Effective Weed Control Research Articles

Improving Cole Crops Safety and Weed Control Response with Chloroacetamide and Oxyfluorfen Herbicides Combinations

Abstract In 2022, trials were carried out in New Jersey and New York to assess the efficacy of weed management and the response of two cole crops to various herbicide combinations and rates. The experiments involved the application of S-metolachlor and micro-encapsulated (ME) acetochlor either alone or combined with oxyfluorfen. Different application timings of oxyfluorfen were tested in greenhouse and field studies. Results from the greenhouse trials showed that substituting S–metolachlor with ME acetochlor in over-the-top applied mixes with oxyfluorfen caused 15% to 22% less crop injury and increased seedling biomass by 33%. In field studies, nontreated plots exhibited significant weed growth, reaching up to 71% coverage 28 days after transplanting (DAT), whereas herbicide-treated plots exhibited weed cover at or below 10% by 28 DAT. Mixtures or sequential applications of oxyfluorfen and chloroacetamides achieved excellent control (≥99%) of the weed species complex compared to single applications of oxyfluorfen or chloroacetamides. However, applying both oxyfluorfen and a chloroacetamides post-transplanting, either as tank mixture or in sequence resulted in ≥19% injury. Despite the effective weed control achieved with herbicide treatments, mixing herbicides post-transplanting reduced relative commercial yield by 46% to 94% compared to oxyfluorfen applied alone or followed by chloroacetamides. The findings from these experiments will inform regional crop safety guidelines and support potential modifications to oxyfluorfen labels regarding sequential applications with chloroacetamides.

Italian Ryegrass Control Using a Capsule Suspension Formulation of S-metolachlor in Fenclorim-treated Wheat

Abstract Italian ryegrass control is one of the most significant limitations in wheat production in the U.S. today. Resistance to Herbicide Resistance Action Committee (HRAC)/Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) Groups 1, 2, and 9 in Arkansas have further complicated postemergence control, while residual herbicides still show effective weed control. One problem is the potential of HRAC/WSSA Group 15 herbicides to injure wheat when applied preemergence, indicating the need for a herbicide safener. A series of experiments were conducted in Fayetteville, AR, to evaluate crop tolerance and Italian ryegrass control using a capsule suspension formulation of S-metolachlor in conjunction with fenclorim-treated wheat. Experiments were conducted as a two-factor factorial with S-metolachlor applied at three rates (0.37, 0.74, and 1.12 kg ai ha-1) and a microencapsulated formulation of acetochlor at 1.05 kg ai ha-1, and three rates of a fenclorim seed treatment at 0, 0.5, and 2.0 g ai kg-1 of seed. Separate experiments utilized either a preemergence (PRE) or a delayed-preemergence (DPRE) application timing. In both experiments, S-metolachlor at 0.74 and 1.12 kg ai ha-1 provided 77 to 96% control of Italian ryegrass by preharvest, whereas acetochlor only provided 49 to 72% control. Visible wheat injury from PRE applications ranged from 7 to 49% for all treatments 21 d after treatment (DAT), with a reduction in injury when fenclorim-treated wheat was used for both the 0.74 and 1.12 kg ai ha-1 rate of S-metolachlor. In the DPRE experiments, wheat injury ranged from 5 to 16% 21 DAT with no noticeable safening from the presence of fenclorim at any herbicide rate. The results of these experiments indicate that a DPRE application using a CS formulation of S-metolachlor would be more favorable for producers to mitigate the potential for injury to wheat while providing Italian ryegrass control. Additionally, at the DPRE application timing, fenclorim is unnecessary for S-metolachlor to be safely applied at the rates evaluated.

