Research

16 pages, 3817 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Physiological Approach to the Use of the Natural Compound Quinate in the Control of Sensitive and Resistant Papaver rhoeas

by Ana Zabalza, Ainhoa Zulet-González, Maria Barco-Antoñanzas, Mikel V. Eceiza, Miriam Gil-Monreal and Mercedes Royuela

Plants 2020, 9(9), 1215; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants9091215 - 16 Sep 2020

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2103

Abstract

Quinate (1,3,4,5-tetrahydroxycyclohexanecarboxylate) is a compound synthesized in plants through a side-branch of the shikimate biosynthesis pathway, which is accumulated after glyphosate and acetolactate synthase inhibiting herbicides (ALS-inhibitors) and has phytotoxic potential. The objective of this study was to evaluate the phytotoxicity of quinate [...] Read more.

Quinate (1,3,4,5-tetrahydroxycyclohexanecarboxylate) is a compound synthesized in plants through a side-branch of the shikimate biosynthesis pathway, which is accumulated after glyphosate and acetolactate synthase inhibiting herbicides (ALS-inhibitors) and has phytotoxic potential. The objective of this study was to evaluate the phytotoxicity of quinate on several weed species. Among the species evaluated, Cynodon dactylon, Bromus diandrus, Lolium rigidum, Sinapis alba, and Papaver rhoeas, P. rhoeas was the most sensitive, and its growth was controlled with quinate concentrations above 100 mM at the phenological stage of 6–8 true leaves. A physiological study, including the shikimate pathway and the physiological markers of ALS-inhibitors (carbohydrates and amino acids), was performed in the sensitive and resistant plants treated with sulfonylureas or quinate. The typical physiological effects of ALS-inhibitors were detected in the sensitive population (free amino acid and carbohydrate accumulation) and not detected in the resistant population. The mode of action of quinate appeared to be related to general perturbations in their carbon/nitrogen metabolism rather than to specific changes in the shikimate pathway. These results suggest the possibility of using quinate in the weed control management of P. rhoeas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Weed Ecology and Management)

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15 pages, 1394 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Field Survey and Resistance Occurrence to ALS-Inhibiting Herbicides in Glebionis coronaria L. in Tunisian Wheat Crops

by Zeineb Hada, Messaad Khammassi, Houda Jenfaoui, Yosra Menchari, Joel Torra and Thouraya Souissi

Plants 2020, 9(9), 1210; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants9091210 - 16 Sep 2020

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2246

Abstract

Glebionis coronaria (L.) Cass. ex Spach is a troublesome weed in cereal cropping systems in northern Tunisia. Recently, failures in controlling this weed have been reported by farmers. Field surveys and farmers interviews were conducted to highlight the potential causes of G. coronaria [...] Read more.

Glebionis coronaria (L.) Cass. ex Spach is a troublesome weed in cereal cropping systems in northern Tunisia. Recently, failures in controlling this weed have been reported by farmers. Field surveys and farmers interviews were conducted to highlight the potential causes of G. coronaria occurrence and the associated yield losses in wheat. Survey results revealed a significant correlation between farmers’ awareness of resistance occurrence and cultural practices, mainly sowing date and tillage, while G. coronaria abundance was related to the lack of herbicide rotation and the frequency of ALS-inhibiting herbicide use. High G. coronaria infestations (more than 20 plants/m²) caused a significant decrease in wheat grain yield, reaching almost 75% at a density of 100 plants/m². Field and pot experiments showed low efficacies of ALS-inhibiting herbicides to control G. coronaria populations. The application of field rates of tribenuron-methyl and mesosulfuron + iodosulfuron failed to control the tested populations, and generally, G. coronaria dry weight increased compared to nontreated ones (potential hormetic effect). These findings were further investigated in two selected resistant populations through tribenuron dose–response experiments, plants from both populations exhibited high resistance factors (greater than 300), surviving up to 16-fold the recommended field dose. This is the first report for G. coronaria resistance occurrence to ALS-inhibiting herbicides in Tunisia and the second case worldwide. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Weed Ecology and Management)

