Herbicide Application Research Articles

Efficacy of Different Pre and Post Emergence Herbicide Application on Late Sown Maize Crop Under Variable Planting Density

Efficacy of Different Pre and Post Emergence Herbicide Application on Late Sown Maize Crop Under Variable Planting Density

Application and Effects of Different Herbicides against Weed Flora in Wheat Crop for Sustainable Agriculture

Weed management is a sustainable approach which promotes the majority of crop production. To control weeds in various cropping systems, farmers employ a variety of techniques, although nowadays, the most popular method is the application of herbicides, which can be attributed to labour shortage. Application and effects of different herbicides against weed flora in wheat crop for sustainable agriculture," was conducted in 2020 and 2021. The experiment's goal was to assess how many herbicides performed against complex weed flora in wheat crop. The experiment was planned and laid out with nine treatments which are pre-emergance application of pendinethalin 1.0 kg a.i. ha-1 at (3 DAS) (T2) and post emergence application of metribuzin 0.3 kg a.i. ha-1 (T1), sulfosulfuron 0.03 kg a.i. ha-1 (T3), metsulfuron-methyl 0.005 kg a.i. ha-1 (T4), clodinafop-propargyl 0.04 kg a.i. ha-1 kg (T5), 2,4-D 0.6 kg a.i. ha-1 (T6), carfentrazone-ethyl 0.025 kg a.i. ha-1 (T7), weed free (T8) and weedy check (T9) and four replications under randomized block design. The major weeds infesting the wheat crop field were Anagallis arvensis, Chenopodium album, Phalaris minor, Parthenium hysterophorus and Cyperus rotundus. The post-emergence application of carfentrazone-ethyl 0.025 kg a i/ha at 33 days after sowing was most efficient in controlling the weeds (both grassy and non-grassy) among the various applied herbicides. Weed growth suppression effect of carfentrazone-ethyl 0.025 resulted significant increase the growth parameters, yield attributes and higher economic yield of wheat over check control in order to promote the sustainability.

GNSS Guidance in Mulching-based Cultivation of Black Soybean ‘Tanbaguro’ and Partial Application of Herbicide to Furrows Using a Boom Sprayer

GNSS Guidance in Mulching-based Cultivation of Black Soybean ‘Tanbaguro’ and Partial Application of Herbicide to Furrows Using a Boom Sprayer

Current Status of Herbicide Resistance of Wild Oats (Avena spp) in Wheat Fields in Mardin and Şanlıufa Provinces of Türkiye

Wheat is a strategic crop with its role in human nutrition. In Türkiye, it has importance in agriculture and economy as well as being a staple crop. Mardin and Şanlıurfa provinces of Türkiye approximately produces 1.6 million tons of wheat on 600 thousand ha fields. One of the important factors limiting wheat production is weeds. Weeds compete with the wheat plant and cause significant yield and quality loss. Wild oat (Avena spp.) species are an important problem in wheat fields in both provinces. Herbicide applications are widely used to control wild oats due to their ease of use, short duration of action and low cost. Wheat fields were surveyed to supply data for strategies to be followed via determining the current situation of herbicide resistance in these provinces where herbicide resistant wild oats had been reported. Out of 95 fields visited, 65 fields had significant wild oat populations of which 61 A. sterilis and four A. fatua. Then these populations were tested to find out herbicide resistance levels against clodinafop-propargyl (ACCase inhibitor) and formulated mix of mesosulfuron-methyl and iodosulfuron-methyl sodium (ALS inhibitors). Only two populations, one low level and the other medium level were found to be resistant to the formulated mix of mesosulfuron and iodosulfuron while 11 populations were resistant to clodinafop, one high level, three medium level and the remaining low level. It was assumed that longer use history and wider use of clodinafop as well as herbicides used in winter rotational crops might cause more clodinafop resistant populations. It was concluded that a strategy to prevent or delay herbicide resistance in these provinces should be prepared because herbicide resistance has continued evolving.