Effective weed control through post-emergence herbicides to enhance blackgram (Vigna mungo L.) productivity in South India

Pulses are essential components of vegetarian diet and play a pivotal role in addressing malnutrition by providing a vital source of dietary protein. However, weed competition remains as a significant obstacle to blackgram (Vigna mungo L) production, resulting in 25 to 35% yield losses. A field experiment was carried out at the National Pulses Research Centre, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Vamban, Pudukkottai, India during Kharif seasons of 2020 and 2021, to assess the suitable post-emergence herbicides for appropriate weed control in blackgram grown under irrigated conditions. The experimental field was observed to contain notable grass weed flora, specifically Dactyloctenium aegyptium and Chloris barbata, as well as broadleaved weeds, such as Flaveria australica, Cleome gynandra, Eclipta alba, Convolvulus arvensis, Digera arvensis, Vicia spp., and Celosia argentea. The results demonstrated that among the chemical weed management methods, spraying of Fomesafen @ 220 g + Fluzifop p-butyl @ 220 g ha−1 at 20 days after sowing (DAS) as a post-emergence herbicide treatment exhibited superior weed control efficiency, recording 66.80% and 68.53% at 30 and 45 DAS, respectively and recorded higher seed yield of 1088 kg ha−1. Additionally, this method generated 8.1% higher net income and 12.5% more benefit–cost ratio than hand weeding, making it an economically profitable strategy for maximizing blackgram yield and effective labour management.

A comparative study of drone and manual herbicide application for weed management in wet direct-seeded rice (Oryza sativa L.)

A field experiment was conducted at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, during the Navarai season (January-April) of 2024 to assess the efficiency of drone-based herbicide application in terms of weed control, energy use, and cost effectiveness in wet direct-seeded rice (Oryza sativa L.). The study compared the effectiveness of weed control using herbicide combinations applied as pre-emergence followed by early post-emergence, with both drone and knapsack sprayer. The treatments included the application of pretilachlor followed by early post-emergence bispyribac sodium, and pyrazosulfuron followed by penoxsulam + cyhalofop butyl, using both drone and knapsack sprayer. Additionally, weed-free and unweeded control plots were included. Results indicated that the application of pretilachlor followed by bispyribac sodium using a drone sprayer significantly reduced weed density and weed dry weight compared to the unweeded plot. This treatment also resulted in a higher grain yield (5286 kg ha-1). Moreover, drone application of pretilachlor followed by bispyribac sodium provided a higher net return (? 51631/ha), benefit-cost ratio (2.17), energy-use efficiency (9.53), and energy productivity (0.30 kg/MJ). The experiment concluded that drone-based spraying of pretilachlor followed by bispyribac sodium is an effective weed management strategy for wet direct-seeded rice, offering superior yield attributes, energy use efficiency, and profitability.

The Impact of Polydimethylsiloxane as a Herbicide Adjuvant for Weed Control in the Lime Citrus × aurantifolia (Christm.) Swingle Plot

The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) CH3[Si(CH3)2O]nSi(CH3)3 as an adjuvant in bioherbicides and synthetic herbicides (chemicals) for weed (Johnson grass S. halepense and star grass Cynodon sp.) management in the lime plot. A total of 20 treatments were conducted, which included bioherbicides and synthetic herbicides, each with three replications, the dose was 50% more polydimethylsiloxane and 100% according to the product label. The experimental design was a randomized block design, with a factorial arrangement with three factors: A (products) with 10 levels, B (adjuvants) with 2 levels and C (evaluation dates) with 5 levels, each block consisted of an area of 5 m by 4 m. The assessment was carried out periodically, every week (5 evaluations), the scale proposed by EWRS was used. The results were in percentages and a 3-factor factor analysis was performed, where A (products) = 10 levels, B (adjuvants) = 2 levels and C (evaluation dates) = 5 levels, and the mean comparison test with Tukey (α ≤ 0.05), using SAS software. According to the results obtained, a significant difference is only presented between factors A (products) and B (adjuvants) (P < .0001). In factor A, the highest levels in weed control were glyphosate, diuron + carfentrazone and ammonium glufosinate with an average of 80.8, 74.0 and 70.8%, respectively. Regarding the interaction between the factors, only the A*B factors were present (P < .0001), only in the glyphosate, BH2 and diuron were the treatments with the highest interaction when using the 50% dose + polydimethylsiloxane as an adjuvant at a dose of 2 ml per 1 L of water with 76.2, 72.93 and 71.33%, respectively. The date when the treatments had the highest weed control effect was at the second and third week. These results underline the effect of polydimethylsiloxane to optimize the use of herbicides, not only in combination with chemical herbicides, but also with bioherbicides, offering an efficient and economic alternative for weed management (Johnson grass S. halepense and star grass Cynodon sp.).

