Weed Infestation Research Articles

Impact of weed control methods and staking on the growth, yield, and weed response of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) in Kano, Sudan Savanna, Nigeria

Cucumber growing is becoming increasingly popular in Nigeria's Sudan savanna region due to its health benefits and minimal impact on the soil. However, weed infestation is a major challenge that can significantly reduce yields, by up to 45-95%. In view of this, two trials were conducted at the Teaching and Research farm of the Faculty of Agriculture and the net house of the Centre for Dryland Agriculture of the Bayero University Kano to examine the effects of weed control and staking on cucumbers during the 2021 dry season. The trial consisted of eight weed control treatments and two staking methods which were arranged in a split plot design with three replicates, with staking assigned to the main plot while weed control was assigned to the sub plots. The study analyzed data on growth and yield, using Genstat (17th edition) and significantly different means were separated using the Student Newman-Keuls Test (SNK) at a 5% level of probability. Results showed a higher composition of grass and broadleaf weeds in open fields compared to controlled net house environments. Weed Control Efficiency (WCE) was greater in weed-free plots, but Butachlor and metolachlor significantly outperformed other treatments, providing higher WCE. The herbicidal treated plots significantly resulted in longer days to 50% emergence than other treatments, while it also resulted in a shorter number of days to 50% flowering and fruiting than weedy check. The vine length, number of leaves, leaf area, and chlorophyll content were highly significant (p<0.01) in weed free, butachlor at 1.5 + Imazethapyr 1.5 kg a.i.ha-1 post emergence ( POE) and metolachlor at 1.5 + Imazethapyr 1.5 kg a.i.ha-1 POE. Similarly, yield and yield attributes followed the same pattern as obtained in growth components. Staking of vines on the other hand significantly resulted in greater growth and yield of cucumber. Based on these findings, farmers in the study area are advised to grow cucumber staked with the application of Butachlor at 1.5 + Imazethapyr 1.5 kg a.i.ha-1 POE and metolachlor at 1.5 + Imazethapyr 1.5 kg a.i.ha-1 POE for sustainable weed management.

Pemberdayaan Petani Padi Sawah dalam Meningkatan Efisiensi Usaha Tani dengan Pembuatan dan Aplikasi Herbisida Organik di Desa Botolempangan Kabupaten Maros

Botolempangan Village in Bontoa Sub-district is one of the centers of paddy rice production in Maros Regency, with characteristics of rain-fed paddy fields that have many obstacles to weed infestation, especially if the dry season is abandoned from rice farming activities, before being planted during the rainy season where farmers are very dependent on the use of herbicides. Dependence on the use of synthetic (inorganic) herbicides occurs from the pre-growth period of seeds, seedlings to the maintenance process. High costs result in considerable inefficiencies in rice farming. Training in technology transfer efforts to make Organic Herbicide Formulations, and their applications are carried out to increase the Empowerment and Efficiency of rice farming on Rainfed Rice Fields. With the efficiency target is to increase the profit of paddy rice farming, minimizing inorganic herbicide inputs. The output of this activity ultimately produces products that can be applied to at least reduce or reduce the use of inorganic herbicides. At the end of the activity, farmer business groups are able to produce and apply Organic Herbicide Formulations on Demoplots on Farmer-Owned Land.

The inclusion of cereal crops with maize and soyabean rotations impacts the morphology and phenology of Amaranthus tuberculatus

AbstractSimple crop rotations like maize and soyabean grown in succession often coincide with simple weed management tactics, resulting in weed infestations that are highly adapted to the conditions maintained for the selected crops. Amaranthus tuberculatus is a prominent weed species which possesses biological characteristics that allow it to persist in maize–soyabean rotations. Spring wheat and oats emerge earlier than A. tuberculatus and are grown in narrower rows than maize and soyabean, which may increase their competitive capability. A field study which measured morphological and phenological characteristics of three A. tuberculatus cohorts that emerged under fallow, maize, soyabean, spring wheat and oats was conducted to compare their competitive ability. Early emerged A. tuberculatus grew similarly in fallow, maize and soyabeans and grew to heights of >150 cm but was significantly reduced in spring wheat and oats, never exceeding 40 cm. Heights of the last emerged cohorts were more influenced by crop canopies never reaching 15 cm in spring wheat and oats compared to >70 cm in fallow. Early emerged A. tuberculatus canopy diameter and branches plant−1 were reduced by >80% in spring wheat and oats compared to fallow. Flowering was delayed in spring wheat and oats compared to fallow and seed production and biomass were reduced by 99% across cohorts. Growth suppression of A. tuberculatus, based on the findings, can be achieved under dense, competitive crop canopies such as in spring wheat and oats and these crops should be considered as additional crops in maize–soyabean rotations.