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16 pages, 2715 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Transcriptome Analysis Revealing the Different Germination Process in Aryloxyphenoxypropionate-Resistant and APP-Susceptible Asia Minor Bluegrass (Polypogon fugax)

by Xiaoyue Yu, Wei Tang, Yongjie Yang, Jianping Zhang and Yongliang Lu

Plants 2020, 9(9), 1191; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants9091191 - 12 Sep 2020

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2102

Abstract

Herbicide-resistant mutations are predicted to exhibit fitness cost under herbicide-free conditions. Asia minor bluegrass (Polypogon fugax) is a common weed species in the winter crops. Our previous study established a P. fugax accession (LR) resistant to aryloxyphenoxypropionate (APP) herbicides, which also [...] Read more.

Herbicide-resistant mutations are predicted to exhibit fitness cost under herbicide-free conditions. Asia minor bluegrass (Polypogon fugax) is a common weed species in the winter crops. Our previous study established a P. fugax accession (LR) resistant to aryloxyphenoxypropionate (APP) herbicides, which also exhibited germination delay relative to the susceptible accession (LS). A comparative transcriptome was conducted to analyze the gene expression profile of LS and LR at two germination time points. A total of 11,856 and 23,123 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were respectively identified in LS and LR. Most DEGs were involved in lipid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and secondary metabolites biosynthesis. Twenty-four genes involved in carbohydrate and fatty acid metabolism had higher relative expression levels in LS than LR during germination. Nine genes involved in gibberellin (GA) and abscisic acid (ABA) signal transduction showed different expression patterns in LS and LR, consistent with their different sensitivity to exogenous hormones treatments. This study first provided insight into transcriptional changes and interaction in the seed germination process of P. fugax. It compared the differential expression profile between APP herbicides resistance and susceptible accessions during germination, which contributed to understanding the association between herbicide resistance and fitness cost. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Weed Ecology and Management)

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16 pages, 1709 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Two Invasive Weeds on Arthropod Community Structure on the Central Plateau of New Zealand

by Evans Effah, D. Paul Barrett, Paul G. Peterson, Murray A. Potter, Jarmo K. Holopainen and Andrea Clavijo McCormick

Plants 2020, 9(7), 919; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants9070919 - 20 Jul 2020

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2730

Abstract

Heather (Calluna vulgaris) and broom (Cytisus scoparius), originally from Europe, are the main invasive plants on New Zealand’s North Island Central Plateau, where they threaten native flora and fauna. Given the strong link between arthropod communities and plants, we [...] Read more.

Heather (Calluna vulgaris) and broom (Cytisus scoparius), originally from Europe, are the main invasive plants on New Zealand’s North Island Central Plateau, where they threaten native flora and fauna. Given the strong link between arthropod communities and plants, we explored the impact of these invasive weeds on the diversity and composition of associated arthropod assemblages in this area. The arthropods in heather-invaded areas, broom-invaded areas, and areas dominated by the native species mānuka (Leptospermum scoparium) and Dracohyllum (Dracophyllum subulatum) were collected and identified to order. During summer and autumn, arthropods were collected using beating trays, flight intercept traps and pitfall traps. Diversity indices (Richness, Shannon’s index and Simpson’s index) were calculated at the order level, and permutational multivariate analysis (PERMANOVA) was used to explore differences in order-level community composition. Our results show a significant variation in community composition for all trapping methods in both seasons, whereas invasive plants did not profoundly impact arthropod order richness. The presence of broom increased arthropod abundance, while heather was linked to a reduction. Under all possible plant pairings between heather, broom, mānuka, and Dracophylum, the impact of neighbouring plant identity on arthropod community composition was further explored for the samples collected using beating trays. The results suggest that during plant invasion, arthropod communities are affected by neighbouring plant identity and that impacts vary between arthropod sampling methods and seasons. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Weed Ecology and Management)

