Non-chemical Control Measures Research Articles

Profile and extent of herbicide-resistant waterhemp (Amaranthus tuberculatus) in Minnesota

Abstract Information regarding the prevalence and distribution of herbicide-resistant waterhemp [Amaranthus tuberculatus (Moq.) Sauer] in Minnesota is limited. Whole-plant bioassays were conducted in the greenhouse on 90 A. tuberculatus populations collected from 47 counties in Minnesota. Eight postemergence herbicides, 2,4-D, atrazine, dicamba, fomesafen, glufosinate, glyphosate, imazamox, and mesotrione, were applied at 1× and 3× the labeled doses. Based on their responses, populations were classified into highly resistant (≥40 % survival at 3× the labeled dose), moderately resistant (<40% survival at 3× the labeled dose but ≥40% survival at 1× the labeled dose), less sensitive (10% to 39% survival at 1× the labeled dose), and susceptible (<10% survival at 1× the labeled dose) categories. All 90 populations were resistant to imazamox, while 89% were resistant to glyphosate. Atrazine, fomesafen, and mesotrione resistance was observed in 47%, 31%, and 22% of all populations, respectively. Ten percent of the populations were resistant to 2,4-D, and 2 of 90 populations exhibited >40% survival following dicamba application at the labeled dose. No population was confirmed to be resistant to glufosinate. However, 22% of all populations were classified as less sensitive to glufosinate. Eighty-two populations were found to be multiple-herbicide resistant. Among these, 15 populations exhibited resistance to four different herbicide sites of action (SOAs); 7 and 4 populations were resistant to five and six SOAs, respectively. All six-way-resistant populations were from southwest Minnesota. Two populations, one from Lincoln County and the other from Lyon County, were resistant to 2,4-D, atrazine, dicamba, fomesafen, glyphosate, imazamox, and mesotrione, leaving only glufosinate as a postemergence control option for these populations in corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. Diversified management tactics, including nonchemical control measures along with herbicide applications from effective SOAs, should be implemented to slow down the evolution and spread of herbicide-resistant A. tuberculatus populations.

Knowledge, skills, and behavior towards chemical pesticide among vegetable growers, vegetable sellers, and consumers of Rupandehi district, Nepal

Pesticides applied on food crops and vegetables not only reduce the pest population but also leave the residue of chemicals that may result in serious health consequences. The study aims to access the knowledge, skill, and behavior towards chemical pesticides among vegetable producers, vegetable sellers, and vegetable consumers of the Rupandehi district. A survey was carried out from November 2018 to January 2019 to know the knowledge, skill, and behaviors towards chemical pesticides among vegetable growers, sellers, and consumers. The household survey was carried out with a well-designed questionnaire among 180 respondents, 60 each of vegetable producers, vegetable sellers, and vegetable consumers using the purposive sampling technique. The present study revealed that knowledge of chemical pesticides and their residue in vegetables, chemical pesticide handling skill, and behavior towards chemical pesticides among vegetable growers, sellers, and consumers was inadequate. The concerned authorities should stretch the extension services regarding pesticide use and post-use precautions to the nook and corners of Nepal as 60% of farmers seek the help of Agrovet for such information and rest either from neighbors or from manual. Sound policy formulation and implementation are necessary for judicious and rational use of chemical pesticides in vegetable crops and promoting non-chemical pest control measures. Such activities might solve pesticide-residue-related issues on the vegetable crop that makes vegetable growers, sellers, and consumers safe. Coordination among concerned organizations/agencies viz farmers group, consumers’ association and Government Organization, Non-Government Organization and International Non-Government Organization is necessary to address the issues of chemical pesticide in the vegetable supply chain.

Virulence of the insect-pathogenic fungi Metarhizium spp. to Mormon crickets, Anabrus simplex (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae).

