Chapter 1 - Alopecurus myosuroides

Abstract

Weeds affect crops by directly competing for water, nutrients, light, and space and can cause a severe reduction in yield if left uncontrolled in the field. Weed management is one of the main aspects for successful crop production. Alopecurus myosuroides is a major annual weed, especially in Western Europe and Western Asia, and is well adapted to arable cropping situations. This weed causes substantial yield losses in a range of different crops, especially cereals. Due to its rapid emergence and adaption to arable cropping rotations, it can remain in the field for long periods of time and effectively compete with cultivated crops. Alopecurus myosuroides has a high reproductive rate, as a consequence of its high seed output, and populations can build up rapidly. It is one of the most important herbicide-resistant weeds in Europe and some West Asian countries, including Turkey and Israel, and its resistance evolution is much faster when compared with many other herbicide-resistant weeds. This weed species has become a serious threat to current cropping systems due to its wide genetic diversity, invasiveness, and ecological adaptations. This chapter reviews all aspects of A. myosuroides systematics and morphology, habitat and distribution, germination, reproduction, seed dispersal mechanism, seed biology, and its invasive properties. Management scenarios, including future prospects, are also discussed. The importance of the role that cultural practices play in weed control is emphasized (including crop rotation, plowing, delayed autumn sowing, use of competitive crop cultivars, spring cropping, fallowing, and use of high seed rates). Integrated management approaches, which include a greater emphasis on nonchemical methods, as well as more rational herbicide use, are vital in avoiding ever-increasing problems with herbicide resistance.