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11 pages, 871 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Various Nitrogen Regimes on the Ability of Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) to Suppress Littleseed Canarygrass (Phalaris minor Retz.)

by Gaofeng Xu, Shicai Shen, Yun Zhang, David Roy Clements, Shaosong Yang, Lina Wen, Fudou Zhang and Liyao Dong

Agronomy 2022, 12(3), 713; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12030713 - 16 Mar 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1767

Abstract

Using crops to control invasive weeds is an important approach for the long-term management of invasive species in agroecosystems. Nitrogen application can improve the yield and quality of crops, but may shift interactions of invasive weeds and crops, potentially affecting grass control ability. [...] Read more.

Using crops to control invasive weeds is an important approach for the long-term management of invasive species in agroecosystems. Nitrogen application can improve the yield and quality of crops, but may shift interactions of invasive weeds and crops, potentially affecting grass control ability. To explore the yield of a crop and its control efficacy of invasive weed under different nitrogen conditions, we studied the competitive effects of the high-value crop rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) on growth and photosynthetic characteristics of invasive species littleseed canarygrass in the field experiments. The results showed that the rapeseed yield and its control efficacy on littleseed canarygrass were significantly affected (p < 0.05) under different N regimes, and the control efficacy of littleseed canarygrass by rapeseed increased first and then decreased with the increase of basal nitrogen rates, while increasing topdressing N rates increased control efficacy of littleseed canarygrass by rapeseed. In fact, yield and weed control efficacy of rapeseed was most ideal when both basal and topdressing N was 90 kg·ha⁻¹. We also found that N significantly impacted the competitive ability of rapeseed toward littleseed canarygrass, and rapeseed had the highest competitive ability when both basal and topdressing N was 90 kg·ha⁻¹. With the increase of basal nitrogen rates, competitive balance index (CB) of rapeseed increased initially but decreased beyond an optimal level. CB continually increased with increasing topdressing N rates. Our research also showed level and period of N application had a significant effect (p < 0.01) on the photosynthetic rate (Pn) and chlorophyll content (Chl) of both rapeseed and littleseed canarygrass. Under the same N application regime, the Pn and Chl of littleseed canarygrass were higher than that of rapeseed in December, while the Pn and Chl of rapeseed was higher than that of littleseed canarygrass in February. Our study indicated that photosynthetic characteristics of rapeseed and littleseed canarygrass in different growth stages differ in their sensitivity to N regimes, creating a dynamic competitive relationship. Together, our results demonstrated that optimal application of fertilizer N could help rapeseed produce higher yields and greater weed control efficacy, suggesting that future modeling or experimental studies on utilizing crops to control invasive weeds should carefully consider both timing and placement of N. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Weed Management Approaches and Decision Support Systems)

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13 pages, 2060 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Wheat Density Alters but Does Not Repress the Expression of a Fluroxypyr-Resistant Kochia (Bassia scoparia) Phenotype

by Charles M. Geddes and Michael T. Kimmins

Agronomy 2021, 11(11), 2160; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11112160 - 27 Oct 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2066

Abstract

Dose-response experiments for confirmation of herbicide-resistant weeds are almost always conducted using weed monocultures, thereby ignoring the interaction of interspecific plant interference with herbicide efficacy. Controlled-environment dose-response bioassays were conducted using three kochia [Bassia scoparia (L.) A.J. Scott] populations with four spring [...] Read more.

Dose-response experiments for confirmation of herbicide-resistant weeds are almost always conducted using weed monocultures, thereby ignoring the interaction of interspecific plant interference with herbicide efficacy. Controlled-environment dose-response bioassays were conducted using three kochia [Bassia scoparia (L.) A.J. Scott] populations with four spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) densities (0, 200, 400, and 600 plants m⁻²) to determine how increasing intensity of interspecific plant interference altered the fluroxypyr dose-response relationship of resistant and susceptible kochia. The resistant population exhibited 10.8-, 15.0-, 7.0-, and 8.1-fold resistance to fluroxypyr in the absence of crop interference based on plant survival, biomass fresh weight, and visible control at two and four weeks after application, respectively. Increased wheat densities suppressed fluroxypyr-resistant kochia the greatest, resulting in a linear reduction in the fluroxypyr rate causing 50% plant mortality (LD₅₀) and visible control (ED₅₀) for the resistant but not the susceptible populations. This reduced the expression of fluroxypyr resistance based on kochia plant survival (from 10.8- to 4.3-fold resistance) and visible control (from 8.1- to 4.6-fold resistance) as wheat density increased from 0 to 600 plants m⁻². Therefore, enhanced interspecific plant interference caused by increased wheat densities altered but did not repress the expression of fluroxypyr resistance in kochia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Weed Management Approaches and Decision Support Systems)

