The Canadian Health Agency’s Feed and Food Divisions have approved the Max-Ace rice system from RiceTec. The move allows for unrestricted planting of the cultivars, which are bred to withstand over-the-top applications of Highcard herbicide from Adama.
For the 2022 season, RiceTec plans to offer two Max-Ace products: RTv7231 MA and RT7331 MA. RTv7231 MA is a Max-Ace variety whereas RT7331 MA is a Max-Ace hybrid.
“Demo fields of Max-Ace in the 2021 season showed high potential for yield,” said Mason Wallace, RiceTec technical service manager. “With yield advantages ranging from 31% to 49%, growers have been pleased with the performance of Max-Ace with Highcard as a profitable crop and technology rotational tool.”
An ACCase inhibitor herbicide, Highcard contains a proprietary safener and is only registered for use on Max-Ace cultivars. It provides post-emergence control of a broad spectrum of grassy weeds, including weedy rice. As such, growers should use it as part of a weed control program that also includes broadleaf materials and over-lapping residuals.
To meet stewardship requirements and maximize the longevity of the technology, Highcard needs to be applied sequentially both early (two-leaf or later) and before panicle initiation.
The Max-Ace system also should be part of a crop rotation that includes conventional rice, IMI rice and/or soybeans.
RiceTec provided information for this article.