The Mormon cricket (MC), Anabrus simplex Haldeman, 1852 (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae), has a long and negative history with agriculture in Utah and other western states of the USA. Most A. simplex populations migrate in large groups, and their feeding can cause significant damage to forage plants and cultivated crops. Chemical pesticides are often applied, but some settings (e.g. habitats of threatened and endangered species) call for non-chemical control measures. Studies in Africa, South America, and Australia have assessed certain isolates of Metarhizium acridum as very promising pathogens for Orthoptera: Acrididae (locust) biocontrol. In the current study, two isolates of Metarhizium robertsii, one isolate of Metarhizium brunneum, one isolate of Metarhizium guizhouense, and three isolates of M. acridum were tested for infectivity to MC nymphs and adults of either sex. Based on the speed of mortality, M. robertsii (ARSEF 23 and ARSEF 2575) and M. brunneum (ARSEF 7711) were the most virulent to instars 2 to 5 MC nymphs. M. guizhouense (ARSEF 7847) from Arizona was intermediate and the M. acridum isolates (ARSEF 324, 3341, and 3609) were the slowest killers. ARSEF 2575 was also the most virulent to instar 6 and 7 nymphs and adults of MC. All of the isolates at the conidial concentration of 1 × 107 conidia ml-1 induced approximately 100% mortality by 6 days post application of fungal conidia. In conclusion, isolates ARSEF 23, ARSEF 2575, and ARSEF 7711 acted most rapidly to kill MC under laboratory conditions. The M. acridum isolates, however, have much higher tolerance to heat and UV-B radiation, which may be critical to their successful use in field application.

Insect infestations in mealworm farming: the case of the pyralid moths

During the last decade the insect sector has witnessed a tremendous growth. A lot of scientific knowledge has been accumulated regarding insect production, processing and industrialisation. However, an issue that has been often overlooked is the management of insect pest infestations in insect production plants. Pyralid moths appear to be the most prevalent insect pest-species in mealworm farms. Although not directly affecting the mealworm larvae, these species can cause severe problems infesting the feed. Their presence in the production facility can lead to the contamination of the mealworm protein with moth protein and the disruption of sieving and processing due to the larval webbing. The management of moth infestations in insect rearing units is rather challenging, as most commonly applied insecticide-based control measures cannot be implemented due to their negative impact on insect production. Therefore, moth control should be based on the integration of several alternative strategies in a holistic approach that combines improved sanitation and hygiene with non-chemical control measures. The application of extreme temperatures, biological control, mating disruption and other control tools for the management of insect infestations in insect producing facilities is being discussed within this review.

A Literature Review of Biological and Bio-Rational Control Strategies for Slugs: Current Research and Future Prospects.

Simple SummaryTerrestrial molluscs (slugs and snails) pose a major threat to agriculture, causing severe yield losses in a wide range of crops worldwide. The limited number of chemical molluscicides on the market, along with their negative impact on nontarget organisms and the environment, make mollusc control a real concern for growers and farmers. Therefore, the exploration of alternative, effective and eco-friendly control measures has become a dire need. This study focuses on slugs, as opposed to snails, and reviews the literature on three natural enemies of slugs, namely nematodes, carabid beetles and marsh flies, along with various natural products with slug control potential (for example, essential oils), and this study contributes to providing a comprehensive understanding of how slugs can be better controlled by using nonchemical measures. In doing so, this study also draws attention to the limitations of current research and discusses some important future research avenues in order to develop effective nonchemical slug control measures.Terrestrial gastropod molluscs (slugs and snails) (Mollusca: Gastropoda) cause significant crop damage around the world. There is no formal approach for differentiating between slugs and snails; however, an organism is usually considered a slug when there is no external shell, or when the shell is small in comparison to the body, and a snail when there is a large external shell. Although snails are an important pest of many crops, this review focuses on slug pests and their nonchemical control measures. A recent study by the UK Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board concluded that the failure to control slugs could cost the UK agriculture industry over GBP 100 million annually, with similar figures reported around the world. Whilst slugs are mostly controlled using chemical molluscicide products, some actives have come under scrutiny due to their detrimental environmental effects and impact on nontarget organisms. This has resulted in the ban of actives such as methiocarb in the UK and EU, and, more recently, the ban of metaldehyde in the UK. Therefore, there is an urgent need to find alternative and effective nontoxic solutions in the interest of global food security. In this paper, we have integrated extant literature on the three main biological control agents of slugs, namely nematodes, carabid beetles and sciomyzid flies, and various promising bio-rational slug control strategies. The review also highlights current research gaps and indicates some relevant potential future directions towards developing environmentally benign slug control solutions.

Attraction behavior of the Melon Weevil, Acythopeus curvirostris persicus, to conspecific insects and host plants

ABSTRACT Melon weevil, Acytopeus curvirostris persicus Thompson (Col.: Curculionidae), is an important pest of cucurbits. Understanding the chemical ecology of this species could provide information for the development of nonchemical control measures. Field trapping experiments indicated adult insects respond to conspecific (a member of the same species) insects and host fruit. To determine attractiveness rate, two-way static experiments were carried out under laboratory conditions using conspecific insects, and to evaluate the role of the host plants melon (Cucumis melo L.), watermelon [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb)], cucumber (C. sativus L.), and colocynth [C. colocynthis (L.)]. Cucumber fruit had the most, and colocynth fruit, the least attraction. Adult insects were more attracted to a mated, or unmated, conspecific insect indicating existence of an aggregation pheromone. Results of the study provided the necessary background for the identification of host plant kairomone and aggregation pheromone of melon weevil.

