Incidence Of Weeds Research Articles

Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression used to select important features when predicting wheat yield from various genotype groups

Abstract Bread wheat and durum wheat genotypes were grown in field experiments at two locations in New South Wales, Australia across several years and using two sowing times (‘early’ v. ‘late’). Genotypes were grouped based on genetic similarity. Grain yield, grain size, soil characteristics and daily weather data were collected. The weather data were used to calculate water and heat stress indices for four key growth periods around flowering. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) was used to predict grain yield and to identify the most influential features (a combination of index and growth period). A novel approach involving the crop water supply–demand ratio effectively summarized water relations during growth. LASSO predicted grain yield quite well (adjusted R2 from 0.57 to 0.98), especially in a set of durum genotypes. However, the addition of other important variables such as lodging score, disease incidence, weed incidence and insect damage could have improved modelling results. Growth period 2 (30 days pre-flowering up to flowering) was the most sensitive for yield loss from heat stress and water stress for most features. Although one group of bread wheat genotypes was more sensitive to water stress (drought) in period 3 (20 days pre-flowering to 10 days post-flowering). Evapotranspiration was a significant positive feature but only in the vegetative phase (pre-flowering, period 1). This study confirms the usefulness of LASSO modelling as a technique to make predictions that could be used to identify genotypes that are suitable candidates for further investigation by breeders for their stress-tolerance ability.

Effect of crop residue and weed management on weed incidence, soil moisture and yield of chickpea

Chickpea is a major pulse crop which is grown and consumed by the Indian people. Due to poor weed competition ability of chickpea and very few weed management options, yield of chickpea is drastically reduced under vertisols. Therefore, the present study related to weed management and crop residues on weed incidence, yield attributing character and yield of chickpea was conducted at Research Farm of JNKVV, Jabalpur (MP), India. A field experiment was undertaken in split plot design with 3 replications and 4 weed-management treatment in main-plot and four crop residues as sub-plot. The main plot treatments were pendimethalin 38.7% CS at 1 kg/ha as pre plant incorporation (PPI), hand weeding at 30 days after sowing (DAS), hand hoeing at 30 DAS and weedy check. Four crop residues mulch (CRM) were, wheat straw (WSM), paddy straw (PSM) and soybean haulm (SHM) each at 5 t/ha and control where no mulch material was applied. Results revealed that imposition of hand weeding at 30 DAS recorded with least weeds with lesser weed biomass resulting in higher weed control efficiency (WCE). However, weedy check recorded maximum weed count and dry weight. Pendimethalin 1 kg/ha recorded lower weed prevalence and weed dry weight. It was similar to hand hoeing done at 30 DAS. Among applied CRM, PSM recorded lower weed density and dry weight with higher WCE and soil moisture at 30 DAS and was superior over control plots. Hand weeding at 30 DAS recorded with higher yield attributing traits viz, pods/plant, seed/pod and seed index resulted higher seed yield (1,604 and 1,731 kg/ha respectively in 2018–19 and 2019–20). It was at par with pendimethalin at 1 kg/ha. The lower yield attributes and yield was recorded in weedy check plots. Among CRM, spreading of PSM give more pods and seeds/pod with higher seed index resulted in higher seed yield (1515 and 1593 kg/ha in 2018–19 and 2019–20 respectively) over others. Thus, application of PSM at 5 t/ha with one hand weeding at 30 DAS or with pendimethalin can be suggested for significant weed control and higher seed yield in chickpea.

Response of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) to preemergence application of Oxadiargyl and pendimethalin

Two field experiments were conducted in two agro-ecological zones of Ghana (Forest and Coastal Savannah) to assess the efficacy of preemergence herbicides Oxadiargyl and Pendimethalin on weed incidence, growth and yield of pepper. The experiment was factorial arranged in a randomized complete block design. The treatments were Oxadiargyl at 0.4, 0.5, 0.6 L/ha, Pendimethalin at 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 L/ha and hand weeding at intervals of 3, 6 and 9 weeks as control. Data was collected on weed type and abundance, number of days to weed emergence, type of re-emerging weeds and percentage weed cover. Data on plant height, number of branches per plant, yield and yield components of pepper plants were also collected. Results indicated that application of Pendimethalin led to a significantly (p < 0.05) longer number of days to weed emergence as compared to the application of Oxadiargyl which also delayed weed emergence significantly longer than hand weeding. Plant height was not affected by weed control method. The yield of pepper plants was significantly higher in plots where Pendimethalin (2.0 L/ha) was applied. Generally, the yield components of pepper plants have been positively affected by weed control treatments. However, application of Pendimethalin at 2.0 L/ha resulted in better weed control.

