Successful Weed Control Research Articles

Crop rotation as a biological factor of weed control in spring barley crop in the Sonkovsky district of the Tver region

Spring barley is widely used for fodder and food purposes. Modern farming systems involve the use of short crop rotations, which leads to a deterioration in the phytosanitary condition of the fields, so improving the structure of the fields is a priority. The potential of the crop will not be fully exploited if local resources are used irrationally. Weed components, in turn, inhibit crop growth and reduce the amount of product obtained. Successful weed control is based on a systematic approach involving agrotechnical, biological and chemical measures. The pursuit of yield without the optimization of technological processes leads to low profitability of agricultural production, so a properly selected predecessor is the key to profit for agricultural producers. The aim of the study is to regulate barley weeds in the Tver region using biological methods. Crop rotation is the cheapest method without material costs. Predecessors have a different effect on the species and quantitative composition of weeds. The maximum clogging in the sum of weed vegetation, including biological groups, was found for the oat predecessor (62 pcs/m2 of juvenile weeds and 53 pcs/m2 of perennial weeds). The best predecessor for spring barley in the experiment is corn for silage, after which the number of Erysimum cheiranthoides decreased to 3 pcs/m2, which caused an increase in the yield of the studied crop from 4.5 to 7.4 t/ha.

CONTRIBUTION TO THE KNOWLEDGE OF WEED FLORA IN MAIZE FIELDS IN THE AREA OF NOVI GRAD (REPUBLIC OF SRPSKA, B&H)

<p>Knowledge of the weed flora of a certain area, as well as knowledge of the relationship between cultivated plants and weed plants, is important for successful weed control and the efficient application of agrotechnical measures. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of the weed flora in maize fields in the area of Novi Grad, as well as a taxonomic analysis, an analysis of the biological spectrum, a phytogeographical analysis and an analysis of ecological indicators of the maize weed flora. During field research on two maize fields in the area of Donji Rakani village (Novi Grad), a total of 38 species of vascular plants were collected, which were systematized into 35 genera and 16 families. The most abundant in terms of species numbers were the families Compositae (31.58%) and Poaceae (18.42%), as well as the genera <em>Erigeron</em>, <em>Ranunculus </em>and <em>Setaria</em>. Hemicryptophytes (36.84%) and therophytes (31.58%) dominated the biological spectrum. Phytogeographical analysis revealed the dominance of the Eurasian (25.81%) floral element. A total of seven adventive species were recorded. The paper also presents the results of the analysis of ecological indicators for soil moisture, soil reaction, nutrients, light and temperature. The results of our research contribute to a better knowledge of the weed flora in maize fields, which could be useful for creating more efficient weed control measures.</p>

Ecological importance and sociological characters of fourteen widespread weeds and their contribution to the observed (dis)similarity between weed communities

Widespread weeds are a serious nuisance to farmers in any country whether they are growing agricultural or horticultural crops for the great damage they cause to the economy, human health and environment loss. Thus, it is important to measure their ecological importance, sociological characters, their contribution to the observed (dis)similarity between weed communities associated with agronomic and horticulture crops, as well as performing time series analysis and forecasting for their cumulative records. Hopefully with the aforementioned information available, it will be possible to determine the most detrimental which deserve resistance priority within a successful weed control plan, which is the aim of the current study. Depending on species records 2018–2020, fourteen weeds assigned widespread out of the 537-species recorded. Their values in the Importance Value Index (IVI) suggested that Sonchus oleraceus had the highest ecological importance among winter weeds (IVI = 50.5), whereas Bassia indica had the highest IVI among summer weeds (IVI = 42.7) and Cynodon dactylon showed the highest value in the observed competition throughout the year (IVI = 46.2). Analysis of Similarities (ANOSIM) indicates that the weed community structure is significantly affected by widespread weeds and the mean of ranked dissimilarities in floristic composition between groups (weed communities associated with crop categories) is greater than within groups. Similarity Percentage analysis (SIMPER) based on Bray-Curtis as a distance dissimilarity measure, revealed that Cyperus rotundus, Melilotus indicus and Beta vulgaris were the most discriminant species in creating the observed pattern of (dis)similarity between the weed community structure associated with agronomic and horticultural crops during the winter half of the year, while Aster squamatus and Echinochloa colona were the most discriminant during the summer half. It is prominent from the results of the current study and the implemented time-series analysis and forecasting that no-decline is expected in the cumulative records of the 14-widespread weeds when the same current weed management strategy is applied.