The influence of non-chemical weed control methods on sugar beet productivity and quality parameters

A long-term stationary field experiment was carried out at the Experimental Station of Aleksandras Stulginskis University (Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy since 2019) in 2017. The following sustainable weed control methods were examined: 1) inter-row loosening (control treatment); 2) inter-row cutting and mulching with weeds; 3) inter-row cutting and mulching with Persian clover; 4) inter-row cutting and mulching with white mustards; 5) interrow cutting and mulching with spring barley. The alternatives to weed control often reduced the yields of sugar beet roots significantly, however, when mulching with white mustard the decrease in fertility was not essential. Non-chemical weed control measures in most cases had an insignificant effect on the parameters of sugar beet quality – the content of Na, K and alpha-amino N. The most significant sugar content (16.34 and 16.26%) was found in sugar beets, which were grown applying interrow mulch of spring barley and weed (P < 0.05). Although insignificant, but the largest index of sugar beet leaf area was found in the experimental plots, where inter-row cutting out and mulching with white mustard were applied. Comparing non-chemical weed control systems, the highest amount of white (crystalline) sugar (4.96 ha–1) was derived from the sugar beet that was grown using white mustard mulch.

Cropping practices influence incidence of herbicide resistance in annual ryegrass (Lolium rigidum) in Australia

Herbicide resistance is a common occurrence in southern Australia. The evolution of herbicide resistance is influenced by the selection pressure placed on the weed species controlled by that herbicide. Results from resistance screening of ~4500 annual ryegrass (Lolium rigidum Gaud.) samples were entered in a GIS database, together with several agricultural parameters used in the Australian Bureau of Statistics Agricultural Surveys. This allowed a study of the associations between mode of action of resistance, geographic distribution of resistance across southern Australia, and farming practices employed in particular regions. Cultivation was negatively associated with resistances in acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACCase)-inhibiting cyclohexanedione and acetolactate synthase (ALS)-inhibiting herbicides. Higher proportions of wheat sown were associated with higher incidences of resistance. ACCase-inhibiting aryloxyphenoxypropionate and cyclohexanedione and ALS-inhibiting resistances were higher in those shires where soils were predominantly acidic. This study demonstrates the association between farm practice and the evolution of herbicide resistance. The analysis provides reinforcement to the principle of rotating chemical modes of action with non-chemical weed control measures to minimise the risk of herbicide resistance evolution in any farming system.

Soil water potential and temperature sum during reproductive growth control seed dormancy in Alopecurus myosuroides Huds.

The sustainable management of unwanted vegetation in agricultural fields through integrated weed control strategies requires detailed knowledge about the maternal formation of primary seed dormancy, to support the prediction of seedling emergence dynamics. This knowledge is decisive for the timing of crop sowing and nonchemical weed control measures. Studies in controlled environments have already demonstrated that thermal conditions and, to some extent, water availability during seed set and maturation has an impact on the level of dormancy. However, it is still unclear if this applies also under field conditions, where environmental stressors and their timing are more variable. We address this question for Alopecurus myosuroides in south‐western Sweden. We quantified the effects of cumulated temperature and precipitation as well as soil water potential during the reproductive growth phase of A myosuroides on primary seed dormancy under field conditions. Empirical models differing in focal time intervals and, in case of soil water potential, focal soil depths were compared regarding their predictive power. The highest predictive power for the level of primary dormancy of A. myosuroides seeds was found for a two‐factorial linear model containing air temperature sum between 0 and 7 days before peak seed shedding as well as the number of days with soil water potential below field capacity between 7 and 35 days before peak seed shedding. For soil water potential, it was found that only the top 10 cm soil layer is of relevance, which is in line with the shallow root architecture of A. myosuroides. We conclude that for this species the level of dormancy depends on the magnitude and timing of temperature and water availability during the reproductive growth phase. Water availability appears to be more important during maternal environmental perception and temperature during zygotic environmental perception.

Antimicrobial activity of plant extracts against the honeybee pathogens, Paenibacillus larvae and Ascosphaera apis and their topical toxicity to Apis mellifera adults.

