Abstract Nearly isogenic backcrossed populations of foxtail millet ( Setaria italica (L.) Beauv.), resistant and susceptible to sethoxydim, were used in dose response analysis to seven acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase inhibiting herbicides, aryloxyphenoxypropionate, and cyclohexanedione. Mortality and fresh and dry weights were recorded at the seedling stage. Results of greenhouse experiments showed that the resistant type was cross-resistant to all tested herbicides. Sethoxydim only was completely safe for the crop while three other herbicides had a moderate effect on the growth of resistant plants at recommended field doses. The last three herbicides had too high a toxicity to be used on millet. Field experiments showed that the safety margin of sethoxydim was similar to that in the greenhouse. There was no difference between homozygous and heterozygous lines suggesting complete dominance. Therefore, sethoxydim at a field dose that controls weeds can be used on resistant lines of foxtail millet.