Effective Weed Control Research Articles

A rapid segmentation method for weed based on CDM and ExG index

Precision spraying technology is promising for effective weed control application in agriculture, which is dependent on the perception of weed information. However, existing weed segmentation algorithms have significant limitations in the accurate segmentation of all weed types in real time. In this study, a rapid segmentation method for weed was proposed following the crop detection model (CDM) and the Excess Green Index (ExG). The CDM was introduced, such that the normal convolution in the YOLO-V4 Tiny backbone network was replaced with a depthwise separable convolution to increase the receptive field of the network while reducing the number of parameters. Moreover, the CDM incorporated a SPP structure in YOLO-V4 Tiny to reduce the effect of different scale targets on detection results. After training, the AP value of the CDM was increased to 94.83%, with an inference time of 11.13 ms per image. Subsequently, the CDM was combined with the ExG index and the optimized Otsu to segment the weeds from the maize field accurately and rapidly. As revealed by the experimental results, the proposed algorithm can segment weeds in real time and accurately with a precision of 92.50%, an IoU of 76.14%, as well as an accuracy (Acc) of 98.10%. The segmentation time per image reached 15.40 ms. Lastly, two deployment methods were proposed to make the algorithm conform to different field spraying operation requirements. In brief, the proposed method provides a reliable and efficient solution for weed segmentation in agricultural fields.

Rotation-age effects of subsoiling, fertilization, and weed control on radiata pine growth at sites with contrasting soil physical, nutrient, and water limitations

Although short- and medium-term responses to early silvicultural treatments have been documented, few studies show productivity gains or losses throughout a rotation across a range of soil types and resource availability. We evaluated the rotation length productivity responses of radiata pine to subsoiling, fertilization, and weed control in dry sand (DS), red clay (RC), and recent volcanic ash (RV) soils representing a gradient of physical, nutrient, and water limitations. Stands were planted in 2000 in a split-plot factorial design, with soil preparation (subsoiling vs. shovel planting) as the main plot and fertilization at planting (B only vs. NPKB) and weed control (none vs. 2-year banded application) as factorial randomized treatment plots within the main plots. Annual diameter at breast height, height, survival, and cumulative volume responses were measured. The rotation-age results for cumulative volume showed that early gains from weed control were maintained through at least 15 years of age. At rotation age, weed control increased the cumulative volume at the DS site (56 m3/ha, 20% gain), and the response over time was maintained at the RC site (28 m3/ha, 8% gain), whereas the volume was reduced at the RV site (-36 m3/ha, 7% loss). Fertilization resulted in the greatest response at the RC site (29 m3/ha, 8% gain); there were small responses at the DS site (5 m3/ha, 2% gain) and negative responses at the RV site (-18 m3/ha, 4% loss). Interestingly, subsoiling resulted in null or negative responses at all sites, and negative effects increased over time, with volume responses ranging from −4 m3/ha (1% loss) and −27 m3/ha (7% loss) at the DS and RC sites, respectively, to −116 m3/ha (21% loss) at the RV site. Carrying capacity was reached at mid-rotation at the RV site and resulted in negative treatment effects at rotation age, suggesting the need for thinning or a younger harvest age at this site. Given the negative or null effects of soil preparation, a better understanding is needed for how this silvicultural treatment is affected by soil type and soil strength.

Efficacy of Herbicides on Weed Control & Growth Parameter on Wheat

Wheat (Triticum aestivum) is a globally significant crop and a staple food for millions of people. Weed infestation is one of the major constraints affecting wheat productivity worldwide. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficiency of Carfentrazone ethyl 5% + Clodinafop propargyl 15% DF as a post-emergence herbicide against predominant weeds in wheat crops. Wheat is a globally significant crop and a staple food for millions of people. Weed infestation is a major constraint affecting wheat productivity. The study was conducted using a Randomized Block Design with three replications and a total of 11 treatments. The herbicide treatments were applied using foliar spray at different doses. Weed control efficiency was evaluated at 30, 45, and 60 days after herbicide application.
 The results showed that the highest weed control efficiency was observed in the weed-free plot, followed by the treatment with Carfentrazone ethyl 5% + Clodinafop propargyl 15% DF at a dose of 800 g/ha. This treatment provided significant control against different weed species such as Phalaris minor, Avena ludoviciana, and Chenopodium album. The herbicide treatments showed varying degrees of control efficiency, with some treatments performing better than others.
 These findings highlight the importance of weed management for increasing wheat crop production. The judicious use of herbicides, such as Carfentrazone ethyl 5% + Clodinafop propargyl 15% DF, can effectively control weeds and contribute to higher yields. However, further research and field trials are necessary to optimize the herbicide application and determine its long-term effects on wheat crops. Overall, this study emphasizes the need for effective weed control strategies to enhance wheat productivity and meet the demands of a growing population.

