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 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.

Abstract: Background: Eragrostis plana is an invasive plant in native grassland areas associated with degradation of the Pampa biome. Selective control of E. plana is difficult due to its similarity to other grassland species. There is a lack of information about E. plana control using selective herbicide application equipment. Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a pressurize rope wick applicator for controlling the invasive plant E. plana as function of different salts of glyphosate, application volumes, and year seasons. Methods: The studies were carried out under field conditions and repeated. The first study evaluated glyphosate salts of isopropylamine, dimethylamine, monoammonium, diammonium, and potassium at doses of 720 and 1440 g ha-1 and clethodim at 60 and 120 g ha-1. The second study assessed application volumes of 8, 24, 40, and 56 L ha-1 using isopropylamine and potassium salts of glyphosate. Results: Glyphosate applied in summer was more effective at controlling E. plana, with less regrowth than glyphosate application in winter. The glyphosate diammonium was more effective at controlling E. plana than isopropylamine, dimethylamine, monoammonium, or potassium salt formulations at 1440 g ha-1. Application volume of glyphosate between 8 and 40 L ha-1 provided similar control of E. plana and pasture selectivity. Conclusions: Glyphosate applied with a rope wick selective applicator was effective in controlling E. plana clumps and was selective to grassland. The control efficacy varied as a function of glyphosate salts and year season, but not due to application volume of 8 and 40 L ha-1.