Growth and yield response of peanut to simulated drift of glufosinate at vegetative and reproductive growth stages

AbstractThe increased incidence of glyphosate-resistant weeds has led to an exponential increase in the use of glufosinate on glufosinate-resistant corn, cotton, and soybean crops. Field experiments were conducted in 2021 and 2022 to evaluate peanut response to glufosinate at 25 and 60 d after planting, corresponding to vegetative (V3) and reproductive (R4) growth stages, at 1.2, 4.7, 18.9, 75.5, and 302 g ai ha−1 representing 1/514 to 1/2 of the labeled rate of 604 g ha−1. Peanut injury and canopy and yield reductions from glufosinate were &lt;10% when applied at 1.2, 4.7, and 18.9 g ha−1. However, at 75.5 and 302 g ha−1 peanut injury ranged from 24% to 72% at the V3 exposure timing and 33% to 54% at the R4 exposure timing. Similarly, glufosinate applied at 75.5 and 302 g ha−1 reduced peanut canopy width by 10% to 23% at the V3 exposure timing and by 43% to 57% at the R4 exposure timing. Averaged across exposure timing, peanut yield was reduced by 15% and 61% when glufosinate was applied at 75.5 and 302 g ha−1, respectively. Averaged across rates, peanut yield reduction was 18% at the V3 exposure timing, with glufosinate at 298 g ha−1 required to cause an estimated 50% reduction in yield. Peanut yield was reduced by 20% when glufosinate was applied at the R3 peanut growth stage, whereas glufosinate applied at 243 g ha-1 caused an estimated 50% reduction in yield. There was no difference in normalized difference vegetative index (NDVI) values between untreated plants and peanut exposed to glufosinate at 1.2, 4.7, and 18.9 g ha−1. However, peanut exposed to glufosinate at 75.5 and 302 g ha−1 was distinguished from untreated plants with lower NDVI values. Based on the Pearson correlation coefficient, the best timing for assessing potential yield reduction based on injury was between 2 and 4 wk after treatment.

A Review: Pulses Production, Productivity, Status and Way Forward for Enhancing Farmers Income of Bundelkhand Region, India

Total pulses area in Uttar Pradesh, contributes of pulses through the Bundelkhand region, more than half but the productivity is low because lack of technological approaches for pulse growing area. This review paper assessed the cultivation of pulses production, productivity and area, of Bundelkhand and in India also. The technologies and infrastructure need to be accepted pulses cultivation and accurate policies for the farmers through government. Pulses are next to cereals regarding their nutritional and economic significance to human health. The pulses crop highly water sensitive like chickpea, lentil, mung bean and black gram are dominant in drought prone areas and improve soil fertility by fixing atmospheric nitrogen. Rainfed Agriculture has emerged as an opportunity in raising pulse production which is depend on amount and distribution of rainfall growing area. The cropping system of pulses cultivation year-after-year has observed that incidence of disease, insect-pests and weeds increase in Bundelkhand region. In pigeon pea, chickpea and lentil crops, important biotic agent for affecting production. United Nations declared 2016 ' "International Year of Pulses" was to increase production and consumption of pulses 10% by 2025 and raise public awareness towards health through social media. The many initiatives schemes govern by government of India for increase the pulses growing area and production such as ISOPOM (Integrated Scheme of Oilseeds, Pulses, Oil palm and Maize) (2004-05 to 2009-10), NFSM Pulses (National Food Security Mission, 2007-08), for Technology demonstration. The Bundelkhand regions as 5 lakhs farmers of 14 districts of two states of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh should be linked with Rani Lakshmi Bai Central Agricultural University (RLBCAU) and benefited from this university to produce pulses.