Establishment of Tall Fescue Seeded after Postemergence Broadleaf Herbicide Application

Successful weed control before seeding is necessary for proper turfgrass establishment. However, herbicide labels differ in the time required between application and seeding. The objective of this research was to determine the influence of four postemergence broadleaf combination herbicides on tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) cover, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), and canopy height when seeded 0, 3, 7, and 14 days after herbicide application. Herbicide treatments included the following: 1) a nontreated control; 2) 0.03 lb/acre carfentrazone-ethyl + 0.09 lb/acre methylchlorophenoxypropionic acid (MCPP) + 1.44 lb/acre 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) + 0.30 lb/acre dicamba; 3) 0.20 lb/acre fluroxypyr + 0.01 lb/acre halauxifen-methyl + 1.44 lb/acre 2,4-D choline; 4) 0.20 lb/acre triclopyr + 0.003 lb/acre pyraflufen-ethyl + 1.72 lb/acre 2,4-D + 0.14/acre dicamba; and 5) 0.04 lb/acre penoxsulam + 0.04 lb/acre sulfentrazone + 0.40 lb/acre 2,4-D + 0.11 lb/acre dicamba. Penoxsulam + sulfentrazone + 2,4-D + dicamba reduced tall fescue cover, NDVI, and canopy height compared with the nontreated. This research demonstrates seeding between 0 to 14 days after an application of carfentrazone-ethyl + MCPP + 2,4-D + dicamba, fluroxypyr + halauxifen-methyl + 2,4-D choline, or triclopyr + pyraflufen-ethyl + 2,4-D + dicamba will result in successful tall fescue establishment under the conditions evaluated in these experiments.

The influence of weeds on the growth and development of paulownia

The use of paulownia for planting as a bioenergy crop on marginal lands does not always allow the use of herbicides for successful weed control. Such plantations can be placed in residential areas, near water bodies, etc. where the use of herbicides is restricted or completely prohibited. In order to reduce the negative anthropic pressure on the environment in the processes of growing bioenergy crops, field studies on the influence of weeds on the growth and development of paulownia were conducted. It was established that the decrease in height of paulownia plants in stands weeded throughout the growing season was 29% less than on the treatment where the plantings of the crop did not compete with weed plants. The maximum leaf area of one paulownia plant was 3.72 m2, which is 3.41 m2 greater than the control variant. Therefore, weed control in planting bioenergy crops is one of the main factors in obtaining high yields. The main task in the first year of paulownia vegetation is to control weeds, which negatively affect the growth and development of paulownia plantations.

Influence of predecessors on species diversity of weeds in winter wheat crops in the Eastern Forest-Steppe of Ukraine

Goal. Determine the species composition of weeds, their dominant role and establish the type and level of weediness of winter wheat crops by cultivation on black fallow, after peas for grain and winter wheat as forecrops in the Eastern Forest-Steppe of Ukraine.
 Methods. The research was carried out by means of route surveys in field experiments located in a stationary nine-field steam-grain-row crop rotation and in a monoculture of winter wheat.
 Results. In total, according to the results of research in 2011—17, 63 species of weeds were found in crops. In the conditions of crop rotation in the fields of winter wheat after black fallow and peas for grain, 50 species and 45 species were found, respectively, and in monoculture — 41 species. The largest number of spring early and late weeds (41—49%), and the second and third places were occupied by wintering, winter and biennial (33—37%) and perennial (18—22%). The main weeds in the crops were: after black fallow — Setaria glauсa, Chenopodium album, Amaranthus retroflexus, Solanum nigrum, Fumaria officinalis, Polygonum lapathifolium, Cyclachaena xanthifolia, Delphinium consolida, Viola arvensis, Erigeron canadensis, Cirsium arvense; after peas for grain — S. glauсa, Echinochloa crus-galli, C. album, A. retroflexus, S. nigrum, F. officinalis, P. lapathifolium, Stachys annua, Malva neglecta, Polygonum aviculare, D. consolida, Thlaspi arvense, V. arvensis, C. arvense, Convolvulus arvensis; after winter wheat — S. glauсa, E. crus-galli, Ambrosia artemisiifolia, Fallopia convolvulus, Lactuca serriola, Capsella bursa-pastoris, D. consolida, Matricaria inodora, Crepis tectorum. In winter wheat crops, the largest share of dominance and subdominance, respectively, were Solanum nigrum L. (71%) and Setaria glauca (L.) Beauv. (71%) after peas for grain. The type of weediness of winter wheat crops depended on the predecessor. In monoculture, there was a higher level of weediness of winter wheat than in crop rotation.
 Conclusions. Rational selection of predecessors creates the basis for successful weed control in winter wheat crops.

