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5 pages, 224 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Sustainable Weed Management

by Alessia Restuccia and Aurelio Scavo

Plants 2023, 12(8), 1673; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12081673 - 17 Apr 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1073

Abstract

Weeds are the most important biological constraint determining yield losses for field crops [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Weed Management)

Research

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16 pages, 2036 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Differentiated Weed-Suppressive Ability of Modern and Old Durum Wheat Cultivars after Long-Term Cultivation under Semi-Arid Climate

by Aurelio Scavo, Alessia Restuccia, Mario Bannò and Giovanni Mauromicale

Plants 2022, 11(23), 3368; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11233368 - 04 Dec 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1175

Abstract

Durum wheat (Triticum turgidum spp. durum) is one of the most important grain crops cultivated across the Mediterranean Basin, where a strong return to local landraces cultivation is occurring to meet the market demand for high-quality food and low-input cropping systems. [...] Read more.

Durum wheat (Triticum turgidum spp. durum) is one of the most important grain crops cultivated across the Mediterranean Basin, where a strong return to local landraces cultivation is occurring to meet the market demand for high-quality food and low-input cropping systems. A characterisation of the long-term effect (10 years) of durum wheat landraces and modern cultivars on the potential and real weed flora is still lacking. Hence, a multilocation trial over 10 farms in Central-Eastern Sicily was carried out to investigate the repeated cultivation of several old landraces (OLD) and modern cultivars (MOD) on the abundance and diversity of weed flora. Overall, OLD was associated with a 47% reduction of the soil seedbank size and to −64% of the aboveground weed biomass compared to MOD. In addition, diversity indices pointed out a high similarity between MOD and OLD farm groups for the soil seedbank, while a lower diversity was found in OLD for aboveground weed communities. From the principal component analysis emerged that the species compositions of MOD and OLD were quite separated for both soil seedbank and real flora, with the latter showing few specific associations with major weeds. These findings demonstrated the indirect effect of durum wheat landraces in sustainably reducing weed pressure without the adoption of chemical weed control. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Weed Management)

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23 pages, 1881 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Weed Management and Crop Establishment Methods in Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Influence the Soil Microbial and Enzymatic Activity in Sub-Tropical Environment

by Sarthak Pattanayak, Satyananda Jena, Priyanka Das, Sagar Maitra, Tanmoy Shankar, Subhashisa Praharaj, Prasannajit Mishra, Santanu Mohanty, Madhusmita Pradhan, Deepak Kumar Swain, Biswajit Pramanick, Ahmed Gaber and Akbar Hossain

Plants 2022, 11(8), 1071; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11081071 - 14 Apr 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2801

Abstract

Weed management has become the most important and inevitable aspect of crop management for achieving a higher rice yield. Nowadays, chemical herbicide application has become a popular practice for managing weeds in different rice cultures. However, herbicide application can have qualitative and quantitative [...] Read more.

Weed management has become the most important and inevitable aspect of crop management for achieving a higher rice yield. Nowadays, chemical herbicide application has become a popular practice for managing weeds in different rice cultures. However, herbicide application can have qualitative and quantitative impacts on soil microorganisms and soil enzymes, particularly in the case of new herbicide molecules and their indiscriminate use for a longer period. Further, different rice establishment methods also play a significant role in soil microbial population dynamics as well as soil biological properties. Keeping these in view, a field experiment was conducted at the Agronomy Main Research Farm, Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT), India, during the kharif season of 2016 and 2017, on the impact of crop establishment methods and weed management practices on soil microbial and enzymatic status. The field experiment was laid out in a split-plot design with three replications with four crop establishment methods in the main plot, viz., M₁, Direct Seeded Rice (DSR); M₂, Wet Seeded Rice (WSR); M₃,Unpuddled Transplanted Rice (NPTR); M₄, Puddled Transplanted Rice (PTR), and six weed management practices in the sub-plot, viz., W₁, Weedy check; W₂, Bensulfuron methyl 0.6% + Pretilachlor 6% (pre-emergence (PE)) 0.660 kg ha⁻¹ + Hand weeding (HW) at 30 days after sowing/transplanting (days after sowing/transplanting (DAS/T)); W₃, Bensulfuron methyl 0.6% + Pretilachlor 6% (PE) 0.495 kg ha⁻¹ + HW at 30 DAS/T; W₄, Bensulfuron methyl 0.6% + Pretilachlor 6% (PE) 0.495 kg ha⁻¹ + Bispyribac-Sodium (post-emergence(POE)) 0.025 kg ha⁻¹ at 15 DAS/T; W₅, Cono weeding (CW) at 15 DAS/T + hand weeding 30 DAS/T, and W₆, Brown manuring/Green manuring. The initial decline in the microbial population was observed due to herbicide application in NPTR and PTR up to 7 DAS/T and then it increased up to 28 DAS/T. There was a reduction in soil microbial and enzymatic status after the application of herbicides Bensulfuron methyl 0.6% + Pretilachlor 6% (PE) and Bispyribac-Sodium (POE) that again followed an upward graph with crop age. Significant variation in enzymatic activity and the microbial count was also observed among treatments involving crop establishment methods. The study revealed that improved microbial population and enzyme activity were noted in unpuddled transplanted rice under organic weed management due to favorable conditions, and chemical weed control initially affected microbial population and activities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Weed Management)

