aumento no teor de H2O2, TBARS e extravasamento de eletrólitos. O aumento da dose do iodosulfuron-methyl proporciona redução da atividade do sistema antioxidante enzimático no trigo e azevém. RESUMO tolerantes clodinafoppropargyl clodinafop propargyl 2,4D 24D D 2,4 2 4 iodosulfuronmethyl iodosulfuron methyl azevém estudos fitotron iodosulfuronmethyl, methyl, clodinafoppropargyl, propargyl, 2,4D, D, segundo 0, 0 (0 175 1 75 1,75 35 3 5 3,5 70 7 7, ia i i.a ha1. ha1 ha . ha-1) b H2O2 HO , H (H2O2) TBARS, (TBARS) clodinafoppropagyl propagyl 4D 24 2, ( 17 1,7 3, ha-1 H2O (H2O2 (TBARS 1, ha- (H2O

Abstract Background: Several factors may affect herbicide fate in the soil, including soil moisture which can affect herbicide availability and degradation and mixture with other degradable herbicides. Objective: The objectives of this research were to evaluate the effects of soil moisture content and association with glyphosate on S-metolachlor persistence in lowland soil. Methods: Greenhouse experiments were conducted in 2011 and repeated in 2012 using a randomized complete block design in a factorial arrangement (3×3×5) with four replications. Factor A included three soil moisture contents (air-dried, water holding capacity, and saturated), and factor B included two herbicide combinations (S-metolachlor; S-metolachlor + glyphosate) plus an untreated check. Factor C included five intervals between application and sowing of the bioindicator species (rice): 150, 120, 90, 60, and 30 days before sowing. Herbicide injury, height in rice plants, and herbicide concentration in soil was evaluated. Results: S-metolachlor concentration and injury to rice were higher under dry soil conditions regardless of application timing. In contrast, rice injury was significantly lower in the soil saturated condition. The association with glyphosate did not affect S-metolachlor persistence in lowland soil. Conclusion: These results indicate that S-metolachlor exhibits shorter persistence under saturated soil conditions; and indicated that drought periods following S-metolachlor applications may increase carryover to sensitive crops planted in rotation. Background herbicides Objective Smetolachlor S metolachlor Methods 201 3×3×5 335 3 5 (3×3×5 replications airdried, airdried air dried, dried (air-dried capacity saturated, , saturated) (S-metolachlor check (rice) 150 120 90 60 plants evaluated Results timing contrast condition Conclusion rotation 20 3×3× 33 (3×3× (rice 15 12 9 6 2 3×3 (3×3 1 3× (3× (3 (

Abstract: Background: RNA interference (RNAi) is a natural post-transcriptional gene silencing (PTGS) system of eukaryotic cells and can be used as spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS) to target genes. Due to the complexity of plant cell structure and genome, using SIGS in plants has faced many barriers. Objective: We aimed to develop a delivery strategy and appropriate siRNA design to induce PTGS by SIGS. Methods: The rice Phytoene desaturase (OsPDS) gene was used as a model to test our SIGS. Three siRNAs (siPDS1, siPDS2, and siPDS3) targeting different regions of the OsPDS transcript were applied individually or mixed siPDS2+siPDS3 in solution with SilwetTM adjuvant. Treatments were applied using a micropipette in rice seedlings (V2-stage), with the addition of proper control treatments: untreated-check and adjuvant-check. Seedlings were accessed phenotypically, physiologically, and molecularly. Results: The most prominent phenotype was observed for siPDS1 and siPDS2+siPDS3. Reduction in plant growth, chlorophyll index and shoot dry mass were reduced after siPDS2+siPDS3 application, while increasing anthocyanin content. OsPDS was downregulated after siPDS1 application with no change in the non-treated upper leaf. Conclusions: Our siRNA design and delivery strategy efficiently delivered the siRNA inside the plant and promoted target PTGS and compatible phenotype. The system used in this experiment did not show systematicity in the plant, probably due to the fast oxidative stress that hindered the systematic effect. This is an advance on the SIGS and can be a valuable tool for PTGS to find new targets for RNAi. Abstract Background RNAi (RNAi posttranscriptional post transcriptional (PTGS sprayinduced spray induced (SIGS genes genome barriers Objective Methods (OsPDS siPDS1, siPDS (siPDS1 siPDS2 siPDS3 siPDS2siPDS3 siPDSsiPDS siPDS2+siPDS adjuvant V2stage, V2stage Vstage V2 stage , V (V2-stage) treatments untreatedcheck untreated check adjuvantcheck. adjuvantcheck check. adjuvant-check phenotypically physiologically molecularly Results growth content nontreated non treated leaf Conclusions effect (siPDS siPDS2siPDS (V2-stage