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10 pages, 244 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The Impact of Ensiling at Different Moisture Contents on Germinability and Viability of Selected Weed Species’ Seeds

by John W. Piltz, Kristy L. Bailes, Suzanne P. Boschma and Leslie A. Weston

Agronomy 2021, 11(8), 1639; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11081639 - 17 Aug 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2203

Abstract

Weeds are an increasingly significant issue inhibiting agricultural production worldwide. Forage conservation could form part of an integrated weed management program if ensiling killed weed seeds. In Experiment 1, seeds of five grass (Hordeum spp., Bromus diandrus, Bromus hordeaceum, Lolium [...] Read more.

Weeds are an increasingly significant issue inhibiting agricultural production worldwide. Forage conservation could form part of an integrated weed management program if ensiling killed weed seeds. In Experiment 1, seeds of five grass (Hordeum spp., Bromus diandrus, Bromus hordeaceum, Lolium rigidum and Vulpia spp.) and two broad-leaved temperate weed species (Echium spp. and Raphanus raphanistrum), that were either untreated, ensiled in pasture (Trifolium subterranean/Lolium rigidum mixture) forage for a minimum of three months, underwent 48 h in sacco digestion in steers or ensiled prior to digestion were tested for germinability and viability. In Experiment 2, seeds of eight tropical weed species (Cenchrus ciliaris, Rumex spp., Bidens pilosa, Sorghum halepense, Urochloa panicaoides, Paspalum dilatatum, Brachiara eruciformis and Choris truncata) were ensiled in Sorghum bicolor forage. In Experiment 3, L. rigidum and R. raphanistrum seeds were ensiled in either Medicago sativa forage wilted to 336.9, 506.5 or 610.7 g/kg dry matter; or in chaff to which water or water plus acid was added at rates to achieve 350, 450 or 550 g/kg dry matter content with lactic plus acetic acid added in the ratio of 3:2 at 80, 45 or 10 g/kg DM, respectively. In Experiment 4, L. rigidum and R. raphanistrum seeds were ensiled in cotton wool to which water or water plus acid was added at the same rates as in Experiment 3. Germinability of all seeds following ensiling was substantially reduced or nil. The extent of the reduction varied with species and experiment. In sacco digestion reduced germinability in Experiment 1, but to a lesser extent than ensiling; while ensiling plus digestion reduced germination rates to 0%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Weed Management Approaches and Decision Support Systems)

16 pages, 1044 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Irrigation Timing as a Practice of Effective Weed Management in Established Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) Crop

by Panagiotis Kanatas, Ioannis Gazoulis and Ilias Travlos

Agronomy 2021, 11(3), 550; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11030550 - 14 Mar 2021

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3090

Abstract

Irrigation is an agronomic practice of major importance in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L), especially in the semiarid environments of Southern Europe. Field experimentation was conducted in Western Greece (2016–2018) to evaluate the effects of irrigation timing on weed presence, alfalfa yield performance, [...] Read more.

Irrigation is an agronomic practice of major importance in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L), especially in the semiarid environments of Southern Europe. Field experimentation was conducted in Western Greece (2016–2018) to evaluate the effects of irrigation timing on weed presence, alfalfa yield performance, and forage quality. In a randomized complete block design (four replications), two cultivars (“Ypati 84” and “Hyliki”) were the main plots, while three irrigation timings were the subplots (split-plot). The irrigation timings were IT-1, IT-2, and IT-3, denoting irrigation 1 week before harvest, 1 week after harvest, and 2 weeks after harvest, respectively. IT-1 reduced Solanum nigrum L. density by 54% and 79% as compared to IT-3 and IT-2, respectively. Chenopodium album L. density was the highest under IT-2. IT-3 resulted in 41% lower Amaranthus retroflexus L. density in comparison to IT-2, while the lowest values were observed under IT-1. Stand density and stems·plant⁻¹ varied between years (p ≤ 0.05). Mass·stem⁻¹ and alfalfa forage yield were affected by the irrigation timings (p ≤ 0.001). Total weed density and forage yield were negatively correlated in both the second (R² = 87.013%) and the fourth (R² = 82.691%) harvests. IT-1 and IT-3 increased forage yield, leaf per stem ratio, and crude protein as compared to IT-2. Further research is required to utilize the use of cultural practices for weed management in perennial forages under different soil and climatic conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Weed Management Approaches and Decision Support Systems)