Weed dynamics and productivity of wheat (Triticum aestivum) under various tillage and weed management practices

The reduced yield under conventional tillage is due to more crop-weed competition and more dry matter accumulation by the weeds(Kumar et al. 2018). Due to zero weed competition, weed-free treatments yielded the highest grain yield of all weed managementpractices. In contrast to this, the lowest grain yield was obtained in weedy treatment due to season-long weed competition. Maximum yield under W8 is due to broadspectrum activity of these herbicides (Sharma et al. 2014, Sunil et al. 2021). The use of zero tillage reduced weed incidence and suppression, leading to higher grain yields. Therefore, zero tillage and metsulfuron 20% wp 4 g a.i./ha + clodinafop propargyl 15% wp 60 g a.i./ha should be practiced for minimizing weed growth and maximizing the yield.

Implementation and Use of Green Manures for Weed Suppression in Sequential Maize Cropping

The ground cover produced by green manures has a direct influence on weed suppression and, in addition, the biomass produced by these same plants influences crop growth. This study was carried out to compare the effect of green manure species on the incidence of weeds, in sequence, in order to evaluate the effects of the use of green manure cover on the productive characteristics of maize plants. A completely randomised experimental design was used, with 11 treatments and 4 replications. The treatments were cover crops Canavalia ensiformis (T1), Cajanus cajan (T2), Stizolobium pruriens (T3), Crotalaria juncea (T4), Phaseolus vulgaris (T5), Stizolobium trigre (T6), Stizolobium aterrimum (T7), Crotalaria retusa (T8), Crotalaria breviflora (T9), Dolichos lablab (T10), and conventional system (T11). Ninety days after sowing, the green manures were cut, and 30 days after the green manures were cut, the hybrid maize Crop Top 520 was sown. The variables evaluated in relation to the planting of green manures were the green and dry biomass of green manures, alongside the green biomass of weeds and suppression of weeds. Concerning maize plants, the variables evaluated were plant height at 60 DAS, stalk diameter at 60 DAS, number of grain rows per ear, number of grains per grain row, and yield. The averages were subsequently analyzed using Tukey’s test at 95% significance level. The use of green manure significantly reduces the green mass of weeds up to 90 days due to lack of access to light of the weeds, which reduces their appearance and growth. Stizolobium aterrimum showed the best results both as a dry mass producer and weed suppressor and also as a yield enhancer in maize crops.

Results of weed surveys in greening plants

Greening crops play an essential role in Hungary's agriculture. Weeds can also cause many problems during the development of greening plants. Our research aimed to evaluate the weed control properties of greening crops sown with different germination rates. Analysis of the effect of crop rotations on weed density. Comparison of weed growth in control, fertilised and greened areas. In October of 2021, a weed survey was carried out in lupin (Lupinus albus L.), common vetch (Vicia sativa L.), oil radish (Raphanus sativus var. oleiferus L.) and buckwheat (Fagopyrum eculentum Moench). During the weed survey, we determined the different weed species and their abundance. In terms of seed rates, the higher seed rates for lupin, oil radish, and buckwheat may be worth choosing for weed suppression. Plots in rotation III had the lowest weed incidence of all greening crops. The probable reason for this finding is that there was no prior greening in rotation III. For greening, the choice of buckwheat and oil radish will result in higher weed pressure. The most important weeds were the cereals sown before the greening crop. Fertilised plots had minimally fewer weeds than control plots. Research results show the difficulties of weed control in herbicide-free greening crops.

Incidence of thermophilic, grass and rare arable weeds in cereal fields in the Czech and Slovak Republic

Our objectives were to characterise arable weeds of the Czech and Slovak Republic in cereals, especially considering important groups of species: thermophilic, weedy grasses, and rare and endangered species. The three-year phytocoenological survey was conducted from 2006 to 2008 in five climatic regions and eight different soil types. 379 relevĂŠs were recorded, and 281 weed species were found. The effects of both the climatic region and soil type were found to be statistically significant. Species richness increased with altitude. Several species were distinctly associated with soil type, from fertile chernozems to less fertile cambisols, while fluvisols were strongly associated with e.g. Calystegia sepium (L.) R. Br. The incidence of species outside their expected regions generally fit two categories: the most pervasive weeds found almost in all climate regions, such as Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) P. Beauv., or rare weeds in higher altitudes than expected, such as Lolium temulentum L. Rare and endangered species were more likely to be found in a colder climate and poorer soils, and this is linked to less intensive management; however, not all endangered arable species can tolerate such conditions. Even though this data is not recently collected, this is still valuable information on the distribution of weedy species, especially concerning the current interest in maintaining biodiversity.

Could conservation tillage increase the resistance to drought in Mediterranean faba bean crops?