Integrated effects of crop rotation and different herbicide rates in maize (Zea mays L.) production in central Serbia

Successful maize (Zea mays L.) cultivation is largely reliable by weed interference. Among weeds, annual species are usually dominant, whereas less prevalent perennials can be challenging to control, too. Driven by profitability, maize is often cultivated continuously using the same management practices over time, resulting in increased weed infestations, particularly perennials. However, crop rotation might reduce the abundance of weed species, lower herbicide impact on the environment, delaying herbicide resistance occurrence in weeds and thus contribute to sustainable maize production,. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of continuous maize cropping (Maize-CC) and a three-crop rotation, maize–winter wheat–soybean (Maize-WW-S), in combination with three weed management treatments: 1) application of a pre-emergence herbicide mixture of acetochlor/S-metolachlor + isoxaflutole at the full label rate, 2) at ½ of full label rate, and 3) an the untreated control, over a 12-year period. The trial was initiated in 2009, and maize was grown in both cropping systems, Maize-CC and Maize-WW-S, in 2012, 2015, 2018, and in 2021. Total weed density, fresh biomass of all annual and perennial weed species and total dry biomass of all weed species was measured four weeks after herbicide application. Maize leaf area index (LAI) was measured at the anthesis, whereas grain yield was measured at the end of the growing cycle. Weed species diversity, number of individuals, weed fresh and dry biomass, were significantly lower with the combination of Maize-WW-S and the herbicide treatments. Grain yield was significantly and negatively correlated with the fresh weight of annual weeds in Maize-CC and was higher in both herbicide treatments, especially in Maize-WW-S. There was no significant difference between pre-emergence herbicide full labelled rate and ½ of the labelled rate in reducing the total fresh weed biomass in Maize-CC (66.3% and 65.9%, respectively) and Maize-WW-S (92.1% and 85.8%, respectively). Thus, the importance of the combined employment of rotation and chemical measures in maize production was confirmed and could be adopted for long-term weed management without compromising yields.

The Influence of Seeding Rates on Crop Infestation and Safflower Yield

Background: Safflower is an oil seed crop that can form seeds in extreme conditions, so it can be used as an alternative to sunflower because their growing technologies are similar. Weeds cause significant damage to the safflower crop. The safflower crop does not tolerate chemicals used to control weeds, so the study was devoted to alternative methods of weed control in its crops, namely the effect of seeding rates on weed infestation and seed yield. The goal is optimal seeding rate and its effect on weed infestation of safflower crops. Methods: The experimental site was laid out on the right bank of the Volga River, Kamyshinsky district, Volgograd region, in a dry steppe zone of chestnut soils with a hydrothermal coefficient of 0.6-0.4. Safflower seeds were sown with three seeding rates: 25, 30, 35 kg/ha in triplicate, with row spacing of 15 cm. The experimental results were presented graphically and processed by dispersion analysis. Result: The research results showed that in the area with a sowing rate of 35 kg/ha of viable seeds there was the least weed in the safflower crops, and the seed yield was higher than in other areas with lower sowing rates. Statistical analysis determined that the seeding rate has a 51.1% effect on safflower yield.