Evaluation of a System to Assess Herbicide Movement in Straw under Dry and Wet Conditions

Straw from no-till cropping systems, in addition to increasing the soil organic matter content, may also impede the movement of applied herbicides into the soil and, thus, alter the behavior and fate of these compounds in the environment. Rain or irrigation before or after an herbicide treatment can either help or hinder its movement through the straw, influencing weed control. Our objective was to develop a system for herbicide application and rain simulation, enabling the evaluation of the movement of various herbicides either in dry or wet straw under different rainfall volumes (25, 50, 75, and 100 mm). The amount of the applied herbicides that moved through the straw were collected and measured using a liquid chromatograph with a tandem mass spectrometry system (LC-MS/MS). Measurements obtained with the developed system showed a high herbicide treatment uniformity across all replications. The movement of the active ingredients through the straw showed variability that was a function of the applied herbicide, ranging from 17% to 99%. In wet straw, the collected herbicide remained constant from 50 to 100 mm of simulated rainfall. For the wet straw, the decreasing percentages of the herbicide movement through straw to the soil were sulfentrazone (99%), atrazine and diuron (91% each), hexazinone (84%), fomesafen (80.4%), indaziflam (79%), glyphosate (63%), haloxyfop-p-methyl (45%), and S-metolachlor (27%). On the dry straw, the decreasing percentages of the herbicide movement were fomesafen (88%), sulfentrazone (74%), atrazine (69.4%), hexazinone (69%), diuron (68.4%), glyphosate (48%), indaziflam (34.4%), S-metolachlor (22%), and haloxyfop-p-methyl (18%). Overall, herbicide movement was higher in wet straw (with a previous 25 mm simulated rainfall layer) than in dry straw. Some herbicides, like haloxyfop-p-methyl and indaziflam, exhibited over 50% higher movement in wet straw than dry straw after 100 mm of simulated rain. The developed system can be adapted for various uses, serving as a valuable tool to evaluate the behavior of hazardous substances in different agricultural and environmental scenarios.

Partial trailside Japanese barberry (Ranunculales: Berberidaceae) removal did not reduce the abundance of questing blacklegged ticks (Acari: Ixodidae).

In a nature reserve in southern Maine, we removed invasive Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii de Candolle) along sections of forested recreational trails that ran through dense barberry infestations. Barberry thickets provide questing substrate and a protective microclimate for blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis Say), and trail users could brush up against encroaching barberry and acquire ticks. Trailside barberry removal will reduce or eliminate encroaching tick questing substrate and could reduce trailside questing tick abundance by creating a microclimate more hostile to ticks. The same-day cut-and-spray treatment comprised mechanical cutting of barberry clumps (individual plants with numerous ramets) followed immediately by targeted herbicide application to the resulting root crowns. The treatment created trail shoulders to a lateral width of 1-2 m on both sides of 100-m trail sections, with initial treatment in the fall of 2013 and one retreatment in the summer of 2014. Our aim was to remove 90% of barberry clumps to achieve a 50% or better reduction in questing tick abundance on trail shoulders. However, by the fall of 2015, there were only 41% fewer barberry clumps on treated vs. untreated trail sections and there was no reduction in either adults or nymphs. We concluded that our barberry treatment protocol was not sufficiently aggressive since the resulting ecotone habitat on trail shoulders proved suitable for questing I. scapularis. In principle, cutting back barberry along trails should reduce trail user contact with questing deer ticks, but we were unable to demonstrate a reduction in trailside tick abundance.

Analyzing the synergistic impact of UAV-based technology and knapsack sprayer on weed management, yield-contributing traits, and yield in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) for enhanced agricultural operations