Weed Control in Organic Farming

Summary Over the past few years, both producers and consumers have become increasingly interested in organic farming because conventional agriculture relies so heavily on the use of synthetic pesticides, thus causing environmental pollution. Weeds, as inevitable "companions" of cultivated plants, represent a major, everlasting issue in plant production. As organic plant production is legally regulated, the control of undesirable plants such as weeds is further complicated. Using the relevant literature, the purpose of this study is to survey the existing weed control methods in organic crop production. In order to be certified, organic plants have to be grown in the farming system without the application of synthetic herbicides and other chemicals that are commonly used in conventional production. This means that crop growers have to apply non-chemical, alternative methods of weed suppression, i.e. weed control based on the combination of cropping practices, mechanical control, and the use of bioherbicides. There is a large number of plant extracts with bioherbicidal activity, the effect of which is mostly attributed to the biological phenomenon of allelopathy, rendering such weed control sustainable, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly. Although bioherbicides are successfully used in organic farming worldwide, there are no registered bioherbicides in Serbia to date (according to the data of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management of the Republic of Serbia). Both organic producers and experts should raise awareness of the importance of successful weed control to the health of cultivated plants, soil, beneficial organisms, and the entire ecosystem, which requires further research attention.

Impact of different mulching treatments on weed flora and productivity of maize (Zea mays L.) and sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)

The concerns on weed control through herbicides are increasing due to their negative impacts on environment and human health. Therefore, alternative weed management methods are inevitable for sustainable crop production and lowering the negative consequences of herbicides. Mulching is an environment-friendly weed management approach capable of substituting herbicides to significant extent. Therefore, this study evaluated the role of different mulching treatments on suppressing weed flora in maize (Zea mays L.) and sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) crops. Furthermore, the impact of different mulching treatments on the productivity of both crops was also investigated. Three mulch treatments, i.e., plastic mulch (PLM), sorghum mulch (SM) and paper mulch (PM) along with two controls, i.e., weed-free (WF) and weedy-check (WC) were included in the study. Different mulch treatments significantly altered weed flora in both crops. The PLM and PM resulted in the highest suppression (43–47%) of weed flora compared to WC treatment in both crops. The highest and the lowest weed diversity was recorded for WC and WF treatments, respectively. Different allometric traits, i.e., leaf area index, crop growth rate and root length of both crops were significantly improved by PLM as compared to the WC. Overall, maize crop recorded higher density of individual and total weeds compared to sunflower with WC treatment. The density of individual and total weeds was significantly lowered by PLM compared to WC treatment in both crops. Similarly, higher growth and yield-related traits of both crops were noted with PLM compared to the rest of the mulching treatments. Results of the current study warrant that PLM could suppress weed flora and improve the productivity of both crops. However, PLM alone could not provide 100% control over weed flora; therefore, it should be combined with other weed management approaches for successful weed control in both crops.

Weeds diversity in oil palm plantation at Segamat, Johor

This research was conducted to study weeds composition and diversity with regards to management practices at three oil palm plantations in Segamat, Johor. Using nested quadrat sampling approach, a total of 19 families, 35 genera, 43 species and 4465 number of individuals of weeds species were found and recorded from the three plantations. The Shannon diversity index, H’ was 3.45 whereas the Evenness index, EH for the overall weeds species was 0.92. The highest weed diversity was observed at Kg. Sri Rahmat oil palm plantation (H’=3.11) located at the lowest elevation with the least herbicide application and pruning practices followed by Kg. Logah (H’=3.07) and Felda Medoi (H’=2.83). The overall species evenness for this study area was 0.92 indicating that the species distribution was relatively high in monoculture system. At Kg. Logah, the species evenness was almost totally even (EH=0.98) followed by Kg. Sri Rahmat (EH=0.97) and Felda Medoi (EH=0.93). Both family Poaceae and Rubiaceae contributed to the highest species richness within the study area. Therefore, the composition and diversity of weeds recorded from this research was relatively high. There were several factors that could potentially affect the weeds diversity such as farming system, age oil palm plantation, pruning treatment (canopy), management through usage of herbicide, type and usage of fertilizer and location of oil palm plantation based on different elevations. This study is essential for sustaining oil palm production through successful weed control using diversity data and management histories as an indicator.