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16 pages, 1213 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ecological Specialization and Rarity of Arable Weeds: Insights from a Comprehensive Survey in France

by François Munoz, Guillaume Fried, Laura Armengot, Bérenger Bourgeois, Vincent Bretagnolle, Joël Chadoeuf, Lucie Mahaut, Christine Plumejeaud, Jonathan Storkey, Cyrille Violle and Sabrina Gaba

Plants 2020, 9(7), 824; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants9070824 - 30 Jun 2020

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3510

Abstract

The definition of “arable weeds” remains contentious. Although much attention has been devoted to specialized, segetal weeds, many taxa found in arable fields also commonly occur in other habitats. The extent to which adjacent habitats are favorable to the weed flora and act [...] Read more.

The definition of “arable weeds” remains contentious. Although much attention has been devoted to specialized, segetal weeds, many taxa found in arable fields also commonly occur in other habitats. The extent to which adjacent habitats are favorable to the weed flora and act as potential sources of colonizers in arable fields remains unclear. In addition, weeds form assemblages with large spatiotemporal variability, so that many taxa in weed flora are rarely observed in plot-based surveys. We thus addressed the following questions: How often do weeds occur in other habitats than arable fields? How does including field edges extend the taxonomic and ecological diversity of weeds? How does the weed flora vary across surveys at different spatial and temporal scales? We built a comprehensive dataset of weed taxa in France by compiling weed flora, lists of specialized segetal weeds, and plot-based surveys in agricultural fields, with different spatial and temporal coverages. We informed life forms, biogeographical origins and conservation status of these weeds. We also defined a broader dataset of plants occupying open habitats in France and assessed habitat specialization of weeds and of other plant species absent from arable fields. Our results show that many arable weeds are frequently recorded in both arable fields and non-cultivated open habitats and are, on average, more generalist than species absent from arable fields. Surveys encompassing field edges included species also occurring in mesic grasslands and nitrophilous fringes, suggesting spill-over from surrounding habitats. A total of 71.5% of the French weed flora was not captured in plot-based surveys at regional and national scales, and many rare and declining taxa were of Mediterranean origin. This result underlines the importance of implementing conservation measures for specialist plant species that are particularly reliant on arable fields as a habitat, while also pointing out biotic homogenization of agricultural landscapes as a factor in the declining plant diversity of farmed landscapes. Our dataset provides a reference species pool for France, with associated ecological and biogeographical information. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Weed Ecology and Management)

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19 pages, 2713 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Allelopathic Effects of Bidens pilosa L. var. radiata Sch. Bip. on the Tuber Sprouting and Seedling Growth of Cyperus rotundus L.

by Ming-Tung Hsueh, Chihhao Fan and Wen-Lian Chang

Plants 2020, 9(6), 742; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants9060742 - 12 Jun 2020

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 5248

Abstract

Bidens pilosa L. var. radiata Sch. Bip. (BPr) had been found capable of excluding Cyperus rotundus L. (CR) from its vegetation in fallow fields. Both allelopathy and competition of BPr were able to limit the growth of CR, [...] Read more.

Bidens pilosa L. var. radiata Sch. Bip. (BPr) had been found capable of excluding Cyperus rotundus L. (CR) from its vegetation in fallow fields. Both allelopathy and competition of BPr were able to limit the growth of CR, but this has not been extensively investigated. To verify the two effects of BPr on CR management, density-dependent experiments and interspecies competitions with the application of activated carbon were conducted. The effects of BPr soil and its residues on the reproduction of CR were also evaluated. The results showed that the residues of BPr reduced the growth (54–61% of control) and tuber number (58–71% of control) of CR in the 3 plants pot⁻¹ treatment but not in higher density treatments. In the interspecies competition, BPr exhibited an allelopathic but not competitive effect on CR when activated carbon was absent. CR tuber sprouting was significantly suppressed when sowed in the BPr soil. Likewise, BPr residue mulch inhibited the CR plant density by 87% as compared to natural-occurring CR residue mulch in the field. This study revealed that BPr might have potential for use as a cover plant and allelopathic mulch to control CR in the agroecosystem. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Weed Ecology and Management)