Сравнительная оценка урожайности зерновых культур в зависимости от лимитирующих факторов в условиях почвозащитного земледелия

Abstract. The aim of work – to identify the influence of limiting factors on increasing the yield of grain crops in crop rotations and soil fertility in a sloping landscape. The following methods were used during the study: field, Kosyrev, thermostatic-weight, ionometric, Machigin, Tyurin, quantitative, balance calculations of yield. Scientific novelty. For the first time, the yield of field crops in grain-steam crop rotations was estimated from the influence of meteorological conditions, moisture, mobile forms of nutrients, humus, seedlings and weed infestation in the arid conditions of the Orenburg Trans-Urals. Results. As a result of research (2021–2023), it was revealed that during the growing season (May-August), the average monthly air temperature (18.6 ℃) and the number of dry days (76) adversely affect (55.85 and 67.50 %) the yield (1.00 t/ha) of barley in the lower part of the slope. In the upper and middle parts of the slope, dry days (56.75 and 64.45 %) negatively affect the yield (1.44 and 1.20 t/ha) of barley. Precipitation in the form of rain (116 mm) during the growing season has a beneficial effect (53.05 %) on the yield (1.34 t/ha) of durum wheat in the middle part of the slope. Spring moisture reserves (152.1 mm) in a meter layer of soil have a positive effect (75.15 %) on the yield (1.30 t/ha) of soft wheat in the upper part of the slope. The increase in yield (1.45 t/ha) of durum wheat and (1.44 t/ha) of barley in the upper part of the slope is due to the influence of (72.30 and 56.05 %) phosphorus content (4.7 and 4.1 mg / 100 g) in the arable soil layer by the end of the growing season. In the middle and lower parts of the slope, the yield of soft wheat (1.20 and 1.10 t/ha) depends on the effect (65.50 and 54.01 %) of the residual content (4.7 and 4.4 mg / 100 g) of phosphorus. The use of agrotechnical soil protection techniques increases the yield of grain crops in crop rotations and soil fertility on the slope, especially on the upper part.

Insights into the effects of anilofos on direct-seeded rice production system through untargeted metabolomics

Weed infestation is the major biological threat in direct-seeded rice production and can cause significant yield losses. The effective use of herbicides is particularly important in direct-seeded rice production. Anilofos, a pre-emergence herbicide, has been shown to be effective against the weed barnyardgrass. However, its impacts on crop yield and the direct-seeded rice production ecosystem remain underexplored. In this study, we conducted field trials and used untargeted metabolomics to investigate systemic effects of two different treatments (40 g/acre and 60 g/acre) on rice shoot and root as well as the rhizosphere soil during the critical tillering stage. Here, a total of 400 metabolites were determined in the crop and soil, with differential metabolites primarily comprising lipids and lipid-like molecules as well as phenylpropanoids and polyketides. Spearman correlation network analysis and a Zi-Pi plot revealed 7 key differential metabolites with significant topological roles, including succinic acid semialdehyde and riboflavin. KEGG pathway analysis showed that anilofos downregulated the amino acid metabolism while mainly promoted carbohydrate metabolism and secondary metabolites biosynthesis of the crop, which made minimal disruption on soil metabolism. Notably, we found 40 g/acre anilofos application could significantly improve the rice yield, potentially linked to the improved activity of flavonoid biosynthesis and starch and sucrose metabolism. This research provides a comprehensive evaluation of anilofos effects in the direct-seeded rice production system, offering new insights into optimizing herbicide use to improve agricultural sustainability and productivity.

Influence of Sowing Techniques, Timing of Herbicide Application and on Weed Infestation and Yield of Rice in Southern Guinea Savannah of Nigeria

Field trial was conducted at the research field of National Cereals Research Institutes Badeggi experimental field, Niger state located at (latitude 9o041 02.05’’N and longitude 0.6o011 3.31’’E) and Bacita located at (latitude 9o1 16’N and longitude 5o59’E) both in the Southern Guinea Savannah Agro Ecological Zone of Nigeria during the wet season of 2021 and 2022. To determine the best combination of sowing techniques and time of herbicide application for optimizing rice yield while minimizing weed infestation and crop injury in the Southern Guinea Savannah of Nigeria. The experiment consists of five sowing methods (broadcasting dry, broadcasting wet, dibbling wet, dibbling dry, and transplanting) and two herbicide application timings (2 and 3 weeks after sowing) were tested in a factorial experiment. Data were collected on weed count before herbicide application, weed count at harvest and grain yield per hectare. The result indicated that the Transplanting technique of sowing significantly improved rice productivity in the study area at both seasons, less weed infestation at harvest was recorded with transplanted methods compared to other panting techniques, herbicide application at early growth stage of 2 weeks after sowing (2WAS) promote healthy crop growth and minimize weed competition