To explore alternative nonchemical control measures against two honeybee pathogens, Paenibacillus larvae and Ascosphaera apis, 37 plant species were screened for antimicrobial activity. The activity of selected plant extracts was screened using an invitro disc diffusion assay and the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined by the broth microdilution method. The results showed that 36 plant extracts had some antibacterial activity on P. larvae by disc diffusion assay. Chromolaena odorata showed the greatest antibacterial activity against P. larvae (MIC 16-64μgml-1 ). Of the 37 tested plants, only seven species, Amomum krervanh, Allium sativum, Cinnamomum sp., Piper betle, Piper ribesioides, Piper sarmentosum and Syzygium aromaticum had inhibitory effects on A. apis (MICs of 32-64μgml-1 ). The results demonstrated that promising plant extracts were not toxic to adult bees at the concentrations used in this study. The results demonstrate the potential antimicrobial activity of natural products against honeybee diseases caused by P. larvae and A. apis. Chromolaena odorata in particular showed high bioactivity against P. larvae. Further study is recommended to develop these nonchemical treatments against American foulbrood and chalkbrood in honeybees. This work proposes new natural products for the control of American foulbrood and chalkbrood in honeybees.

Investigating interactions between UK horse owners and prescribers of anthelmintics

Helminths are common pathogens of equids and anthelmintic resistance is a major issue in cyathostomin species and Parascaris equorum. At the heart of mitigating the impact of increasing anthelmintic resistance levels, is the responsible dissemination and use of these medicines following best practice principles. There is a paucity of information on interactions between horse owners and anthelmintic prescribers and how this shapes control. Here, a study was undertaken to determine opinions and experiences of horse owners as they relate to anthelmintics purchase and implementation of best practice control. An online survey was distributed via email and social media to explore owners’ experiences of purchasing anthelmintics from United Kingdom prescribers, these being veterinarians, suitably qualified persons (SQPs) and pharmacists. Owner responses (n=494) were analysed statistically to compare answers of respondents grouped according to: (i) from whom they bought anthelmintics (Veterinarians n=60; SQPs n=256; Pharmacists n=42; More than one channel n=136), and (ii) by which route (Face-to-face n=234; Telephone n=31; Online n=226) they purchased. Owners who purchased from veterinarians predominantly did so face-to-face (81.3%), whilst those that bought from SQPs purchased via face-to-face (48.8%) and online (46.0%) interactions. Those who purchased from pharmacists predominantly bought anthelmintics online (76.2%). Participants who bought from veterinarians were more likely to view certain factors (i.e. time to talk to the supplier, supplier knowledge) as more important than those who purchased from other prescribers. Those who purchased from veterinarians were more likely to be recommended faecal egg count (FEC) test analysis; however, there was high uptake of FEC testing across all groups. There was a low uptake of anthelmintic efficacy testing; regardless of the prescriber type from whom anthelmintics were purchased. Those who purchased from veterinarians were more likely to agree that anthelmintics should be sold as veterinary prescription-only medicines. Those who purchased online (regardless of which type of prescriber they bought from) were less likely to consider prescriber advice or knowledge when deciding which product to buy and indicated that sellers were less likely to raise use of anthelmintics for targeting parasites. Across all groups, many owners stated that they were aware of or used non-chemical control measures such as dung removal and diagnostic FEC testing to target treatments. In summary, there were some differences in the type of advice provided at the point of purchase and this was dependent upon whom anthelmintics were purchased from and by which route they were bought.

Control of alpine dock (Rumex alpinus) by non-chemical methods

Alpine dock (Rumex alpinus) is a troublesome weed particularly in protected zones or Natura 2000 areas, in which only non-chemical control measures can be applied. The aim of our study was to investigate by means of a field experiment the effectiveness of various non-chemical methods: mowing, manual removal, heating, foil and grazing by cattle and pigs. Floristic changes, cover, number of shoots and biomass were monitored at 14-day intervals for three consecutive years. Manual removal and foil were most successful, with almost complete removal of the biomass and cover of alpine dock, and mowing, which reduced the cover to 50%. Other methods were not as efficient. Animals avoid grazing on R. alpinus and heat merely supresses dock growth for a short period.