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14 pages, 1376 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Weed Functional Diversity as Affected by Agroecological Service Crops and No-Till in a Mediterranean Organic Vegetable System

by Corrado Ciaccia, Laura Armengot Martinez, Elena Testani, Fabrizio Leteo, Gabriele Campanelli and Alessandra Trinchera

Plants 2020, 9(6), 689; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants9060689 - 28 May 2020

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2644

Abstract

This paper explores the effect of agroecological service crops (ASCs), i.e., crops included in the crop rotation for their ecosystem services, terminated with an in-line tillage roller crimper (ILRC) on weed community composition and their functional traits in comparison to a tilled control [...] Read more.

This paper explores the effect of agroecological service crops (ASCs), i.e., crops included in the crop rotation for their ecosystem services, terminated with an in-line tillage roller crimper (ILRC) on weed community composition and their functional traits in comparison to a tilled control without ASC. A two-year study was performed in a long-term experiment with vegetables under organic management. Four different cereal crops were introduced as ASCs. Weed abundance and richness and the functional traits were assessed at three different stages, i.e., before and after ASC termination and before harvest of the following crop, melon. All the ASCs showed strong weed suppression, with few differences between the cereals tested. Weed communities with ASCs had later flowering onset and wider flowering span compared to the control, which positively affects weed dispersal and attraction of beneficial insects. However, weed communities with ASCs had higher values for traits related to competition (specific leaf area, seed weight and more perennials). A trade-off between weed suppression and selection of more competitive weed communities by the introduction of ASCs managed with the ILRC should be evaluated in the long-run. The use of the ILRC alternating with other soil management practices seems the more effective strategy to benefit from the minimal soil tillage while avoiding the selection of disservice-related traits in the weed community. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Weed Ecology and Management)

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10 pages, 1214 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Creating Predictive Weed Emergence Models Using Repeat Photography and Image Analysis

by Theresa Reinhardt Piskackova, Chris Reberg-Horton, Robert J Richardson, Robert Austin, Katie M Jennings and Ramon G Leon

Plants 2020, 9(5), 635; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants9050635 - 15 May 2020

Viewed by 2371

Abstract

Weed emergence models have the potential to be important tools for automating weed control actions; however, producing the necessary data (e.g., seedling counts) is time consuming and tedious. If similar weed emergence models could be created by deriving emergence data from images rather [...] Read more.

Weed emergence models have the potential to be important tools for automating weed control actions; however, producing the necessary data (e.g., seedling counts) is time consuming and tedious. If similar weed emergence models could be created by deriving emergence data from images rather than physical counts, the amount of generated data could be increased to create more robust models. In this research, repeat RGB images taken throughout the emergence period of Raphanus raphanistrum L. and Senna obtusifolia (L.) Irwin and Barneby underwent pixel-based spectral classification. Relative cumulative pixels generated by the weed of interest over time were used to model emergence patterns. The models that were derived from cumulative pixel data were validated with the relative emergence of true seedling counts. The cumulative pixel model for R. raphanistrum and S. obtusifolia accounted for 92% of the variation in relative emergence of true counts. The results demonstrate that a simple image analysis approach based on time-dependent changes in weed cover can be used to generate weed emergence predictive models equivalent to those produced based on seedling counts. This process will help researchers working on weed emergence models, providing a new low-cost and technologically simple tool for data collection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Weed Ecology and Management)

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14 pages, 307 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Efficiency, Profitability and Carbon Footprint of Different Management Programs under No-Till to Control Herbicide Resistant Papaver rhoeas

by Jordi Recasens, Aritz Royo-Esnal, Francisco Valencia-Gredilla and Joel Torra

Plants 2020, 9(4), 433; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants9040433 - 01 Apr 2020

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1905

Abstract

The present work examines the effects of different integrated weed management (IWM) programs on multiple herbicide-resistant Papaver rhoeas populations in terms of effectiveness, profitability and carbon footprint. With this aim a trial was established in a winter cereal field under no-till in North-Eastern [...] Read more.