Cultivo de soja em área de arroz irrigado para reduzir a infestação de plantas daninhas

ABSTRACT Lowland rice in Santa Catarina (SC), Brazil, is grown as a sole crop, which has aggravated problems with weeds. In this context, the objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of weed management systems in soybean crops to decrease weed infestation in lowland rice production areas, using pre- and post-emergence herbicides. The experiment was conducted in Turvo, SC, from August 2021 to April 2022. A randomized block design with four replications was used, in a 6 × 5 factorial arrangement. The factors consisted of six pre-emergence herbicides treatments (S-metolachlor, diclosulam, sulfentrazone, sulfentrazone + diuron, pyroxasulfone + flumioxazin, and a control without herbicide), and five post-emergence herbicide treatments: control without herbicide, glyphosate at two rates (930 and 1,550 g a.e. ha-1), applied alone or in combination with clethodim. The herbicide sulfentrazone caused persistent phytotoxicity and resulted in the lowest soybean grain yield. The herbicide S-metolachlor was ineffective in controlling weed species, except barnyard grass, even when combined with post-emergence application. The poor control of these weed species does not result in significant interference, causing no significant decreases in grain yield of soybean crops grown in floodplain soils. The use of S-metolachlor, diclosulam, and pyroxasulfone + flumioxazin, combined with post-emergence application of glyphosate (930 g a.e. ha-1), resulted in highly effective control of barnyard grass, inhibiting weed seed production. Only the combination of glyphosate (1,550 g a.e. ha-1) with clethodim can suppress barnyard grass seed production without using pre-emergence herbicides.

Perception of Regarding Water Conservation Products and Identification of Problem Faced by Groundnut Farmers in Dhanera Taluka of Banaskantha District, Gujarat, India

Insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides are among the crop protection chemicals that are expected to drive the worldwide agrochemicals market, which is expected to reach USD 308.92 billion by 2025. Recent decades have seen a rise in agricultural activity in India as a result of the country's growing population and the need for more food supply. The Indian agrochemicals market was valued at around USD 6 billion in 2022. The study was conducted in Dhanera Taluka of Banas Kantha district, Gujarat, and examined five villages with 150 farmers, focusing on the groundnut crop, which has a significant need for insecticides and pesticides. The study aimed to achieve two objectives: to understand farmer perceptions regarding water conservation products, and to identify problems faced by groundnut farmers. The primary data was collected through semi-structured schedules, and secondary data was collected from different reliable sources. The majority of respondents were involved in both agriculture and livestock farming and had annual earnings between 5 and 10 lakhs. They primarily farmed during both Kharif and Rabi seasons. Key problems faced by groundnut farmers included high input costs, pest and weed infestations, labor shortages, water scarcity, and Sclerotium wilt.

Understanding the dynamics of Meloidogyne incognita infestation in pomegranate orchards of Himachal Pradesh, India (year 2018, 2019 and 2021) and its management strategies

This study investigates the prevalence and dynamics of pomegranate wilt disease induced by Meloidogyne incognita across the Kullu, Mandi and Solan districts of Himachal Pradesh (India), revealed notable spatial and temporal variations in nematode populations and galling severity across the regions. The highest average nematode infestation of 9.25 % was observed at Nauni with highest counts of average second-stage juvenile (J2) larvae (449 larvae per 100 cc of soil) followed by Hurla (Kullu) with 7.42 % infestation. Correlation analysis reveals a strong positive relationship between larval population and galling severity suggesting a potential link between nematode levels and plant damage. Common disease symptoms were leaf size reduction, yellowing and gradual decline of pomegranate plants, often observed in patches within orchards. Microscopic identification revealed distinctive pear-shaped body of mature females while J2 larvae displayed vermiform shapes and the associated species of M. incognita was confirmed through examination of the perineal pattern. Pathogenicity test reveals initiation of leaf yellowing symptom after 45 days of inoculation of larval suspension and root galling was observed after 60 days onward followed by plant decline under greenhouse conditions. Results from pot and field experiments demonstrated the efficacy of Fluopyram and Fluensulfone in reducing nematode populations and galling severity. Treatment with drenching of Fluopyram at the rate of 2 ml/L reduced 98.56 % larvae under field and 99.00 % larvae/100 cc soil under pot conditions. Statistical analysis (paired t-test and MANOVA) confirms significant differences in galling severity and larval population before and after drenching. The study also underscores the importance of weed management in disease mitigation as several weed species (Chenopodium album and Solanum nigrum) were identified as potential reservoirs for M. incognita in infested pomegranate plant basin. This investigation contributes to the advancement of management practices for pomegranate cultivation that addresses both nematode and weed infestations ultimately enhancing crop resilience and productivity.