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13 pages, 2928 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Allelopathy in Durum Wheat Landraces as Affected by Genotype and Plant Part

by Aurelio Scavo, Gaetano Pandino, Alessia Restuccia, Paolo Caruso, Sara Lombardo and Giovanni Mauromicale

Plants 2022, 11(8), 1021; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11081021 - 08 Apr 2022

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 2893

Abstract

Durum wheat is one of the largest cultivated crops across Mediterranean areas. The high demand for sustainable crop productions, especially concerning weed management, is driving the return to local landraces. In the present work, the in vitro allelopathic effects of the extracts of [...] Read more.

Durum wheat is one of the largest cultivated crops across Mediterranean areas. The high demand for sustainable crop productions, especially concerning weed management, is driving the return to local landraces. In the present work, the in vitro allelopathic effects of the extracts of three durum wheat landraces (‘Timilia’, ‘Russello’ and ‘Perciasacchi’) and a modern variety (‘Mongibello’), obtained from three different plant parts (ears, stems and roots), were tested on seed germination (G) and mean germination time (MGT) of Portulaca oleracea L. and Stellaria. media (L.) Vill., two weeds commonly infesting wheat fields. In addition, the total polyphenol (TPC) and total flavonoid (TFC) content of extracts was determined. All extracts reduced G and increased MGT in both weeds compared to the control. The magnitude of phytotoxicity was strongly affected by the influence of genotype, plant part and extract dilution. Overall, the landraces ‘Timilia’ and ‘Russello’ showed the highest allelopathic effects, ear extracts were the most active, and the maximum extract dilution induced higher phytotoxicity. Extracts’ TPC and TFC corroborated these results. The findings obtained here encourage the use of local landraces as a source of allelochemicals and suggest that they could be left on soil surface or soil-incorporated after harvest for a possible weed control. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Weed Management)

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12 pages, 1991 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Volatile and Non-Volatile Allelopathic Characteristics in Thermally Processed Needles of Two Conifers

by Chan Saem Gil, Daeun Hong, Shucheng Duan and Seok Hyun Eom

Plants 2022, 11(8), 1003; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11081003 - 07 Apr 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1468

Abstract

With allelopathic composts, potential merits for preventing initial weed infestations have been observed in crop transplantation. However, previous studies have rarely investigated whether high temperatures, generated during composting, decrease allelopathic ability. This study evaluated the thermal allelopathic effect of two coniferous plants ( [...] Read more.

With allelopathic composts, potential merits for preventing initial weed infestations have been observed in crop transplantation. However, previous studies have rarely investigated whether high temperatures, generated during composting, decrease allelopathic ability. This study evaluated the thermal allelopathic effect of two coniferous plants (Pinus densiflora and P. koraiensis) on Brassica napus germination and seedling growth using their characterized allelochemical destinations. The 90 °C dry treatment of P. densiflora extract exhibited stronger inhibitory effect on germination than its 30 °C dry treatment. In a range from 0.25 to 1 mg mL⁻¹, the germination rate was decreased to 38.1 and 64.3% of control with P. densiflora extract dried at 90 and 30 °C, respectively. However, P. koraiensis showed potent inhibition of the germination process with no statistical difference in inhibitory effects regardless of the dry temperature. Regarding B. napus seedling root growth, the allelopathic effects of aqueous extracts of both conifers were not reduced with the 90 °C treatment, but it was lost in seedling shoot growth. GC-MS/MS confirmed that high temperature treatment drastically decreased volatile contents to 53.2% in P. densiflora, resulting in reduced allelopathic abilities. However, a relatively lower decrease to 83.1% in volatiles of P. koraiensis accounts for less loss of the root-specific inhibitory effect on B. napus seedlings even after 90 °C treatment. Foliar tissues of both conifers with species-specific thermal resistance have potentially valuable functions regarding allelopathic use in horticultural compost processing ingredients, demonstrating their weed control ability during the early cultivation season where crops are transplanted in the facilitated area. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Weed Management)

