Confirmation and characterization of the first case of acetolactate synthase (ALS)-inhibitor resistance in Japanese brome (Bromus japonicus) in the US.

Background: Japanese brome (Bromus japonicus Thumb.) is one of the problematic annual weeds in winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and is generally controlled by acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibitors. Repeated use of the ALS inhibitor propoxycarbazone-Na resulted in the evolution of resistance to this herbicide in three B. japonicus populations, i.e., R1, R2, and R3 in Kansas (KS). However, the level of resistance and mechanism conferring resistance in these populations is unknown. The objectives of this research were to (i) evaluate the level of resistance to propoxycarbazone-Na in R1, R2, and R3 in comparison with a known susceptible population (S1), (ii) investigate the mechanism of resistance involved in conferring ALS-inhibitor resistance, and (iii) investigate the cross-resistance to other ALS inhibitors.

Results: Dose-response (0 to 16x; x = 44 g ai ha of propoxycarbazone-Na) assay indicated 167, 125, and 667-fold resistance in R1, R2 and R3 populations, respectively, compared to S1 population. ALS gene sequencing confirmed the mutations resulting in amino acid substitutions, i.e., Pro-197-Thr (R3, R1)/Ser (R2, R1) bestowing resistance to these ALS inhibitors. Such amino acid substitutions also showed differential cross-resistance to sulfosulfuron, mesosulfuron-methyl, pyroxsulam, and imazamox among resistant populations. Pretreatment with malathion (a cytochrome P450 enzyme-inhibitor) followed by imazamox treatment suggested cross-resistance to this herbicide possibly via metabolism only in R3 population.

Conclusion: Overall, these results confirm the first case of target-site based resistance to ALS inhibitors in B. japonicus in the US, highlighting the need for exploring herbicides with alternative modes of action to enhance weed control in winter wheat. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.