Abstract Herbicide mineralization in the soil is affected by several factors, including the herbicide application history of the soil, soil moisture, and whether the herbicide is co-applied with another herbicide. The objective of this work was to evaluate S-metolachlor mineralization in the soil as affected by soil moisture content, history of herbicide application, and association with glyphosate. 14C-S-metolachlor mineralization increased with increasing soil moisture content. The average cumulative mineralization of S-metolachlor at 63 days of incubation was 0.03, 0.80, and 1.80% in air-dried, field capacity, and saturated soil, respectively. The mineralization rate of S-metolachlor was greater under saturated conditions and affected by the association with glyphosate. Greater mineralization of S-metolachlor occurred in cornfield soil with a history of S-metolachlor application. The average cumulative mineralization was 0.24% in cornfield and 0.89% in non-cultivated area. We can conclude that the higher the soil moisture content the higher S-metolachlor mineralization and that the mixture of this herbicide with glyphosate increased its degradation compared to the application of the herbicide alone. While there is evidence suggesting enhanced degradation of S-metolachlor in soil previously subjected to corn cultivation and S-metolachlor application, drawing a definitive conclusion is challenging due to the influence of sorption observed in our dataset. factors coapplied co applied Smetolachlor S metolachlor 14CSmetolachlor CSmetolachlor 14C C 6 003 0 03 0.03 080 80 0.80 180 1 1.80 airdried, airdried air dried, dried air-dried capacity respectively 024 24 0.24 089 89 0.89 noncultivated non cultivated area alone dataset 00 0.0 08 8 0.8 18 1.8 02 2 0.2 0. 1.

Abstract Background Eragrostis plana , introduced from South Africa, is the most important invasive perennial weed in the grasslands of Southern Brazil (“Pampa biome”), becoming a threat in neighboring countries. How temperature, light, and water potential affect seed germination is poorly understood but essential to understand its invasiveness and dissemination. Objective This study characterized the seed germination of E. plana from locations in the Brazilian Bioma Pampa under different conditions. Methods Seed germination was evaluated by using a time-to-event model across a wide range of temperatures (15 to 45C), light (total darkness or 12-h light), and water potentials (0, -0.08, -0.2, -0.25, -0.5, -0.75, -1, and -1.5 MPa). Results E. plana seeds did not germinate below 15C and at water potential lower than -0.75 MPa. Among populations, the highest germination was at 40C (> 90%). The base temperature for germination ranged from 12.3 to 15.6C across populations. E. plana did not germinate more than 40% at 25C, except for one population (Caçapava do Sul), with a germination capacity of 73%. Light is a requirement for a fraction of the seeds as darkness inhibits the germination of a fraction of the seeds as well. Conclusions E. plana could adapt to cooler temperatures, as shown by the ability of the Caçapava do Sul population to germinate at low temperatures. This ability for seed germination help to explain why E. plana has successfully invaded the rangelands of Southern Brazil, spreading around neighboring countries. Management strategies have to be urgently adopted to avoid its dissemination abroad. Africa biome, biome biome”) countries E conditions timetoevent time event 15 (1 45C, 45C C 45C) total 12h h 12 light) 0, 0 (0 0.08, 008 08 -0.08 0.2, 02 2 -0.2 0.25, 025 25 -0.25 0.5, 05 5 -0.5 0.75, 075 75 1, 1 -1 1.5 -1. MPa . MPa) 0.75 -0.7 populations > ( 90%. 90 90% 90%) 123 3 12. 156C 6C 40 25C Sul, Sul) 73 73% well abroad biome” 0.08 00 -0.0 0.2 -0. 0.25 0.5 07 7 - 1. 0.7 9 4 0.0 0. -0