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17 pages, 499 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Different Weed Management Systems on Weed Flora and Dry Biomass Production of Barley Grown under Various Barley-Based Cropping Systems

by Muhammad Naeem, Shahid Farooq and Mubshar Hussain

Plants 2022, 11(6), 718; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11060718 - 08 Mar 2022

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2411

Abstract

Weeds are among the major issues responsible for reduction in yield and profit in any crop production system. Herbicides are the easiest and quickest solution of weeds; however, their frequent use exert negative consequences on environment, human health, and results in the evolution [...] Read more.

Weeds are among the major issues responsible for reduction in yield and profit in any crop production system. Herbicides are the easiest and quickest solution of weeds; however, their frequent use exert negative consequences on environment, human health, and results in the evolution of herbicide-resistant weed species. Due to these reasons, alternative weed management methods that are less harmful to environment and human health are needed. This two-year study evaluated the impact of different weed management options, i.e., false seedbed (FS), allelopathic water extracts (AWE), chemical control (CC), weed-free (WF) weedy-check (WC) on weed spectrum in various barley-based cropping systems, i.e., fallow-barley (FB), maize-barley (MB), cotton-barley (CB), mungbean-barley (M*B), and sorghum-barley (SB). Data relating to density, diversity, and biomass production of weed species prevailing in the studied cropping systems were recorded. Interactive effect of weed management methods and barley-based cropping systems significantly altered weed diversity, and densities of individual, broadleaved, and grassy weeds. A total 13 weed species (ten broadleaved and three grass) were recorded during both years of study. The highest dry biomass, diversity, and density of individual, broadleaved, and grassy weeds were noted in WC treatment, whereas WF treatment resulted in the lowest values of these traits. Chemical control resulted in the highest suppression of weed flora and improved dry biomass production of barley followed by AWE. The SB cropping system with CC or AWE resulted in the least weed flora. The M*B cropping system with CC or AWE produced the highest dry biomass of barley. It is concluded that including sorghum crop in rotation and applying AWE could suppress weeds comparable to herbicides. Similarly, including mungbean in rotation and applying AWE could increase dry biomass production of barley. In conclusion, herbicides can be replaced with an eco-friendly approach, i.e., allelopathy and inclusion of sorghum crop could be helpful in suppressing weed flora. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Weed Management)

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23 pages, 4767 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Different Inter-Row Soil Management and Intra-Row Living Mulch on Spontaneous Flora, Beneficial Insects, and Growth of Young Olive Trees in Southern Italy

by Giuseppina Las Casas, Corrado Ciaccia, Valeria Iovino, Filippo Ferlito, Biagio Torrisi, Enrico Maria Lodolini, Alessio Giuffrida, Roberto Catania, Elisabetta Nicolosi and Salvatore Bella

Plants 2022, 11(4), 545; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11040545 - 18 Feb 2022

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 2373

Abstract

Conservation agriculture (i.e., minimized soil disturbance and permanent soil covering) and living mulches represent two agroecological practices that can improve soil fertility, spontaneous flora, and beneficial insect communities. This research studied the effect of these practices in a young olive orchard in the [...] Read more.

Conservation agriculture (i.e., minimized soil disturbance and permanent soil covering) and living mulches represent two agroecological practices that can improve soil fertility, spontaneous flora, and beneficial insect communities. This research studied the effect of these practices in a young olive orchard in the Mediterranean area. Two Sicilian olive cultivars (‘Nocellara del Belice’ and ‘Nocellara etnea’) were used for the field experiment; inter-row minimum and zero tillage and four species of aromatic plants as living mulch along the row were tested. Spontaneous flora and beneficial insect communities, as well as tree growth, were monitored. The inter-row management did not influence the spontaneous flora dynamics. The species adopted for living mulch showed a very different degree of development and soil cover; 69 insect species (pollinators and predators) belonging to five orders (Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera, Diptera, Neuroptera, and Coleoptera) and 17 families were recorded. The growth of the olive trees was not affected by the conservative strategies.: In the inter-row, the growth of the spontaneous flora was limited by the high temperatures during the summer. Among the living mulch species, sage and lemongrass guaranteed an almost full soil cover, reducing the need for weed management along the row, as well as increasing the beneficial insects without influencing the young tree growth. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Weed Management)

