Abstract
In recent decades, anthropogenic activity and climate changes have reshaped global weed dispersal and establishment in new territories. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of propane flaming approach in the control of perennial invasive and native Mediterranean broadleaf and grass weeds. The invasive weeds, Cyperus rotundus, Sorghum halepense, and Ecballium elaterium, were treated multiple times with a single propane dose (2.5 kg propane km−1), using the broadcast technique. The local annual weeds, Sinapis arvensis, Lavatera trimestris, and Avena sativa, were treated once at five propane doses (0–2.5 kg propane km−1), using the cross-row technique. Dose-response analysis was performed. Three applications provided effective control (up to >90%) for all tested perennials, and affected seed and flower production in Sorghum halepense and Ecballium elaterium, respectively. However, the timing of the sequential application had a significant impact on the degree of control, in terms of dry weight reduction and seed production. Weed density had an impact on control efficacy but was only a significant determinant for Ecballium elaterium. Cross-row application was effective during early growth stages of broadleaf weeds (ED50 < 1.2 kg propane km−1), but was less effective during later growth stages (ED50 > 2.6 kg propane km−1). For grass weeds, both early and late application were ineffective (ED50 > 4.1 kg propane km−1). More research is needed to optimize this weed control tactic for various cropping systems and weed species. Implementation of this novel approach into integrated weed management programs will increase the control efficacy of invasive weed under the projected climate changes and reduce the evolution of herbicide-resistant weeds.
Highlights
Invasive weeds pose a great threat to ecological and agronomical systems throughout the world, by reducing crop productivity, disturbing the ecosystem functions and reducing species biodiversity [1,2].The economic impact of invasive plant species is estimated at $137 billion per one year only in the U.S, and extreme scenarios may result in irreversible damage to the environment, such as the extinction of native species and abandonment of highly infested fields [3]
Sorghum halepense and C. rotundus weed density did not have a significant impact on the above-ground dry weight, and for both species, the flaming treatment resulted in an above-ground dry weight of ~35% of the non-treated control at both tested densities
An interaction between the main factors was observed in E. elaterium (p < 0.0001), and the mean separation of the above-ground dry weights revealed that the low-density weeds treated at early (23 days after planting (DAP)) versus late (33 DAP) growth stages, resulted in the lowest (3%) versus highest (81%) above-ground dry weight values, respectively
Summary
Invasive weeds pose a great threat to ecological and agronomical systems throughout the world, by reducing crop productivity, disturbing the ecosystem functions and reducing species biodiversity [1,2].The economic impact of invasive plant species is estimated at $137 billion per one year only in the U.S, and extreme scenarios may result in irreversible damage to the environment, such as the extinction of native species and abandonment of highly infested fields [3]. Invasive weeds pose a great threat to ecological and agronomical systems throughout the world, by reducing crop productivity, disturbing the ecosystem functions and reducing species biodiversity [1,2]. While herbicides are the most common tool for invasive weed control [4], in recent years, use of alternative non-chemical weed control practices and/or integration of new weed management strategies have been gaining attention [5,6]. This trend was mainly motivated by the rapid development of herbicide-resistant weeds and the need to conserve viable herbicides and modes of actions. Other catalysts have been increasing environmental awareness and the rising demand for pesticide-free food [7].
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