RESUMO: A produtividade do arroz no Sul do Brasil aumentou linearmente ao longo dos anos. A semeadura no início da janela é o principal contribuinte para o aumento da produtividade do arroz no sul do Brasil. No entanto, essa prática pode expor as plântulas de arroz ao estresse por baixa temperatura, aumentando os danos do herbicida e reduzindo a produtividade do arroz. Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito de épocas de semeadura na seletividade de herbicidas em caracteres agronômicos do arroz. Conduzimos experimentos de campo durante as safras 2010/11 e 2011/12 em Capão do Leão, RS, Brasil. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizados completos com arranjo fatorial. O fator A foram a semeadura-precoce (em setembro) e a semeadura-tardia (em novembro); o fator B foram os tratamentos com herbicidas (bispyribac-sodium, cyhalofop-butyl, penoxsulam, metsulfuron-methyl e controle - sem herbicida). A resposta do arroz aos tratamentos com herbicidas diferiu entre os anos. Em 2010/11, o bispyribac-sodium, o penoxsulam e o metsulfuron-methyl prejudicaram o arroz apenas na semeadura-precoce. Em ambos os anos, a semeadura precoce do arroz promoveu maior potencial de rendimento, apesar dos danos dos herbicidas. As injúrias causadas pelos herbicidas bispyribac-sodium, penoxsulam e metsulfuron-methyl foram transitórias, não acarretando em perdas de produtividade. A temperatura fria próxima a aplicação aumenta a injúria dos herbicidas ALS.

ABSTRACT: Rice yield in Southern Brazil has increased linearly over the years. Early season sowing is the primary contributor to rice yield increase in Southern Brazil. However, that practice might expose rice seedlings to the risk of low-temperature stress, which can enhance herbicide injury and reduce rice yield. This research evaluated the effect of sowing dates on herbicide selectivity and agronomical rice traits. We conducted field experiments during the 2010/11 and 2011/12 growing seasons in Capão do Leão, RS, Brazil. The experimental design was a complete randomized block with a factorial arrangement. Factor A was early-sowed (in September) and late-sowed (in November); factor B was herbicide treatment (bispyribac-sodium, cyhalofop-butyl penoxsulam, metsulfuron-methyl, and nontreated check). Rice response to herbicide treatments differed between years. In 2010/11, bispyribac-sodium, penoxsulam, and metsulfuron-methyl injured rice only on early-sowed. In both years, early sowing rice promoted higher yield potential despite herbicide injury. The injury caused by the herbicides bispyribac-sodium, penoxsulam and metsulfurom-methyl was transient did not lead to yield losses. Cold temperature close the application increases the injury of ALS herbicides.

Resumen Introducción: La pandemia por COVID-19 ha requerido de la respuesta institucional de las diferentes organizaciones para mitigar sus efectos. Objetivo: Describir el proceso de respuesta institucional dirigida a la comunidad universitaria de la Universidad Industrial de Santander (UIS) frente la epidemia por COVID-19 y analizar los resultados de los procesos implementados durante 2020 y 2021. Metodología: Estudio descriptivo de tipo mixto con un componente cualitativo descriptivo de la organización y desarrollo de la respuesta institucional y un componente cuantitativo descriptivo del análisis de los casos sospechosos y confirmados de COVID-19 en la comunidad universitaria UIS. Resultados: La respuesta institucional UIS comenzó desde marzo de 2020 y comprendió lineamientos y adaptaciones de tipo académico y laboral y un plan de respuesta que incluyó 6 componentes de acción y un retorno gradual a la presencialidad. Durante 2021 se confirmaron 272 casos en funcionarios y docentes y 208 casos en estudiantes, con una tendencia que reflejó la dinámica de transmisión local, pero con menor letalidad. Conclusiones: La respuesta institucional UIS frente a la epidemia por COVID-19 inició tempranamente e incluyó diferentes componentes que permitieron un retorno progresivo con baja transmisión en las sedes. Los aspectos por mejorar estuvieron relacionados con la cobertura, calidad y continuidad del diagnóstico y atención oportunos, conexas a las competencias y fragmentación propias del sistema de salud, y con la visibilidad del plan y sus resultados dentro de la comunidad universitaria.

