Diversity and extent of mutations endowing resistance to the acetolactate synthase (AHAS)-inhibiting herbicides in Indian hedge mustard (Sisymbrium orientale) populations in Australia

Pestic Biochem Physiol. 2019 Jun:157:53-59. doi: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2019.03.004. Epub 2019 Mar 5.

Abstract

Indian hedge mustard (Sisymbrium orientale) (IHM) is an important broadleaf weed across southern Australia. Resistance to sulfonylurea (SU) herbicides that inhibit acetohydroxyacid synthase (AHAS) is extensive in Australia, but resistance to imidazolinone (IMI) herbicides has only been reported recently. The AHAS-mutation profile of 65 IHM populations collected randomly from cropped fields was investigated to better understand the extent and types of resistance present. Resistance to SU herbicides was present in 40% of the populations and resistance to IMI herbicides in 11%. Mutations were identified in SoAHAS by sequence analysis, and included previously reported amino-acid substitutions at Pro197 and Trp574, but also new substitutions at Pro197 and Asp376 for this species. One population with possible non-target-site resistance was identified. Germination studies with fresh seed found no significant effect by mutations in SoAHAS on germination; however, population factors had a large effect on germination in S. orientale. Resistance to AHAS-inhibiting herbicides in populations of S. orientale is endowed by mutations in SoAHAS in all but one population examined. Mutations at Pro197 conferring resistance to SU herbicides were most common, while mutations at Trp574 that provide resistance to IMI herbicides are also present.

Keywords: Acetolactate synthase (AHAS); Germination test; Herbicide resistance; Sisymbrium orientale.

MeSH terms

  • Acetolactate Synthase / genetics*
  • Australia
  • Germination / drug effects
  • Germination / genetics
  • Herbicides / pharmacology*
  • Mustard Plant / drug effects
  • Mustard Plant / genetics*
  • Mutation / genetics*

Substances

  • Herbicides
  • Acetolactate Synthase