Overexpression of the CYP81Q32-like gene in wheat (Triticum aestivum) reduces sensitivity to triketone herbicides.

Toxic myopathy in dairy goats caused by spontaneous ingestion of Senna obtusifolia.

The limited availability of novel herbicide chemistries for broadleaf weed control in high-value crops such as lettuce underscores the need to optimize the use of existing broad-spectrum herbicides. This study evaluated 13 lettuce accessions including three commercial cultivars, nine experimental breeding lines, and one PI for tolerance to 12 postemergence herbicides applied at labeled rates for other crops under greenhouse conditions. The primary objective was to identify genotypes exhibiting minimal phytotoxicity and consistent tolerance across herbicide treatments. Nonacetolactate synthase (non-ALS) inhibitor herbicides, including fomesafen (protoporphyrinogen oxidase inhibitor), glufosinate (glutamine synthetase inhibitor), glyphosate (enolpyruvyl shikimate phosphate synthetase inhibitor), linuron and prometryn (photosystem II inhibitors), and mesotrione and topramezone (hydroxyphenyl pyruvate dioxygenase inhibitors), caused severe injury (89%–100%) and significant biomass reduction (>20%) across all genotypes, indicating poor selectivity and limited utility in lettuce production. In contrast, ALS inhibitors flumetsulam, imazamox, imazapic, and imazethapyr (except for rimsulfuron) demonstrated comparatively better crop safety, although tolerance varied among genotypes. Flumetsulam caused the least injury (1%–29%) and maintained higher relative biomass (33%–98%) across most genotypes. A principal component analysis revealed distinct clustering of genotypes based on sensitivity profiles. Breeding lines 49017, 10221, H1098, and 60183 exhibited strong tolerance to flumetsulam and imazethapyr, while line 60150 showed tolerance to all imidazolinone herbicides and flumetsulam, indicating potential sources of multi-herbicide tolerance. Lines 10207 and 60182 were sensitive to all imidazolinone herbicides. A degree centrality network analysis using defined tolerance thresholds (injury ≤20%, biomass accumulation ≥80%) confirmed flumetsulam’s highest connectivity (normalized degree = 1.0), followed by imazethapyr (0.690), indicating their potential for selective use. These findings underscore the importance of genotype-specific herbicide selection and highlight opportunities to leverage genetic diversity to enhance herbicide tolerance in lettuce breeding. The results provide a foundation for future lettuce breeding programs to develop cultivars with improved compatibility to selective postemergence herbicides.

Classical biological weed control involves the identification of fungal and fungus-like species that are capable of infecting weeds without causing damage to related crop plant in agricultural areas. This study identified both fungal and fungus-like species on weeds, which were present in sunflower production areas in Tekirdağ and Kırklareli provinces in the Thrace region, Türkiye, and determined the incidence of diseases caused by these species. A total of 1,340 weed samples from various districts in Tekirdağ and Kırklareli provinces were examined. The results showed the presence of Albugo amaranthi, Peronospora variabilis, Alternaria alternata and Dichotomophthora lutea on the leaves of Amaranthus retroflexus, Chenopodium album, Lactuca serriola and Portulaca oleracea, respectively. Identification was based on cultural, morphological, and molecular characteristics of the species. The incidence of diseases varied between districts within the provinces. Downy mildew caused by P. variabilis had the highest incidence rate, followed by white rust caused by A. amaranthi. The presence of A. amaranthi on A. retroflexus is a new record, and L. serriola is a new host for A. alternata in Türkiye. Additionally, the occurrence of D. lutea on P. oleracea, which is present as a weed in sunflower fields, was demonstrated.

Phenylurea herbicides (PUHs) represent one of the most extensively used herbicide families in agriculture worldwide. While effective for weed control, their environmental persistence, bioaccumulation potential, and formation of toxic metabolites...

ABSTRACT Weed infestation limits soybean yield and profitability, necessitating effective and selective herbicides for sustainable production. Soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) is a key legume with high protein and oil content, playing an important role in global agriculture. In Pakistan, only non-GMO soybean is cultivated with limited herbicide options. This study, conducted over two growing seasons (2022–2023) at the Agronomic Research Farm, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, evaluated 16 treatments, including six pre-emergence and eight post-emergence herbicides, along with a control and weedy check. Results highlighted the importance of weed management in preventing substantial yield losses. Among pre-emergence herbicides, S-metolachlor + pendimethalin performed best, with a 91.21–95.65% weed control, a high herbicide efficiency (27.54–32.48%), and minimal crop injury (10% susceptibility index). Among post-emergence herbicides, fluazifop-p-butyl proved most effective, ensuring high weed control efficiency (89.73–92.36%), minimal crop damage (10% susceptibility index), and increased grain yield. In contrast, herbicides like S-metolachlor + atrazine + Mesotrione, Topramezone, Mesosulfuron-methyl + iodosulfuron-methyl sodium, and Mesotrione + atrazine caused complete plant mortality. This study identified S-metolachlor + pendimethalin (pre-emergence) and fluazifop-p-butyl (post-emergence) as the most effective herbicides for soybean, ensuring optimal weed control, minimal crop injury, and higher yield.