Raw feedstock vs. biochar from olive stone: Impact on the sorption–desorption of diclosulam and tropical soil improvement

The addition of carbon-rich materials, such as raw feedstocks (RAW) and biochars, to agricultural soils is on the rise. This activity has many advantages, such as improving fertility, increasing water retention, and sequestering carbon. However, they can also increase the sorption of residual herbicides in the soil, reducing the effectiveness of weed control. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate soil improvement and the sorption–desorption process of diclosulam in soil unamended and amended with RAW from olive stone and their biochars produced in two pyrolysis temperatures (300 and 500 °C). Oxisol was used in this study, unamended and amended with RAW and biochars (BC300 and BC500) in a rate of 10% (w w−1). The sorption–desorption process was assessed by batch-equilibrium experiments and the analysis was performed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The addition of the three materials to the soil increased the contents of pH, organic carbon, P, K, Ca, Mg, Zn, Fe, Mn, Cu, B, cation exchange capacity, base saturation and decreased H + Al. The unamended soil had Kf (Freundlich sorption coefficient) values of diclosulam sorption and desorption of 1.56 and 12.93 mg(1 − 1/n) L1/n Kg−1, respectively. Unamended soil sorbed 30.60% and desorbed 13.40% of herbicide. Soil amended with RAW, BC300, and BC500 sorbed 31.92, 49.88, and 30.93% of diclosulam and desorbed 13.33, 11.67, and 11.16%, respectively. The addition of RAW and biochars from olive stone has the potential to change the soil fertility, but does not interfere with the bioavailability of diclosulam in weed control under field conditions, since the materials slightly influenced or did not alter the sorption–desorption of diclosulam.

Bio-efficacy of herbicides on weeds in direct-seeded rice in Konkan region of India

Rice cultivation by direct seeding is viewed as both cost and labor-saving practice and becoming popular alter- native to transplanting. Weeds are a more serious problem in DSR than in transplanted rice. The field experimen- tal is conducted to evaluate the bio -efficacy of pre and post – emergence herbicides, hand-weeding on weed con- trol, yield components, yield and their economic feasibility for cost effective weed control in direct seeded rice. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications and seven treatments, viz. Pre-emer- gence oxadiargyl 80% WP @ 100 g/ha, Pre-emergence oxadiargyl 80% WP @ 100 g/ha fb HW at 30 DAS, oxadiargyl 80% WP (PE) @ 100 g/ha fb Post-emergence bispyribac- Na @ 25 g/ha at 25 DAS, Pre-emergence oxadiargyl 80% WP @ 100 g/ha fb Post-emergence metasulfuron- methyl + chlorimuron – ethyl @ 4 g/ha at 25 DAS, Pre-emergence oxadiargyl 80% WP @ 100 g/ha fb Post-emergence carfentrazone ethyl 40% @ 25 g/ha at 25 DAS. Weed density under weedy check (WC) situation showed that monocot weeds (grasses and sedges) were more pre-dominant wherein grasses and sedges constituted 74.80% and 11.48%, respectively, BLWs 14.20% of total weed density at 60 DAS of crop. Amongst the herbicide treatments, application of Oxadiargyl (PE) @ 100 g/ha fb HW at 30 DAS recorded significantly lowest number of weeds/m2, dry weight/m2. The highest grain yield (4.02 t/ha) and benefit cost (1.48) were recorded with the pre-emergence application of Oxadiargyl (PE) @ 100 g/ha fb HW at 30 DAS.

