Suppress Weed Growth Research Articles

Potential of California Variety Papaya Leaf Extract (Carica papaya L. California variety) As Bioherbicide of Snake Grass Weed (Cyperus rotundus L.)

Efforts to increase production yields are by controlling weeds. Weeds that often grow and we encounter in cultivated plants are weed grass (C. rotundus). California papaya leaves have the potential to be a bioherbicide because they contain allelochemicals that can inhibit weed growth. This study aims to determine the effect of papaya leaves (C. papaya) on the growth of teki grass (C. rotundus) and determinetheconcentration level of papaya leaf allelopathy that most effectively inhibits the growth of teki grass.The method used was a completely randomized design (CRD) with five replications and four treatmentsof0%, 30%, 50%, and 70%. For data analysis in this study using the SPSS version 25.0 program. Papaya leaf extract (C. papaya) is able to inhibit the growth of weed grass (C. rotundus). The concentration of papaya leaf extract (C. papaya) that most effectively inhibits the growth of weed is 50% concentration with a mortality rate (64%), for the lowest plant heightis50% concentration which is 13.84 cm, for the slowestgrowthrate is 50% concentrationwith a growthrate of -0.16 cm.

Competitiveness of chia against brassica weeds improves through a narrow spatial arrangement

Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) is a promising crop valued as a sustainable source of omega-3. However, chia yield and quality are reduced because of weed competition and the lack of registered herbicides. This study evaluated how chia spatial arrangement suppresses weed growth and provided management options for this crop. The performance of chia plants was assessed over three growing seasons in field experiments using a factorial design that considered spatial arrangement (narrow and wide), weed management (control without weeds, soil bank brassica (Brassica rapa L.), and sown brassica), and cover crop (with or without a rye (Secale cereale L.) cover crop during chia fallow). Chia and brassica are not complementary, leading to resource competition (relative yield total around 1) and negative effects on each other. A significant decrease in chia grain yield of 0.9% per unit increase in the percentage of weeds in total biomass was observed. As chia had a competitive advantage over brassica, the grain yield reduction was ameliorated with a narrow spatial arrangement. Narrow spatial arrangement promotes faster canopy closure during the early growth stages, decreasing light penetration and suppressing weed growth. The high extinction coefficient of chia (0.91) and the low critical LAI (3.3) contributed to this light interception behavior. Accordingly, to maximize chia productivity and profitability, a narrow spatial arrangement is an effective management strategy to suppress weeds. This study contributes valuable insights into chia-weed interactions and emphasizes the importance of sustainable crop management practices.

Improving yield and irrigation water productivity of green beans under water stress with agricultural solid waste-based material of compacted rice straw as a sustainable organic soil mulch

AbstractThis research aimed at water saving in irrigation by applying deficit irrigation using two strategies, standard drip and partial root drying (PRD), while applying organic and plastic mulch over two growing seasons of green beans. A field experiment was conducted in 2022 and 2023, using four irrigation treatments supplying 100% of the irrigation requirement (IRg), 75% IRg, 50% IRg, and 50% IRg—PRD, and four soil mulching treatments: uncovered soil (UC), plastic mulch (PM), rice straw mulch (RSM), and compacted rice straw mulch (CRSM). The combined effect of deficit irrigation strategies and soil mulching showed that the maximum irrigation water productivity (IWP) of 5.56 kg m−3 was achieved under 50% IRg—PRD & CRSM for both growing seasons, followed by 50% IRg—PRD & RSM and 50% IRg—PRD & PM, with 5.19 and 4.96 kg m−3, respectively. The highest yield of 8936 kg ha−1 was achieved with 50% IRg—PRD & CRSM, followed by 8914 kg ha−1 and 8898 kg ha−1 with 100% IRg & CRSM and 75% IRg & CRSM, respectively. The lowest yield of 6009 kg ha−1 was obtained with 50% IRg & UC. The highest soil moisture content was observed under 100% IRg & CRSM. The application of organic mulches was found to be particularly effective in conserving soil moisture due to enhanced infiltration, improved retention capacity, and suppression of weed growth, ultimately fostering optimal crop development and higher yield. The results of soil temperature variations beneath soil mulches showed that CRSM is effective in alleviating plant water stress, lowering the temperature below the cover and reducing water loss through evaporation from the soil surface. The combination of 50% IRg—PRD & CRSM produced plants with enhanced plant height, fresh and dry weight, leaf area, pod length, and green bean weight, as well as the highest vegetative growth indices. Generally, the organic mulching increased soil temperature, soil moisture, IWP, and green bean production.