Cluster Frontline Demonstration: An Effective Technology Dissemination Approach for Maximization of Productivity and Profitability of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Background: Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is a premier legume crop of Fabaceae family. It is also known as gram and Kabuli chana. It is one of the major rabi season pulse crop of the Ratlam district. The main objective of this study is the enhance production and productivity of chickpea through CFLDs with latest and specific technologies viz- large seeded high yielding varieties and resistance to fusarium wilt (RVG 202) chickpea variety under best package of practices. The major problem of ratlam district is productivity of chickpea is very low because of non-adoption of latest intervention by the farmer’s like use wilt resistant variety, imbalance use of plant nutrient, water stress at critical stage, infestation of weeds and incidence of pest. Methods: The present study was carried out by the Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Jaora, Ratlam District (M.P) during rabi season. Total 110 demonstration in farmer’s field of ratlam district during two years i.e., from rabi, 2020-21, rabi 2021-22 on integrated crop management (ICM). Front line demonstration on chickpea were organized five cluster of ratlam district. The demonstration intervention technology is improved variety (RVG-202), Optimum seed rate 80 kg/ha, properly seed treatment, crop nutrient management RDF as per STV, water management at critical stages, weed management and application of IDM module for the management of disease. Result: The results of study show a positive impact onfarming community due to the significant enhancement in crop yield greater than farmer. Results of the study revealed that the interventions increase demonstration field seed yield of chickpea by 30.76 and 32.71% over the farmers' field respectively, both the years. The average intervention technology gap (3.04 q/ha) extension gap 4.08 q/ha) and Technology index 15.22% suggested further improvement in the extension activities. The annual average benefit: cost ratio was higher (2.43 and 2.52) of the demonstrated plot compare to farmers plot (1.95 and 1.97), respectively. The similar trend was observed in terms of gross and net income returns which was demonstration plot is Rs 94589 Rs 67385 and under farmer's plot it was Rs 72783 and Rs. 49283 respectively.

Productivity and Profitability of Indian Mustard as affected by Integrated Weed Management

Background: Weed infestation is a primary cause of reduced yields, with estimated losses ranging from 10-70% due to crop-weed competition in Indian mustard. Therefore, it is essential to implement effective weed control measures to optimize the crop¢s yield potential. A combination of herbicides with manual, culturaland mechanical approaches is desirable to achieve optimal weed control. Therefore, a field experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of integrated weed management on the productivity and profitability of Indian mustard. Methods: The experiment was conducted at the Agronomy Main Research Farm, College of Agriculture, Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT), Bhubaneswar during rabi season of 2021-22 and 2022-23. It consisted of eight treatments in a randomized block design (RBD) with three replications. Result: Pendimethalin 0.75 kg ha-1 fb straw mulch 5 t ha-1 controlled the mixed flora of weeds which resulted in the lowest weed density, weed dry weight, weed index and highest weed control efficiency which resulted in the highest grain yield and stover yield of mustard. Pre-emergence application of pendimethalin 0.75 kg ha-1 fb straw mulch 5 t ha-1 registered the highest benefit-cost ratio.