The effectiveness of weed control in a threatened plant community: A grassland case study

Habitat loss due to altered land use has resulted in the fragmentation of remnant grasslands, resulting in an increase in the edge to area ratio and a subsequent rise in the risk of weed invasion. Restoration in threatened remnant grasslands focus on spot-spraying high threat herbaceous weeds with herbicides (i.e. weed control) as a dominant management action, but there is limited knowledge about the ecological outcomes of weed control effectiveness in these systems.In this study, we conducted a Before-After-Control-Impact analysis over three years using 32 linear grassland remnants to test whether weed control can improve grassland condition. Our predictions were that weed control would: (i) reduce the cover and health of pervasive exotic perennial grasses (i.e. target weeds), (ii) increase the cover of native plants by removing competition from target weeds, and (iii) not affect native plant richness as any recolonization will likely be from species already occurring in the area of sampling. We also predicted that weed control would shift the cover of ground layer attributes towards levels more appropriate for a grassland in good condition.Our results show that short-term weed control can be effective in reducing the cover and health of target weeds with minimal effects on native vascular plants. Changes in bare ground and litter cover following weed control were dynamic and complementary. A reduction in soil crust cover after two consecutive weed control treatments could lead to altered survival and recruitment dynamics of native grassland plants.Effective weed control requires actions that limit subsequent re-invasion by target weeds and promote a microenvironment suitable for native species to re-colonise. Our findings suggest a need to assess (i) if changes in ground layer cover post herbicide application affects native vegetation recruitment, and (ii) if other management activities, such as burning (in combination with, or independent of, weed control), are effective in controlling weeds while promoting better outcomes for ground layer cover (i.e. biological soil crust does not decrease) and native species (i.e. cover increases). If a strategy that eliminates target weeds while maintaining biological soil crust cover and increasing native cover can be identified, it will greatly improve the long-term restoration of these highly threatened grasslands.

Preemergence and postemergence weed control in sweet corn on organic soils

AbstractAtrazine and S-metolachlor are the herbicides most relied on by growers to control weeds in sweet corn crops grown in the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) in southern Florida. Alternative weed management programs are needed. Field experiments were conducted in 2021 and 2022 to evaluate the efficacy of 1) pyroxasulfone (183 and 237 g ha−1) alone or as a premix with carfentrazone-ethyl (13 and 17 g ha−1) or fluthiacet-methyl (6 and 7 g ha−1), S-metolachlor (1,790 g ha−1) alone or in combination with atrazine (3,360 g ha−1) applied preemergence(PRE); 2) mesotrione (105 g ha−1), topramezone (25 g ha−1), and tembotrione (92 g ha−1) applied postemergence alone or in combination with atrazine (560 and 2,240 g ha−1) or bentazon (1,120 g ha−1); and 3) mechanical cultivation alone at the fourth and the fourth followed by the sixth leaf stages of sweet corn. PRE-applied herbicides did not provide acceptable control of fall panicum, common lambsquarters, or common purslane probably due to a lack of incorporation into the soil because of limited rainfall. POST-applied topramezone alone or in combination with atrazine or bentazon resulted in effective fall panicum control (>91%). Topramezone alone provided 83% and 88% control of common lambsquarters and common purslane, respectively, whereas atrazine added to topramezone resulted in >94% control of both weed species. Mesotrione and tembotrione plus atrazine provided excellent control (>93%) of both broadleaf weed species but poor fall panicum control (<72%). Mechanical cultivation alone did not effectively control any weeds. Overall, treatments that contained topramezone resulted in greater sweet corn yield. These results show that a combination of topramezone, mesotrione, and tembotrione with atrazine resulted in improved broadleaf weed control. Fall panicum control was improved only with the combination of topramezone with atrazine, showing that atrazine is an important mixture component of these herbicides to provide effective POST weed control in sweet corn on organic soils of the EAA.