The present work examines the effects of different integrated weed management (IWM) programs on multiple herbicide-resistant Papaver rhoeas populations in terms of effectiveness, profitability and carbon footprint. With this aim a trial was established in a winter cereal field under no-till in North-Eastern Spain during three consecutive seasons. Four IWM programs with different intensification levels, from less (crop rotation, mechanical control, and no herbicides) to more intense (wheat monoculture with high chemical inputs), were established. The different strategies integrated in the four programs were efficient in managing the weed after three years, with increased effectiveness after management program intensification. Whereas low input program (which includes fallow season) represented less economic cost than the other programs, on average, no differences were observed on carbon foot print, considered as kg CO₂eq kg⁻¹ product, between the different programs, except in the crop rotation program due to the low pea yield obtained. The results from this study show that in the search for a balance between crop profitability and reduction of the carbon footprint while controlling an herbicide resistant population is challenging, and particularly under no-till. In this scenario the short term priority should be to reduce the presence of multiple herbicide resistant biotypes integrating the different available chemical, cultural, and physical strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Weed Ecology and Management)

19 pages, 2687 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Emergence Patterns of Rare Arable Plants and Conservation Implications

by Joel Torra, Frank Forcella, Jordi Recasens and Aritz Royo-Esnal

Plants 2020, 9(3), 309; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants9030309 - 01 Mar 2020

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2127

Abstract

Knowledge on the emergence patterns of rare arable plants (RAP) is essential to design their conservation in Europe. This study hypothesizes that is possible to find functional groups with similar emergence patterns within RAP with the aim of establishing management strategies. Seeds of [...] Read more.

Knowledge on the emergence patterns of rare arable plants (RAP) is essential to design their conservation in Europe. This study hypothesizes that is possible to find functional groups with similar emergence patterns within RAP with the aim of establishing management strategies. Seeds of 30 different species were collected from Spanish arable fields and sown under two tillage treatments: (a) 1 cm depth without soil disturbance to simulate no-till, and (b) 1–10 cm depth with soil disturbance every autumn to simulate tillage to 10 cm depth. Two trials were established; the first trial being maintained for three seasons and the second for two seasons. Relative emergence in autumn, winter and spring was calculated each season. Afterwards, multivariate analysis was performed by K-means clustering and Principal Component Analysis to find groups of RAP species with similar emergence patterns. Four RAP groups were defined, and each was based on its main emergence season: autumn, winter, spring, or autumn-winter. Tillage treatment and the year of sowing had little effect on emergence patterns, which were mostly dependent on environmental factors, particularly temperature and rainfall. Therefore, conservation strategies could be designed for each of these RAP functional groups based on emergence patterns, rather than on a species-by-species basis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Weed Ecology and Management)

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11 pages, 1042 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Adjuvant on Glyphosate Effectiveness, Retention, Absorption and Translocation in Lolium rigidum and Conyza canadensis

by Candelario Palma-Bautista, Jose G. Vazquez-Garcia, Ilias Travlos, Alexandros Tataridas, Panagiotis Kanatas, José A. Domínguez-Valenzuela and Rafael De Prado

Plants 2020, 9(3), 297; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants9030297 - 01 Mar 2020

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 3893

Abstract

Glyphosate retention, absorption and translocation with and without adjuvant were examined in Lolium rigidum and Conyza canadensis in greenhouse and laboratory settings to develop an understanding of the influence of the selected adjuvant on glyphosate activity. Tests on whole plants show that the [...] Read more.