Relative Benefits of Aqueous Extract of Sorghum Residues with Herbicide on Weed Control and Yield of Wheat Varieties

Reducing herbicide use in agriculture is key for sustainability, addressing costs, environmental issues, and resistance problems. Using non-chemical methods like allelopathy in weed management offers a viable alternative. In this phenomenon, a field study was carried out at the Agronomy Field Laboratory (AFL) of Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Mymensingh, from November 2021 to March 2022, to assess the phytotoxic effects of herbicides combined with aqueous extract of sorghum (AES) on weed management and yield of wheat. This study used three wheat varieties viz. BARI Gom (wheat)-32, BARI Gom-33, and BWMRI Gom-1 and six treatment levels such as, no weeding, recommended dose of herbicide (RDH), 90% RDH + AES (1:20 w/v), 80% RDH + AES (1:20), 70% RDH + AES (1:20), and 60% RDH + AES (1:20). The experiment followed a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The RDH with AES and wheat variety significantly influenced weed population (WP) and dry weight (DW) of weeds. BARI Gom-32 produced the highest grain yield (GY) and other yield-contributing characteristics. The best results, including the highest numbers of tillers (NET) hill-1 (6.47), spike length (SL) (15.10 cm), number of spikelet spike-1 (NSS) (19.38), 1000-grain weight (TGW) (57.67g), GY (5.10 t ha-1), and straw yield (SY) (7.07 t ha-1) and harvest index (HI) (41.95%) were observed in plots treated with the RDH and the BARI Gom-32 variety, followed closely by those receiving 90% RDH + AES (1:20). The results demonstrate that varying concentrations of AES crop residue can effectively suppress weed growth and enhance wheat yield, suggesting that sorghum residues might be utilized to manage weeds effectively and sustainably while boosting wheat production. The study supports the potential of AES crop residue as an effective means to control weeds and significantly improve wheat yields. J Bangladesh Agril Univ 22(3): 326-334, 2024

Effectiveness of Weed Control on Two Varieties of Corn (Zea Mays L.) in West Aceh Regency

This research aims to find out which weed control techniques are most effective in suppressing weed growth on corn plants, to find out the interaction of manual, mechanical, and chemical weed control on corn plants, to find out the influence of weed control techniques on the production and growth of corn plants. This research be carried out in West Aceh Regency on corn farming land in the Pante Ceureumen District. The time allocation is from April to June 2014. The research was conducted using a randomized block design with a factorial pattern with two factors being studied. The first factor is the weed control technique (T): no control, manual control, using husk charcoal, chemical, atrazine + mesotrion 1.35 ml each 9 m² and the second factor is the variety (V): Bisi-2 and Bisi-18. Based on the treatment of 12 plots with 3 repetitions times until there are 36 experimental units. Each treatment plot measures 300 cm x 300 cm with a planting distance of 75 cm x 25 cm so that the number of sample plants in each plot is 48 plants and the number of sample plants in each plot is 8 plants. The distance between plots is 50 cm and the distance between replications is 100 cm. The results obtained from observations are analyzed using the F test. If the results obtained from the variance are significantly different at the 5% level. The result of the research that has been carried out is that the most effective control technique in suppressing weed growth in corn plants is found at T5 (chemistry, topramezone + atrazine 1.35 ml each 9 m², at 21, 40, and 56 HST), followed by T2 (culture technique using rice husk charcoal), T4 (Chemical, nicosulfuron + atrazine 1.35 ml each 9 m², at 21, 40, and 56 HST) and T1 (manual, at 21, 40, and 56 HST) have the same position, then T3 (chemistry, atrazine + mesotrione 1.35ml each 9 m², at 21, 40 and 56 HST), and the last position in weed control techniques is WC (without control).