Ефективність післясходових гербіцидів залежно від строків застосування в посівах сої в Східному Лісостепу України

Goal. To determine the influence of the timing of application of multi-component postemergence herbicides on crop weediness, yield, and quality of soybean seeds in the conditions of the Eastern Forest Steppe of Ukraine. Methods. Field, weighing, statistical, analytical. Results. According to the results of research in 2017–2019, 15 types of weeds, represented by 4 agrobiological groups — early spring weeds, late spring weeds, biennials, and rhizomes — were found in soybean crops in the conditions of the Eastern Forest Steppe of Ukraine. Cereal annual weeds were dominated by number, and dicotyledonous annual weeds by raw mass. It was established that against the background of the use of anti-dicotyledons drug with the active substance bentazon + acifluorfen (in the phases of primordial leaves, 2 and 4 ternate leaves of soybeans) with a graminicide based on hyzalofop-P-ethyl (in the phase of 5 ternate leaves of soybeans), the technical efficiency of these combinations concerning the total weediness of soybean crops was, respectively: in terms of quantity at the beginning of the growing season — 65.7; 65.0 and 48.8%; by the amount at the end of vegetation — 88.6; 88.0 and 67.5%; by raw mass at the end of the growing season — 86.3; 83.9 and 62.4%. When applying the herbicide with the active substance imazetapir + propakhizafop in the phase of primordial leaves and 2-3 ternate leaves of soybean, the technical effectiveness of the effect on the total weediness of the crops was 81.7 and 58.9%, respectively, at the beginning of the growing season, and 82, 1 and 58.8% — at the end, by raw mass at the end of the growing season — 68.3 and 55.2%. The greatest increase in the yield of soybean seeds was provided by the combination of the herbicide with the active substance bentazon + acifluorfen (primordial soybean leaves) with the drug based on hyzalofop-P-ethyl (5 ternate soybean leaves) — 0.29 t/ha, or 33%, the smallest was provided by the application of the drug with the active substance imazetapir + propakhizafop in the phase of 2–3 ternate soybean leaves (0.12 t/ha, or 13%). In almost all options, with the application of herbicides, the increased collection of protein (by 0.06–0.08 t/ha) and oil (by 0.03–0.04 t/ha) was fixed. Conclusions. The use of anti-dicotyledons herbicide with the active ingredient bentazon + acifluorfen (in the phase of primordial soybean leaves) with a graminicide based on hyzalofop-P-ethyl (in the phase of 5 ternate soybean leaves) is promising for effective control of weeds in crops and ensuring an increase in the yield of soybean seeds in the conditions of the Eastern Forest Steppe of Ukraine.

Vineyard floor management intensity impacts soil health indicators and plant diversity across South Australian viticultural landscapes

Throughout the last thirty years, major shifts in vineyard floor management have been observed. Challenges initially posed by intensive tillage included high rates of soil erosion and the degeneration of soil structure and soil organic matter, which lead viticulturists to depend more heavily on herbicide use as an effective weed control strategy. However, an increase in herbicide persistence and toxicity in water, soils, and grapevines, increasing resistance of common weeds; and pressure from consumers and regulators to reduce their use is directing a shift towards an overall reduction in herbicide usage. This has led to more frequent tillage to manage vegetation in vineyards, while in some instances, cultural practices including slashing and animal grazing are used solely or in conjunction. However, little is known about the holistic effects of these varying practices on vineyard soils and biodiversity across landscapes in Australia. Thus, to comparatively assess the environmental impacts of different floor management practices, soil health indicators and plant dynamics were seasonally measured in the mid- and under-vine rows at twenty-four vineyard sites and four native sites in the Barossa Valley, Eden Valley, and McLaren Vale, all located in South Australia, where different intensities of floor management were implemented. Vineyard sites were categorised based on the frequency of herbicide and/or tillage passes particularly in the under-vine area into Low (no annual management passes), Medium (one annual management pass), and High (two to four annual management passes) intensity groups. Findings revealed similarities in the vineyard mid-rows across the management intensities, yet the under-vine rows displayed many differences; in particular, there were more plant species, higher plant coverage, and greater plant biomass in the Low management intensity group. Furthermore, as management intensity decreased, the relative richness of ruderal plant species also decreased, giving way to a plant community mainly comprised of slow-growing, perennial Poaceae and Fabaceae species in the Low-intensity management group. These differences in plant dynamics drove a suite of soil responses including faster water infiltration, higher soil ammonium-N and total nitrogen, and a tendency of higher soil gravimetric water content at the time of sampling. These results suggest that after an initial period of establishing these more extensive vineyard floor management practices, low levels of soil disturbance in the under-vine rows may contribute positively to improving natural ecosystem synergy and functionality between soil and plants. Therefore, our findings lend insights into how the varying intensity of floor management practices, rather than differing management ideologies per se, across a viticultural landscape can be intrinsic supporters of agroecosystem resilience under South Australian conditions.