Weeds are a major constraint in maize cultivation, causing global yield losses that average about 37%, with studies reporting a range of 20% to 80% depending on weed pressure and management. Effective weed control is therefore critical, particularly during the vulnerable period between 4 to 7 weeks after sowing. This systematic review aims to evaluate and synthesize current approaches to Integrated Weed Management (IWM) in maize cultivation to support farmers, researchers, and agricultural specialists in identifying more sustainable and effective weed control strategies. Although various weed control methods exist, comprehensive comparison of their effectiveness, sustainability, and long-term implications for soil health and productivity in maize-based systems remain limited in the literature. A systematic search was conducted across major scientific databases including Google Scholar, Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed. Keywords such as “Integrated Weed Management,” “biological methods,” “chemical weed control,” “mechanical methods,” “cultural practices,” and “herbicide risks” were used to identify relevant studies. Articles were screened and selected based on relevance and methodological quality. The findings indicate that while chemical herbicides are widely used due to their efficiency and lower labor requirements, overreliance on them can lead to soil degradation, herbicide resistance, and environmental harm. In contrast, IWM approaches that integrate crop rotation, mechanical control, cover crops, bioherbicides, and precision agriculture techniques offer more sustainable outcomes. The review highlights the potential of herbicide-resistant maize cultivars and natural herbicides in reducing dependency on synthetic chemicals. Future research should focus on optimizing IWM combinations tailored to specific agroecological zones and improving the adoption of sustainable practices at the farm level.

ABSTRACT Agriculture is India's backbone. Many textile materials have been integrated into agricultural fields in recent years. Eco friendly sustainable textile innovations are the new evolution in the textile industry. It has several and obvious advantages, such as being biodegradable. Needle punching method was used to create a natural and bio-degradable non-woven mulch mat. This mulch mat can be used on various types of plants and trees, including ornamental, medicinal, and aromatics. In this study, mulch mats were made using two fibers Abutilon indicum and low melt polyester. Because agricultural mulches made from plant waste can biodegrade and integrate into the soil, they represent an environmentally friendly alternative. This mulch mat has been successfully investigated and analysed for air permeability, tearing strength, water absorbency, and biodegradability. The impact of the mulch mat on edaphic and productive parameters, including plant height and weed control was assessed. Plants with the mulch mat led to increases in plant height and decrease in weeds. Keywords: Mulch mat, Abutilon indicum, low melt polyester, weed control, water absorbency, biodegradable.

ABSTRACT Wheat yield in Pakistan is constrained by improper seed rates and weed interference. A two-year field trial (2020–2021) was conducted to determine the optimal seed rate and critical weed competition period for wheat. Treatments included three seed rates (37, 74, and 111 kg ha−1) with weed competition and weed-free periods up to 45, 60, and 75 days after sowing (DAS), along with full-season competition. The treatments were arranged in an RCBD in three replications. Results showed that a seed rate of 111 kg ha−1 with a weed-free period up to 75 DAS significantly reduced weed cover, density, and dry weight. It also enhanced plant height, productive tillers, grains per spike, 1000-grain weight, grain yield, biological yield, crop vigor, growth rate, leaf area index, test weight, and grain protein content of wheat. Weed-free up to 45 DAS resulted in better performance than the same duration of weed competition, showing that early-season weed control is important. The study confirms that the critical period for weed management may begin before 45 DAS and extend to around 75 DAS and recommends a seed rate of 111 kg ha−1 with at least 60 DAS weed-free period to maximize growth, yield, and quality of wheat.