Mechanical and physical control in apple orchards as preventative fungal disease management

In this minreview, mechanical and physical control against apple fungal diseases among non-chemical control approaches were summarized. This overview listed five groups of mechanical and physical control methods: pruning, removal of inoculum sources, shredding of leaf litter, burying of inoculum sources and flaming of leaf litter. These methods were shown to reduce succesfully infection potential of inoculum sources in orchards and these non-chemical control measures are one of the most essential approaches for preventative fungal disease management. However, most of these methods are not widely spread in the apple-growing practice due to relatively low control efficacy, medium to high labour costs and/or time limits during the season.

ALTERNATIVE METHODS TO CONTROL PHYTOPHTHORA CACTORUM IN STRAWBERRY CULTIVATED IN SOILLESS GROWING MEDIA

Phytophthora cactorum is an important threat in strawberry propagation and production. No reliable non-chemical control measures are available. Therefore different control strategies were tested. Spread of pathogen infection can be reduced by disinfection of the irrigation water. Slow sand filtration effectively removed P. cactorum from drain water, i.e., disease severity in strawberry plants was reduced with 45 to 65% and rhododendron baits showed a 95-100% reduction of P. cactorum after the drain water had passed the sand filter. However, upstream movement of P. cactorum was detected within the unit. A complementary strategy to reduce the damage caused by P. cactorum is to enhance disease suppressive properties of the soilless substrate. Pasteurization of the substrate mixtures showed increased levels of disease, indicating that biological factors might play a role in disease suppression. Antagonistic bacteria inhibiting growth of P. cactorum were present in roots, rhizosphere as well as in the crown. However, compost amendment or other additions did not elevate suppressiveness. Further experiments were performed where different beneficial microorganisms and/or elicitors were added. The most promising treatments were salicylic acid, followed by inoculation with the endophytic fungus Acremonium strictum and growing Lepidium sativum previous to the crop

Clinical and public health risks associated with feline fleas

The cat flea, (Ctenocephalides felis) causes allergic dermatitis in cats and dogs; vectors many bacterial pathogens and acts as the intermediate host for filarid and cestode parasites. The control of fleas is essential, not only to avoid economic losses and to maintain the health and welfare of the companion animals, but also to protect public health from fleas bites and flea-borne zoonosis. Therefore, control of fleas requires the implementation of an integrated ‘one health’ approach, and should encompass the judicious use of chemotherapeutics, non-chemical control measures, and informed education of pet owners. The focus of this article is on the current knowledge of the biology, epidemiology of cat fleas and diseases they transmit, and how veterinary professionals may contribute to their control.

Mass rearing and release of Trichogramma for biological control of insect pests of corn in China

Corn (Zea mays L., Poaceae) is ranked first as food crop in planting area and in total yield production in China. Asian corn borer, Ostrinia furnacalis, is the most destructive pest of corn in China, causing 6–9 million tons of yield loss per year on average. Trichogramma has been released for control of Asian corn borer at large scale since the 1970’s, partly triggered by the fact that Trichogramma dendrolimi can be successfully mass reared on eggs of the Chinese oak silkworm, Antheraea pernyi. Eggs of different hosts, such as Eri-silkworm, Samia cynthia ricini, A. pernyi, the Rice moth, Corcyra cephalonica, the Angoumois grain moth, Sitotroga cerealella and also artificial host eggs were tested and successfully used to mass-rear various Trichogramma species in China since then. The mass production technology and release technique of Trichogramma have been greatly improved in recent years making Trichogramma production and field application more practical and cost efficient. Nowadays, nearly 4 million hectares of corn are treated with T. dendrolimi, Trichogramma chilonis and Trichogramma ostriniae annually, mainly in North-east China. Large ecological and economic benefits have been achieved in areas where Trichogramma have been released continuously for many years. This includes an increase of natural populations of Trichogramma and other natural enemies in cornfields, the avoidance of any insecticide treatments in corn, a reduction in mycotoxin contamination and overall higher yields. The release of Trichogramma for controlling Asian corn borer and other lepidopteran pests became one of the key measures in corn IPM in China. Trichogramma applications combined with other non-chemical control measures for corn insect pests IPM began a new era in China as the new concept of “Public Plant Protection, Green Plant Protection” was put forward in 2006 as the guideline for plant protection in China. The future prospects and challenges of Trichogramma application are also discussed in this review.