Efficacy of rhizobacteria in suppressing weed growth

The production of bioherbicides from isolates of deleterious rhizobacteria capable of suppressing plant growth is a sustainable method for weed management. The objective of this research was to evaluate whether rhizobacteria that potentially inhibit plant growth interfere with the growth of weeds. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse in a completely randomized design with four replications. The treatments consisted of inoculating seeds of the weeds Bidens pilosa L., Senna occidentalis (L.) Link, and Ipomoea nil (L.) Roth with two distinct isolates of rhizobacteria (171 and 122), as well as cultivating these weeds without inoculation. At 50 days after sowing of the weeds, the height, stem diameter, shoot dry matter, and root dry matter were measured. Inoculation with isolates 171 and 122 did not influence the growth in height, diameter, shoot dry matter, or root dry matter of the weeds. It is concluded that rhizobacteria 171 and 122 do not have the potential to inhibit the growth of the weeds B. pilosa, S. occidentalis, and I. nil.

Impact of 240 g/L glyphosate IPA on weed control and upland rice (Oryza sativa L.) growth and yield in a no-tillage system

Glyphosate IPA 240 g/L herbicide is known as one of the effective chemical solutions in weed control, especially in no-tillage systems. No-tillage systems offer advantages in upland rice cultivation by reducing soil damage and production costs. However, the main challenge in the application of no-tillage systems is the presence of pre-planting weeds that can compete with plants in the absorption of growth factors such as nutrients, light, and water. This experiment aims to test herbicide doses that effectively suppress weed growth and optimize the growth and yield of upland rice with the no-tillage system. The experiment was conducted from December 2023 to April 2024 at Ciparanje Farm, Faculty of Agriculture, Padjadjaran University, Jatinangor District, Sumedang Regency, West Java Province, Indonesia. The experiment used Randomized Block Design (RBD), consisting of 7 treatments, each repeated four times. The treatments consisted of 5 doses of glyphosate IPA 240 g/L herbicide 2.00, 3.00; 4.00, 5.00; 6.00 L/ha with no-tillage system; manual weeding; and control with perfect tillage system. Experimental results showed that glyphosate IPA 240 g/L herbicide at a dose of 3.00 - 6.00 L/ha with the no-tillage system can be used to replace the perfect tillage system because it can suppress the growth of broadleaf weeds, namely Ageratum conyzoides, Cleome rutidosperma, Mollugo pentaphylla and Synedrela nodiflora, and grass Digitaria ciliaris. No phytotoxicity symptoms were found, and had a favorable effect on rice plant growth regarding population size and tillers. The yield of rice plants with the highest milled dry grain yield was 4.45 t/ha.

A Review of the Application and Impact of Drip Irrigation under Plastic Mulch in Agricultural Ecosystems

Food security, a crucial issue for the development of humankind, is often severely constrained by water scarcity. As a globally recognized most advanced agricultural water-saving technology, drip irrigation under plastic mulch (DIPM) has played a significant role in grain production. However, a comprehensive review of the dual impacts of this practice in farmland remains lacking. This study has conducted an exhaustive review of DIPM research from 1999 to 2023 and employed CiteSpace software to perform a co-occurrence and clustering analysis of keywords in order to reveal research hotspots and trends. The results show that the attention to DIPM technology has increased annually and reached a peak in 2022. China leads in the number of publications in this field, reflecting its emphasis on agricultural water-saving technologies. This study critically discusses the dual impacts of DIPM on farmland. On the positive side, DIPM can improve soil temperature and moisture, enhance nutrient availability, promote water and nutrient absorption by roots, and increase the crop growth rate and yield while reducing evaporation and nitrogen loss, suppressing weed growth, decreasing herbicide usage, and lowering total greenhouse gas emissions. On the negative side, it will cause pollution from plastic mulch residues, damage the soil structure, have impacts on crop growth, and lead to increased clogging of drip irrigation systems, which will increase agricultural costs and energy consumption, hinder crop growth, hamper soil salinization management, and further reduce the groundwater level. The future development of DIPM technology requires optimization and advancement. Such strategies as mechanized residual-mulch recovery, biodegradable mulch substitution, aerated drip irrigation technology, and alternate irrigation are proposed to address existing issues in farmland triggered by DIPM. This review advocates for the active exploration of farming management practices superior to DIPM for future agricultural development. These practices could lead to higher yields, water–nitrogen efficiency, and lower environmental impact in agricultural development.