Abstract Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has required the institutional response of different organizations to mitigate its effects. Objective: To describe the institutional response process for the COVID-19 pandemic at the Universidad Industrial de Santander (UIS) and analyze the results of the processes implemented during 2020 and 2021. Methodology: Descriptive mixed study with a qualitative component of the organization and development of the institutional response, and a descriptive quantitative component of the analysis of suspected and confirmed cases of COVID-19. Results: The UIS institutional response began in March 2020. The plan included academic and employment guidelines and adaptations, a response plan that included 6 action components and a gradual return to attendance. During 2021, 272 cases were confirmed in employees and professors, and 208 cases in students with a trend that reflected the dynamics of local transmission, but with lower lethality. Conclusions: The UIS institutional response to the COVID-19 epidemic began early and included different components that allowed for a progressive return with low transmission. The aspects to improve were related to the coverage, quality and continuity of timely diagnosis and care related to competencies and fragmentation of the health system, and the visibility of the plan and its results within the university community.

Abstract Mixing herbicides is a common practice in agriculture, to optimize farm management practices, widen the weed control spectrum, enhance application efficiency, and manage herbicide resistance. Interactions between herbicides can occur within the spray tank, on the leaf surface, and/or inside the plant, resulting in physicochemical and physiological interactions. Additive, synergistic, or antagonistic effects can result from these interactions. Given the range in plant response and the potential for negative and positive outcomes for weed management, predicting herbicide interactions before using mixtures would be of great value. Therefore, the physiological responses in the literature can help to ensure efficient weed control and avoid unwanted effects in the field. This review compiles information on physiological and physicochemical interactions between herbicides, addressing the most known cases of synergism, antagonism, and additivity, as well as their physiological bases, and the methods for evaluating herbicide interactions. Reference models for herbicide interactions have been reported and they usually interfere interpretation of the mixture effect. Antagonistic interactions can increase the evolution of weed resistance by favoring the survival of individuals exposed to the herbicide. Physicochemical incompatibility in the spray tank usually causes herbicide antagonism, whereas both synergism and antagonism can result from increased or decreased uptake/translocation and from physiological changes in the plant. agriculture practices spectrum efficiency surface andor Additive synergistic value Therefore field additivity bases effect uptaketranslocation uptake translocation

Abstract Background Eragrostis plana is the main invasive plant in the Pampa Biome of southern Brazil. This plant is highly competitive, tolerant to abiotic stresses, and very difficult to manage. Plants exposed to abiotic stresses and herbicides develop mechanisms that help alleviate or reduce damage caused by stressors and transmit this ability to the progenies. Objective The study’s objectives were to ascertain whether acclimatization to stress due to drought and sub-lethal doses of glyphosate may decrease plant sensitivity to glyphosate and investigate the possible memory mechanisms involved in this process. Methods A population of E. plana was submitted to drought, glyphosate, or a combination of drought plus glyphosate for two generations. The progenies were analyzed for sensitivity to the herbicide glyphosate and for biochemical, metabolites, and molecular responses. Results When testing sensitivity to glyphosate in the G 2 generations, the DRYxGLY (plants stressed with drought plus glyphosate) was the least sensitive (ED50 443.0 g a.e. ha-1), while CHK (without stresses) was the most sensitive (ED50 278.0 g a.e. ha-1). Evaluating the effects of glyphosate, the CHK population showed a greater accumulation of oxidative damage and shikimic acid. While DRYxGLY had greater antioxidant activity and higher expressions of the EPSPS and ABC-carrier MRP10 genes. Conclusions Recurrent selection with drought stress and sub-lethal rate of glyphosate (DRYxGLY) showed reduced sensitivity to glyphosate in the second generation ( G 2 ). The conjunction of factors, including the upregulation of EPSPS and the ABC MRP10 transporter, antioxidant enzymes seem to decrease the sensitivity of the DRYxGLY population to glyphosate.