Enhancing Profitability and Yield Potential of Weed Controlling in Green Gram (Vigna radiata L.) under Central Plains of Punjab

Background: The first 30 DAS are crucial for the green gram crop while competing with crop weeds. Weed competition with light, water, nutrients and space has an impact on the development and growth of crops. Green gram yield loss is reduced by weed by about 50–80%. The switch of unwanted plant throughout the early stages of crop development is crucial. Methods: The methodology was lead in the two successive years of Kharif, 2021 and 2022 eight weed-controlling treatments were used in an RBD. The weed count of each plot remained measured in field using two quadrates measuring 25 cm x 25 cm. The weight of seeds, straw and dry biomass of weeds were measured by weighing balance. The collected samples of green gram were determined by yield attributes, yield and net monetary returns. Result: The consequences of finding are minimum weed population (6.01 m-2) and weed dry biomass (0.37 g m-2), maximum weed control effectiveness (87.51%), achieve yield characteristics for instance number of pods per plant (21.26), number of grains per pod (11.99), test weight (32.86 g), straw yields (24.48 q ha-1) were noted with Pendimethalin (1000 g ha-1) 2 DAS (PE) combined with Imazethapyr (50 g ha-1) 30 DAS (PoE). It can be used for extremely active weed control to upper seed yield (7.25 q ha-1) and maximum net profits (₹ 36738 ha-1) besides higher benefit cost ratio (1:96 respectively) of green gram.

Efficacy of Sulfentrazone 39.6% and Pendimethalin as a Pre Emergence Application against Weed Spectrum of Soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill)

A field experiment was conducted during Kharif season of 2017 at the Research Farm, College of Agriculture, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. The seven treatments comprising of four doses of sulfentrazone (180, 360, 540 and 720 g/ha), application of pendimethalin (750 g/ha) as pre emergence, hand weeding twice at 20 and 40 days after sowing (DAS) including weedy check, were laid out in randomized block design with 3 replications. Results revealed that, Echinochloa colona (28.24%) was the dominant weed species closely followed by Commelina communis (24.42%). However, other monocot weed like Cyperus rotundus (15.56%) and dicots like Phyllanthus niruri (19.34%) and Euphorbia hirta (12.44%) were also found associated with soybean in less numbers. Application of T4- sulfentrazone at 720 g/ha as pre emergence arrested the weed growth remarkably and proved superior to its lower dose (180 g/ha) and application of pendimethalin 750 g/ha. The poor crop-weed competition due to effective control of weeds under this treatment resulted in higher weed control efficiency. Pre-emergence application of T4- sulfentrazone at 720 g/ha recorded maximum grain yield and was at par with other individual herbicides. Similarly, higher net returns and benefit: cost ratio were recorded in T4- sulfentrazone at 720 g/ha fb T3- sulfentrazone at 540 g/ha. It may be inferred from the present investigation that these herbicidal treatments could be used effectively as an alternative for controlling weeds and obtaining optimum seed yield of soybean.

Field fodder conversion using electricity – Negative effects on earthworms and changes in labile carbon fractions

The development and use of innovative, conservative methods for weed control and field fodder conversion are urgently required to reduce herbicide use and to overcome drawbacks of mechanical methods. Recently, electrical methods are introduced into market. Although these methods seem to allow promising results concerning mortification of undesired plants, side-effects have not been assessed so far. As electricity is known to harm organisms in biological, physical, and chemical ways, this poses the risk of undesired effects on soil organisms. With the present study we aimed to gain insights into the largely unresearched topic of the effects of electrical field fodder conversion or electrical weed control on soil microbial properties and earthworms, as well as on soil chemical parameters. The results were compared to those obtained by common methods. Plots of a field fodder trial were treated either electrically, mechanically, or chemically for conversion and compared to a control without treatment, each with four field replicates. Soil sampling and earthworm extraction were done at three consecutive dates to observe short and mid-term effects of the different methods. Earthworm abundances and biomasses, and amounts of extractable carbon as well as microbial biomass and activity parameters were determined. The efficiency of the electrical treatment for field fodder conversion was rather low compared to the chemical variant that killed nearly all plants. Two weeks after the treatment, the amounts of hot water extractable carbon were 6% and 9% higher in the electrical variant compared to the control and chemical variant, respectively. In the electrical variant, endogeic earthworm biomass was significantly reduced from 28 g m−2 compared to 44 g m−2 in the control (p < 0.05). To summarize, our results show that the electrical treatment had significant impacts on soil and more research is necessary prior to introducing the systems to the market.