Sensitivity of rainfed okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) to mulch material and plant spacing in drought-prone tropical soils

Mulch regulates soil hydrothermal regime while suppressing weed growth, effects of which may depend on mulch material and/or similar to that of closed crop canopy. Combined use of organic or inorganic material as surface mulch and appropriate plant spacing may produce synergistic agronomic effects in water-stressed environments. This study evaluated the sensitivity of rainfed okra to mulch-spacing variants in droughty derived-savannah soils. With dry-grass mulch (DGM) and sawdust mulch (SDM) representing organic mulch material and black polythene (BPM) as inorganic/plastic, treatments were factorial combinations of surface-applied DGM, SDM and BPM with close (60 cm × 30 cm), intermediate (60 cm × 45 cm) and wide (60 cm × 60 cm) spacings. Crop growth/performance and fruit yield data were collected. Mulch material affected okra growth (with overall better results in BPM than SDM), but not flowering/fruiting and fruit yield. For plant spacing, sum of weights of pods and fruit yield were higher in close than intermediate and wide spacings, with fruit yields as 2.42, 1.21 and 0.76 t ha-1, respectively. Mulch-spacing interaction effects showed that BPM with close spacing gave the highest values for stem girth 8 weeks after sowing (SDM treatments gave the lowest), sum of weights of pods and fruit yield (2.93 t ha-1). Fruit yield, however, depended not on stem girth but on certain okra yield attributes. The BPM or, where not feasible, either of DGM and SDM, could be effectively combined with close spacing to improve okra productivity in droughty soils of the derived savannah.

Effect of different weed control techniques on the leaf yield and nutritional qualities of Ocimum sanctum

AbstractOcimum sanctum is a leaf‐vegetable and spice crop with several nutritional, therapeutic, and curative properties. Economic losses due to weeds have posed a major challenge to farmers, who have adopted different techniques to manage weeds without regard to its effect on the crop's nutritional qualities. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of weed control techniques on weed eradication, leaf yield, and nutritional qualities of O. sanctum. Nine weed control techniques comprising black, red, and transparent polyethylene mulches, rice husk and sawdust mulches, daily removal of weed (DROW), hoe‐weeded, application of Haloxyfop post‐emergence herbicide spray (PEHS), and un‐weeded were investigated in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Significant variations in leaf‐yield and nutritional qualities among the different weed control techniques were recorded. Leaf yield was higher in plots treated with rice husk and black polyethylene mulches. Haloxyfop PEHS and transparent polyethylene mulch were superior in enhancing the proximate and vitamin contents of O. sanctum while black polyethylene and DROW were more efficient in weed control compared with the other weed control techniques. The use of polyethylene mulch as an effective weed management option offers numerous benefits for agriculture and gardening. Its ability to conserve moisture, suppress weed growth, and improve the crop microclimate, makes it a sustainable and cost‐effective option for farmers globally. Additionally, the use of herbicide to exploit plant biosynthetic pathways could lead to the unearthing of chemical innovations that could in addition to eradicating weed, also improve the nutritional qualities of crop.

