Field Crop 2024, Vol.7, No.2, 105-115 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/fc 106 and environmental impacts (Mispan et al., 2019). Integrating these cultural practices with other weed management approaches can provide a sustainable and effective solution to the weedy rice problem, ensuring long-term productivity and stability of rice cultivation systems (Andres et al., 2012; Mispan et al., 2019; Mohanty et al., 2020). The global significance of rice cultivation necessitates effective management of weedy rice to sustain productivity. Cultural weed management strategies play a crucial role in mitigating weedy rice infestation, offering a sustainable approach to address this pervasive issue in rice production. This study aims to explore and evaluate various cultural weed management strategies for controlling weedy rice in rice cultivation. By synthesizing findings from multiple studies, this study provides a comprehensive understanding of effective cultural practices and their impact on weedy rice infestation and rice yield. The expected outcome is to identify sustainable and practical solutions that can be adopted by rice farmers to mitigate the challenges posed by weedy rice, thereby enhancing rice productivity and ensuring food security 2 Weedy Rice: An Overview 2.1 Definition and characteristics of weedy rice Weedy rice (Oryza sativa f. spontanea) is a problematic weed in rice cultivation, closely related to cultivated rice (Oryza sativa L.). It shares many morphological and physiological traits with cultivated rice, making it difficult to distinguish and manage. Weedy rice typically exhibits high seed shattering, dormancy, and a wide range of phenotypic plasticity, which allows it to adapt to various environmental conditions and management practices (Chauhan, 2013; Singh et al., 2016; Tiwari et al., 2023). 2.2 Distribution and prevalence in different rice-growing regions Weedy rice is prevalent in many rice-growing regions worldwide, particularly in Asia, where it poses a significant threat to rice production. The shift from traditional transplanting to direct-seeded rice (DSR) systems has exacerbated the problem, as the absence of standing water during crop emergence favors weedy rice infestation. In Asia, countries like Sri Lanka, India, and other South Asian nations report high incidences of weedy rice, with significant infestations observed in both dry-seeded and wet-seeded rice systems (Chauhan, 2013; Singh et al., 2016; Shekhawat et al., 2020; Tiwari et al., 2023). 2.3 Economic and ecological impacts of weedy rice The economic impact of weedy rice is substantial, leading to increased production costs and reduced farmer income due to yield losses and lower quality of harvested rice. Yield losses can range from 20% to 100%, depending on the severity of infestation and the management practices employed. Ecologically, weedy rice competes with cultivated rice for resources such as nutrients, water, and light, thereby reducing the overall productivity of rice fields. Additionally, the presence of weedy rice can lead to increased use of herbicides, contributing to environmental degradation and the development of herbicide-resistant weed populations (Chauhan, 2013; Dass et al., 2016; Singh et al., 2016). By understanding the definition, distribution, and impacts of weedy rice, researchers and farmers can develop and implement more effective cultural weed management strategies to mitigate its adverse effects on rice cultivation. 3 Traditional vs. Direct-Seeded Rice Systems 3.1 Comparison of rice systems Traditional rice cultivation typically involves transplanting seedlings from a nursery into flooded fields, known as puddled transplanted rice (PTR). This method has been the cornerstone of rice farming for centuries, providing effective weed control through water submersion and ensuring high yields. In contrast, direct-seeded rice (DSR) involves sowing seeds directly into the field, either in dry or wet conditions, which can significantly reduce labor and water requirements (Dass et al., 2016; Singh et al., 2016; Shekhawat et al., 2020). 3.2 Challenges of DSR Despite its advantages, DSR faces several challenges, primarily due to weed infestation. The absence of standing water at crop emergence in DSR allows weeds to germinate and grow simultaneously with rice, leading to severe competition for resources. This can result in yield losses ranging from 50% to 80% (Chauhan, 2013; Dass et al.,
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