Nicosulfuron on the Atrazine-degrading Arthrobacter sp. DNS10 by assays of intracellular accumulation of substrates, Zeta potential, EPS, and stress responses

Atrazine is often formulated with nicosulfuron as a commercial herbicide to enhance the weed control effect, however, the effect of nicosulfuron on the degradation of atrazine-degrading strain Arthrobacter sp. DNS10 was still unclear. In this study, the accumulation of atrazine in Arthrobacter sp. DNS10, as well as the cell surface characteristics (Zeta potential and extracellular polymers constitution) and antioxidant enzyme activity at different concentrations of nicosulfuron exposure for 48 h were measured. The results showed that the quantity of atrazine accumulation in strain DNS10 and the Zeta potential on strain cell surface were increased when nicosulfuron exposure level was increased. Three-dimensional fluorescence spectrum analysis found that nicosulfuron exposure could quench the peaks which represent the aromatic protein substances and soluble microbial metabolites in EPS of strain DNS10 In addition, the co-existed nicosulfuron could positively induce the activity of antioxidant enzymes (SOD and CAT) and malondialdehyde content, and also induce cell damage. This work proposes the mechanism by which nicosulfuron inhibits the biodegradation of atrazine, which is of great significance for improving the bioremediation of mixed herbicide contamination.

Herbicide Management for Sustainable Sugar Cane (Saccharum officinarum l.) Production in Sudan

Field investigations were carried out during 2018/19 at Sugarcane Research Center Farm El Guneid, Sudan, in two sites, to evaluate the effect of the combination of chemical herbicides, Ametryne (3.8 L/ha) + Atrazine (3.8 L/ha), Atrazine (3.0 L/ha) + Pendimethalin (2.9 L/ha) and Metribuzin (5.21 L/ha) + Pendimethalin (3.57 L/ha), on common weed control, sugar cane growth, yield and quality. Experimental design was a randomized complete block (RCBD) with three replications. Results revealed that the combination of Metribuzin (5.21 L/ha) + Pendimethalin (3.57 L/ha) recorded the best results in weed control efficiency percent (WCE%) for both grass and broadleaved weeds in sugarcane crop compared to the other treatmentsand the control in the two sites. On the other hand, significant difference of means between treatments was observed in growth parameters and yield of sugar cane at 3, 6 and 9-month ages. Among all treatments the combination of Metribuzin (5.21 L/ha)+Pendimethalin (3.57 L/ha) showed the best results, irrespective to parameters compared to the other treatments and the control in the two sites. The mixture of Metribuzin+pendimethalin sustained the highest WCE% for both, grass and broadleaved weeds in addition to increased cane yield and yield component compared to other treatments and the corresponding control. Based on this study, it can be concluded that the herbicide combination provided effective weed control and promoted sugarcane quality and yield. Therefore, the use of herbicides not only increases the net income of farmers, but also demise weeds seed bank.

Weed Species Composition in Paddy Field of Usur Town, Bade Local Government, Yobe State, Nigeria

Farmers are eager to know the various types of weeds in paddy fields. This will help in choosing the best weed management practice for effective weed control as well as reducing rice yield losses. The objectives of the study are to identify the weeds species affecting the rice field, to assess the composition of weeds species, to classify the weed species into different families, genera, species, common names, Hausa names, lifecycles, life forms, native/exotic species, propagation and uses, and to determine the dominant weed species. Random vegetation surveys were conducted. Weeds observed were photographed, and prepared as herbarium specimens. Standard key manuals and checklists were utilized for weed identification and later organized using the Angiosperm Phylogeny Group (APG) classification system. A total number of 72 plants species distributed within 16 families and 50 genera were inventoried. The annuals (66.67%) were the dominant weed followed by perennials (33.33%) while biennials were the least. The broad leaves were the dominant weed (44.61%) identified followed by Poaceae (27.7%) and Sedges (11.11%). Results obtained from this study could be useful in choosing the best management practice and in making a decision on the choice of herbicides and directing research towards improved weed control measures.