Modern agriculture uses agrochemicals to boost crop yield and quality. Using knapsack sprayers, Indian farmers apply herbicides, insecticides, and other chemicals. Herbicides are applied by manually operated knapsack sprayers, which are laborious, uneven, and prone to human mistakes. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are a promising agricultural spraying alternative to manual operations. Future agricultural and field scouting technology aids weed management, pest control, and automated irrigation systems. Drone herbicide spraying was compared to traditional and mechanical knapsack sprayers in this study. The study also tested knapsack (manual) and UAV herbicide pre- and post-emergence and spraying on wheat crops. Herbicide application by knapsack and drones was examined for weed control, yield-contributing characters, and wheat yield. The experiments were performed at Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth's Department of Agronomy in Parbhani, Maharashtra. A randomized block design (RBD) with eight treatments, including drones and knapsack sprayers for weed management in wheat crops with different herbicide application times and repeated hoeings (cultural method), was compared to absolute weed-free, where no weeds were allowed to grow in wheat by frequent weeding and weedy inspection. The experimental field measured 7.2 m x 6 m gross land area and 6.3 m x 5.6 m net land area. When winds were light, the drone was flown at 3 m to avoid herbicide droplets drifting. The study found that unweeded wheat yields dropped 38 % owing to weed insects. The pre-emergence (PE) application using a knapsack sprayer and post-emergence (POE) herbicide application via a drone synergistically resulted in the highest growth and yield for T3, attaining values of 11.02 gm/plant, an average of 284.97 grains/plant, and a per-hectare grain yield of 4256.59 kg/ha. The cultural approach of weed management (T4) reduced yield by 21.2 %; however, treatment T3 improved yield contributing characteristics and losses by just 2.8 %. UAV-based herbicide spraying is a fast and easy method that contributes to achieving sustainable development goal (SDG) 2 for Zero Hunger by promoting sustainable plant protection and crop production.

Insidensi dan Keparahan Penyakit Bercak Daun Disebabkan oleh Curvularia sp. pada Pembibitan Kelapa Sawit di Kabupaten Banyuasin Sumatera Selatan

In Indonesia, there has been a notable expansion in the area and productivity of oil palm plantations. Oil palm is among the top seven plantation commodities prioritized for development. High-quality seedlings are essential for optimal plant production. However, several factors can impede oil palm productivity, including diseases that affect oil palm seedlings. One such disease is brown spot disease caused by the fungus Curvularia sp. The objective of this study was to determine the incidence and severity of brown spot disease in oil palm seedlings. The research was conducted from May 2023 to June 2023 in Banyuasin Regency using a purposive sampling survey method. Thirteen seedling locations were selected based on their adherence to good seedling criteria. Seedlings aged 6-12 months were used in this study. At each location, five plots were surveyed, with 30-32 seedlings sampled per plot. Supporting data, including fertilization, watering, and herbicide and fungicide application, were tabulated to supplement the research findings. Results indicated that brown spot disease can affect plants as young as two weeks old. Initial symptoms include brown spots that eventually widen and merge with other spots. The average incidence of the disease was 93.29 % (± 7.89), with an average severity of 47.13% (± 13.23).

Detection and coverage estimation of purple nutsedge in turf with image classification neural networks.

Accurate detection of weeds and estimation of their coverage is crucial for implementing precision herbicide applications. Deep learning (DL) techniques are typically used for weed detection and coverage estimation by analyzing information at the pixel or individual plant level, which requires a substantial amount of annotated data for training. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of using image-classification neural networks (NNs) for detecting and estimating weed coverage in bermudagrass turf. Weed-detection NNs, including DenseNet, GoogLeNet and ResNet, exhibited high overall accuracy and F1 scores (≥0.971) throughout the k-fold cross-validation. DenseNet outperformed GoogLeNet and ResNet with the highest overall accuracy and F1 scores (0.977). Among the evaluated NNs, DenseNet showed the highest overall accuracy and F1 scores (0.996) in the validation and testing data sets for estimating weed coverage. The inference speed of ResNet was similar to that of GoogLeNet but noticeably faster than DenseNet. ResNet was the most efficient and accurate deep convolution neural network for weed detection and coverage estimation. These results demonstrated that the developed NNs could effectively detect weeds and estimate their coverage in bermudagrass turf, allowing calculation of the herbicide requirements for variable-rate herbicide applications. The proposed method can be employed in a machine vision-based autonomous site-specific spraying system of smart sprayers. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Management zone classification for variable-rate soil residual herbicide applications

