Phenological development, growth, and fecundity of Vicia narbonensis and Vicia hyrcanica under rain-fed conditions

Abstract

Vicia narbonensis and Vicia hyrcanica as newly emerged weeds represent a great constraint for agricultural production due to their remarkable adaptability and their ability to compete with rain-fed crops. Generally, information on weed biology is crucial for their effective management. Hence, this study was conducted to evaluate the phenological development, growth, and fecundity of V. narbonensis and V. hyrcanica over 2 years (2019–2020) at a rain-fed farm in Kuzaran region, Kermanshah province, Iran. Results showed that with the establishment of V. narbonensis and V. hyrcanica in the winter when compared with spring, the amount of biomass production increased significantly. The phenological pattern of both weedy species seems to be affected by the establishment time, and plants established in February were always superior to those established in March and April. In general, the results of this study emphasize the importance of controlling the early-established plants of V. narbonensis and V. hyrcanica.. Our study suggests that rain-fed field crop should be planted late in case a field is heavily infested with these two weed species.