Climate change, especially in Mediterranean countries, might have a detrimental effect on agro‑ecosystems and agricultural production, as well as on the price, quantity and quality of the products. This study assesses the potential impact of drought predictions on a faba bean crop, and evaluates the adoption of conservation tillage practices to reduce this effect. For this purpose, a rainfall exclusion experiment was carried out in a Mediterranean rotation in Southwest Spain, where a long-term tillage experiment was running since 2008. Soil water storage (SWS), crop productivity and mineral nutrition, plant ecophysiology and biomass quality, as well as the colonization of roots by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and symbiotic Rhizobium bacteria were evaluated over one growth cycle to study the combined effect of different tillage systems - non-tillage (NT), reduced tillage (RT) and traditional tillage (TT)- and rainfall reduction. Rainfall reduction had a negative impact on faba bean germination on the TT system, and on its aboveground biomass across the three tillage systems, but did not affect grain production. The percentage of biomass yield reduction by rainfall exclusion was 30% for NT, 50% for RT and 20% for TT. In the case of RT, low yields were influenced by a high incidence of weeds under rainfall reduction. The negative effect of water exclusion was especially evident on photosynthesis rates and stomatal conductance across all tillage types, while leaf water potential was affected by drought only in the TT system. These ecophysiological indicators were positively associated to some variables of arbuscular mycorrhizal colonization and Rhizobium nodulation in roots. Changes in the patterns of symbiotic interactions in response to drought depended on the tillage type. We conclude that, despite no effect on soil water storage, in the conservation tillage systems the increase in the mycorrhizal colonization in roots, particularly under NT, could be beneficial for plants to face drought stress. However, in a scenario of reduced rainfall it will be necessary to invest more resources in weed control under RT.

Piling Secondary Subtropical Forest Residue: Long-Term Impacts on Soil, Trees, and Weeds

The objective of this study was to evaluate the long-term effects of piling secondary forest residue (after 3 decades) on soil chemical properties, growth, and nutrition of Pinus taeda and weeds at three locations. After secondary forest removal and residue piling, areas were cultivated with P. taeda (22 years), followed by eucalyptus (7 years), and returned to P. taeda. At 2 years of age, tree height and needle-nutrient levels of ongoing P. taeda from areas influenced by residue piling and areas outside the piling zone were evaluated. Biomass and nutrient levels of herbaceous and shrub weeds, NDVI indices (via a drone), and soil chemistry were also evaluated. Residue-piled areas displayed a decrease in soil pH and an increase in available soil P and K. Although herbaceous and shrub-weed biomass increased 2.5 to 10 times in residue-piling areas, this did not compromise pine growth. While residue piling had little impact on the nutritional status of pine and weeds, NDVI values indicated greater plant growth in piling areas. In general, the long-term effect of residue piling was an important factor associated with the large variation in tree growth and weed incidence after 3 decades.

Irrigation Scheduling and Weed Management: A Sustainable Approach for Managing Broomrape and Other Weeds in Tomato Crop

Broomrape (Orobanche cernua L.) is an obligate root parasitic weed that significantly reduces the qualitative and yield attributes of tomatoes globally. The efficient management of broomrape is challenging because of its complicated parasitic nature. Field trials were conducted to assess the influence of various irrigation scheduling and weed control strategies on broomrape, weed presence, and tomato productivity. The experiment was conducted with a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with a split-plot arrangement and was replicated three times. Three irrigation intervals (3, 6, and 9 days) were assigned to the main block, while sub-blocks including treatments and year were taken as the source of variance (year × irrigation timing × treatments). The experiment comprised sixteen treatments, including transparent polythene, black polythene, weedy check (Control), sole weeding of broomrape only, weeding of all weeds, weeding except broomrape, humic acid 25 kg ha−1+ copper oxychloride in single and split doses, copper oxychloride (1.5 kg a.i ha−1 in single and split doses), ammonium sulphate 200 kg ha−1 in single and split doses, copper sulfate (2 kg ha−1 in single/split doses), and glyphosate 48 SL (1.5 kg a.i ha−1) and pendimethalin 33 EC (1.44 kg a.i ha−1). The results revealed that among the various irrigation intervals, the highest broomrape intensity (4.34 plant−1) was observed with a9-day irrigation interval. Similarly, the highest weed density (35 m−2) resulted in a3-day irrigation interval. Furthermore, irrigation at a 6-day interval increased the plant height by 11%, fruit yield tons ha−1 by 24.9 %, and produced the highest cost/benefit ratio (CBR) of (1:4). Black polythene, transparent polythene, and pendimethalin reduced the weed density by 92%, 89%, and 84%;weed dry biomass by 97%, 95%, and 91%; and broomrape intensity by 67%, 77%, and 28%. Conversely, the plant height increased by 24%, 23%, and 23.6%; and fruit yield by 286%, 270%, and 191%; and had the highest CBR of 1:5, 1:4, and 1:4, respectively, as compared to the weedy check. Consequently, an increase in irrigation frequency increases other weed densities and decreases the broomrape intensity plant−1 of tomato. Therefore, black polythene could be recommended in a severely broomrape-infested field. Moreover, irrigation at 6-day intervals combined with pendimethalin and ammonium sulfate fertilizers revealed the lowest incidence of broomrape and other weeds and produced an economic yield.