Selectivity of new generation herbicide ‘Tembotrione’ under conservation agriculture-based maize (<i>Zea mays</i>) in maize-wheat-mungbean cropping system

An experiment was conducted at the ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute in New Delhi during the rainy (Kharif) seasons of 2021–22 and 2022–23. The study aimed to evaluate the weed control efficiency of low dose new generation herbicide: tembotrione (34.4% SC) as a component of integrated weed management (IWM), on zero-till (ZT) and conventional till (CT) maize (Zea mays L.). The treatments were comprised of conventional tillage maize (M1: CT-M), conventional tillage maize with green manure from preceding green gram (M2: CT-M+GM), zero tillage maize with residue retention at 3 t/ha (M3: ZT-M+R), zero tillage maize with Sesbania co-culture as brown manuring (cover crop) (M4: ZT-M+BM) in the main plot and five weed control treatments, viz S1: Un- weeded check, S2: Pre +1 HW, S3: Pre + Post (tembotrione) @120g/ha, S4: Pre+ Post (Premix of Mesotrione+ Atrazine) @120 g/ha, S5: Weed free check (WFC) in the sub-plots were evaluated in split-plot design. It was ob- served that ZT-M+BM caused a considerable reduction in the population of broad-leaf weed, narrow leaf weed with sedges and total weeds (28.4% reduction at 60 days after sowing) compared to M1. The results also revealed that the sequential application of atrazine @750g/ha+pendimethalin @750g/ha(pre) followed by (fb.) tembotrione (34.4% SC) @120 g/ha (post) among the herbicide options reduced the weeds population (78.5%) and dry weight (81.3%) significantly than the un-weeded control (UWC). Maize yield attributes were higher in ZT with Sesbania co-culture (ZT-M+BM) than conventional-tilled treatments (CT-M). The application of atrazine @750g/ ha+pendimethalin @750g/ha (pre) fb. tembotrione @120 g/ha (post) combined with ZT-M+BM resulting in higher maize yield (6.88 t/ha) which was comparable with that in weed-free check (WFC). The post emergence (PoE) ap- plication of tembotrione (34.4% SC) @120 g/ha recorded highest weed control efficiency (86.2%), weed control in- dex (88.1%) and lowest value of weed index (7.04) when applied in the ZT-maize with sesbania as a cover crop. Therefore, combining zero tillage (ZT) with brown manure (Sesbania), along with atrazine and pendimethalin (@750g/ha each) as pre-emergence herbicides, and tembotrione (@120g/ha) as a post-emergence herbicide is recommended for effective weed control and high maize productivity in the North-Western Indo-Gangetic plains (IGP).

Selectivity of pre-emergent herbicides in cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) and its relationship with the stem cutting planting system

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz, Euphorbiaceae), an important source of food for millions of people in the world, is distributed mainly in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Weeds are important biotic constraints on cassava production, and herbicide application can provide effective weed control in this crop. However, the different possibilities of herbicide selectivity (factors associated and not associated with the plants) must be studied before implementation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the combination of different pre-emergence herbicides and two stem cutting planting systems (vertical and horizontal) on phytotoxicity and several agronomic traits of the cassava crop. The experiment was conducted through a factorial arrangement in a completely random design in Corrientes, Argentina. The factors studied were planting systems (horizontal and vertical position), weed control methods (hoeing or application of diuron, S-metolachlor, pendimethalin or clomazone, 625; 1920; 900 and 1000 g a.i. ha−1, respectively), and cropping seasons (2018–2019 and 2019–2020). The following variables were measured: phytotoxicity, plant height, relative plant stand, total weight of tuberous roots per plant, starch concentration of tuberous roots, and starch production per ha. The highest precipitations occurred in the 2018–2019 cropping season. The vertical planting system in combination with herbicides showed lower phytotoxicity values and higher values of plant height, starch concentration, and starch production per ha than the horizontal planting system. The highest phytotoxicity values were recorded with the application of diuron combined with the horizontal planting system and in the 2018–2019 season, with a 33.33% decrease in relative plant stand compared to the use of hoeing. Starch concentration remained unchanged with the use of clomazone and pendimethalin, whereas the effect of these herbicides on starch production varied with the cropping season, decreasing only in 2019–2020. Starch production was significantly lower with the use of S-metolachlor (up to 55.29% in 2018–2019) and of diuron (up to 60.57% in 2019–2020) than with the use of hoeing. In conclusion, phytotoxicity values were higher for the horizontal planting system than for the vertical system. The herbicide with the highest phytotoxic effect on the cassava crop was diuron; the effect increased when combined with the horizontal planting system in the cropping season with higher rainfall. This work provides the basis for integrated weed management concerning the use of herbicides and their selectivity according to planting systems for cassava crops.