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18 pages, 4227 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimisation of Weed Control in Organic Processing Spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.): Impacts of Cultivar, Seeding Rate, Plant Spacing and Integrated Weed Management Strategy

by Benny De Cauwer, Lieven Delanote, Michaël Devos, Sander De Ryck and Dirk Reheul

Agronomy 2021, 11(1), 53; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11010053 - 29 Dec 2020

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3599

Abstract

Weed control in organic spinach for the processing market is challenging because of the low tolerance of weed contamination in the harvested produce and the limited physical weeding options. Optimisation of weed control systems is therefore urgently needed. Three field experiments with autumn [...] Read more.

Weed control in organic spinach for the processing market is challenging because of the low tolerance of weed contamination in the harvested produce and the limited physical weeding options. Optimisation of weed control systems is therefore urgently needed. Three field experiments with autumn spinach were carried out in organic fields to evaluate the impact of cultivar choice, seeding rate (300 and 400 seeds m⁻²), plant spacing management (10.5-cm-wide single rows and 21-cm-wide single or twin rows) and integrated weed management strategy (combinations of pre-sowing, pre-emergence and post-emergence tactics) on weed biomass and spinach yield and quality. Spinach cultivars with a planophile growth habit and a high growth rate were more weed suppressive than the cultivar with an erectophile growth habit and a slower growth rate. Spinach density was significantly negatively correlated with weed biomass and weed biomass fraction in the harvested produce, but significantly positively correlated with (marketable) spinach biomass and petiole fraction in the harvested produce. Narrow row spacing systems with post-emergence broadcast harrowing had the lowest weed biomass and weed biomass fraction but also the lowest (marketable) spinach biomass as a result of the thinning action of harrowing. Post-emergence harrowing is of key importance for reducing weed biomass in any integrated weed control strategy. Weediness was lowest in systems comprising flaming on false seedbed or in pre-emergence followed by post-emergence harrowing. To mitigate the risk of crop failure, the field should preferably be cropped with quickly growing spinach plants arranged in narrow spaced rows at high plant density and weeded by pre-sowing or pre-emergence flaming followed by post-emergence harrowing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Weed Management Approaches and Decision Support Systems)

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11 pages, 2517 KiB

Open AccessArticle

First Report of Glyphosate-Resistant Biotype of Eleusine Indica (L.) Gaertn. in Europe

by Donato Loddo, Gaetano Imperatore, Andrea Milani, Silvia Panozzo, Silvia Farinati, Maurizio Sattin and Giuseppe Zanin

Agronomy 2020, 10(11), 1692; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10111692 - 31 Oct 2020

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3860

Abstract

Glyphosate-resistant biotypes of Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn. have been detected in Asia, the Americas but not in Europe. The aim of this study was to evaluate resistance levels and possible target site resistance mechanisms of an E. indica biotype (19-1) collected from a [...] Read more.

Glyphosate-resistant biotypes of Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn. have been detected in Asia, the Americas but not in Europe. The aim of this study was to evaluate resistance levels and possible target site resistance mechanisms of an E. indica biotype (19-1) collected from a plant nursery in Southern Italy where poor glyphosate efficacy was reported. Two dose-response experiments were conducted to evaluate the sensitivity of biotype 19-1 to glyphosate in comparison with two susceptible checks. 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS) sequencing was performed to identify possible mutations conferring the resistance. The susceptible biotypes were completely controlled at the glyphosate recommended field dose of 360 g ae ha⁻¹, while 50% of the plants of biotype 19-1 survived at 1440 g ae ha⁻¹. The resistance index of biotype 19-1 ranged between 5.8 and 7.3 for the response variables of fresh weight reduction and plant survival, respectively. All the plants surviving glyphosate application and sampled for DNA analyses had the point mutation P106A. The biotype 19-1 can be confirmed as glyphosate-resistant, representing the first glyphosate-resistant population of E. indica in Europe. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Weed Management Approaches and Decision Support Systems)

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13 pages, 283 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The Herbicidal Potential of Different Pelargonic Acid Products and Essential Oils against Several Important Weed Species

by Ilias Travlos, Eleni Rapti, Ioannis Gazoulis, Panagiotis Kanatas, Alexandros Tataridas, Ioanna Kakabouki and Panayiota Papastylianou

Agronomy 2020, 10(11), 1687; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10111687 - 30 Oct 2020

Cited by 40 | Viewed by 6863

Abstract

There is growing consideration among farmers and researchers regarding the development of natural herbicides providing sufficient levels of weed control. The aim of the present study was to compare the efficacy of four different pelargonic acid products, three essential oils and two natural [...] Read more.