The Effect of Climate on Strongly Disturbed Vegetation of Bait Sites in a Central European Lower Montane Zone, Hungary

Human landscape-transforming activities contribute to the global change in vegetation in different forms. Hunting is one of the most ancient human landscape-shaping activities. Feeders for hunting are particularly disruptive to vegetation. In the present study, we conducted a vegetation survey in these highly disturbed places. We investigated the vegetation dynamics over several years in the turkey oak–sessile oak zone, in two areas with different moisture and shade conditions (forest and clearing). Important background factors are the changes in precipitation and temperature. Our results confirm that weed infestation is detectable at bait sites over a long period. The seasonal changes in field weed vegetation, as well as the increase in the number and coverage of weed species at the end of summer, resulting from lifestyle characteristics, were generally detectable in all years and locations, especially in the case of open and more strongly degraded clearings. Meteorological factors played a role in the degree of weed infestation in each year. Degradation was more significant in drought years, while regeneration was also observed in wetter periods. At baits located in the clearing, we showed a positive correlation between the amount of summer precipitation and the total coverage of weed species, as well as between the average spring temperature and the coverage of certain weed species. With the drying of the climate, the disturbed areas are constantly losing their natural value, but wetter weather is not an automatic solution either. Considering that there are approx. 30,000 bait sites in the country, and they are used regularly and very intensively, they can serve as major infection hotspots for alien species in a network.

PRELIMINARY RESULTS REGARDING THE EFFECTS OF GREEN MANURES ON WHEAT CULTIVATION ON THE ACIDIC SOILS OF THE NORTH-WEST REGION OF ROMANIA

This study addressed the burgeoning interest in ecological agriculture, emphasizing sustainable and regenerative practices. Among these, the utilization of green manures emerged as pivotal for enhancing soil health and augmenting the yield of nutritionally dense crops. Five plant species (triticale, peas, soybeans, sunflower, and rapeseed) were selected for incorporation, sown during the summer, and subsequently integrated into the soil while still in their vegetative phase, preceding the optimal sowing window for wheat. The experiment encompassed three repetitions for the principal crop, of wheat implemented through split-plot design. Each repetition comprised both a fertilized and an unfertilized plot, further sub-divided, with certain segments receiving fungicidal treatment and others left untreated. The experimental setup was situated on an albic luvisol, exhibiting humus content ranging from 1% to 1.8% in the plow layer, coupled with an acidic pH range of 4.2 to 5.3. The trial site was located within the experimental fields of the Plant Protection Laboratory at the Livada Agricultural Research and Development Station, Satu Mare County. The primary aim of this experiment was to evaluate the influence of green manures, including their synergistic interplay with chemical fertilizers (calcium ammonium nitrate 27% N), on wheat. Evaluative parameters encompassed yield metrics, weed infestation levels, disease and pest resistance, along with the quality attributes of the principal crops. Ultimately, the study sought to furnish a encompassing comprehension of the advantages conferred by this regenerative agricultural practice, within the contemporary framework of ecological and agronomic imperatives. In conclusion, the inaugural year of experimenting with green manures did not yield an immediate augmentation in crop yield. However, it became evident that additional fertilization was required to fully harness the benefits of green manures. Encouragingly, the data spotlighted a propitious finding—green manures bolstered the disease resistance of wheat, implying enduring advantages for crop health. Furthermore, the adoption of rapeseed and peas as green manure crops, demonstrated a noteworthy reduction in weeding, affording an economical and pragmatic edge for sustainable agricultural practices. Additionally, when amalgamated with chemical fertilizers, the interaction with green manures evinced an augmented production capacity, underscoring the potential for a synergistic strategy in maximizing crop output. These revelations highlight the significance of a holistic and integrated approach to agricultural methodologies, underscoring the value of amalgamating green manures with judicious fertilization strategies. As we persist in our exploration and refinement of these techniques, the potential for enhancing both productivity and sustainability in our agricultural systems remains considerable, ultimately contributing to a more resilient and efficient food production process.