AbstractThe use of soil residual herbicides, along with other practices that diversify weed management strategies, have been recommended to improve weed management and deter the progression of herbicide resistance. Although soil characteristics influence recommended application rates for these herbicides, the common practice is to apply a uniform dose of soil residual herbicides across fields with variable soil characteristics. Mapping fields for soil characteristics that dictate the optimal dose of soil residual herbicides could improve the efficiency and effectiveness of these herbicides, as well as improve environmental stewardship. The objectives of this research were to develop and quantify the accuracy of management zone classifications for variable-rate residual herbicide applications using multiple soil data sources and soil sampling intensities. The maps were created from soil data that included (i) Soil Survey Geographic database (SSURGO), (ii) soil samples (SS), (iii) soil samples regressed onto soil electrical conductivity (EC) measurements (SSEC), (iv) soil samples with organic matter (OM) data from SmartFirmer® (SF) sensors (SSSF), and (v) soil samples regressed onto EC measurements plus OM data from SmartFirmer® sensor (SSECSF). A modified Monte Carlo cross validation method was used on ten commercial Indiana fields to generate 36,000 maps across all sources of spatial soil data, sampling density, and three representative herbicides (pyroxasulfone, s-metolachlor, and metribuzin). Maps developed from SSEC data were most frequently ranked with the highest management zone classification accuracy compared to maps developed from SS data. However, SS and SSEC maps concurrently had the highest management zone classification accuracy of 34% among maps developed across all fields, herbicides, and sampling intensities. One soil sample per hectare was the most reliable sampling intensity to generate herbicide application management zones compared to one soil sample for every 2 or 4 hectares. In conclusion, soil sampling with ECa data should be used for defining the management zones for variable-rate (VR) residual herbicide applications.

The causal-effect model of input factor allocation on maize production: Using binary logistic regression in search for ways to be more productive

This study delved into the impact of input factor allocation on maize production, seeking to identify strategies for enhancing productivity. The primary data for this study were collected from maize farmer households and analyzed using the binary logistic regression model (BLRM). Consequently, the simultaneous examination of the twelve independent variables using the BLRM yielded a noteworthy impact on maize production. Meanwhile, five of the twelve variables examined in part revealed a significant and positive impact on maize production. The variables that demonstrated statistically significant positive relationships consisted of land area, labor, urea fertilizers, insecticides, herbicides, and labor. Then, seed application and NPK fertilizer variables had a negative and significant influence, whereas the other variables did not. The results of this study indicate that some production factors employed by farmers significantly affected maize yield. This information may be used to develop a practical strategy for enhancing productivity in maize farming. Some practical implications in immediately oriented recommended: the expansion of maize farming area managed by farmers and the increase in the volume of application of urea fertilizers, insecticides, and herbicides, as well as the increase in the number of workers in maize farming, are expected to encourage an increase in maize production. The results of this research also contribute to the existing knowledge by providing empirical evidence that clarifies the positive and significant impact of various production inputs, which include land area, urea fertilizers, insecticides, herbicides, and labor, on maize production and productivity. It also supports the objective of promoting more efficient farming practices.

Long‐term effects of management intensity and bioclimatic variables on leatherjacket (Tipula paludosa Meigen) populations at farm scale

AbstractLeatherjackets (Tipula spp.) are soil‐dwelling pests associated with agriculture. Land management decisions made at farm scale can have subsequent effects on their populations. Between 1980 and 2020, surveys were conducted across Scotland to collect field histories and larval population data from grassland farms. To assess the impact of management and bioclimatic factors on leatherjacket occurrence over time, this study investigated data from fields continuously sampled between 2009 and 2018. We utilized a Generalized Linear Mixed‐Effect Model on a dataset of 61 fields on 19 farms. Results indicated three significant factors affecting larval populations; field size, grazing type and application of insecticides or herbicides (referred to collectively as pesticides). Larval populations were significantly lower in fields that were larger in size and under sheep grazing, compared to no grazing. Pesticide application also caused a significant reduction in larval populations. Management variables were amalgamated to create a Management Intensity Index, revealing significantly increased larval populations under low‐management systems. These results, coupled with significant effects of bioclimatic variables, pinpoint predictive signals for high infestations and potential routes for control strategies.