There is growing consideration among farmers and researchers regarding the development of natural herbicides providing sufficient levels of weed control. The aim of the present study was to compare the efficacy of four different pelargonic acid products, three essential oils and two natural products’ mixtures against L. rigidum Gaud., A. sterilis L. and G. aparine L. Regarding grass weeds, it was noticed at 7 days after treatment that PA3 treatment (pelargonic acid 3.102% w/v + maleic hydrazide 0.459% w/v) was the least efficient treatment against L. rigidum and A. sterilis. The mixture of lemongrass oil and pelargonic acid resulted in 77% lower dry weight for L. rigidum in comparison to the control. Biomass reduction reached the level of 90% as compared to the control in the case of manuka oil and the efficacy of manuka oil and pelargonic acid mixture was similar. For sterile oat, weed biomass was recorded between 31% and 33% of the control for lemongrass oil, pine oil, PA1 (pelargonic acid 18.67% + maleic hydrazide 3%) and PA4 (pelargonic acid 18.67%) treatments. In addition, the mixture of manuka oil and pelargonic acid reduced weed biomass by 96% as compared to the control. Regarding the broadleaf species G. aparine, PA4 and PA1 treatments provided a 96–97% dry weight reduction compared to the corresponding value recorded for the untreated plants. PA2 (pelargonic acid 50% w/v) treatment and the mixture of manuka oil and pelargonic acid completely eliminated cleaver plants. The observations made for weed dry weight on the species level were similar to those made regarding plant height values recorded for each species. Further research is needed to study more natural substances and optimize the use of natural herbicides as well as natural herbicides’ mixtures in weed management strategies under different soil and climatic conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Weed Management Approaches and Decision Support Systems)

15 pages, 272 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Long-Term Control of Hedge Bindweed (Calystegia sepium L.) with Single, Tank Mixture, and Sequential Applications of Glyphosate, 2,4-D, and Dicamba

by Aleš Kolmanič, Robert Leskovšek and Mario Lešnik

Agronomy 2020, 10(8), 1184; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10081184 - 13 Aug 2020

Viewed by 2949

Abstract

Hedge bindweed (Calystegia sepium L.) is a widespread troublesome perennial weed species that has strong rhizome regenerative capacity. Four pot trials with randomised, complete block designs were conducted in 2015 to evaluate long-term control of hedge bindweed using individual, tank mixture, and [...] Read more.

Hedge bindweed (Calystegia sepium L.) is a widespread troublesome perennial weed species that has strong rhizome regenerative capacity. Four pot trials with randomised, complete block designs were conducted in 2015 to evaluate long-term control of hedge bindweed using individual, tank mixture, and sequential applications of selected herbicides. Two different formulations of N-(phosphonomethyl) glycine (glyphosate; isopropylamine, trimesium salts) were applied at 2000 g active ingredient (a.i.) ha⁻¹. Additionally, two synthetic auxins were applied as 3,6-dichloro-2-methoxybenzoic acid (dicamba) at 500 g a.i. ha⁻¹ and the dimethylamine salt of (2,4 dichlorophenoxy)acetic acid (2,4-D) at 1000 g a.i. ha⁻¹. Tank mixtures and sequential applications (12/24 h separation) of these different herbicides were also included. Long-term control of hedge bindweed, Calystegia sepium L., growth was evaluated 8 months after treatments, as comparisons of shoot and rhizome growth (biomass) between untreated and treated plants. There were no differences between the two formulations of glyphosate alone, with shoot and rhizome biomass reductions of 83% and 42%, respectively. Dicamba alone inhibited shoot and rhizome biomass by 86% and 67%, respectively. By itself, 2,4-D provided the greatest reductions in shoot and rhizome biomasses, 93% and 79%, respectively. Antagonism was seen in the tank mixtures of glyphosate and dicamba or 2,4-D. Tank mixtures were generally comparable to treatments of glyphosate alone, and were less effective compared to dicamba or 2,4-D alone. The greatest reduction of bindweed rhizome biomass was for sequential glyphosate trimesium salt followed by 2,4-D 12 h later, thus showing significantly greater efficacy over glyphosate isopropylamine salt (94% vs. 84%; p ≤ 0.05). These data for reductions of the growth of the rhizome biomass show that the sequential application of glyphosate followed by 2,4-D significantly improves long-term control of hedge bindweed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Weed Management Approaches and Decision Support Systems)

