Mississippi State researchers working on rice weed control recently received a boost through a donation by a global corporation.

The university was presented with DuPont's KF081 rice herbicide technology in late June. Scientists with the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station will use the technology as a basis for future commercial development.

Research conducted at DuPont has shown that the herbicide works on broadleaf weeds and sedges found in rice fields.

Dr. Nancy Cox, MAFES associate director, said further studies by MAFES scientists could lead to other uses for the technology.

"DuPont is making these compounds available to us along with other research information," Cox said. "We will use our expertise in weed and chemical sciences to expand on these studies and find alternate uses for this herbicide, for example weed control in non-rice crops."

Cox said the gift from DuPont represents an on-going partnership between MSU and the Wilmington, Del.-based company. In the past, DuPont has provided funding for MAFES research in the area of crop protection.

MSU will hold patent rights and regulate licensing agreements on any commercial product stemming from the donated herbicide technology.