Five years of conservation tillage and weed management in a rice-chickpea rotation of northern Gangetic Plains of India: Weed growth, yield benefits and economic profitability

Cropping system diversification of cereal-cereal systems with alternative systems preferably with pulses/legumes is demand of time across the globe for sustenance of natural resources and climate resilience. Rice-chickpea has been advocated as a futuristic cropping system in rice ecologies of South Asia for diversification of dominating rice-wheat system. However, the long-term sustainability of this system with respect to weed severity/growth, crop/system productivity, profitability, and yield stability under variable tillage, crop residues, and weed management practices has not been studied elaborately. Hence, present study was undertaken for five consecutive years in split-plot design with four tillage and residue management practices in main plot (conventional and zero tillage with and without residues), and three weed control practices (pre + post emergence herbicides and manual weeding) in sub-plot. Conservation tillage system comprising zero-tilled (ZT) direct seeded rice (ZTDSR) - ZT chickpea with rice residue retention (ZTDSR-ZTC+RR) led to the lower weed density in chickpea (by 10 %) and system (by 7 %) than conventional-tilled (CT) puddled transplanted rice - CT chickpea without residues (PTR-CTC-R; farmer practice). Among weed management practices, pendimethalin 1 kg a.i. ha−1 – metsulfuron-methyl + chlorimuron ethyl (ready-mix) 4 g a.i. ha−1 in rice and oxyfluorfen 150 g a.i. ha−1 – propaquizafop 100 g a.i. ha−1 in chickpea decreased the weed density in system by 14–22 % (p < 0.05) than pendimethalin + one hand weeding. The best weed management practice (pendimethalin – metsulfuron-methyl + chlorimuron ethyl) had significantly total weed density rice (by 7 %) and system (by 10 %) than current recommendation of the Indo-Gangetic Plains region (pendimethalin - bispyribac-sodium). It suggested that rotation of bispyribac-sodium with metsulfuron-methyl+chlorimuron ethyl (mixture herbicide) could reduce weed density and increase yield over time. Mean of five years indicated a non-significant yield difference among conservation and conventional tillage systems in rice. However, conservation tillage practice (ZTDSR-ZTC+RR) had 10 % higher chickpea yield and 4 % higher system yield (five years mean) over the PTR-CTC-R (p < 0.05). Further, conservation tillage comprising ZT in both crops in system with added residues (ZTDSR-ZTC+RR) resulted in an economic benefit of INR 22,000 than the conventional tillage in both crops without residues (PTR-CTC-R). Moreover, five years sustainable yield index was 16 % higher in ZTDSR-ZTC+RR system than conventional-tilled rice-chickpea system. Thus, conservation tillage with suitable pre- + post- emergence herbicides such as pendimethalin – metsulfuron-methyl + chlorimuron ethyl in rice and oxyfluorfen – propaquizafop in chickpea can reduce the weed density and enhance the crop and system productivity over time than conventional tillage. This system can also sustain the yields of component crops and system in long-run with higher yield stability over conventional tillage without residues. This system can be adopted in the cereal-cereal based cropping system of rice ecologies to diversify the system and to reverse the weed infestation and yield decline.

Witch Weeds (Striga spp.) Dissemination and Infestation in Ethiopian: Review Article

The endemic parasitic witch weeds (Striga spp.), which are found throughout sub-Saharan Africa, including Ethiopia, are progressively expanding their geographic range and degree of infection, which is significantly decreasing crop productivity. They are currently regarded as a widespread blight. The fight for economic expansion and food security is weakened by the Striga issue. Countries where Striga was only beginning to spread 25 years ago are now seeing significant annual losses in agricultural productivity. The projected yearly loss of sorghum in SSA due to Striga is 22–27%, and in Ethiopia, it is 25%. In SSA, Striga causes an annual loss of \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\$7 billion in grains, of which \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\$75 million is Ethiopia&amp;apos;s portion. A significant biotic limitation and substantial danger to the production of food for subsistence in Ethiopia is Striga. The predominant species is Striga hermonthica, which is most severe in severely degraded regions of the country&amp;apos;s north, northwest, and east, including Tigray, Wollo, Gonder, Gojjem, North Shewa, and Eastern Hararghe. Because of its wide geographic distribution and devastating effects on millions of people&amp;apos;s livelihoods, Striga is quickly growing into a pandemic of significant proportions in the nation. Diverse sorghum germplasm may be found in Ethiopia, where there is also a chance to create Striga-resistant cultivars.