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12 pages, 1683 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Controlling Woody Weed Chinese Elm (Celtis sinensis Pers.) with Stem-Implanted Herbicide Capsules

by Ciara Jade O’Brien, Vincent Mellor and Victor Joseph Galea

Plants 2022, 11(3), 444; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11030444 - 06 Feb 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2748

Abstract

Chinese elm [Celtis sinensis Pers.] is an emerging environmental weed naturalised throughout the coastal and riparian (creek-banks, river margins, and streams) regions of eastern Australia. Throughout this introduced range, its management is limited to the application of synthetic herbicides and mechanical clearing [...] Read more.

Chinese elm [Celtis sinensis Pers.] is an emerging environmental weed naturalised throughout the coastal and riparian (creek-banks, river margins, and streams) regions of eastern Australia. Throughout this introduced range, its management is limited to the application of synthetic herbicides and mechanical clearing operations (terrain and soil type permitting). The current mechanisms of chemical control (basal bark spraying, stem-injection, and cut-stump applications) often result in collateral damage to non-target native species (such as Eucalyptus spp. and Casuarina cunninghamiana Miq.) through herbicidal drift, runoff or leaching into adjacent habitats. This has raised concerns regarding the suitability of synthetic herbicides in ecologically sensitive (e.g., riparian zones, rainforest margins, and woodlands) or low-value habitats, thereby promoting significant developments in the fields of integrated weed management. This study investigated the effectiveness of a novel stem-implantation system for controlling woody weed species in the context of a conserved habitat. A replicated trial (n = 315) was established among a naturally occurring population of C. sinensis. This trial involved the mapping, measurement, and treatment of this invasive species with five encapsulated synthetic herbicides, as well as an untreated control and benchmark treatment (diesel + Access^TM). A significant effect (p < 0.05) on plant vigour and functional canopy was discerned for each assessment period following trial establishment. The highest incidence of mortality was observed among the individuals treated with glyphosate (245 mg/capsule), aminopyralid and metsulfuron-methyl (58.1 and 37.5 mg/capsule) and picloram (10 mg/capsule), achieving a similar response to the basal bark application of diesel and Access^TM (240 g/L triclopyr, 120 g/L picloram, and 389 g/L liquid hydrocarbon). This was also evidenced by a rapid reduction in functional canopy (i.e., no or little living leaf tissue) from three weeks after treatment. Unlike their industry counterparts, these encapsulated herbicides are immediately sealed into the vascular system of the target species by a plug. This significantly minimises the possibility of environmental or operator exposure to synthetic compounds by providing a targeted, readily calibrated herbicide application. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Weed Management)

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15 pages, 2062 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Possibilities of Using Seed Meals in Control of Herbicide-Susceptible and -Resistant Biotypes of Rye Brome (Bromus secalinus L.) in Winter Wheat

by Elżbieta Pytlarz and Dorota Gala-Czekaj

Plants 2022, 11(3), 331; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11030331 - 26 Jan 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2409

Abstract

Rye brome is a rare and nuisance weed in winter wheat canopies. In recent years, farmers have complained about the inadequate chemical control of this species. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of seed meals obtained from allelopathic crops as an environmentally-friendly [...] Read more.

Rye brome is a rare and nuisance weed in winter wheat canopies. In recent years, farmers have complained about the inadequate chemical control of this species. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of seed meals obtained from allelopathic crops as an environmentally-friendly alternative for the control of herbicide-susceptible (S) and -resistant (R) rye brome biotypes in winter wheat. The pot experiment was conducted in a greenhouse at the Swojczyce Research and Training Station in Wrocław (Poland) to determine the impact of seed meals from: Fagopyrum esculentum, Sinapis alba, Phacelia tanacetifolia, Lupinus luteus, Raphanus sativus var. oleiformis and Ornithopus sativus, at 1 and 3% doses. Wheat emergence (>90%) and early growth were not affected by the presence in the soil of seed meals (only at 1% concentration) from P. tanacetifolia and R. sativus. The efficacy of these meals (reduction of aboveground biomass) at rye brome control was the same as the herbicide or higher. Seed meals from P. tanacetifolia reduced the emergence of the S and R biotypes by approximately 70 percentage points (p.p.) and 30 p.p., respectively, and limited the initial growth of both biotypes. Addition to soil meals from F. esculentum and R. sativus generally reduced only initial weed growth. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Weed Management)

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16 pages, 5065 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mechanistic Aspects and Effects of Selected Tank-Mix Partners on Herbicidal Activity of a Novel Fatty Acid Ester

by Javier Campos, Luciana Bodelon, Mercedes Verdeguer and Peter Baur

Plants 2022, 11(3), 279; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11030279 - 21 Jan 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2207

Abstract

Only a limited number of contact herbicides exist in agricultural production. While systemic herbicides are more efficient also at suboptimum spray coverage with long-lasting weed control, contact herbicides provide several advantages. There is no translocation to fruits or roots of plantation and other [...] Read more.