ABSTRACT How much does weed biomass increase if one abstains weed control in a single year, and would that increase involve weed species that may be beneficial to pollinating insects? To answer these questions, data on weed biomass were analysed from untreated and chemically treated plots in nearly 2000 field experiments conducted in spring- and autumn-sown cereal crops in Sweden. About 50% of the weed biomass was of the 30 species classified as ‘pollinator friendly’ based on the amounts of pollen and/or nectar produced. Increases were slightly larger in autumn- than spring-sown crops. The increase in biomass varied somewhat geographically and due to soil type, while type of crop seemed less important. Most important for the increase was the overall abundance of weeds in a field. We conclude that applying a single-year no-treatment strategy would be most suited in fields with relatively low weed abundance. Considering the low cost, potential acreage covered and assumed biodiversity benefit, such a strategy might be a preferable environmental mitigation method. To further evaluate this potential mitigation methods, data on biodiversity and pollinator visits to weed flowers within arable fields would be welcome, as well as potential side effects, like weed control challenges in following years.

Analog electronics, i.e., circuits that process continuously varying signals, have quietly powered the backbone of agricultural automation long before the advent of modern digital technologies. Yet, the accelerating focus on digitalization, IoT, and AI in precision agriculture has largely overshadowed the enduring, indispensable role of analog components in sensing, signal conditioning, power conversion, and actuation. This paper provides a comprehensive state-of-the-art review of analog electronics applied to agricultural systems. It revisits historical milestones, from early electroculture and soil-moisture instrumentation to modern analog front-ends for biosensing and analog electronics for alternatives source of energy and weed control. Emphasis is placed on how analog electronics enable real-time, low-latency, and energy-efficient interfacing with the physical world, a necessity in farming contexts where ruggedness, simplicity, and autonomy prevail. By mapping the trajectory from electroculture experiments of the 18th-century to 21st-century transimpedance amplifiers, analog sensor nodes, and low-noise instrumentation amplifiers in agri-robots, this work argues that the true technological revolution in agriculture is not purely digital but lies in the symbiosis of analog physics and biological processes.

Weed stress remains a major limiting factor in cotton production, and glyphosate-tolerant varieties provide an effective solution for chemical weed control. However, achieving a balance between herbicide tolerance and agronomic physiological traits remains challenging. In this study, three hybrid combinations were generated by crossing a glyphosate-tolerant cotton line (GGK2) with conventional elite lines and were comprehensively evaluated. Gene expression analysis revealed that the classical detoxification gene GAT was significantly downregulated in all hybrid combinations, whereas the expression of GR79-EPSPS, a gene associated with glutathione metabolism and oxidative stress response, was markedly elevated, particularly in the GGK2 × Y4 combination. This differential expression pattern suggests that GR79-EPSPS may compensate for the reduced function of GAT by conferring oxidative protection under herbicide stress. Physiological determination indicated that hybrid combinations with enhanced GR79-EPSPS expression, especially GGK2 × Y5, exhibited superior photosynthetic pigment composition and photosystem II (PSII) efficiency, validating the role of GR79-EPSPS in maintaining photosynthetic stability. Agronomic trait assessment demonstrated that GGK2 × Y4 achieved significant biomass accumulation and yield improvement through heterosis, although fiber quality improvement was limited. This study effectively enhanced the herbicide resistance of conventional cotton through crossbreeding and revealed that the interaction between GR79-EPSPS and GAT can improve cotton tolerance to herbicides, thereby providing a breeding strategy for developing cotton varieties with both herbicide tolerance and superior agronomic traits.

The reliance on chemical weed control in No-Tillage (NT) rice systems often leads to ecological changes in weed community composition and raises concerns regarding crop safety. This research aimed to evaluate the dynamics of weed community shift (SDR) and assess crop tolerance following the sequential application of glyphosate (pre-plant) and a mixture of cyhalofop-butyl + ethoxysulfuron (post-emergence). The experiment was conducted from May to October 2025 at the Experimental Farm of Universitas Padjadjaran, using a Split-Plot Design with three replications. The results indicated a significant weed composition shift from a community dominated by broadleaves (Limnocharis flava and Salvinia molesta) before application to a grass-dominated community (Echinochloa crus-galli and Leptochloa chinensis) at 3 weeks after application (WAA). Regarding crop tolerance, transient phytotoxicity symptoms in the form of leaf chlorosis were observed at 1 WAA, particularly in the highest dose treatment (1.75 L/ha). However, the rice plants demonstrated a rapid physiological recovery mechanism, with symptoms disappearing completely by 3 WAA. This recovery was confirmed by the vegetative growth response, where the number of vegetative tillers showed no significant inhibition compared to the manual weeding control during the active tillering phase. These findings suggest that sequential application of these herbicides effectively manages the weed spectrum shift and remains agronomically safe due to the crop's high resilience.