Droplet deposition characteristics and weed control effects of spraying herbicide Bentazone on oat fields by plant protection drones

Droplet deposition characteristics and weed control effects of spraying herbicide Bentazone on oat fields by plant protection drones

Laser Weeding Technology in Cropping Systems: A Comprehensive Review

Weed infestations pose significant challenges to global crop production, demanding effective and sustainable weed control methods. Traditional approaches, such as chemical herbicides, mechanical tillage, and plastic mulches, are not only associated with environmental concerns but also face challenges like herbicide resistance, soil health, erosion, moisture content, and organic matter depletion. Thermal methods like flaming, streaming, and hot foam distribution are emerging weed control technologies along with directed energy systems of electrical and laser weeding. This paper conducts a comprehensive review of laser weeding technology, comparing it with conventional methods and highlighting its potential environmental benefits. Laser weeding, known for its precision and targeted energy delivery, emerges as a promising alternative to conventional control methods. This review explores various laser weeding platforms, discussing their features, applications, and limitations, with a focus on critical areas for improvement, including dwell time reduction, automated navigation, energy efficiency, affordability, and safety standards. Comparative analyses underscore the advantages of laser weeding, such as reduced environmental impact, minimized soil disturbance, and the potential for sustainable agriculture. This paper concludes by outlining key areas for future research and development to enhance the effectiveness, accessibility, and affordability of laser weeding technology. In summary, laser weeding presents a transformative solution for weed control, aligning with the principles of sustainable and environmentally conscious agriculture, and addressing the limitations of traditional methods.

The reduction of chemical inputs by ultra-precise smart spot sprayer technology maximizes crop potential by lowering phytotoxicity

Weeding is at the heart of agriculture. Today, using herbicides is unavoidable in conventional agriculture. However, increasing ecological awareness, the need to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, and the pursuit of sustainable food have driven industries and academics to explore new approaches for growing and protecting crops. In this context, smart spot sprayers emerge as a highly innovative alternative to broadcast treatments, which overuse pesticides, and mechanical weeding, which is limited by restrictive application conditions. Using artificial intelligence (AI) for plant recognition and ultra-precise spraying technology, herbicides are applied directly to weeds with minimal overspray, reducing their use by 90% compared to conventional methods. Spot sprayers' narrowly targeted spray limits chemicals' contact with the crop, resulting in low phytotoxicity, preserving natural crop development while maximizing yield potential. In addition, site-specific application increases the selectivity of chemical products artificially, enabling more concentrated mixtures to be used. Also, AI enables the selective application of non-selective molecules, supporting their use in established cultures. These characteristics open new opportunities for effective weed control where the traditional solutions fall short. This publication demonstrates the potential of the ultra-precise smart spot sprayer ARA in weed management in onion and sugar beet crops. Although comparing the overall performance of ARA with other smart spot sprayers on the market cannot be done in this article, this technology's potential in rendering weed management on farms more effective, sustainable, and saving labor without compromising yield is nevertheless indicated.

Herbicides Effects on Soil Functions: A Review

This review explores the impact of herbicides on soil functions, offering a detailed analysis of how these chemicals influence soil health. Herbicides, commonly used for controlling unwanted plants, often disturb the balance of soil ecosystems by altering microbial diversity, disrupting nutrient cycling, and affecting organic matter breakdown. The findings show that herbicides can either inhibit or stimulate soil microbial activities, depending on their type, concentration, and environmental conditions. While some herbicides have minimal short-term effects on soil respiration and microbial activity, others significantly reduce soil enzyme activities, slow down nitrogen mineralization, and disrupt beneficial microbial relationships, such as those involving mycorrhizal fungi. The persistence of herbicide residues in soil presents further challenges, with potential risks of contaminating soil and groundwater. It highlights the importance of using herbicides carefully, considering both their effectiveness in weed control and their long-term effects on soil health. However, the paper concludes with an evaluation of the ecological and evolutionary impacts of herbicides on soil microbial communities, calling for further research to fully understand these complex interactions.