Only a limited number of contact herbicides exist in agricultural production. While systemic herbicides are more efficient also at suboptimum spray coverage with long-lasting weed control, contact herbicides provide several advantages. There is no translocation to fruits or roots of plantation and other crop, low risk for resistance development, and minor risk for spray-drift damage. Besides, synthetic products that often have toxicological or residues issues, natural fatty acids, particularly pelargonic acid (PA), have contact activity and are safer for home and garden use. We recently described a methyl capped polyethylene glycol ester of pelargonic acid (PA-MPEG) that acts independent of acid formation. Both, PA-MPEG and PA are applied at high rates per hectare to achieve excellent weed control. Here, we report about potential additives to increase PA-MPEG efficacy. The herbicidal active, 1-decanol, and the non-phytotoxic alkylated seed oil-based adjuvant, Hasten^TM, improved performance and outperformed a commercial PA herbicide. Both, PA-MPEG and PA appear to mainly act by the disintegration of bio-membranes besides having effects on transpiration. The main suggested effect is desiccation due to cutting the water continuum at the site of evaporation in the intercellular spaces. The synergistic action of the adjuvant Hasten^TM and its practical uses are also discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Weed Management)

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20 pages, 13604 KiB

Open AccessArticle

High Phenotypic Plasticity in a Prominent Plant Invader along Altitudinal and Temperature Gradients

by Rodolfo Gentili, Roberto Ambrosini, Benno A. Augustinus, Sarah Caronni, Elisa Cardarelli, Chiara Montagnani, Heinz Müller-Schärer, Urs Schaffner and Sandra Citterio

Plants 2021, 10(10), 2144; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10102144 - 09 Oct 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2364

Abstract

Studies on plant growth and trait variation along environmental gradients can provide important information for identifying drivers of plant invasions and for deriving management strategies. We used seeds of the annual plant invader Ambrosia artemisiifolia L. (common ragweed) collected from an agricultural site [...] Read more.

Studies on plant growth and trait variation along environmental gradients can provide important information for identifying drivers of plant invasions and for deriving management strategies. We used seeds of the annual plant invader Ambrosia artemisiifolia L. (common ragweed) collected from an agricultural site in Northern Italy (226 m. a.s.l; Mean Annual Air Temperature: 12.9 °C; precipitations: 930 mm) to determine variation in growth trajectories and plant traits when grown along a 1000-m altitudinal gradient in Northern Italy, and under different temperature conditions in the growth chamber (from 14/18 °C to 26/30 °C, night/day), using a non-liner modeling approach. Under field conditions, traits related to plant height (maximum height, stem height, number of internodes) followed a three-parameter logistic curve. In contrast, leaf traits (lateral spread, number of leaves, leaf length and width) followed non-monotonic double-Richards curves that captured the decline patterns evident in the data. Plants grew faster, reaching a higher maximum plant height, and produced more biomass when grown at intermediate elevations. Under laboratory conditions, plants exhibited the same general growth trajectory of field conditions. However, leaf width did not show the recession after the maximum value shown by plants grown in the field, although the growth trajectories of some individuals, particularly those grown at 18 °C, showed a decline at late times. In addition, the plants grown at lower temperatures exhibited the highest value of biomass and preserved reproductive performances (e.g., amount of male inflorescence, pollen weight). From our findings, common ragweed exhibits a high phenotypic plasticity of vegetative and reproductive traits in response to different altitudes and temperature conditions. Under climate warming, this plasticity may facilitate the shift of the species towards higher elevation, but also the in situ resistance and (pre)adaptation of populations currently abundant at low elevations in the invasive European range. Such results may be also relevant for projecting the species management such as the impact by possible biocontrol agents. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Weed Management)

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15 pages, 1730 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Landscape Is the Main Driver of Weed Assemblages in Field Margins but Is Outperformed by Crop Competition in Field Cores

by Adrien Berquer, Olivier Martin and Sabrina Gaba

Plants 2021, 10(10), 2131; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10102131 - 07 Oct 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1873

Abstract

Weeds are considered a major pest for crops, and as such have been intensively managed by farmers. However, weeds, by providing resources, also support farmland biodiversity. The challenge for sustainable weed management is therefore to maintain weed diversity without compromising crop production. Meeting [...] Read more.