Effect of application of foliar herbicides on the productivity and physical parameters of triticale cultivars (xTriticosecale Wittm.)

Abstract. The aim of this research was to determine the effect of application of herbicides on productivity and physical parameters of triticale cultivars. The research was carried out in 2018 –2021 at Dobrudzha Agricultural Institute, General Toshevo (DAI). The following herbicides were used: Ergon WG (50 g/ha), Starane Gold (1800 ml/ha), Biatlon 4D+Desh (50 g/ha+500 ml/ha) and Korelo Duo+Das Oil (260.5 g/ha +500 ml/ha) from the group of sulfunylureas with various mechanisms of action. The preparations were applied at stage 29 and 37 (according to Zadoks) of three triticale cultivars, Akord, Kolorit and Dobrudzhanets. The herbicide effect was determined by the quantitative weight method and evaluated by the EWRS scale. The parameters were the following: productivity (ha), weight of 1000 grains (g) and hectoliter (kg). Four-factor dispersion analysis was applied. The factors considered were year conditions, cultivar, herbicide and stage of treatment. The factors with the highest strength of effect were the year conditions (60%) and the used cultivar (31%). Significantly lower was the effect of the factors stage of treatment (5%) and applied herbicide (4%).

Response of Jabuticaba [Plinia cauliflora (Mart) Kausel] seedlings to herbicides

Jabuticaba (Plinia sp.) is one of the most important fruit species in the Brazilian flora; it is appreciated for fresh consumption or products produced from its fruits. The establishing of orchards requires the determination of management methods that favor the development and productivity of this species. The objective of this work was to evaluate the response of jabuticaba seedlings to application of herbicides and determine possible phytotoxicity. The experiment was conducted at the Federal Technological University of Paraná, in Dois Vizinhos, PR, Brazil. A randomized block experimental design with four replications was used, with 5 plants per experimental unit. The treatments consisted of applications of pre-emergence herbicides (Dual Gold® and Spider®) and post-emergence herbicides (2,4-D, Ally®, Enlist®, Primatop®, Fusilade®, Imazetapyr, Flex®, Plenum®, and Volcane®). The applied herbicide rates were equivalent to 50% of their commercial recommendation. A spray volume equivalent to 250 L ha-1 was applied, using water as diluent. The following parameters were evaluated 45 days after applications: stem diameter at 1 cm above ground (cm); plant height (cm); numbers of necrotic, chlorotic, shriveled, and healthy leaves; number and length of shoots (cm); survival rate (%); and chlorophyll contents (a, b, and total). The application of the herbicides Ally®, Enlist®, and Flex® resulted in less harmful effects on jabuticaba seedlings. The lowest survival rates were found in plants in the treatments with the herbicides Dual Gold®, Volcane®, and Primatop®.

Improving a herbicide risk assessment model in paddy rice cultivation

Herbicides play a pivotal role in paddy rice cultivation by effectively controlling weeds, thus ensuring optimal resource utilisation and higher crop yields, making them indispensable for efficient rice production systems. However, herbicide applications could be related to potential environmental impacts such as water contamination and harm to non-target species, requiring special attention in their management to ensure the long-term sustainability of rice farming practices. The development and utilisation of robust risk assessment indicators for pesticides are essential tools in evaluating and mitigating potential environmental and human health hazards associated with pesticide use in agricultural practices. The Environmental Potential Risk Indicator for Pesticides (EPRIP) is not suitable for rice paddy cultivation due to its limitations in accurately assessing pesticide risk in this specific agricultural context. This is primarily attributed to the unique hydrological characteristics and ecosystem dynamics of paddy fields, which significantly differ from other agricultural systems. To address this issue and to enhance the accuracy of pesticide risk assessment in rice paddy fields, EPRIP has been improved and validated in two agricultural seasons. A synergistic approach involving field experiments and enhanced EPRIP model simulations was employed to assess the risk associated with the application of two herbicides in Italian paddy rice systems. The observed and model-predicted surface water (SW) concentrations exhibited a close alignment, though an overestimation was observed for groundwater (GW). In general, the estimated Risk Points (1 for SW and 4 for GW) were largely in accord with those derived from the field experiments (1 for SW and 3 for GW), suggesting that the refined EPRIP model holds promise for conducting reliable risk assessments following herbicide applications in such contexts.

