Results from a series of demonstration plots at a model farm show that the BASF Clearfield Production System (BASF) remains a solution to control weedy rice, even when neighboring paddy fields experience infestation.
The demonstration plots, in a program organised by the Integrated Agricultural Development Area of Northwest Selangor (IADA BLS) and BASF, have shown that when used in compliance with the full system stewardship guidelines, Clearfield Production System is far more effective than current standard practices.
Farmers who follow the complete guidelines can achieve harvests of up to seven metric tons of paddy per hectare.
The results were announced as part of a Field Day event hosted by BASF, Kilang Beras Seri Merbok Sdn. Bhd., and the local farmers’ cooperative under the guidance of the Department of Agriculture (DOA) and IADA BLS.
The results from the demonstrations clearly showed that the Clearfield Production System remained the only proven way for farmers in Malaysia to control weedy rice outbreaks that have been plaguing some areas.
BASF and its partners have invested significantly in this technology so that farmers have an effective tool for combatting weedy rice.
The Clearfield Production System is a four-part system that combines certified herbicide-tolerant rice seeds with a high-quality herbicide from BASF, a surfactant to help adhere the herbicide to the soil even in wet conditions, and a detailed stewardship guideline that outlines the proper steps for the successful cultivation of Clearfield rice.
Six demonstration plots were seeded in April, with four lots following the established guidelines of DOA, IADA, and BASF, which includes comprehensive land preparation and a strict schedule of herbicide application while the remaining two lots were farmed under typical farmer practice as a control.
During the Field Day event, the participants were invited to view the demonstration plots, with attendees commenting about the difference between the two sets of fields which was visible even to the untrained eye.
The plots following the prescribed guidelines exhibited no evidence of weedy rice infestation, even as the two control plots and the surrounding fields showed heavy infestation.
Yields of the infested plots were 40-75 per cent lower due to the impact from weedy rice.
The demonstration underscored that the steps included in the Clearfield cultivation guidelines, including proper land preparation prior to sowing and correct application timing of the herbicide, are key for delivering good results.
To help farmers better understand the full protocol, BASF and its partners have released an updated stewardship guideline to be included with the full four-part system.