Weeds are considered a major pest for crops, and as such have been intensively managed by farmers. However, weeds, by providing resources, also support farmland biodiversity. The challenge for sustainable weed management is therefore to maintain weed diversity without compromising crop production. Meeting this challenge requires determining the processes that shape weed assemblages, and how agricultural practices and landscape arrangement affect them. In this study, we assess the effects of crop competition on weeds, nitrogen input, weed control and landscape on both weed diversity and abundance in the margins and centres of 115 oilseed rape fields in Western France. We show that weed assemblages in field cores were mainly shaped by crop height, a proxy of crop competition. By contrast, weed assemblages in field margins increased with the number of meadows in the landscape, revealing the role of spatial dispersal. Using structural equation modelling, we further show that in the field core, weed assemblages were also indirectly shaped by landscape through spatial dispersal from the field margin. Overall, our study gives empirical support for crop competition as a way to reduce the intensity of chemical weeding, and for meadows as a way to enhance biodiversity in the landscape. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Weed Management)

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9 pages, 1439 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Winter Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Tolerance to Mulch

by Matthew R. Ryan, Sandra Wayman, Christopher J. Pelzer, Caitlin A. Peterson, Uriel D. Menalled and Terry J. Rose

Plants 2021, 10(10), 2047; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10102047 - 29 Sep 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2164

Abstract

Mulch from cover crops can effectively suppress weeds in organic corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean (Glycine max L.) as part of cover crop-based rotational no-till systems, but little is known about the feasibility of using mulch to suppress weeds in [...] Read more.

Mulch from cover crops can effectively suppress weeds in organic corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean (Glycine max L.) as part of cover crop-based rotational no-till systems, but little is known about the feasibility of using mulch to suppress weeds in organic winter small grain crops. A field experiment was conducted in central NY, USA, to quantify winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seedling emergence, weed and crop biomass production, and wheat grain yield across a gradient of mulch biomass. Winter wheat seedling density showed an asymptotic relationship with mulch biomass, with no effect at low rates and a gradual decrease from moderate to high rates of mulch. Selective suppression of weed biomass but not wheat biomass was observed, and wheat grain yield was not reduced at the highest level of mulch (9000 kg ha⁻¹). Results indicate that organic winter wheat can be no-till planted in systems that use mulch for weed suppression. Future research should explore wheat tolerance to mulch under different conditions, and the potential of no-till planting wheat directly into rolled-crimped cover crops. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Weed Management)

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12 pages, 743 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Point Mutations and Cytochrome P450 Can Contribute to Resistance to ACCase-Inhibiting Herbicides in Three Phalaris Species

by José G. Vázquez-García, Joel Torra, Candelario Palma-Bautista, Ricardo Alcántara-de la Cruz and Rafael De Prado

Plants 2021, 10(8), 1703; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10081703 - 19 Aug 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2015

Abstract

Species of Phalaris have historically been controlled by acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase (ACCase)-inhibiting herbicides; however, overreliance on herbicides with this mechanism of action has resulted in the selection of resistant biotypes. The resistance to ACCase-inhibiting herbicides was characterized in Phalaris brachystachys, Phalaris minor, [...] Read more.

Species of Phalaris have historically been controlled by acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase (ACCase)-inhibiting herbicides; however, overreliance on herbicides with this mechanism of action has resulted in the selection of resistant biotypes. The resistance to ACCase-inhibiting herbicides was characterized in Phalaris brachystachys, Phalaris minor, and Phalaris paradoxa samples collected from winter wheat fields in northern Iran. Three resistant (R) biotypes, one of each Phalaris species, presented high cross-resistance levels to diclofop-methyl, cycloxydim, and pinoxaden, which belong to the chemical families of aryloxyphenoxypropionates (FOPs), cyclohexanediones (DIMs), and phenylpyrazolines (DENs), respectively. The metabolism of ¹⁴C-diclofop-methyl contributed to the resistance of the P. brachystachys R biotype, while no evidence of herbicide metabolism was found in P. minor or P. paradoxa. ACCase in vitro assays showed that the target sites were very sensitive to FOP, DIM, and DEN herbicides in the S biotypes of the three species, while the R Phalaris spp. biotypes presented different levels of resistance to these herbicides. ACCase gene sequencing confirmed that cross-resistance in Phalaris species was conferred by specific point mutations. Resistance in the P. brachystachys R biotype was due to target site and non-target-site resistance mechanisms, while in P. minor and P. paradoxa, only an altered target site was found. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Weed Management)