Screening the Potential f Fungal Derived Bioherbicide in Weed Management

Synthetic herbicides have long been a cornerstone of modern agriculture, providing effective weed control but often at significant environmental and health costs. These chemicals can persist in the environment, leach into groundwater, and harm non-target organisms, including humans. Additionally, the overuse of synthetic herbicides has led to the development of herbicide-resistant weeds, further complicating weed management strategies. In response to these challenges, researchers and farmers alike are increasingly turning to bioherbicides derived from fungi as a sustainable alternative. Fungal bioherbicides harness the natural antagonistic properties of fungi to target weeds. Unlike synthetic herbicides, which are chemically synthesized and often broad-spectrum in action, fungal bioherbicides utilize either the fungi themselves as pathogens or their metabolites to disrupt weed growth. This approach offers several distinct advantages:Target Specificity: Fungal bioherbicides can be highly specific to certain weed species or even to specific stages of weed growth. This specificity reduces collateral damage to non-target plants and organisms, making them particularly suitable for environmentally sensitive areas such as organic farms, riparian zones, and protected ecosystems. Environmental Friendliness: Unlike synthetic herbicides that can persist in the environment and accumulate in soil and water bodies, fungal bioherbicides generally have lower persistence. They degrade more rapidly and often have minimal impact on non-target organisms, thereby preserving biodiversity and ecosystem health. Reduced Risk of Resistance: Synthetic herbicides often face the challenge of herbicide-resistant weeds, which evolve due to continuous and widespread use. Fungal bioherbicides, by contrast, pose a lower risk of resistance development. This is because they typically act through multiple modes of action or biochemical pathways within the weed, making it harder for weeds to develop resistance mechanisms. Research into fungal-derived bioherbicides is actively exploring and harnessing these advantages. Scientists are screening diverse fungal species to identify potent pathogens or metabolites that effectively inhibit weed growth. Moreover, advances in biotechnology and genetic engineering allow for the enhancement of fungal strains to optimize their bioherbicidal properties while ensuring safety and efficacy. One promising example is the use of fungal pathogens like Phomamacrostoma and Colletotrichum truncatum, which have demonstrated efficacy against various weed species including common agricultural weeds like velvetleaf and pigweed. These fungi infect weeds through mechanisms such as spore attachment, penetration of plant tissues, and secretion of phytotoxic metabolites that inhibit weed growth. In addition to their direct impact on weed management, fungal bioherbicides contribute to sustainable agricultural practices by reducing reliance on synthetic chemicals. They align with principles of integrated pest management (IPM) by offering a biological control method that complements cultural and mechanical weed control strategies. Moving forward, continued research and development efforts are essential to refine fungal bioherbicides, optimize application techniques, and expand their practical use in diverse agricultural settings. Challenges such as formulation stability, cost-effectiveness, and regulatory approvals also need to be addressed to facilitate widespread adoption by farmers.

Weed Competition and Performance of Sorghum and Groundnut Intercrop as Influenced by Row Orientation and Arrangement

Background: Intercropping and row arrangement represent a dynamic frontier of research and practical application, influencing resource allocation, weed competition and overall crop productivity in a modern agro ecosystem. This study aimed to investigate the impact of row orientation and arrangement on weed competition and crop performance within the Sudan savannah ecology of Nigeria during the 2018 rainy season. Methods: A field experiment was conducted at BUK (Latitude 11°58'N and Longitude 8°25'E) and Minjibir (Latitude 12.14590N and Longitude 0.866'4850E), utilizing two orientations (East-West and North-South) and seven sorghum: groundnut row arrangements (1:1, 1:2, 2:1, 2:2, 3:3, 2:4 and 4:2). A randomized complete block design with three replications was used, with simultaneous cultivation of SAMSORG 40 sorghum and SAMNUT 24 groundnut varieties. Result: The 2:1 row arrangement exhibited the lowest weed density (23.2 and 31.1 m-2) and dry weight (408.6 and 438.2 kg ha-1). East-West orientation reduced weed density by 24.5% at BUK and 20.8% at Minjibir. North-South row orientation significantly increased sorghum grain yield by 17.7% and reduced groundnut kernel yield by 9.37%. Higher sorghum yield (699.6 and 773. 7 Kg ha-1) was observed with 2:1 whereas the 1:2 arrangement yielded more groundnut kernels (329.2 and 338.1 kg ha-1). East-West orientation and the 2:1 row arrangement suppressed weed growth and recorded higher yields.