In response to increasing environmental and anthropogenic pressures, adopting integrated and sustainable weed control strategies, including biological approaches, has become an important trend. For field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis L.), one of the most significant agricultural weeds in Europe, including Türkiye, the investigation of natural agents (insects and pathogens) that could be effective in biological control is anticipated to lead to more sustainable approaches in the future. For this purpose, the aim was to identify the natural agents from field bindweed in Hakkâri and its districts, a region with unique biodiversity. As a result of surveys conducted at different times during 2022 and 2023, 9 natural agents, including 3 insect and 6 pathogens, were identified feeding on the flowers, leaves, stems, and seeds of field bindweed. Among these species, the most promising for the biological control of field bindweed were identified as Alcidodes karelinii (Boheman, 1844) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), Hypocassida subferruginea Schrank, 1776 (Coleoptera:Chrysomelidae), Erysiphe convolvuli DC. and Alternaria alternata (Fr.) Keissl. Based on the distribution of natural agents in the region, A. alternata and E. convolvuli were found to be the most widespread species. In conclusion, the identification of potential monophagous or suitable polyphagous species for the biological control of field bindweed will shed light on future studies aimed at the biological control of field bindweed.

Soybean production in Indonesia remains insufficient to meet national demand, largely due to severe weed competition that limits crop access to light, nutrients, water, and growing space. These weeds cause significant yield losses and persist as a major constraint for farmers. Therefore, effective and environmentally safe weed control strategies, including oxyfluorfen-based herbicides, must be assessed to enhance soybean productivity. This study evaluated the effectiveness of 240 g/L oxyfluorfen in suppressing weeds in soybean cultivation and identified the optimal application dose. The experiment was conducted from 9 August to 30 November 2024 at the Karawang Research Farm, West Java, Indonesia under a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with seven treatments and four replications was used, consisting of five oxyfluorfen doses (1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 and 3.0 L/ha), manual weeding, and an untreated control. The results of the study showed that the oxyfluorfen herbicide 240 g/L at doses of 1.0–3.0 L/ha was able to control dominant weeds such as Amaranthus spinosus, Cleome rutidosperma, Cyperus rotundus, and Portulaca oleracea. There were also no symptoms of plant phytotoxicity. Herbicide application at a dose of 1.5 to 3.0 L/ha can produce optimal soybean plant height (60.69 cm). The use of doses of 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 L/ha also resulted in high dry seed weight per plot (1.75 kg, 1.82 kg, and 1.76 kg), which exceeded the results of manual weeding and controls, without causing signs of toxicity in soybean plants.

Glyphosate is widely used for weed control in coffee but can induce physiological alterations due to its lack of selectivity, and indirect spray drift can cause adverse effects, potentially increasing biological impacts upon exposure. In this study, we evaluated the attenuating effect of foliar-applied zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) on C. arabica var. Geisha seedlings exposed to simulated spray concentrations of glyphosate (3.6 and 17.9 g ae L−1). Exposure caused a marked reduction in chlorophyll content, stomatal conductance, and net photosynthesis, while simultaneously promoting an increase in H2O2, MDA, and proline accumulation, reflecting a pronounced redox imbalance and oxidative damage associated with the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In contrast, the application of ZnO NPs improved photosynthetic efficiency, increased chlorophyll content, stabilized stomatal aperture, and reduced H2O2 and MDA levels in both leaves and roots. Moreover, it enhanced nutrient accumulation, ensuring greater membrane integrity and more efficient ion transport systems under glyphosate exposure. Overall, the ZnO NPs exhibited a notable protective effect by reducing glyphosate-induced phytotoxicity and strengthening the physiological tolerance of C. arabica. These findings support their potential as a sustainable tool to protect coffee crops from glyphosate exposure.

Performance Evaluation of a Back-Mounted Weed Control Machine with Drip Irrigation for Fruit Trees