12 pages, 684 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sensitivity Assessment of Varieties, Effectiveness of Weed Control by Selected Herbicides, and Infection of the Fusarium in Maize (Zea mays L.) Cultivation

by Małgorzata Jagła, Łukasz Sobiech, Piotr Szulc, Kamila Nowosad, Jan Bocianowski and Monika Grzanka

Agronomy 2020, 10(8), 1115; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10081115 - 1 Aug 2020

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2878

Abstract

The amount of maize yield depends on many factors. Among them, plant health plays a significant role. Herbicide selectivity (of mesotrione, 2,4-D, and bromoxynil) for different maize varieties was assessed in greenhouse experiments. The effectiveness of herbicides (MCPA, 2,4-D + dicamba) and spraying [...] Read more.

The amount of maize yield depends on many factors. Among them, plant health plays a significant role. Herbicide selectivity (of mesotrione, 2,4-D, and bromoxynil) for different maize varieties was assessed in greenhouse experiments. The effectiveness of herbicides (MCPA, 2,4-D + dicamba) and spraying mixture of the herbicide MCPA with mepiquat chloride was tested on Chenopodium album L. and self-seeding winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.). The genetic distance between selected maize varieties and species composition of pathogens of the genus Fusarium isolated from the seeds of the discussed crop were examined. Research results indicated that individual herbicides differed in the selectivity in relation to maize, which depended on the crop variety. The selected herbicides showed high efficacy against the plants used in the experiment. The addition of mepiquat chloride to the composition of the spraying liquid did not affect the level of weed control. No relationship was found between the genetic distance of maize varieties and their sensitivity to selected herbicides. The presence of Fusarium subglutinans, Fusarium proliferatum, and Fusarium verticillioides was found in the samples of maize varieties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Weed Management Approaches and Decision Support Systems)

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19 pages, 2083 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing the Ability of Durum Wheat-Thinopyrum ponticum Recombinant Lines to Suppress Naturally Occurring Weeds under Different Sowing Densities

by Francesco Rossini, Maria Elena Provenzano, Ljiljana Kuzmanović, Carla Ceoloni and Roberto Ruggeri

Agronomy 2020, 10(5), 709; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10050709 - 15 May 2020

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2594

Abstract

The use of synthetic chemicals in cropping systems is becoming more controversial and highly debated worldwide, owing to its impacts on the environment, food safety, and human health. For this reason, sustainable crop management strategies are gaining increasing interest. In this perspective, agronomic [...] Read more.

The use of synthetic chemicals in cropping systems is becoming more controversial and highly debated worldwide, owing to its impacts on the environment, food safety, and human health. For this reason, sustainable crop management strategies are gaining increasing interest. In this perspective, agronomic practices and use of disease-resistant and competitive genotypes represent valuable tools in the hands of farmers. The competitive ability of two durum wheat-Thinopyrum ponticum recombinant lines (named R5 and R112), carrying effective resistance genes towards main rust diseases and enhanced yield-related traits in their alien chromosome segments, was investigated in comparison with that of a widely grown commercial cultivar (Tirex), under two sowing densities (250 and 350 seeds m⁻²), in the presence or absence of weeds. Yield-related traits and specific attributes that confer competitive ability were recorded in two subsequent seasons. R5 was the most weed-suppressive genotype, whereas Tirex was the least competitive. R112 was the best yield performer under favorable weather conditions (5.6 t ha⁻¹), while it suffered the presence of weeds in the drier year (−38% grain yield). Although 350 seeds m⁻² appeared to be the most effective sowing density for suppression of weeds (−16% weed biomass), adoption of the lower density can optimize grain yield and limit weed infestation in dry seasons. A suitable combination of sowing density and genotype choice can improve yield performance. R112 required the higher sowing rate to maximize grain yield (+43% as compared to the lower sowing rate), while R5 proved to be a density-neutral genotype. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Weed Management Approaches and Decision Support Systems)