Glyphosate retention, absorption and translocation with and without adjuvant were examined in Lolium rigidum and Conyza canadensis in greenhouse and laboratory settings to develop an understanding of the influence of the selected adjuvant on glyphosate activity. Tests on whole plants show that the dose of herbicide needed to reduce dry weight by 50% (GR₅₀) or plant survival (LD₅₀) decreases by mixing glyphosate and adjuvant to 22%–24% and 42%–44% for both populations of L. rigidum and C. canadensis, respectively. This improvement in efficacy could be attributed to the higher herbicide retention and lower contact angle of the glyphosate + adjuvant drops on the leaf surface compared to the glyphosate solution alone. Plants of both species treated with ¹⁴C-glyphosate + adjuvant absorbed more glyphosate compared to non-adjuvant addition. Furthermore, the movement of the herbicide through the plant was faster and greater with the adjuvant. Our results reveal that the use of adjuvants improves the effectiveness of glyphosate in two of the most important weeds in agricultural crops in Mediterranean countries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Weed Ecology and Management)

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15 pages, 867 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Phytotoxic Potential of the Flowering Foliage of Gorse (Ulex europaeus) and Scotch Broom (Cytisus scoparius), as Pre-Emergent Weed Control in Maize in a Glasshouse Pot Experiment

by María Pardo-Muras, Carolina G. Puig, Pablo Souza-Alonso and Nuria Pedrol

Plants 2020, 9(2), 203; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants9020203 - 06 Feb 2020

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2793

Abstract

In our previous studies, the phytotoxicity of Ulex europaeus (gorse) and Cytisus scoparius (Scotch broom) was demonstrated in vitro and argued to be caused by the release of volatile and water-soluble compounds from fresh plant foliage. In light of these positive results, there [...] Read more.

In our previous studies, the phytotoxicity of Ulex europaeus (gorse) and Cytisus scoparius (Scotch broom) was demonstrated in vitro and argued to be caused by the release of volatile and water-soluble compounds from fresh plant foliage. In light of these positive results, there was a need to test the effects ex vitro. In this work, gorse and Scotch broom were used as soil amendments in pot experiments in a glasshouse by incorporating slashed plant material into the soil at a ratio of 1% w/w on a dry mass basis. The phytotoxic effects on the emergence and early growth of maize and five accompanying weed species were analyzed, as were the effect on soil fertility and soil community-level physiological profiles. Thirty days after incorporation, significant decreases in weed density of 32.2% and 59.5% were found for gorse and Scotch broom soil amendments, respectively. Gorse soil amendment was notably effective impairing the establishment of Amaranthus retroflexus and diminishing the plant height of Digitaria sanguinalis and Portulaca oleracea. Scotch broom soil amendment was capable of significantly inhibiting the emergence of D. sanguinalis, Convolvulus arvensis, P. oleracea, and A. retroflexus, with a notable reduction of weed biomass. No undesirable side effects on maize crop or soil quality, including microbial activity, were detected. Our results suggest that the incorporation of gorse and Scotch broom foliage is promising for pre-emergent weed control in maize; however, field trials that support and expand these glasshouse results are essential. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Weed Ecology and Management)

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13 pages, 929 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Is Pasture Cropping a Valid Weed Management Tool?

by Ignacio M. Luna, César Fernández-Quintanilla and José Dorado

Plants 2020, 9(2), 135; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants9020135 - 21 Jan 2020

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2886

Abstract

The aim of the present work was to study the feasibility of pasture cropping under the Mediterranean conditions prevailing in central Spain and its potential as a weed management tool. Three cropping systems were assessed: conventionally grown winter barley and winter barley in [...] Read more.

The aim of the present work was to study the feasibility of pasture cropping under the Mediterranean conditions prevailing in central Spain and its potential as a weed management tool. Three cropping systems were assessed: conventionally grown winter barley and winter barley in pasture cropping with two perennial summer species, Cynodon dactylon and Eragrostis curvula. The results showed that the growth of these two species in a pasture cropping system was limited by the severe drought conditions and high temperatures present during the summer in some of the study years. Although there were no differences in the establishment of winter barley in any of the treatments assessed, pasture cropping reduced winter barley yields up to 50%–60% in years with low rainfall in spring. Regarding weed control, pasture cropping showed a significant suppression of the total weed density and number of weed species. As a conclusion, pasture cropping can be considered as a valid weed management tool. However, the economic feasibility of this system under the climatic conditions of central Spain (characterized by a high risk of severe summer droughts) is still not clear. The availability of supplemental irrigation may reduce competition between pastures and winter crops and ensure a profitable production of summer pastures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Weed Ecology and Management)