Abstract Background Glyphosate is the most effective herbicide to control the invasive and perennial Eragrostis plana in Southern Brazil. However, one application has not been sufficient to prevent the regrowth of plants.Objective: The aim of this research was to evaluate the efficacy of glyphosate sprayed alone or mixed with fluazifop-p-butyl or flumioxazin on E. plana control and to investigate 14C-glyphosate absorption and translocation. Methods Plants with 2-3 tillers were treated with glyphosate (700 g a.e. ha-1), fluazifop-p-butyl (47 g a.i. ha-1), flumioxazin (100 g a.i. ha-1), glyphosate + fluazifop-p-butyl (700 g a.e. ha-1 + 47g a.i. ha-1), glyphosate + flumioxazin (700 g a.e. ha-1 +100 g a.i. ha-1). Weed control was evaluated visually for 28 d after treatment (DAT) when plants were harvested for shoot dry biomass determination. 14C-glyphosate absorption and translocation were measured at 24 and 72 h after treatment. Results Glyphosate at 700 g a.e. ha-1 controlled E. plana plants at 2-3 tillers. The mixture with fluazifop-p-butyl or flumizin did not significantly increase the level of control (87 and 86% at 7 DAT, respectively) but increased 14C-glyphosate translocation to the roots. Conclusions Glyphosate is effective on E. plana. However, applied with fluazifop-p-butyl could improve the control of this weed, especially when perennial plants of E. plana dominate the field, preventing their fast regrowth.

RESUMO: O aumento no uso do 2,4-D é esperado, uma vez que as culturas tolerantes foram aprovadas para uso no Brasil, o que pode afetar negativamente culturas importantes, como o tabaco. Nosso objetivo foi determinar a distância segura entre aplicações de 2,4-D e lavouras de tabaco, considerando a contaminação do herbicida no produto colhido. Um experimento de campo foi realizado, utilizando aplicação de 2,4-D perpendicularmente à direção do vento, com pulverizador tratorizado. A deriva do herbicida foi coletada plantas de tabaco colocadas em vários pontos (-50 até 400 metros da zona de aplicação), seguindo três esquemas: a) 0 a 0,5 horas após a aplicação (HAT); b) 0 a 24 HAT; e c) 0,5 a 24 HAT. As condições ambientais foram registradas. Foi quantificado o herbicida em folhas de tabaco. A deriva foi detectada até 200 m em 2015 e até 150 m em 2016. A volatilização ocorreu em ambos os anos, pois o 2,4-D foi detectado em plantas transportadas para o campo após a aplicação. As condições ambientais em 2015 favoreceram o movimento fora do alvo (maior velocidade do vento e temperatura do ar e menor umidade). Esses resultados indicam que uma zona de exclusão de 100 metros é suficiente para diminuir significativamente as chances de contaminação do tabaco acima do limite tolerado e, destaca a importância das condições ambientais nos processos de transporte do 2,4-D em condições de campo.

ABSTRACT: An increase in 2,4-D use is expected as tolerant crops have been approved to use in Brazil, which may negatively affect important crops such as tobacco. Our objective was to determine safe distances between 2,4-D applications and tobacco fields considering herbicide contamination to the harvested product. A field experiment was conducted, consisting of a 2,4-D application done perpendicularly to the wind direction, using a tractor sprayer. Drifted herbicide was collected using tobacco plants placed at various points (-50 up to 400 meters from application zone), following three schemes: a) 0 to 0.5 hours after application (HAT); b) 0 to 24 HAT; and c) 0.5 to 24 HAT. Environmental conditions were recorded. Herbicide in tobacco leaves was quantified. Drift was detected up to 200 m in both years. Vapor movement of 2,4-D was detected up to 400 m from the application strip in 2016, on plants taken to the field after herbicide application. Environmental conditions in 2015 favored off-target movement (higher wind speed and air temperature and lower humidity); although, in 2016 the herbicide traveled further due to wet deposition. These results indicated that a 100-meter buffer zone is enough to significantly decrease chances of tobacco contamination above the tolerated threshold, and highlighted the importance of environmental conditions in the transport processes for 2,4-D under field conditions.