Optimizing bioherbicide application timing and plant spacing to manage weed growth in rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivation

Weed management is crucial for successful rice cultivation. Bioherbicides derived from cogon grass extract offer a promising solution for weed control. Additionally, optimizing plant spacing has been recognized as an effective method to suppress weed growth. Thus, this study aims to investigate the impact of cogon grass extract application timing and plant spacing on weed growth in rice cultivation. The study was conducted from October 2022 to February 2023 in the Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The study was 3 × 2 factorial and arranged in a randomized completely block design (RCBD). The first factor was the bioherbicide application timing: control (no application), three days before planting, and at the time of planting. The second factor was plant spacing: 15 × 15 and 25 × 25 cm. In total, there were six treatment combinations and three replications (replications as blocks). The research results indicated the application timing of bioherbicide did not significant effect on the growth of weed and rice, as well as the grain dry weight. Fimbristylis miliacea was obtained as the dominant weed species. Bioherbicide application at the time of planting could alter the composition of weed species compared to the control in plant spacing of 15 × 15 cm. Furthermore, the plant spacing of 25 × 25 cm resulted in higher grain and weed dry weight (19.40 g/clump and 45.00 g/0.25 m2) compared to 15 × 15 cm (12.92 g/clump and 23.04 g/0.25 m2). On the contrary, the grain dry weight per hectare was higher in 15 × 15 cm (5.74 t/ha) than in 25 × 25 cm (3.10 t/ha). The research findings indicate that closer plant spacing can suppress weed growth and increase the grain dry weight per hectare compared to wider plant spacing. We recommend that the use of cogon grass extract dosage needs to be increased above 50 L/ha.

Vermicompost: Significance and Benefits for Agriculture

Vermicomposting is defined as the process of biodegradation and stabilization of organic materials, facilitated by the collaborative efforts of earthworms and mesophilic microorganisms. The activity of earthworms in vermicomposting results in the production of nutrient-rich vermicompost. This organic amendment is abundant in macro and micronutrients, vitamins, growth hormones, as well as enzymes like proteases, amylases, lipase, cellulase, and chitinase. Additionally, vermicompost harbors a diverse community of immobilized microflora. Even after being excreted by the worms, the enzymes in vermicompost persist in their ability to decompose organic matter, facilitating continued breakdown and nutrient release. The utilization of vermicompost in agricultural production brings forth a multitude of beneficial effects. These include decreased water requirements for irrigation, reduced susceptibility to pest and termite attacks, suppression of weed growth, and enhanced seed germination rates, accelerated growth and development of seedlings, as well as increased yield of fruits per plant in vegetable crops and a higher number of seeds per year in cereal crops. These advantages highlight the positive impact of incorporating vermicompost into agricultural practices, fostering sustainable and productive farming systems. The combination of earthworms and vermicompost presents a valuable opportunity to enhance horticultural production in a sustainable manner, reducing reliance on agrochemical inputs. Despite the numerous benefits associated with vermicompost, its widespread implementation and adoption are still relatively limited. This review aims to raise awareness and promote the understanding of this valuable local soil amendment.

Nutrient Composition of Detoxified Oil Cake from Simarouba glauca

Vermicomposting is defined as the process of biodegradation and stabilization of organic materials, facilitated by the collaborative efforts of earthworms and mesophilic microorganisms. The activity of earthworms in vermicomposting results in the production of nutrient-rich vermicompost. This organic amendment is abundant in macro and micronutrients, vitamins, growth hormones, as well as enzymes like proteases, amylases, lipase, cellulase, and chitinase. Additionally, vermicompost harbors a diverse community of immobilized microflora. Even after being excreted by the worms, the enzymes in vermicompost persist in their ability to decompose organic matter, facilitating continued breakdown and nutrient release. The utilization of vermicompost in agricultural production brings forth a multitude of beneficial effects. These include decreased water requirements for irrigation, reduced susceptibility to pest and termite attacks, suppression of weed growth, and enhanced seed germination rates, accelerated growth and development of seedlings, as well as increased yield of fruits per plant in vegetable crops and a higher number of seeds per year in cereal crops. These advantages highlight the positive impact of incorporating vermicompost into agricultural practices, fostering sustainable and productive farming systems. The combination of earthworms and vermicompost presents a valuable opportunity to enhance horticultural production in a sustainable manner, reducing reliance on agrochemical inputs. Despite the numerous benefits associated with vermicompost, its widespread implementation and adoption are still relatively limited. This review aims to raise awareness and promote the understanding of this valuable local soil amendment.