The effects of different tillage practices on soil properties, yield and pest incidence of various sweet corn (Zea mays L. Var Saccharata) varieties

Conservation tillage is one of the crop production adaptation strategies for conserving soil and mitigating climate change. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different tillage practices on the yield, soil properties, and pest incidence of corn varieties that would give optimum output. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Zero and minimum tillage served as the main plot, and the different sweet corn varieties as the subplot (T1-Macho F1, T2-Sweet Supreme F1, T3-Purple Magic F1, T4-Hi-Brix XL F1, and T5-Sugar King F1). Results showed that Hi-Brix XL F1 (8t ha-1), Purple Magic F1 (7.44t ha-1), and Macho F1 (7.45t ha-1) obtained high marketable ear yields among the different sweet corn varieties. On the other hand, zero and minimum tillage did not vary significantly in terms of the soil properties, resulting in no yield advantage for sweet corn. This means that sweet corn production can be done either with zero or minimum tillage. In addition, zero tillage practice obtained lower fresh weight (g) of weeds at 15 and 45 days after planting. Weeds were eliminated using non-selective herbicide spray with zero tillage, resulting in lower weed incidence than with minimum tillage where only one plowing and harrowing were done.

Conservation agriculture for increasing productivity, profitability and water productivity in rice-wheat system of the Eastern Gangetic Plain

There are increasing concerns about the negative effects of conventional tillage (CT), extreme climate events, increased weed incidence, and reduced availability of farm inputs on crop yield and yield stability, profitability, and water productivity in rice-wheat (R−W) systems of the Eastern Gangetic Plains (EGP) in South Asia. Conservation agriculture (CA)-based tillage practices have been proposed in the region to address these concerns. We analysed 84 on-farm trials’ data comparing CA-based practices with farmers’ CT practices in R−W systems of eastern Terai region of Nepal in the EGP. The objectives were to investigate crop and cropping systems productivity, profitability, yield stability, irrigation (WPi) and total water productivity (WP(r+i)), and fertilizer-use efficiencies of three CA- and one CT-based practices in R−W systems. Treatments included: (i) CT-based: puddled transplanted rice - conventional tillage wheat (PTR−CTW); (ii) CA-based: PTR − zero tillage wheat (PTR−ZTW); (iii) CA-based: direct-seeded rice − ZTW (DSR−ZTW); and (iv) CA-based: un-puddled transplanted rice − ZTW (UPTR−ZTW). Results showed that although there were no significant differences in yield of either rice or wheat or R−W system between CA-based and CT treatments, there was a significant reduction in production cost (by 245−369 USD ha−1) mainly due to reduced labor use and increased net gain (188−223 USD ha−1) in all CA-based R−W system. DSR−ZTW showed the highest yield stability and net profit, demonstrating its adaptability in the region. Among the irrigation applicators (35%) in rice, DSR used 107 mm (67 mm higher than PTR) irrigation water with WPi of 70% and 96% of PTR and UPTR, respectively due to the need of additional irrigation for crop establishment. In contrast, among the irrigation applicators (75%) in wheat, due to earlier sowing of ZTW, it required 18% less irrigation water resulting in 9% higher WPi compared to CTW. However, a follow-up study two years after completion of field trials revealed that no local farmers had continued CA-based practices mainly due to high weed pressure, lack of land leveling, inaccessibility of zero-till (ZT) drill machines, and lack of ZT service providers. Effective support systems incentivizing in land leveling, ZT machines, technical knowledge dissemination, and the development of integrated weed management practices for scaling-out strategies are essential to adopt CA-based practices. As the results have great implications to reduce production costs and increase farm profits, save energy and water, increase land and labor productivity, and improve food security of millions of smallholder farmers in the EGP, strong policy support to incentivize farmers to avoid the adoption barriers of CA-based practices is required.

