Abstract
Couch grass (Elymus repens) is a morphologically diverse, rhizomatous, perennial grass that is a problematic weed in a wide range of crops. It is generally controlled by glyphosate or intensive tillage in the intercrop period, or selective herbicides in non-susceptible crops. The aim of this review is to determine the efficacy of non-chemical strategies for E. repens control. The review shows that indirect control measures like crop choice, subsidiary crops, and fertilizer regimes influence E. repens abundance, but usually cannot control E. repens. Defoliation (e.g., mowing) can control E. repens growth, but efficacy varies between clones, seasons, and defoliation frequencies. Tillage in the intercrop period is still the main direct non-chemical control method for E. repens and its efficacy can be increased, and negative side-effects minimized by an appropriate tillage strategy. Some new tillage implements are on the market (Kvik-up type machines) or under development (root/rhizome cutters). Alternative methods that can kill E. repens rhizomes (e.g., steaming, soil solarization, biofumigation, hot water, flooding) often have high costs or time requirements. More studies on the effect of cropping system approaches on E. repens and other perennial weeds are needed.
Highlights
Creeping perennial weeds with a high tillage tolerance, such as Elymus repens (L.) Gould, are one of the weed groups most likely to benefit from a glyphosate ban
Focus is on direct control methods, but some indirect control measures are discussed
An additional prototype by Kverneland, but which cuts the soil horizontally rather than vertically, has been tested in Norway and Sweden by Brandsæter et al (Unpublished). They found that the horizontal root/rhizome cutter reduced Cirsium arvense shoot biomass by 80% compared to an untreated control and E. repens shoot numbers by 80% compared to the initial E. repens shoot numbers over three years when cutting at 25 cm and 7 cm depth, respectively
Summary
A glyphosate ban, which is currently under serious discussion within the EU, would likely result in a large disruption in the current agricultural system and a shift towards more complex and integrated weed control in which non-chemical control are likely to be an integral component [1]. The aim of this review is to determine the efficacy of non-chemical strategies for E. repens control. Focus is on direct control methods, but some indirect control measures are discussed. The pros and cons (efficacy, consistency, flexibility, availability, compatibility, costs, dangers, and environmental effects) of each tool and strategy are discussed in varying detail depending on the available information. The main point of comparison is the most common chemical control method, i.e., glyphosate
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