The Method and Timing of Weed Control Affect the Productivity of Intercropped Maize (Zea mays L.) and Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

Intercropping results in high overall system productivity on a given piece of land due to the efficient use of available plant growth resources. Weed control in intercropping systems is, however, still a challenge. This study focuses on the effect of the type of weed control (chemical/mechanical) and the timing of chemical herbicide application (pre-emergence/post-emergence) on weed control and crop productivity in a maize bean mixture. For this purpose, the results of a three-year field experiment (2017 to 2019) in northeast Germany will be presented. The experimental setup included a control, three chemical methods, and one mechanical method of weed control. Except for the mechanical treatment, a completely randomized block design was established. Weeds were assessed at BBCH 12 of the maize, immediately before the first weed control treatments to estimate the initial weed infestation, and twice in the six to eight leaf stage of the maize. The weed coverage (%) was estimated. The maize bean mixture was harvested and yields (t ha−1) were measured. The results confirm that the type of weed control, as well as the timing of herbicide application, significantly affects the weed coverage of the maize bean mixture. The most successful weed control strategy was the double chemical herbicide application, in which chemical herbicides are in used pre-emergence beans (BBCH 12 maize) and post-emergence beans (BBCH 12 bean). Weed coverage was reduced by up to 75% using this most effective herbicide strategy and by up to 61% through mechanical weed control, compared to the control. The additional effects of post-emergence treatment on the pre-emergence herbicide control resulted in a 16.5% weed coverage decline. The yield surplus of double chemical herbicide application (pre/post-emergence) was up to 53%, and for the mechanical weed control up to 23%. Additionally, post-emergence herbicide use in intercropped maize and bean resulted in a 16% yield surplus, compared to the single pre-emergence chemical weed control. Optimal timing of weed control during the most sensitive phenology stages of the maize bean mixture is crucial for productivity. The results of this study provide an additional option for suitable weed control of intercropped maize and bean.

Weed Management in Soybeans

Successful weed control is one of the most important practices for economical soybean production in Florida. This 10-page publication discusses weed control methods for soybean growers. Written by J. A. Ferrell, G. E. MacDonald, and P. Devkota, and published by the UF/IFAS Agronomy Department, revised January 2021.

Impact of Various Herbicides on Weeds and Timely Sown Triticum Astivum Ll Wheat Productivity

The relative effectiveness of the herbicides sulfosulfuron, isoproturon, and metribuzin at various doses and application periods was determined. All herbicides worked better when applied at higher doses and delayed until after the first watering to reduce weed dry matter after 60 days. Conventional tillage resulted in higher levels of annual and total weeds than Triticum astivum ll did in a weedy environment, but Triticum astivum ll had a higher level of perennial weeds. Maximum grain yields for Triticum astivum ll were 4431 kg/ha and 3924 kg/ha when “sulfosulfuron was applied at 25 g/ha after the first irrigation in 2018–19 and 2019–20”, respectively. Successful weed control was at its highest with this treatment (94% in both years of the study). Two conventional tillage hand weedings at the 30- and 45-day stages resulted in the highest yield. Herbicide application under Triticum astivum ll resulted in higher net yields than “manual weeding at 30 and 45 days” after sowing.

Suzbijanje korova u usevima pasulja i boranije

Phaseolus vulgaris (beans; green beans) as a food of high nutritional value occupies an important place in the human diet. In addition to all the basic growing conditions, one of the key requirements for achieving high yields is successful weed control. Weeds such as Amaranthus retroflexus, Chenopodium album, Datura stramonium, Abutilon theophrasti, Xanthium strumarium, Cirsium arvense, Ambrosia artemisiifolia, Sorghum halepense and others appear as the most dominant species in our agroecological conditions. The application of the concept of integrated weed control implies the application of all available measures (crop rotation, proper and timely tillage, application of herbicides, etc.). Although there is a wider range of registered herbicides for weed control in beans and green beans in the world, preparations based on active substances: clethodim, quizalofop-P-tefuril, imazamox and bentazone have been registered in Serbia.