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16 pages, 2840 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Phytochemical Constituents and Allelopathic Potential of Parthenium hysterophorus L. in Comparison to Commercial Herbicides to Control Weeds

by Mst. Motmainna, Abdul Shukor Juraimi, Md. Kamal Uddin, Norhayu Binti Asib, A. K. M. Mominul Islam, Muhammad Saiful Ahmad-Hamdani and Mahmudul Hasan

Plants 2021, 10(7), 1445; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10071445 - 15 Jul 2021

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 4482

Abstract

The allelopathic effect of various concentrations (0, 6.25, 12.5, 50 and 100 g L⁻¹) of Parthenium hysterophorus methanol extract on Cyperus iria was investigated under laboratory and glasshouse conditions. No seed germination was recorded in the laboratory when P. hysterophorus extract [...] Read more.

The allelopathic effect of various concentrations (0, 6.25, 12.5, 50 and 100 g L⁻¹) of Parthenium hysterophorus methanol extract on Cyperus iria was investigated under laboratory and glasshouse conditions. No seed germination was recorded in the laboratory when P. hysterophorus extract was applied at 50 g L⁻¹. In the glasshouse, C. iria was mostly injured by P. hysterophorus extract at 100 g L⁻¹. The phytochemical constituents of the methanol extract of P. hysterophorus were analyzed by LC-ESI-QTOF-MS=MS. The results indicated the presence of phenolic compounds, terpenoids, alkaloids, amino acids, fatty acids, piperazines, benzofuran, indole, amines, azoles, sulfonic acid and other unknown compounds in P. hysterophorus methanol extract. A comparative study was also conducted between P. hysterophorus extract (20, 40 and 80 g L⁻¹) with a synthetic herbicide (glyphosate and glufosinate ammonium at 2 L ha⁻¹) as a positive control and no treatment (negative control) on Ageratumconyzoides, Oryzasativa and C. iria. The growth and biomass of test weeds were remarkably inhibited by P. hysterophorus extract. Nevertheless, no significant difference was obtained when P. hysterophorus extract (80 g L⁻¹) and synthetic herbicides (glyphosate and glufosinate ammonium) were applied on A.conyzoides. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Weed Management)

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9 pages, 1730 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Herbicides on the Management of the Invasive Weed Solanum rostratum Dunal (Solanaceae)

by Jackline Abu-Nassar and Maor Matzrafi

Plants 2021, 10(2), 284; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10020284 - 02 Feb 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2424

Abstract

Solanum rostratum Dunal is an invasive weed species that invaded Israel in the 1950s. The weed appears in several germination flashes, from early spring until late summer. Recently, an increase in its distribution range was observed, alongside the identification of new populations in [...] Read more.

Solanum rostratum Dunal is an invasive weed species that invaded Israel in the 1950s. The weed appears in several germination flashes, from early spring until late summer. Recently, an increase in its distribution range was observed, alongside the identification of new populations in the northern part of Israel. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of herbicide application for the control of S. rostratum using two field populations originated from the Golan Heights and the Jezreel Valley. While minor differences in herbicide efficacy were recorded between populations, plant growth stage had a significant effect on herbicide response. Carfentrazone-ethyl was found to be highly effective in controlling plants at both early and late growth stages. Metribuzin, oxadiazon, oxyfluorfen and tembutrione showed reduced efficacy when applied at later growth stage (8–9 cm height), as compared to the application at an early growth stage (4–5 cm height). Tank mixes of oxadiazon and oxyfluorfen with different concentrations of surfactant improved later growth stage plant control. Taken together, our study highlights several herbicides that can improve weed control and may be used as chemical solutions alongside diversified crop rotation options. Thus, they may aid in preventing the spread and further buildup of S. rostratum field populations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Weed Management)

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10 pages, 959 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Row Spacing and Seeding Rate on Russian Thistle (Salsola tragus) in Spring Barley and Spring Wheat

by Judit Barroso and Nicholas G. Genna

Plants 2021, 10(1), 126; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10010126 - 09 Jan 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1736

Abstract

Russian thistle (Salsola tragus L.) is a persistent post-harvest issue in the Pacific Northwest (PNW). Farmers need more integrated management strategies to control it. Russian thistle emergence, mortality, plant biomass, seed production, and crop yield were evaluated in spring wheat and spring [...] Read more.