Herbicide leakage into seawater impacts primary productivity and zooplankton globally.

Predicting the magnitude of herbicide impacts on marine primary productivity remains challenging because the extent of worldwide herbicide pollution in coastal waters and the concentration-response relationships of phytoplankton communities to multiple herbicides are unclear. By analyzing the spatiotemporal distribution of herbicides at 661 bay and gulf stations worldwide from 1990 to 2022, we determined median, third quartile and maximum concentrations of 12 triazine herbicides of 0.18 nmol L-1, 1.27 nmol L-1 and 29.50 nmol L-1 (95%Confidence Interval: CI 1.06, 1.47), respectively. Under current herbicide stress, phytoplankton primary productivity was inhibited by more than 5% at 25% of the sites and by more than 10% at 10% of the sites (95%CI 3.67, 4.34), due to the inhibition of highly abundant sensitive species, community structure/particle size succession (from Bacillariophyta to Dinophyceae and from nano-phytoplankton to micro-phytoplankton), and resulting growth rate reduction. Concurrently, due to food chain cascade effects, the dominant micro-zooplankton population shifted from larger copepod larvae to smaller unicellular ciliates, which might prolong the transmission process in marine food chain and reduce the primary productivity transmission efficiency. As herbicide application rates on farmlands worldwide are correlated with residues in their adjacent seas, a continued future increase in herbicide input may seriously affect the stability of coastal waters.

Farmers’ perception on herbicide usage and impact on health: an overview of status quo in parts of Benue South, Nigeria

Herbicide usage has increased significantly. Its irrational use has adverse side effects. These side effects threaten the environment and human health. This study aimed to evaluate farmers’ knowledge and perception on the health effects of herbicide usage in some parts of Benue South. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected through questionnaires from farmers. A total of 252 farmers were interviewed from three selected local government areas in the state. Amongst farmers interviewed, 56% were males, 44% were females and all between 20-50 years. Some farmers had secondary education and few tertiary education, while the majority had primary or non-formal education. Most respondents reported non-use of personal protective equipment during applications. Commonly used herbicides were Paraforce, Sarosate, Force-off, Fitscosate, Actraforce, Dsitop, and Weed off. Paraforce and force off were the most commonly used. Some farmers (68.7%) reported that they read and adhered to application instructions on the herbicide pack, while (77.4%) as suggested by their co-farmers. Only 38.5% reported to have got their information from workshops. A fraction of the respondents reported different symptoms of ill-health after herbicide application. Farmers had a high level of ignorance of the impact of inappropriate herbicide usage and biosafety especially on the use of protective clothing. Inappropriate herbicide application has great side effects on health. We recommend farmers’ training programs on safe and appropriate herbicide usage measures and urge strict regulation and control of herbicide availability in the country.

Biology of the invasive species Eragrostis plana in Southern Brazil: What have we learned and how may this help us manage it?