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15 pages, 646 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Organic Mulching and Irrigation on the Weed Species Composition and the Soil Weed Seed Bank of Tomato

by Renáta Petrikovszki, Mihály Zalai, Franciska Tóthné Bogdányi and Ferenc Tóth

Plants 2020, 9(1), 66; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants9010066 - 03 Jan 2020

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 4190

Abstract

Mulching is a management technique to control weeds in organic and integrated tomato production. Our experiment was designed to investigate the impact of organic mulch combined with irrigation on the weed species composition and weed seed bank of open-field tomato. For three consecutive [...] Read more.

Mulching is a management technique to control weeds in organic and integrated tomato production. Our experiment was designed to investigate the impact of organic mulch combined with irrigation on the weed species composition and weed seed bank of open-field tomato. For three consecutive years (2016–2018), treatment of microplots included mulch only, irrigation only, mulch and irrigation combined, and the untreated control. Marginal microplots (bordered by the surrounding mown grassland) were distinguished from inner microplots to check margin effect. We collected soil samples from different depths and let the weed seeds germinate in a greenhouse. Germinated weed seedlings were counted and identified. The number of weeds, and time needed for weeding was reduced by mulching, temperature, sampling date, and the succession of the study years. Irrigation, on the other hand, had no effect on weeding time. Margin effect and year had the highest influence on weed species composition. Regarding seed bank, year and mulching had the highest influence. The importance of other variables remained low, with mulching being the strongest explained variable. Regardless of treatments, weed composition of the study area was transformed during the three-year study. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Weed Ecology and Management)

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23 pages, 2651 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Which Traits Make Weeds More Successful in Maize Crops? Insights from a Three-Decade Monitoring in France

by Guillaume Fried, Bruno Chauvel, François Munoz and Xavier Reboud

Plants 2020, 9(1), 40; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants9010040 - 25 Dec 2019

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 5004

Abstract

A major aim in invasion biology is identifying traits distinguishing alien invasive and alien non-invasive plants. Surprisingly, this approach has been, so far, poorly used to understand why some arable weeds are abundant and widespread while others are rare and narrowly distributed. In [...] Read more.

A major aim in invasion biology is identifying traits distinguishing alien invasive and alien non-invasive plants. Surprisingly, this approach has been, so far, poorly used to understand why some arable weeds are abundant and widespread while others are rare and narrowly distributed. In the present study, we focused on the characteristics of successful weeds occurring in maize fields, one of the most important crops worldwide. Two national weed surveys conducted in France were used to identify increasing and decreasing species based on 175 and 484 surveyed fields in the 1970s and the 2000s, respectively. Weed trait values related to regional frequency, local abundance, and specialization to maize were identified with phylogenetic generalized least-squares (PGLS). We found a positive relationship between regional frequency and local abundance, i.e., the most widespread weeds were also locally more abundant. We highlighted that weeds with the C4 photosynthetic pathway and summer emergence were more abundant, more frequent, and more specialized to maize crops. More generally, we highlighted two successful strategies: On the one hand, traits related to a general weediness syndrome with rapid resource acquisition (high SLA and Ellenberg-N) and high colonization capacity (seed longevity, fecundity, and wind dispersal); on the other hand, traits related to specific adaptation to spring cultivation (thermophilous species with summer emergence, late flowering, and C4 photosynthetic pathway). Deviations from the abundancy–frequency relationships also indicated that species of the Panicoideae sub-family, species with Triazine-resistant populations, and neophyte species were more abundant than expected by their regional frequency. To some extent, it is therefore possible to predict which species can be troublesome in maize crops and use this information in weed risk assessment tools to prevent new introductions or favor early detection and eradication. This study showed how tools developed in functional and macro-ecology can be used to improve our understanding of weed ecology and to develop more preventive management strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Weed Ecology and Management)

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