An Assessment of Mosquito Production and Nonchemical Control Measures in Structural Stormwater Best Management Practices in Southern California

A 3-year study was conducted to assess mosquito production in structural stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs) installed by the California Department of Transportation in San Diego and Los Angeles Counties. Thirty-seven BMPs were monitored weekly for presence and relative abundance of immature mosquitoes and for conditions conducive to mosquito production. Species identified were Aedes squamiger, Anopheles franciscanus, An. hermsi, Culex quinquefasciatus, Cx. stigmatosoma, Cx. tarsalis, Culiseta incidens, and Cs. inornata. Structures designed with accessible, permanent sources of standing water in sumps, vaults, or basins were observed to support immatures all year. In BMPs intended to drain rapidly and completely, observed larval habitats resulted from design features, component failure, construction flaws, and non-stormwater runoff flows. Specific nonchemical mitigation measures to minimize or eliminate mosquito production were developed, implemented, and evaluated. This study provides a 1st assessment of mosquito production, species composition, and nonchemical control measures in structural stormwater BMPs in southern California.

Effect of Conveyance Pipe Dimension and Orientation on Mosquito Oviposition in a Simulated Stormwater Management Device

Simulated stormwater management devices baited with alfalfa infusion were constructed to test conveyance pipe dimension and orientation as a potential deterrent to mosquito oviposition. Various configurations of pipe diameter, length, and orientation were evaluated based on egg raft counts. Field trials tested pipes of 1.3-, 5-, and 10-cm diam and 0-, 90-, or 270-cm lengths, in both horizontal and vertical orientations. Additional trials of 10-cm-diam horizontal pipe evaluated the effects of a 90 degrees bend, single or dual entry points, and lengths greater than 270 cm. Significantly fewer egg rafts were collected in pipes of smaller diameter and longer length in both horizontal and vertical orientations. A 90 degrees bend or removal of an entry point to pipes of fixed length had no significant effect on oviposition. A maximum tested length of 24.4 m did not preclude oviposition. The results of this study suggest that manipulating diameter and length of conveyance pipe in stormwater management devices may not be an effective strategy to deter oviposition. The need for integrating improved, novel, nonchemical mosquito control measures into designing and operating stormwater management structures is discussed.

Exploiting synergisms and interactions in the nutritional approaches to parasite control in sheep production systems

Occurrence of resistance to anthelmintics and increased awareness about drug residues entering the food chain and harming the environment, have called for a reduction in the regular, preventive use of anthelmintics and an increase in the use of non-chemical means to control parasitic infections in small ruminants. In the present paper, we focus on the consequences of the nutritional interventions, in the form of nutritional supplementation and/or the consumption of bioactive plants, on host resistance to parasitism. We also consider possible synergisms between the various nutritional options for parasite control, as well as their interaction with other chemical and non-chemical control measures. The chemical control measures include the targeted, selective use of anthelmintics, which is achieved either by monitoring and treating individual animals, or by targeting specific nematode species and consequently minimising the use of anthelmintics. We believe that it is timely to look at these synergisms, as it becomes evident that future parasite control will be achieved with the combined use of more than one strategy. We elaborate on the feasibility of their combined, simultaneous or consecutive use and conclude with suggestions for future research directions to fully explore these synergisms and their potential use for helminth control in sheep production.

Sheep grazing vs. cutting: regeneration and soil nutrient exploitation of the grassland weed Rumex obtusifolius

Broad-leaved dock (Rumex obtusifolius L., Polygonaceae) is an agronomically important perennial weed causing decreases in pasture yields and fodder quality. Non-chemical control measures for dock are often limited to frequent pulling and cutting, additionally it is usually avoided by grazing animals. Here, the regeneration of R. obtusifolius in a Rumex-infested grassland grazed by a sheep breed that explicitly feeds on dock (Ovis aries L. cv. East Prussian Skudden) was compared to cutting. Therefore, regeneration of 90 R. obtusifolius plants of three different size classes was monitored in three plots during three grazing and cutting cycles. Plant height and number of fruit-stands of regrown R. obtusifolius was significantly lower, number of leaves significantly higher after grazing than after cutting, while plant diameter was unaffected. Initially medium and large-sized plants (>40 cm diameter) were significantly more sensitive to grazing or cutting than initially smaller sized plants. Soil nitrate and ammonium concentrations in the vicinity of R. obtusifolius correlated with some regrowth parameters but were not affected by grazing or cutting. Sheep-grazed grassland communities comprised fewer legumes (p = 0.002), more grasses (p = 0.010) and fewer sward gaps (p = 0.025) than cut grassland. At the end of the experiment, abundance of R. obtusifolius in sheep grazed plots was lower than in cut plots (p = 0.089) suggesting that regrowth potential of this weed was depleted by continuous grazing and higher sward density. In conclusion, these data suggest that sheep could be considered in grassland management schemes to both directly and indirectly control Rumex infestations.