Deep learning for image-based detection of weeds from emergence to maturity in wheat fields

Effective weed control in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) fields is crucial for optimizing production and ensuring food security in semi-arid regions. The implementation of deep learning for weed detection could enable precise weed management, leading to enhanced wheat yield, increased income for growers through targeted herbicide use, and a reduced environmental footprint associated with herbicide application. Charlock mustard (Sinapis arvensis L.) [CM], creeping thistle (Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop) [CT], and forking larkspur (Consolida regalis Gray) [FL]) are among the most invasive weed species in wheat fields. Effective management of these weeds is essential to ensure optimal wheat productivity in the semi-arid regions. To detect weeds, an unmanned arial vehicle was used to collect images and videos from 185 wheat fields in Tokat, Turkey. The images were collected from five phenological periods of each species including seedling, rosette, vegetative, flowering, and fruiting (in total 15 classification process). These stages are either important for timely weed control or essential for understanding weed pressure threshold, the potential for increasing weed seedbank increase, and identifying herbicide resistant weeds. A total of 145,792 objects were labeled in the images to create the dataset, divided into 80 % for training + validation and 20 % for testing. The dataset was used with the YOLOv5 (You Only Look Once) deep learning architecture. The YOLOv5 was the newest YOLO model during this study carried out. All neural networks provided by YOLOv5 (nano, small, medium, large, and xlarge) were trained and the Precision, Recall, F-1 Score, and AUC (Area under the Curve) performances of the neural networks were evaluated. The YOLOv5s (small) was the most precise neural network in detecting weeds regardless of the species. In contrast, nano was the least precise neural network in detecting each weed species. For CT, when small neural network was used, precision of detection ranged from 0.87 (fruit stage) to 0.96 (rosette and vegetative stages). For, forking larkspur, the best neural network was achieved with YOLOv5 small and the precision ranged from 0.45 (fruit stage) to 0.93 (vegetative stage). Using YOLOv5 small in Charlock mustard, the most precise detection occurred at seedling, rosette, and vegetative stages (with precision of 0.96) and the least precise detection was recorded at the fruit stage (0.81). Other performance evaluations (Recall, F-1 Score, and AUC) were in agreement with those of Precision. Our results indicated that by using YOLOv5 small neural network, all three weed species could be detected at all growth stages with the precision of 0.86 with the exception of fruit stage. Future research should (1) focus on assessing YOLOv5 small neural network with the newest versions of YOLO and also (2) evaluate this neural network for detecting weed species in wheat fields to allow for improved weed control and future recommendations.

Effectiveness of Weed Control on Two Varieties of Corn (Zea Mays L.) in West Aceh Regency

This research aims to find out which weed control techniques are most effective in suppressing weed growth on corn plants, to find out the interaction of manual, mechanical, and chemical weed control on corn plants, to find out the influence of weed control techniques on the production and growth of corn plants. This research be carried out in West Aceh Regency on corn farming land in the Pante Ceureumen District. The time allocation is from April to June 2014. The research was conducted using a randomized block design with a factorial pattern with two factors being studied. The first factor is the weed control technique (T): no control, manual control, using husk charcoal, chemical, atrazine + mesotrion 1.35 ml each 9 m² and the second factor is the variety (V): Bisi-2 and Bisi-18. Based on the treatment of 12 plots with 3 repetitions times until there are 36 experimental units. Each treatment plot measures 300 cm x 300 cm with a planting distance of 75 cm x 25 cm so that the number of sample plants in each plot is 48 plants and the number of sample plants in each plot is 8 plants. The distance between plots is 50 cm and the distance between replications is 100 cm. The results obtained from observations are analyzed using the F test. If the results obtained from the variance are significantly different at the 5% level. The result of the research that has been carried out is that the most effective control technique in suppressing weed growth in corn plants is found at T5 (chemistry, topramezone + atrazine 1.35 ml each 9 m², at 21, 40, and 56 HST), followed by T2 (culture technique using rice husk charcoal), T4 (Chemical, nicosulfuron + atrazine 1.35 ml each 9 m², at 21, 40, and 56 HST) and T1 (manual, at 21, 40, and 56 HST) have the same position, then T3 (chemistry, atrazine + mesotrione 1.35ml each 9 m², at 21, 40 and 56 HST), and the last position in weed control techniques is WC (without control).