Dynamics of weeds and main pests in different rice planting systems supplemented with biodecomposer

Biodecomposers are used as an alternative in pest and weed management by utilizing antagonistic microbes. This study aimed to identify the optimal treatment for suppressing weed growth and controlling the main rice pests, promoting environmentally friendly agricultural practices. Observations were made on three phases of rice growth on land that used biodecomposer and did not use biodecomposer. Weed sampling used a quadrant, which represents each treatment. All weeds were analyzed for density and summed dominance ratio. Pests were observed from the sweep net method. Pests were analyzed with the Shannon-Wiener diversity index (H’). Ten species of weeds are found; the most common and dominant was Cyperus difformis, while the least were Ipomoea aquatica and Ludwigia octovalvis. There were seven pest species; the most common was Nephothettix virescens, while the least was Valanga nigricornis. Using bio-decomposers combined with a two-row planting system was effective in suppressing the development of weeds and pests with a decreasing trend as the rice growing phase increases. Biodecomposers are environmentally friendly even though the process is slow, and have the potential to reduce weeds and pests.Keywords: biodecomposers, Jarwo 2:1, Tegel, trichoderma

Effects of different management practices on the growth and yield of corn

In Indonesia, corn is an important commodity that serves as the second source of carbohydrates after rice, whose productivity is influenced by management practices applied during cultivation. This research aimed to determine the effects of different management practices on the growth and yield of corn. This research was arranged in a single-factor Randomized Complete Block Design, with different agriculture management practices as treatments, consisting of TI1 = Best Practices (Drip Irrigation + Rice Husk + Mycorrhiza), TI2 = Farmers’ Practices (Furrow Irrigation) + Mycorrhiza, and TI3 = Farmers’ practices (Furrow Irrigation). The data observed were analyzed using Analysis of Variance and followed by the Post Hoc Tukey’s HSD at α= 5%. The results showed that the TI1 produced significantly higher plant height, stem diameter, leaf dry weight, weight of cob with cornhusk and kernel dry weight, and effectively suppressed weed growth compared to TI2 and TI3. TI1 produced a significantly higher number of leaves, root dry weight, and total dry weight compared to TI3, but not significantly different compared to TI2. TI1 produced not significantly different stem dry weight and harvest index compared to TI2 and TI3. The kernel dry weight per plant observed in TI1 was 157.63 g, which was 14.22% and 22.91% higher than in TI2 and TI3, respectively. Based on the coefficient correlation and path analysis, the number of leaves, plant height, and total dry weight should be considered as important plant growth variables to produce high kernel dry weight.

Vineyard microclimate alterations induced by black inter-row mulch through transcriptome reshaped the flavoromics of cabernet sauvignon grapes

BackgroundWeed control is essential for agricultural floor management in vineyards and the inter-row mulching is an eco-friendly practice to inhibit weed growth via filtering out photosynthetically active radiation. Besides weed suppression, inter-row mulching can influence grapevine growth and the accumulation of metabolites in grape berries. However, the complex interaction of multiple factors in the field challenges the understanding of molecular mechanisms on the regulated metabolites. In the current study, black geotextile inter-row mulch (M) was applied for two vintages (2016–2017) from anthesis to harvest. Metabolomics and transcriptomics analysis were conducted in two vintages, aiming to provide insights into metabolic and molecular responses of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes to M in a semi-arid climate.ResultsUpregulation of genes related to photosynthesis and heat shock proteins confirmed that M weakened the total light exposure and grapes suffered heat stress, resulting in lower sugar-acid ratio at harvest. Key genes responsible for enhancements in phenylalanine, glutamine, ornithine, arginine, and C6 alcohol concentrations, and the downward trend in ε-viniferin, anthocyanins, flavonols, terpenes, and norisoprenoids in M grapes were identified. In addition, several modules significantly correlated with the metabolic biomarkers through weighted correlation network analysis, and the potential key transcription factors regulating the above metabolites including VviGATA11, VviHSFA6B, and VviWRKY03 were also identified.ConclusionThis study provides a valuable overview of metabolic and transcriptomic responses of M grapes in semi-arid climates, which could facilitate understanding the complex regulatory network of metabolites in response to microclimate changes.