Herbicidal ionic liquids containing double or triple anions as a new potential tool for weed control including herbicide-resistant biotypes

Herbicides are commonly used in modern agriculture for the control of unwanted plants. Contemporary expectations regarding agrochemicals emphasize the need to ensure high effectiveness and reduce side effects. Multicomponent herbicidal ionic liquids possess these features. In planning the syntheses of herbicidal ionic liquids (HILs), we took into account ensuring high activity against weeds using reduced doses of active substances and the problem of controlling herbicide-resistant weeds.Eight new double-anion and eight new triple-anion HILs were synthesized. All obtained HILs contained methyl dodecylbetainate cation and herbicidal anions belonging to both sulfonylurea and auxin-like groups of active substances in a single compound. The new HILs were tested under greenhouse and field conditions and they showed excellent efficacy against target dicotyledonous weeds. Some compounds showed very good surface properties, which are desirable for foliar application to plants. Moreover, HILs with three herbicidal anions (iodosulfuron or metsulfuron + 2,4-D + clopyralid) were very effective against cornflower biotype resistant to acetolactate synthase inhibitors.Our research indicate that herbicidal ionic liquids containing a cation of natural origin and herbicidal anions characterized by a different mode of action in a single compound are a potential new tool for weed management. The use of multicomponent herbicidal ionic liquids enables effective weed control with lower doses of the active ingredient.

Weed Strategy Considering the Weed Control Effect and Weed Control Uniformity with Microsprinkler Irrigation

Improper herbicide application without proper personnel protection (PPE) can be harmful. Herbicide application with microsprinkler irrigation reduces direct contact with herbicides with the benefits of being highly efficient, decreasing water and herbicide use, and using precise irrigation and concentration control during agricultural production. Therefore, to propose a reasonable strategy for applying microsprinkler irrigation, a laboratory test was conducted to study the water distribution characteristics, and different herbicide concentrations (1.5 g/L, 2.0 g/L, and 3.0 g/L) were used in a field irrigation experiment with polyethylene microsprinkler hoses. Wheat was selected as the test crop, and the effects of the different herbicide concentrations were compared and analyzed based on the weed control effect and weed control uniformity. The results showed that in comparison to other herbicide concentrations, a higher herbicide application concentration (3.0 g/L) did not have a better application effect. Application concentration and duration influenced each other and synergistically affected the application effect. The weed control effects of the herbicide concentrations at 1.5 g/L and 2.0 g/L were similar and had better application effects than those of the other concentrations. When using this approach, the specific herbicide concentration should be determined according to the crop and soil environmental conditions, and the application concentration and duration should be adjusted reasonably.

Room-temperature ultrasonic-assisted self-assembled synthesis of silkworm cocoon-like COFs@GCNTs composite for sensitive detection of diuron in food samples

Diuron (DU) exhibits good weed control effect but possesses strong hazard to human health, thereby designing a fast and sensitive method to detect DU is highly urgent. Herein, we report the ultrasonic-assisted self-assembly synthesis of porous covalent organic frameworks (COFs) spheres@graphitized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (GCNTs) composite based on π-π conjugation effect at room temperature, which was employed for DU determination. For the COFs@GCNTs composite, COFs with ultrahigh specific surface area shows strong adsorption ability towards DU, whereas GCNTs with favorable conductivity help to form the 3D interconnected conductive network around COFs spheres, thereby effectively compensating for the poor conductivity of COFs. Because of the synergistic effect between COFs and GCNTs, the developed sensor presented a low detection limit of 0.08 µM in the concentration range of 0.30–18.00 µM. Moreover, the actual sample analysis in the tomato and cucumber yielded satisfactory recoveries (96.40%–103.20%), proving reliable practicability of the developed sensor.

Challenges and technological interventions in rice-wheat system for resilient food-water-energy-environment nexus in North-western Indo-Gangetic Plains: A review.