A review on maize-finger millet relay cropping in hills of Nepal: Prospects and constraints

Maize (Zea mays) and Finger millet (Elusine corocana) are two key staple crops grown in the hills of Nepal. These crops are planted in a relay intercropping system developed by farmers since the dawn of time. The unique example of cereal-cereal intercropping with its cropping system and cropping pattern at different altitudes is reviewed along with the yield comparison of direct-seeded and transplanted finger millet with maize. Relay cropping is the planting of second crop in the same land area before the harvest of first crop with the goal of higher productivity by sharing the available resources. Considerable research has been done on maize and millet but there has been a limited approach to their cropping system. This paper reviews the existing system of cropping, its prospects, and its constraints. The prospects of maize/finger millet cultivation are pronounced in the form of yield increment, economic and efficient use of available resources, insurance against crop failure, and reduced insect, pest, and weed incidence. Although this cropping system has benefits, it exhibits limitations as well which are competition between crops, lack of suitable varieties, labor-intensive system, and soil-nutrient loss. As maize and finger millet are the main food crops in hilly terrain, it is urged to provide the focus and encouragement regarding their sustainable and modern approaches by developing and disseminating crop growing and management technologies.

How to increase the joint provision of ecosystem services by agricultural systems. Evidence from coffee-based agroforestry systems

CONTEXTAgricultural systems can provide ecosystem services (ES) beneficial for both the sustainability of farms and the quality of life for humans. Agriculture is regularly criticized for focusing technical management of cropping systems more on production services than on support or regulation services. To achieve the agroecological intensification of cropping systems, a joint provision of multiple ES is required. OBJECTIVEOur aim was to (i) understand the determinants of the provision of ES and (ii) analyze the relationships between these services in order to (iii) identify agroecological intensification pathways. We focused our study on four ES, which are (1) coffee production, (2) water quality preservation, (3) carbon sequestration and (4) biodiversity conservation, provided by coffee agroforestry systems in a small region in Nicaragua. METHODSA two-phase sampling scheme was implemented to measure and elucidate the provision of these services. First, we selected a large sample (82 coffee plots) to gain insight into and quantify the four ES. Secondly, we extracted a sub-sample (27 plots) showing variability in the provision of the four ES, to closely examine the determinants of the service most useful to farmers, coffee production. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONThe results showed that carbon sequestration (in average 36 t.ha−1.yr−1) was not correlated with coffee yield (in average 1127 kg.ha−1.yr−1) and depended more on the presence of a few big trees in farm plots (Ø > 0.9 m) than on tree density. Yield increased with tree biodiversity up to a threshold (Shindex = 1.5), after which it clearly declined. The use of the most harmful pesticides to human health at higher doses than recommended did not lead to the highest yields. The most important determinants of coffee production were soil nitrogen content, soil pH, solar radiation, disease and weed incidence. Although reducing the shade tree density increased coffee production, this reduction was not necessarily related to a decrease in shade tree biodiversity and carbon sequestration, or an increase in water contamination potential. A few farmers actually achieved such high joint ES provision, in particular by selecting adequate shade trees grown at moderate densities. SIGNIFICANCEThe novelty of this article lies on an original method that consists in analyzing the ES provided by cropping systems in order to identify management strategies that are effective in providing a higher combined level of ES than those currently provided. We emphasize the importance of linking agricultural practices to the ES delivered, in order to gain an in-depth understanding of which technical levers are positively correlated with the determinants of the expected services.