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14 pages, 598 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Weed Seed Bank Diversity in Dryland Cereal Fields: Does it Differ Along the Field and Between Fields with Different Landscape Structure?

by Yesica Pallavicini, Eva Hernandez Plaza, Fernando Bastida, Jordi Izquierdo, Montserrat Gallart and Jose L. Gonzalez-Andujar

Agronomy 2020, 10(4), 575; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10040575 - 17 Apr 2020

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2910

Abstract

In this work, we aimed to test whether taxonomic diversity and functional diversity and the values of functional traits of the weed seed bank varied across the field, from margins to the core, and between fields embedded in distinct landscape structures. We sampled [...] Read more.

In this work, we aimed to test whether taxonomic diversity and functional diversity and the values of functional traits of the weed seed bank varied across the field, from margins to the core, and between fields embedded in distinct landscape structures. We sampled the seed bank of 47 conventionally managed cereal fields from two Mediterranean regions in Spain. In each field, three positions were selected: Margin, edge and core, and soil properties were measured for each position. Landscape structure was quantified for each field as the percentage of arable land in the surrounding 1 km radius circular sector. Seed bank diversity was characterized at the taxonomic (species richness, exponential Shannon index, and evenness) and functional levels (Rao’s quadratic entropy index and four corner analysis). For functional diversity, eight functional traits related to the whole plant life cycle were considered. Results showed a slight response of increasing taxonomic diversity from the core of the fields to the margins. Functional diversity was extremely low, indicating high similarity among species in terms of functional traits. Species in the seed bank were mostly therophytes, shorter than the crop plants, small seeded, flowering between the herbicide application of late winter and crop harvest, and showed seed dispersal by gravity or wind. This trait syndrome allows persistence in intensively managed arable lands. The similarity between fields in terms of functional diversity of the seed bank and in species traits may suggest that the intensity of management practices was similar across the fields. Moreover, it emphasizes that an increase in landscape heterogeneity, if based on other intensively managed cropping systems, may not be sufficient to augment functional diversity of weed communities. Therefore, in these areas, the seed bank could restore weed taxonomic diversity following changes in management practices, but functional diversity would still remain limited. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Weed Management Approaches and Decision Support Systems)

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14 pages, 4413 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of the Effectiveness of Shielded Band Spraying in Weed Control in Field Crops

by Andrzej Osuch, Przemysław Przygodziński, Piotr Rybacki, Ewa Osuch, Ireneusz Kowalik, Leszek Piechnik, Arkadiusz Przygodziński and Marcin Herkowiak

Agronomy 2020, 10(4), 475; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10040475 - 30 Mar 2020

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3395

Abstract

An important factor along with the availability of food is its quality. It depends, among other things, on the type of plant protection products used and the method of their application. This manuscript presents research on the possibility of using a shielded band [...] Read more.

An important factor along with the availability of food is its quality. It depends, among other things, on the type of plant protection products used and the method of their application. This manuscript presents research on the possibility of using a shielded band sprayer in field onion cultivation. The shielded band spraying technology presented in this article is the subject of a patent application (application number P.428494-The prototype of the machine was produced in Poland in cooperation with the University of Life Sciences in Poznań). The research consisted in comparing the quantity and quality of the obtained crop, based on various methods of reducing the weed population. The research results indicate that the proposed shielded band spraying technology may affect the food quality (the active substance is not sprayed on onion plants) and profitability of farms (less use of plant protection products). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Weed Management Approaches and Decision Support Systems)

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14 pages, 2677 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Burner Position on Temperature Distribution in Soybean Flaming

by Miloš Rajković, Goran Malidža, Strahinja Stepanović, Marko Kostić, Kristina Petrović, Mirko Urošević and Sava Vrbničanin

Agronomy 2020, 10(3), 391; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10030391 - 13 Mar 2020

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3100

Abstract

The main objective of this study was to identify optimal burner orientation for a newly designed flame cultivator by quantifying the flame temperature distributions of cross, back, and parallel position of burners at different heights of the soybean canopy (distance from the soil [...] Read more.