AbstractSince its accidental introduction in 1951, the South African species Eragrostis plana has invaded a large part of the Pampa biome in South America, a highly diverse grassland ecosystem that has coexisted with livestock since its introduction at the beginning of the 17th century. E. plana, a perennial tussock grass with a deep and abundant root system, is resistant to frost and cattle grazing, and a successful competitor for environmental resources. The species is diploid, C4 dispersed endozoochorically, and flowers in late spring and early summer, with optimal germination occurring at 35°C and viability up to 39–40°C. It is allelopathic because it produces several phenols and alkaloids. Extreme soil disturbance or intense grazing favours initial invasion. Nonetheless, grazing exclusion enhances E. plana competition and affects the grassland community and diversity. E. plana is highly tolerant to interspecific competition, especially with grasses exhibiting a similar growth habit. Under water stress, it responds faster by increasing its root system by 66% more than native grass. Moreover, antioxidant system activity increases, and the species recovers quickly through osmolyte production. In non‐invaded fields, avoiding soil disturbance and intensive grazing are key strategies to preserving Biome Pampa. Nonetheless, in fields where the invasion has already occurred, grazing must be maintained, cattle quarantined practiced, along with strategies that reduce cover and prevent the spread of E. plana. Liming and fertilising native grasslands improve their potential to compete with E. plana. The wiper applicator, a device that allows glyphosate herbicide application selectively to E. plana, is an important component of the integrated weed management system, especially with very severe infestations. Establishing strategies to contain or manage E. plana should be a priority to preserve the biodiversity of the Pampa. In the future, innovative options could also help prevent new invasions.

Johnson Grass (Sorghum halepense) Interference, its Effect on Crops Yield and Soil attributes under Different Cropping Systems and Management Practices

Johnson grass (Sorghum halepense) is one of the most detrimental and toxic weeds among the weed species. Its environment is expanding unceasingly due to deeply expanding of its rhizomes in the soil, self-pollinating reproduction strategy, accelerated growth and poor management which results in production losses of major agronomic crops. Mungbean and sorghum are important crops grown on significant acreage around the world, and a major constraint for their production losses is weeds interference. Thus, field studies were conducted to examine Johnson grass interference, control, and recovery under different management practices and cropping system and its effects on crops production and soil health. Our results indicated that the Johnson grass density was minimized by the application of plastic sheet mulch treatment under wheat-mungbean cropping system. Johnson grass competition had a significant impact on growth and grain yield of both mungbean and sorghum. The crop yield parameters; 100 grain weight and grain yield were lowest in the non-treated treatment (control), while the greatest values of these parameters were recorded in the plastic sheet mulch and post emergence herbicide treatments with wheat-mungbean cropping system. Similarly, soil building attributes; available nitrogen, available phosphorus, available potassium and organic matter content were positively affected by the interaction of plastic sheet mulch + wheat-mungbean cropping system. Besides this, benefit-cost ratio of the research shows that wheat-mungbean cropping system with application of plastic sheet mulch and post emergence herbicide also proved to be economically feasible. Overall, we have concluded that wheat-mungbean and wheat-sorghum are most resilient cropping system with the implementation of plastic sheet mulch and Post Emergence Herbicide to suppress the spread of Johnson grass under changing climatic scenarios.

Investigating the impacts of airborne dust on herbicide performance on Amaranthus retroflexus

Dust pollution poses environmental hazards, affecting agriculture through reduced sunlight exposure, photosynthesis, crop yields, and food security. This study explores the interference of dust pollution on herbicide efficacy to control weeds in a semi-arid region. In a factorial experiment conducted in 2019 and replicated in 2020, the interaction of dust and various herbicide applications, including bentazon, sulfosulfuron, tribenuron-methyl, aminopyralid + florasulam, foramsulfuron + iodosulfuron + thiencarbazone, 2,4-D + MCPA, and acetochlor, in controlling Amaranthus retroflexus L. were assessed. Dust induced a 9.2% reduction in the total chlorophyll content of A. retroflexus, while herbicide application independently led to a 67.5% decrease. Contrary to expectations, herbicides performed better in dust, except bentazon, which caused a 28% drop in plant height and a 29% decrease in total biomass compared to non-dust conditions. Both herbicides and dust exerted suppressive effects on A. retroflexus's leaf and stem weights and overall biomass. Despite dust presence, tribenuron-methyl (95.8%), aminopyralid + florasulam (95.7%), sulfosulfuron (96.5%), and foramsulfuron + iodosulfuron + thiencarbazone (97.8%) effectively controlled A. retroflexus. These findings indicate that dust's effect on herbicide efficacy is herbicide-dependent but except bentazon, dust generally increased herbicide efficacy and amplified the control of A. retroflexus.