Background Cyperus esculentus a perennial sedge, has been cultivated since ancient times for its nutritious and versatile tubers, which are used in cooking, traditional medicine, and various industries. Despite its potential, the crop remains underutilized in Togo and is grown in limited areas. Moreover, there is a lack of information on its genetic diversity, cropping systems, uses, and the impact of climate change on its productivity; factors essential for effective breeding and sustainable cultivation. This study aimed to document and compare existing knowledge on the uses and production systems of tiger nuts, as well as tiger nut producers’ perceptions of climate change and its impact on tiger nut cultivation in two regions of Togo with contrasting climatic conditions.MethodsA total of 206 tiger nut producers from six ethnic groups were selected across 26 villages located in the Savanes region (Sudanian climate) and the Plateaux region (Guinean climate) were selected following the snowball method during a survey conducted from July to September 2023. Data on tiger nut uses, diversity, production systems, and producers’ perceptions of climate change and its impact on the species’ productivity were collected using participatory rural appraisal methods. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Fisher’s Exact Test to examine the relationship between region and sociodemographic factors, and multinomial logistic regression to identify which sociodemographic characteristics influence tiger nut growers’ perceptions of climate change and their views on its impact on production.ResultsA significant difference was observed in the gender distribution of tiger nut producers between the two regions. In the Savanes region, most producers were male (75%), whereas in the Plateaux region, most were female (84%). The area dedicated to tiger nut production also varied significantly between the regions. In the Savanes region, no more than 0.25 ha was allocated to the crop, whereas in the Plateaux region, 58% of producers dedicated more than 0.25 ha of their land to tiger nut cultivation. Seven distinct uses were identified: tuber consumption, commercialization, medicinal applications, soil fertilization, traditional beverage preparation, weed control, and livestock feeding. The last three were reported exclusively in the Savanes region. Eight major constraints were identified across the two regions. The most critical in the Plateaux region was harvesting difficulties, while in the Savanes region it was pest attacks. Regarding climate change, chi-square tests showed a significant association between climatic zones and farmers’ perceptions, as well as between regions and the reported effects of climate change on tiger nut cultivation (P < 0.001). Perceived climate change indicators included irregular rainfall, delayed onset of rains, drought spells, and early rainfall. Reported effects on the crop included reduced yields, abnormal growth patterns, premature yellowing of leaves, seedling desiccation, and small tubers.ConclusionThe ethno-ecological knowledge captured in this study provides a foundational resource for the sustainable management and conservation of tiger nut, and for the development of effective breeding strategies in Togo.

Aims: This study evaluated chemical and cultural weed management strategies for late-sown wheat in the Indo-Gangetic plains, quantifying effects on weed flora, crop growth, yield, nutrient dynamics, soil fertility, and economics. Study Design: Randomised Block Design. Place and Duration of Study: Study conducted at research farm of C.C.R. P.G. College Muzaffarnagar, during Rabi season (winter cropping season) of 2022-23. Methodology: Research was conducted on wheat variety DBW-90 with 12 treatments (combination of Chemical + Cultural) and 3 replications during Rabi 2022–23 at Muzaffarnagar, U.P. Results: The weed flora comprised predominantly Phalaris minor and Avena ludoviciana among grasses, with Chenopodium album, Anagallis arvensis and Melilotus indica among broadleaf weeds, with grassy weeds dominating across 30, 60, and 90 Days After Sowing (DAS). The pre-emergence Pyroxasulfone 127 g a.i. ha−1 followed by post-emergence Mesosulfuron-methyl + Iodosulfuron-methyl sodium 30+6 g a.i. ha−1 consistently minimized total weed density and dry matter, achieved the highest weed control efficiency at 60 and 90 DAS, and maximized wheat growth and yield attributes among herbicidal treatments. Conclusion: This regime enhanced NPK uptake by crop, reduced nutrient removal by weeds, improved post-harvest soil available NPK and organic carbon, and provided the highest net returns and B:C ratio among herbicidal options, making it the most effective and economical combination for late-sown wheat under the study conditions.

Cotton (Gossypium spp.), a major fiber crop, requires effective weed control to maintain optimal productivity. Glyphosate targets 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS), a key enzyme in aromatic amino acid biosynthesis; however, the structural mechanisms underlying its inhibition and resistance in plants remain poorly understood. Here, we present the 2.2 Å three-dimensional structure of glyphosate-sensitive GhEPSPS from cotton in its open conformation. A G178A variant showed markedly reduced glyphosate sensitivity, with an IC50 of 22.27 mM and a dissociation constant of 419 μM compared with 16.4 and 2.7 μM for the wild type. MD simulations revealed that G178A disrupts glyphosate binding, whereas the P183L and TIPS variants remain structurally stable and are unlikely to impair catalytic efficiency. High-throughput virtual screening further identified potential herbicidal chemotypes, and isothermal titration calorimetry confirmed that one of the top candidates, CHEMBL1383715, binds GhEPSPS with a Kd of 34.5 μM. These findings provide structural insights into glyphosate resistance and highlight CHEMBL1383715 as a promising scaffold for next-generation EPSPS-targeting herbicides.