The main objective of this study was to identify optimal burner orientation for a newly designed flame cultivator by quantifying the flame temperature distributions of cross, back, and parallel position of burners at different heights of the soybean canopy (distance from the soil surface). Flame temperatures were measured within-row for three burner orientations at seven propane doses (20–100 kg/ha) and eight different canopy heights (0–18 cm above soil surface). Soybean plants in V3 growth stage were flamed with the same doses and burner orientations, and 28 days after treatment (DAT) crop injury (0%–100%), plant height (cm), dry matter (g) and grain yield (t/ha) were assessed. All three burner orientations had high flame temperatures at lower canopy heights (<6 cm high) that gradually decreased with increasing canopy height (6–18 cm). Measured temperatures ranged from 33 to 234 ℃ for cross flaming, 29 to 269 ℃ for back flaming and 23 to 155 ℃ for parallel flaming, with high variability in temperature patterns. Back flaming generated flame temperatures above 100℃ at a lower propane dose (27 kg/ha) compared to cross and parallel flaming (40 and 50 kg/ha). For all tested parameters, parallel and cross flaming had better impact on soybeans than back flaming, but for weed control in crop rows, cross flaming is recommended. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Weed Management Approaches and Decision Support Systems)

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11 pages, 2333 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

The Effect of Salicylic Acid and 20 Substituted Molecules on Alleviating Metolachlor Herbicide Injury in Rice (Oryza sativa)

by Xile Deng, Wenna Zheng, Xiaomao Zhou and Lianyang Bai

Agronomy 2020, 10(3), 317; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10030317 - 25 Feb 2020

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3712

Abstract

Salicylic acid (SA) is an endogenous plant hormone that has a wide range of pharmacological effects. Studies have indicated that SA has herbicide safening activity. In this study, the herbicide safening activity of SA and 20 substituted molecules were tested on agar-cultured rice. [...] Read more.

Salicylic acid (SA) is an endogenous plant hormone that has a wide range of pharmacological effects. Studies have indicated that SA has herbicide safening activity. In this study, the herbicide safening activity of SA and 20 substituted molecules were tested on agar-cultured rice. Biological assay results indicated that SA and substituted SA had a low inhibitory effect on the growth of rice seedlings (Oryza sativa), and partially alleviated the effects of metolachlor toxicity. Moreover, at 0.25 mg L⁻¹, the safening effect of compounds l and u lessened the effects of metolachlor phytotoxicity on plant height and fresh weight when compared to the effects of the control, fenclorim. The effects of metolachlor toxicity were reduced on root length due to the safening effects of compounds l, n, and u; these effects were greater than those of fenclorim. These compounds could facilitate the development of novel herbicide safeners. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Weed Management Approaches and Decision Support Systems)

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Review

Jump to: Research

10 pages, 780 KiB

Open AccessReview

Benefits and Limitations of Decision Support Systems (DSS) with a Special Emphasis on Weeds

by Panagiotis Kanatas, Ilias S. Travlos, Ioannis Gazoulis, Alexandros Tataridas, Anastasia Tsekoura and Nikolaos Antonopoulos

Agronomy 2020, 10(4), 548; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10040548 - 10 Apr 2020

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 8498

Abstract

Decision support systems (DSS) have the potential to support farmers to make the right decisions in weed management. DSSs can select the appropriate herbicides for a given field and suggest the minimum dose rates for an herbicide application that can result in optimum [...] Read more.

Decision support systems (DSS) have the potential to support farmers to make the right decisions in weed management. DSSs can select the appropriate herbicides for a given field and suggest the minimum dose rates for an herbicide application that can result in optimum weed control. Given that the adoption of DSSs may lead to decreased herbicide inputs in crop production, their potential for creating eco-friendly and profitable weed management strategies is obvious and desirable for the re-designing of farming systems on a more sustainable basis. Nevertheless, it is difficult to stimulate farmers to use DSSs as it has been noticed that farmers have different expectations of decision-making tools depending on their farming styles and usual practices. The function of DSSs requires accurate assessments of weeds within a field as input data; however, capturing the data can be problematic. The development of future DSSs should target to enhance weed management tactics which are less reliant on herbicides. DSSs should also provide information regarding weed seedbank dynamics in the soil in order to suggest management options not only within a single period but also in a rotational view. More aspects ought to be taken into account and further research is needed in order to optimize the practical use of DSSs for supporting farmers regarding weed management issues in various crops and under various soil and climatic conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Weed Management Approaches and Decision Support Systems)

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