Rice (Oryza sativa L.)-wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cropping system in north-western Indo-Gangetic Plains performed a crucial role in the national food security. However, thewidespread andintensive cultivation of this systemhas led to serious problems such asdeclining groundwater table (~1meteryear-1) with sharp increase in number of districts under over-exploitation category, residue burning, higher greenhouse gases emission and herbicide resistance in weeds, causing stagnant crop productivity and lesser profitability. In this review article, an attempt has been made to discuss the major issues pertaining to intensive rice-wheat cultivation amidst climate vagaries and futuristic approach to address these challenges. Different tillage- and crop-specific recommendations such as adoption of direct seeded rice, diversification with lesser resource guzzling crops such as maize (Zea mays L.) at least on the periodic manner especially in light-medium soils, inclusion of summer legumes and alternative tillage systems (permanent beds and zero tillage with residue retention) have been suggested to address these issues. However, crop performance under these techniques has been found to belocation, soil and cultivar specific. The absence of aerobic tailored genotypes and weeds have been identified as the major constraints in adoption of direct seeded rice. The integrated strategies of conservation tillage, crop breeding program and resource conserving region- and soil-specific agronomic measures with crop diversification would be helpful in tackling the sustainability issues. It requires future efforts on developing crop genotypes suited to conservation tillage, effective weed control strategies and trainings and demonstrations to farmers to switch from conventional rice-wheat system to alternative cropping systems.

Structure, Functionality, Compatibility with Pesticides and Beneficial Microbes, and Potential Applications of a New Delivery System Based on Ink-Jet Technology.

Accurate application of agrochemicals is an important way to achieve efficient use of chemicals and to combine limited pollution with effective control of weeds, pests, and diseases. In this context, we investigate the potential application of a new delivery system based on ink-jet technology. First, we describe the structure and functionality of ink-jet technology for agrochemical delivery. We then evaluate the compatibility of ink-jet technology with a range of pesticides (four herbicides, eight fungicides, and eight insecticides) and beneficial microbes, including fungi and bacteria. Finally, we investigated the feasibility of using ink-jet technology in a microgreens production system. The ink-jet technology was compatible with herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, and beneficial microbes that remained functional after passing through the system. In addition, ink-jet technology demonstrated higher area performance compared to standard nozzles under laboratory conditions. Finally, the application of ink-jet technology to microgreens, which are characterized by small plants, was successful and opened the possibility of full automation of the pesticide application system. The ink-jet system proved to be compatible with the main classes of agrochemicals and showed significant potential for application in protected cropping systems.

Effect of Herbicides and Nitrogen Levels on Phalaris minor and Its Impact on Nutrient Uptake in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

In the agricultural research farm of Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, a field research study was carried out during the winter (Rabi) season of 2018–19 to examine the impact of levels of nitrogen and herbicides on associated weeds and wheat production. Nine weed species, including Phalaris minor, Anagallis arvensis, Cynodon dactylon, Melilotus indicus, Chenopodium album, Vicia sativa, Medicago denticulata, Solanum nigrum, and Cyperus rotundus, were frequently seen infesting wheat fields. Among these, Phalaris minor was the major weed. Application of Sulfosulfuron (25 g ha-1) + 2, 4-DEE (750 ml ha-1) significantly recorded the lowest weed density and biomass and higher weed control efficiency. HW twice (30&amp;60 DAS) in combination with 180 kg N ha-1 followed by application of Sulfosulfuron (25 g ha-1) + 2, 4-DEE (750 ml ha-1) in combination with 180 kg N ha-1 performed significantly with respect to reduction in density, the biomass of Phalaris minor, as well as increased weed control effectiveness. Nutrient uptake was significantly highest under HW twice plot (30&amp;60 DAS) followed by application of sulfosulfuron (25 g ha-1) + 2, 4-DEE (750 ml ha-1). The overall intake of N, P, and K in wheat grain and straw increased when nitrogen levels were high (180 kg ha-1), but uptake of these nutrients was low when nitrogen levels were low, which was ascribed to reduced plant biomass (grain and straw) and a low proportion of these nutrients in the plant.

Research Progress on the Action Mechanism of Herbicide Safeners: A Review.

Herbicide safeners are agricultural chemicals that protect crops from herbicide injury and improve the safety of herbicides and the effectiveness of weed control. Safeners induce and enhance the tolerance of crops to herbicides through the synergism of multiple mechanisms. The principal mechanism is that the metabolic rate of the herbicide in the crop is accelerated by safeners, resulting in the damaging concentration at the site of action being reduced. We focused on discussing and summarizing the multiple mechanisms of safeners to protect crops in this review. It is also emphasized how safeners alleviate herbicide phytotoxicity to crops by regulating the detoxification process and conducting perspectives on future research on the action mechanism of safeners at the molecular level.