Differentiated In-Row Soil Management in a High-Density Olive Orchard: Effects on Weed Control, Tree Growth and Yield, and Economic and Environmental Sustainability

Two different in-row soil management techniques were compared in the Olive Orchard Innovation Long-term experiment of the Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Research Centre for Olive, Fruit, and Citrus Crops in Rome, Italy. Rows were managed with an in-row rotary tiller and with synthetic mulching using permeable polypropylene placed after cultivar Maurino olive trees planting. The effects of the two treatments were assessed through weed soil coverage and the growth of the olive trees. Results showed better agronomic performance associated with synthetic mulching. The weed control effect along the row of a young high-density olive orchard was higher with the synthetic mulching compared to hoeing. The effect of the synthetic mulching seemed to disappear when removed from the ground (spring 2023) since no significant differences were found for tree size and yield in the two tested in-row soil management systems at the end of 2023. Finally, the growth of the young olive trees (Trunk Cross Sectional Area, Height, and Canopy expansion) measured across the three years, was higher for the synthetic mulched row than the hoed one. The use of synthetic mulching along the row positively forced the vegetative growth of the young olive trees and anticipated the onset of fruit production compared to periodical hoeing: a significantly higher fruit production was registered three years after planting. Root diameter was higher under synthetic mulching one year after planting, and no differences were observed in the following sampling dates showing similar fluctuations linked to the seasonal growth pattern. The life cycle assessment and costing highlighted that the application of mulching had a higher eco- and economic-efficiency than the periodical in-row soil hoeing.

Herbicidal and Nitrogen Efficacy on Weed Management in Wheat Fields of Eastern Uttar Pradesh, India

Weeds can significantly affect crop yield and nutrient uptake, making effective management crucial in wheat fields. This study, conducted during the winter (Rabi) season of 2018-19 at the Agricultural Research Farm of Banaras Hindu University in Varanasi, aimed to assess the combined impact of different nitrogen levels and herbicide treatments on weed control and wheat production. The objective was to determine the best practices for reducing weed competition and improving crop performance. The experiment was set up using a split plot design with three replications. The treatments comprised of 3 nitrogen levels and 5 weed control methods. The study identified nine prevalent weed species in wheat fields, including Phalaris minor, Anagallis arvensis, Cynodon dactylon, Chenopodium album, Melilotus indicus, Vicia sativa, Medicago denticulata, Solanum nigrum, and Cyperus rotundus, with Anagallis arvensis, Chenopodium album and Vicia sativa being the most dominant. The application of Sulfosulfuron (25 g ha-1) combined with 2, 4-D (750 ml ha-1) resulted in the lowest weed density and biomass and the highest weed control efficiency. Additionally, performing hand weeding twice (30 and 60 days after sowing) in conjunction with 180 kg N ha-1, followed by the application of Sulfosulfuron (25 g ha-1) + 2, 4-D (750 ml ha-1), significantly reduced Anagallis arvensis, Chenopodium album and Vicia sativa population and biomass and improved weed control effectiveness. Higher weed dry weight and population results in lower plant nutrient uptake and lower dry matter of crop plant and yield.

Impact of weed control methods and staking on the growth, yield, and weed response of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) in Kano, Sudan Savanna, Nigeria