Russian thistle (Salsola tragus L.) is a persistent post-harvest issue in the Pacific Northwest (PNW). Farmers need more integrated management strategies to control it. Russian thistle emergence, mortality, plant biomass, seed production, and crop yield were evaluated in spring wheat and spring barley planted in 18- or 36-cm row spacing and seeded at 73 or 140 kg ha⁻¹ in Pendleton and Moro, Oregon, during 2018 and 2019. Russian thistle emergence was lower and mortality was higher in spring barley than in spring wheat. However, little to no effect of row spacing or seeding rate was observed on Russian thistle emergence or mortality. Russian thistle seed production and plant biomass followed crop productivity; higher crop yield produced higher Russian thistle biomass and seed production and lower crop yield produced lower weed biomass and seed production. Crop yield with Russian thistle pressure was improved in 2018 with 18-cm rows or by seeding at 140 kg ha⁻¹ while no effect was observed in 2019. Increasing seeding rates or planting spring crops in narrow rows may be effective at increasing yield in low rainfall years of the PNW, such as in 2018. No effect may be observed in years with higher rainfall than normal, such as in 2019. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Weed Management)

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15 pages, 2034 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Long-Term Effect of Cover Crops on Species Abundance and Diversity of Weed Flora

by Alessia Restuccia, Aurelio Scavo, Sara Lombardo, Gaetano Pandino, Stefania Fontanazza, Umberto Anastasi, Cristina Abbate and Giovanni Mauromicale

Plants 2020, 9(11), 1506; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants9111506 - 06 Nov 2020

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 3046

Abstract

Cover crops are gaining in popularity as an eco-friendly tool for weed control in organic and low-input agricultural systems. A 5-year study was carried out in a Mediterranean environment (Sicily, south Italy) to (1) quantify cover crop biomass production and (2) evaluate the [...] Read more.

Cover crops are gaining in popularity as an eco-friendly tool for weed control in organic and low-input agricultural systems. A 5-year study was carried out in a Mediterranean environment (Sicily, south Italy) to (1) quantify cover crop biomass production and (2) evaluate the effects on weed soil seed bank, aboveground biomass, species richness, species composition and associations between communities. Cover crop treatments included subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.) and spontaneous flora, both with and without burying dead mulch into the soil, compared to a conventional management treatment. Weed biomass was significantly reduced by subterranean clover, contrariwise to spontaneous flora, with season-dependent results. Cover crop biomass, which ranged from 44 to more than 290 g DW m⁻², was negatively correlated to weed biomass. Moreover, subterranean clover decreased the size of the soil seed bank and species richness. Based on relative frequency, a low similarity was found between the conventional management and cover crop treatments. In addition, no significant differences in species composition across treatments were observed, whereas principal component analysis highlighted some associations. The results suggest that subterranean clover cover cropping is a good option for weed management in Mediterranean agroecosystems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Weed Management)

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Review

Jump to: Editorial, Research

17 pages, 2816 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Bioherbicidal Potential of the Essential Oils from Mediterranean Lamiaceae for Weed Control in Organic Farming

by Giuseppe De Mastro, Jihane El Mahdi and Claudia Ruta

Plants 2021, 10(4), 818; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10040818 - 20 Apr 2021

Cited by 31 | Viewed by 4505

Abstract

In all farming systems, weeds are the most expensive pest to manage, accounting for 30% of potential losses. In organic farming, the problem may be further amplified by restrictions on herbicides, thus making weeds the main problem faced by organic farmers in the [...] Read more.

In all farming systems, weeds are the most expensive pest to manage, accounting for 30% of potential losses. In organic farming, the problem may be further amplified by restrictions on herbicides, thus making weeds the main problem faced by organic farmers in the field. In this sense, much research is focusing on the allelopathic potential of plants as an ecological weed control tool. Many plant species can release allelopathic compounds with high phytotoxicity that can be used in weed control. Species belonging to the Lamiaceae family have been studied widely for this purpose, and their essential oils (EOs) appear to be promising bioherbicides. However, there are still many challenges for their development. Considering these aspects, a review of the bioherbicidal effect of EOs from Mediterranean Lamiaceae could help identify the most effective ones and the challenges for their actual development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Weed Management)

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