Utilization of the Neighborhood Design to Evaluate Suitable Pasture Crops and Their Density for Navua Sedge (Cyperus aromaticus) Management

Navua sedge (Cyperus aromaticus), a perennial plant native to Africa, poses a significant weed concern due to its capacity for seed and rhizome fragment dissemination. Infestations can diminish pasture carrying capacity, displacing desirable species. Despite the burgeoning interest in integrated weed management strategies, information regarding the efficacy of competitive interactions with other pasture species for Navua sedge management remains limited. A pot trial investigated the competitive abilities of 14 diverse broadleaf and grass pasture species. The results indicated a range of the reduction in Navua sedge dry biomass from 6% to 98% across these species. Subsequently, three broadleaf species—burgundy bean (Macroptilium bracteatum), cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), and lablab (Lablab purpureus), and three grass species—Gatton panic (Megathyrsus maximus), Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana), and signal grass (Urochloa decumbens) were chosen for a follow-up pot trial based on their superior dry biomass performance. These six species were planted at three varying densities (44, 88, and 176 plants/m2) surrounding a Navua sedge plant. Among the grass pasture species, Gatton panic and Rhodes grass exhibited high competitiveness, resulting in a minimum decrease of 86% and 99%, respectively, in Navua sedge dry biomass. Regarding the broadleaf species, lablab displayed the highest competitiveness, causing a minimum decrease of 99% in Navua sedge dry biomass. This study highlights the increasing efficacy of crop competition in suppressing weed growth and seed production, with the most significant suppression observed at a density of 176 plants/m2.

The influence of farm resources and management decisions on the severity of Striga infestation and maize productivity in western Kenya

AbstractThe control of Striga is of critical importance for smallholder farmers cultivating maize and other cereals in the western region of Kenya. Therefore, advanced knowledge and analysis is needed to understand farmers' resource endowment and decision making with regards to crop management, and the possible effect on Striga infestation and crop productivity. The overall objective of the study was to understand the role of resource endowment and allocation decisions on Striga infestation and maize productivity and offer effective and locally adapted options in western Kenya. The study used semi‐structured questionnaires, focus group discussions and resource flow mapping to identify farm resources and key management decisions that are critical in management of Striga on smallholder farms. Soil was sampled from fields of selected farms and taken to the laboratory for analysis including Striga seed counts. In the fields, Striga shoots counts, and maize yield were recorded. Socio‐economic variables such as land size, household income, labour availability, were used to construct a farm typology and assign farmers to different resource groups (RGs). Our results showed that household diversity leads to different land‐use patterns, resource‐use intensity and agricultural management practices which affect soil fertility and Striga infestation. Poor‐resourced farmers tend to be associated with poor crop and soil management which results in maize fields with low soil fertility and high level of Striga infestation. Soil organic carbon showed a strong negative association with Striga infestation. Improving soil fertility is, therefore, the central component of any integrated and sustainable Striga management approaches, and technological solutions to address Striga and soil fertility issues, and they must be tailored to the farm and field diversity. The inclusion of legumes is highly recommended either as rotation or intercropping depending on land availability. Where possible, farmers may use mulch from previous crop residues to suppress weed emergence and prevent flowering and seed setting. Hand weeding though tiresome, remains a low‐cost effective method to control Striga especially in areas where fields are small as in western Kenya.