Insights into the genetic spatial structure of Nicaraguan weedy rice and control of its seed spread.

Background: The genetic backgrounds and occurrence patterns of weedy rice (WR, Oryza sativa) are highly diverse, and so are the challenges facing its control among countries. WR control is difficult because it is similar to cultivated rice and manual removal is one of the few options for control. Understanding the ecology of WR will aid efforts to break its life cycle and establish long-term management strategies under both irrigated and rainfed systems.