Greenhouse and field evaluation of a novel HPPD-inhibiting herbicide, QYM201, for weed control in wheat

QYM201, 1-(2-chloro-3-(3-cyclopropyl-5-hydroxy-1-methyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carbonyl)-6-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)piperidin-2-one), is a newly developed HPPD- (4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase; EC 1.13.11.27) inhibiting herbicide for weed control. Experiments were carried out to determine the effect of QYM201 on weeds and its safety for wheat in the glasshouse and field. The results indicated that at doses of 90 and 135 g active ingredient (a.i.) ha(−1) QYM201 was highly effective against both grass and broadleaf weeds, such as Alopecurus aequalis Sobol., Alopecurus japonicus Steud, and Capsella bursa-pastoris Medic. In a wheat hybrid tolerance experiment, QYM201 showed a high level of safety for most of the 17 tested wheat hybrids, and the SI values reached ≥5.7 in the selectivity index study. To determine application rules for QYM201, field experiments were conducted in 2016 and 2017. During this time, 90 to 270 g a.i. ha(−1) post-emergence herbicide application (POST) was sufficient to supply satisfactory all-season control of Alopecurus aequalis Sobol., Descurainia sophia [L.] Schur., and Malachium aquaticum (L.) Fires. No damage to wheat plants was observed. In order to increase wheat yield and deliver effective weed control, a dosage of 90 to 180 g a.i. ha(−1) is suggested. In conclusion, the herbicide QYM201 is safe to use in wheat fields to control winter weeds.