A Review on Nano Herbicides: The Future of Weed Management

Weeds pose significant challenges to global agricultural productivity, with India alone experiencing annual losses of $11 billion due to weed infestations, despite the extensive use of herbicides. The drawbacks of conventional herbicide formulations contribute to their suboptimal performance. Rotating herbicides and use of appropriate mixtures are two key approaches to suppress the weed floral shift and resistance development to herbicide in weeds. Doubts persist regarding the effectiveness of these herbicides, prompting the exploration of more efficient control methods. Using lower amounts of herbicides is preferred because it decreases the lasting impact of herbicide residues in agricultural regions and their environmental toxicity. Nano herbicides can facilitate the efficient transport of herbicides to weed plants, thereby minimizing the buildup of residues in the soil. Nanotechnology emerges as a promising avenue for herbicide development, offering 'Smart herbicides' with heightened effectiveness and reduced application volumes. Nano herbicides employ innovative mechanisms, effectively depleting weed seed banks, degrading germination inhibitors, and facilitating gradual herbicide release. Techniques like damaging weed pollen grains and utilising carbon nanotubes demonstrate inventive approaches to seed bank depletion. Controlled release formulations ensure prolonged and efficient weed suppression while minimising environmental impact. Moreover, incorporating metal ions accelerates herbicide residue degradation, mitigating environmental persistence. Enhanced plant growth with nano herbicide application emphasizes their potential as sustainable weed control solutions. However, further research is essential to ensure their safety and efficacy before widespread adoption in commercial agriculture, addressing potential risks associated with their application. Introducing nano herbicides signifies a significant advancement in sustainable weed management practices, promising a future where agricultural productivity can be safeguarded against weed infestations.

Засоренность посевов и урожайность сои в зависимости от способов обработки почвы, посева и защиты от сорных растений

The primary soil treatment along with herbicide application plays an important role in decreasing weed number in soybean sowings as this crop is differed with slow growth and is not competitive with weeds in the initial phase of development. The purpose of the research is improvement of soybean cultivation tech-nology through increasing of the efficiency of main technological methods (primary soil treatment, sowing method, and chemical ways of weeds control) on leached black soil of the Western Ciscaucasia that will promote high yield of seeds. The research was conducted in 2020–2022. The experiment scheme includes two sowing methods: wide-row (70 cm inter-row spacing) and common row (15 cm interrow spac-ing); three methods of the primary soil treatment: moldboard (25–27 cm), subsurface (25–27 cm), and surface (12–14 cm) ploughing; three herbicide applications in a phase of 1–3 true leaves: Concept, OD (1.0 l/ha), tank mixtures Geyzer, CCS (2.0 l/ha), Tan-to, CCS (0.75 l/ha), Harmony, DFS (7.0 g/ha), Ba-zagran, WS (3.0 l/ha), and Shogun, EC (1.0 l/ha) (standard). The highest weed infestation of soybean sowings was stated in variants with subsurface and surface soil treatments. The application of Concept and the tank mixture of Harmony, Bazagran, and Shogun was very effective – to 87.7% and 88.3%, respectively. The highest yield (2.57–2.68 t/hа) was obtained in variants with subsurface and surface soil treatments in common row sowing at the application of a herbicide Concept and a tank mixture of Har-mony, Bazagran, Shogun.

Remote Coastal Weed Infestation Management Using Bayesian Networks

The increasing prevalence of species that are detrimental to biodiversity is a major concern, particularly for managers of national parks. To develop effective programmes for controlling weeds, it is essential to have a thorough understanding of the extent and severity of infestations, as well as the contributing factors such as temperature, rainfall, and disturbance. Predicting these factors on a regional scale requires models that can incorporate a wide range of variables in a quantifiable manner, while also assisting with on-ground operations. In this study, we present two Bayesian Network models specifically designed for six significant weed species found along the southern coast of Australia. Our models are based on empirical data collected during a coastal weed survey conducted in 2015 and repeated in 2016. We applied these models to the coastal national parks in the isolated and pristine East Gippsland region. Importantly, the prediction models were developed at two different spatial scales that directly corresponded to the scale of the observations. Our findings indicate that coastal habitats, with their vulnerable environments and prevalence of open dune systems, are particularly susceptible to weed infestations. Moreover, adjacent regions also have the potential for colonization if these infestations are not effectively controlled. Climate-related factors play a role in moderating the potential for colonization, which is a significant concern for weed control efforts in the context of global climate change.