Weed Management in Small Grains Harvested for Grain

Successful weed control in small grains involves using good management practices in all phases of production. In Florida, winter weeds compete with small grains for moisture, nutrients, and light, with the greatest amount of competition occurring during the first six to eight weeks after planting. Weeds also cause harvest problems the following spring when the small grain is mature. This 4-page publication discusses crop competition, knowing your weeds, and chemical control. Written by J. A. Ferrell, G. E. MacDonald, and P. Devkota, and published by the UF/IFAS Agronomy Department, revised May 2020.

Weed Management in Peanuts

Successful weed control in peanuts involves use of good management practices in all phases of peanut production. This 11-page document lists herbicide products registered for use in Florida peanut production, their mode of actions group, application rate per acre and per season, and reentry interval. It also discusses the performance of these herbicides on several weeds under Florida conditions. Written by J. A. Ferrell, G. E. MacDonald, and P. Devkota, and published by the UF/IFAS Agronomy Department, revised May 2020.

Weed Management in Cotton

A successful weed control is essential for economical cotton production. Weeds compete with cotton for moisture, nutrients, and light. The greatest competition usually occurs early in the growing season up to 8 weeks after emergence. Late-season weeds, while not as competitive as early-season weeds, may interfere with insecticide applications, may cause harvesting difficulties, and add seed in the soil seedbank.https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/wg003

Weed Management in Corn

Successful weed control is essential for economical corn production in Florida. Weeds reduce corn yields by competing for moisture, nutrients, and light during the growing season and interfere with harvest. Producing a good corn crop is only half the battle and will not be profitable unless the corn can be harvested. Late-season weeds can result in excessive yield loss, inefficient equipment operation, and provide a source of weed seed for the following season. Weeds can be controlled in corn; however, this involves good management practices in all phases of corn production.https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/wg007

Korovi korenastog povrća i mogućnosti njihovog suzbijanja

The limited number of permitted herbicides for the application in the crops of carrots, red beet, celery and parsnip, as well as the diversity of weeds occurring in these crops, make the successful weed control difficult, due to which the appli-cation of preventive measures is necessary to reduce the number of weeds in the fields during the vegetation as much as possible. The preventive measures include the use of mulch, as well as the application of the crop rotation. Currently, for the application in carrots several herbicides based on active substances pendimethalin, clethodim and propaquizafop have been registered:, for the application in red beets one herbicide based on metamitrone has been registered, while in case of parsnip and celery there are no registered herbicides in our country. Considering the grow-ing problem of the weed resistance to the herbicide, it is significant to recognize the necessity for the application of antiresistance strategy which encompasses: the rotation of herbicides with different modes of action, the minimum herbicides application, as well as the crop rotation.

Weed Management in Rice

Successful weed control is essential for economical rice production in Florida. This 6-page document discusses field sanitation and tillage, water management, and herbicides. Written by D. C. Odero and M. VanWeelden, and published by the UF/IFAS Agronomy Department, revised August 2018. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/wg001

Evaluation of pre- and post-emergence herbicides for weed control in maize (Zea mays L.)

A field experiment was conducted during 2014–2015 to investigate the efficacy of herbicides [Merlin flexx (isoxaflutole), pre- and post-emergence; Equip (foramsulfuron), post-emergence; and Maister (foramsulfuron + iodosulfuron-methyl-sodium), post-emergence] in maize (cv NSC 444) crops grown in the Prishtina region of Kosovo. The field experiment was set in a randomised block design with four replications and elementary plots of 10 m2. A total of 14 weed species were documented in the maize crop in 2014, which increased to 27 in 2015, with the dominant species being Amaranthus retroflexus (87.0 plants*m-2 in 2014 versus 43.3 plants*m-2 in 2015). The most efficient herbicides in both years were pre-emergence (98.1% vs 92.5%; 2014 vs 2015) and isoxaflutole post-emergence (98.8% vs 89.9%; 2014 vs 2015). All plots treated with herbicides significantly influenced the increase of maize yield in comparison with the control plots. In conclusion, the use of isoxaflutole either pre-emergence or post-emergence is recommended in the study region for successful weed control and high maize grain yields.