Use of different doses of dinamic: a research study

Introduction: In the sugarcane production scenario, Brazil stands out as the world's largest producer. In this context, straw is the most recent co-product of the crop, and its accumulation in the field was triggered by the change in the harvesting method. In raw cane areas, drastic reductions in the incidence of grass weeds and high infestations with Ipomoea spp and Euphorbia heterophylla are observed. In this regard, Among the herbicides registered for the cultivation of sugarcane, with potential for use in raw cane, amicarbazone is registered in Brazil under the trade name of Dinamic. Objective: To evaluate the effect of different doses of Dinamic on sugarcane production. Materials and Methods: Area Information, Biometric Methodology, Monthly Rainfall in the Experiment Period, Monitoring Image, Soil Classification. Variables were presented in percentage, mean and standard deviation format. Depending on the Gaussian distribution (Normality test), comparisons of variables were performed using the One-Way ANOVA Test (Tukey) between the variables in the present study, considering p&lt;0.05 with statistical significance. Results and conclusion: The treatments showed no statistically significant difference (p&lt;0.05; Tukey 5%) in tonne of cane per hectare and internodes in both farms. Still, the diameter of farm 63728 did not show a statistical difference, however, in farm 63010 the diameter and tillers/m showed a statistically significant difference (p&lt;0.05), with the best dose being 0.8 (2x) and 1.2/ 1.6 respectively. For height, the treatments showed a statistically significant difference (p&lt;0.05; Tukey 5%), with Dinamic at 1.4 kg/ha being the best dose for this variable on farm 63728, and the best dose for farm 63010 was 2.0 kg/ha, and in both farms, the doses were higher than Dinamic.

Biochar and Fertilization Effects on Weed Incidence in Winter Wheat

Biochar, a carbon-rich material, is highlighted to improve soil fertility, simultaneously mitigating climate change by carbon sequestration. Combined with mineral fertilizer, it can increase weediness, the major source of yield loss in agricultural production. Research with biochar was conducted in Eastern Croatia in 2016, with the aim to investigate the influence of biochar and mineral fertilizer on weed infestation and winter wheat yield. Field experiments were set up as a split-plot where biochar (B) was the main factor and fertilization was the sub factor. The main treatments were: B0 (control without biochar), B1-5 t ha−1, B2-10 t ha−1 and B3-15 t ha−1. Fertilization sublevels were F0) without fertilizer and F1) optimal dose of fertilizer. Weediness was determined by counting and measuring aboveground biomass. The treatments with the greatest effect on weediness were B3 and F1 in the winter wheat tillering stage. In the winter wheat ripening stage, treatment B3 obtained the highest weediness and F1 significantly reduced weed density. Biochar treatment B3 increased winter wheat yield by 77% in relation to the control. The application of biochar combined with fertilization affected the level of weediness depending on agroecological conditions, but with a significant increase in yield.

Biodegradable mulch controls weeds and increases water use efficiency in lettuce crops

ABSTRACT Vegetable cultivation requires high water use and weed control. Soil cover using recycled paper, can be an alternative to polyethylene film to reduce weed incidence, soil temperature and increase water use efficiency beyond reduces costs and environmental pollutions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of biodegradable mulch in weed management and water use efficiency (WUE) in lettuce crop. The treatments were composed of brown recycled paper (RP), black polyethylene film (PF) and soil without cover with weed removal (WR) and without weed removal (WW). RP and PF were efficient to control weeds. The soil temperature with RP was 8.2 and 2.1ºC lower than with PF and WR, respectively. The lettuce yield with RP was 14.5 and 28.3% higher than WR, and with PF, respectively. The water volume applied with RP was 26.5% lower, and WUE was 55.6% higher compared to WR. Soil cover with recycled paper controlled weeds, reduced soil temperature and water consumption and increased yield and water use efficiency in lettuce crop.

Synthetic mulches reduce the incidence of aphid-borne viruses and weeds in cowpea fields (effect of mulches on aphid-borne viruses)

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) is an important protein-rich food consumed by rural and urban communities of Africa and other countries. However, cowpea is vulnerable to attack by pests and diseases, especially, insect-transmitted viruses causing yield losses. The study investigated the susceptibility of two cowpea varieties and their associated weeds to three aphid-borne viruses. Neem and synthetic mulches were employed to control virus spread to cowpea in the field. Mulch type and planting time influenced aphid infestation and virus incidence. Positive and significant correlation occurred between virus incidence and severity. Similarly, there was a positive correlation between aphid infestation and virus severity. Commelina benghalensis was the most common weed and accumulated the highest virus titre. Our study shows that synthetic mulches have potential to control aphids and aphid-borne viruses. Appropriate measures must be taken to prevent the occurrence of C. benghalensis from planting sites.