Abstract Background: Clearfield® (CL) rice is one of the most successful tools for selective weedy rice control, using imidazolinone herbicides (IMI). However, IMI have residual soil activity and may carryover to non-tolerant crops growing in succession. It is necessary to find options to reduce IMI persistence in paddy rice fields. Objective: Evaluate the effect of water management on IMI dissipation in rice paddy and its carryover to soybean and non-CL rice. Methods: The herbicide mixture of imazapyr and imazapic totalizing 147 g a.i. ha−1 and 49 g a.i. ha−1, respectively, was applied half in preemergence (S3 stage – rice spike stage) and the other half in postemergence (V3-V4 rice stage). After herbicide application, a total of 21 samples were taken for analysis of residues. Soil samples were air dried and herbicides residues were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). Results: Calculated field dissipation half-life (DT½) of imazapyr was 182.5 and 42.0 days in continuous flooding and intermittent water management, respectively. Imazapic had a DT½ of 96.3 days on intermittent water management. No adjustment for the dissipation regression parameters was obtained for imazapic in continuous water management. No reduction in yield components was observed in soybean when grown in soil with imidazolinone residues. On the other hand, non-CL rice showed decreased shoot dry weight and stem number. Conclusion: Imidazolinone herbicides have a longer half-life under continuous rice water management than intermittent. Therefore, growers can use intermittent irrigation in ares prone to IMI carryover and can use soybean in rotation.

Abstract RNA interference (RNAi) is a next-generation technology for weed management. Weeds would be sprayed with small RNAs (sRNAs) capable of inducing gene silencing (referred to as spray-induced gene silencing, SIGS) without involving the use of transgenes, reaching traditional targets in chemical control, targets that are not today more sensitive to herbicides and even new targets. Here we present the main challenges and opportunities for using SIGS as a practical tool for weed management. The development of SIGS in weed science has been slower compared to other crop protection areas such as entomology and plant pathology due to the difficulty of obtaining stable molecules that easily enter the plant, without off-target risks to crops, and that in small amounts guarantee systemic silencing with effectiveness. To overcome the challenges, it is necessary to achieve the synthesis of sRNAs on a large scale, making the field application practical and economical, develop formulations that protect sRNAs inside and outside the plant, and substantially increase the genomic and transcriptomic information available for weeds. Once these barriers have been overcome, SIGS technology could be similarly used in the field as herbicides are used today, spraying directly on the crop and selectively controlling weeds. This will provide a new tool for weed management, herbicide resistance management, and potentially exploration of new plant enzyme targets never before achieved by chemical control.

Abstract Background: Soybean cultivation has been an option used to diversify the production system and perform herbicide rotation in irrigated rice crops in the lowland soils of the Rio Grande do Sul State, southern Brazil. However, elevated salinity levels have been detected in these soils that can inhibit plant growth due to the reduction of the osmotic potential of the soil solution and can causes toxicity. The combination of stress factors in the plantation areas can intensify deleterious effects, such as changes in salinity associated with herbicides that trigger oxidative stress in crops. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate osmotic potential, cell damage, and enzyme activities of the antioxidant metabolism on soybean after treatment with herbicides and salinity stress conditions. Methods: For this purpose, completely randomized design was used in a factorial scheme with three replicates. The A factor included four herbicide treatments, as follows: control (no herbicide), sulfentrazone, S-metolachlor, and sulfentrazone + S-metolachlor. The B factor was represented by the following three salinity levels: 0 (control), 60, and 120 mM NaCl, which were applied 24 hours after soybean sowing. Results: The results showed a significant alteration in the osmotic potential of soybean plants, mainly at higher salt concentrations. Although an increase in the lipid peroxidation has been detected in some treatments, antioxidant enzyme action combined with osmotic adjustment to reduce oxidative damage were mechanisms found to be employed by plants to reduce hydrogen peroxide levels. Conclusions: We concluded that herbicide treatment, in combination with saline stress, can alter physiological and biochemical processes of soybean plants.