Cucumber growing is becoming increasingly popular in Nigeria's Sudan savanna region due to its health benefits and minimal impact on the soil. However, weed infestation is a major challenge that can significantly reduce yields, by up to 45-95%. In view of this, two trials were conducted at the Teaching and Research farm of the Faculty of Agriculture and the net house of the Centre for Dryland Agriculture of the Bayero University Kano to examine the effects of weed control and staking on cucumbers during the 2021 dry season. The trial consisted of eight weed control treatments and two staking methods which were arranged in a split plot design with three replicates, with staking assigned to the main plot while weed control was assigned to the sub plots. The study analyzed data on growth and yield, using Genstat (17th edition) and significantly different means were separated using the Student Newman-Keuls Test (SNK) at a 5% level of probability. Results showed a higher composition of grass and broadleaf weeds in open fields compared to controlled net house environments. Weed Control Efficiency (WCE) was greater in weed-free plots, but Butachlor and metolachlor significantly outperformed other treatments, providing higher WCE. The herbicidal treated plots significantly resulted in longer days to 50% emergence than other treatments, while it also resulted in a shorter number of days to 50% flowering and fruiting than weedy check. The vine length, number of leaves, leaf area, and chlorophyll content were highly significant (p<0.01) in weed free, butachlor at 1.5 + Imazethapyr 1.5 kg a.i.ha-1 post emergence ( POE) and metolachlor at 1.5 + Imazethapyr 1.5 kg a.i.ha-1 POE. Similarly, yield and yield attributes followed the same pattern as obtained in growth components. Staking of vines on the other hand significantly resulted in greater growth and yield of cucumber. Based on these findings, farmers in the study area are advised to grow cucumber staked with the application of Butachlor at 1.5 + Imazethapyr 1.5 kg a.i.ha-1 POE and metolachlor at 1.5 + Imazethapyr 1.5 kg a.i.ha-1 POE for sustainable weed management.

Significance of Insuring Herbicides for Stabilization of Weed Control Effectiveness and Quality when Using Betanals-Generics for Sugar Beet

In the field in 2014–2020, three-component herbicides of betanal generics were tested against juvenile dicotyledonous weeds in sugar beet crops to compare with the effectiveness of the use of the original herbicide Betanal Expert of (BEOF) at application rate of 1.0 l/ha. It is shown that the stability of dilute emulsions of generic betanals depended on the characteristics of the structure and dispersion of working solutions, the ability to crystallize active substances, and reactions to various environmental conditions. The BEOF herbicide in the application rate of 1.0 l/ha differed from generic betanals in the same application rate by a higher effect on weeds. The weeds that formed 2 real leaves showed phase resistance to generic betanals more noticeably. The effectiveness of BEOF on weeds in the cotyledon phase was 6–8% higher than that of generics, and 18% higher when treating weeds in the phase of 2 real leaves. It was found that in the temperature range of 19–22°C, the efficiency of generic betanals was closest to the efficiency of the original BEOF. To stabilize the generic betanals efficacy on weeds with the original BEOF 1.0 l/ha, their application rate was increased by 15–20%. A mixture of generic betanals with the insurance herbicides Mitron and Caribou, applied 3 times in the recommended application rates in accordance with the phase of development of sugar beet, provided high purity of sowing and crop yield at the level of the control group with manual weeding. Herbicides, in addition to broad-leaved dicotyledonous weeds, effectively suppressed young plants of aspens and field bindweed. The insurance herbicides Mitron and Caribou offset the disadvantages of generic betanals when used together in the fight against weeds in sugar beet crops.

Periods of weed interference in garlic crop

Garlic cultivation holds significant importance in Brazil. However, research on garlic crops is currently limited and outdated, highlighting the necessity for new studies, particularly focused on enhancing weed management and optimizing the use of agricultural inputs. This study aimed to assess the extent of yield losses attributed to weed interference and the specific periods during which weed interference impacts garlic crop yields in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil. The experiments were conducted in Curitibanos, Santa Catarina State, Brazil, during 2019 and 2020, using the garlic cultivars Chonan and Ito, respectively. A randomized block experimental design was employed, consisting of 16 treatment groups with four replications. The design incorporated a 2×8 factorial arrangement, involving two weed management strategies (coexistence and control) and eight crop-weed coexistence periods (0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, and 130 days after crop emergence – DAE). The study evaluated the weed community and recorded data on the number of bulbs, bulb diameter, as well as total and commercial bulb yields of garlic crops. The results indicated average losses of 24.3% in total bulb yield and 28.9% in commercial bulb yield. Critical periods for effective weed control were identified as 6 to 126 DAE in 2019, 5 to 126 DAE in 2020 for total yield, 3 to 126 DAE in 2019, and 5 to 126 DAE in 2020 for commercial bulb yield. Consequently, it is imperative to maintain garlic crops weed-free throughout most of their growth cycle.