Expanding the Context of Weed Management

Abstract

Concerns about current weed control practices have increased the consideration of new weed management strategies. In recent times, weed control practices for major crops have been influenced greatly by the availability of selective herbicides. Herbicides are critical tools, but weed science must integrate more components to create weed management systems. Changes in weed management can be attained within the framework of existing cropping systems. However, for the longer term, new methods and approaches to weed management are needed. Weed scientists need to play a central role in the development of new cropping systems to make weed management an integral component of the system. This volume contains a series of review articles and original research that presents innovative approaches to weeds and weed management. It is our hope that these papers will stimulate discussion on a broader view of weeds and weed management.     

Weed management challenges in rice (Oryza sativa L.) for food security in Bhutan: A review

Rice is the most important and staple cereal in Bhutan, currently grown over an area of 19,549 hectares with a total production of 77,038 tonnes. However, its yield is limited in certain regions due to weed competition with losses of up to 50% reported through infestation from both annual and perennial weeds. In this article, we describe the current weed management practices in rice in Bhutan and identify challenges and prospects to guide future weed control research given that weed science in Bhutan is in its infancy. Generally, the most common form of weed control is hand weeding. However, herbicide use is also increasing as farmers face labour shortages on farms and realize the benefits of herbicides, especially in reducing the time taken to weed crops. But the continued use of the single chemical butachlor is a concern given the possible development of herbicide resistance. Research priorities for weed management in rice in Bhutan include a systematic assessment of crop yield losses; prioritization of weed importance and species shifts; mechanical and cultural alternatives to hand weeding; herbicide resistance testing and management; collective community approaches to area-wide management; and weed management options to suit alternative rice production systems. The ecology and management of the perennial semi-aquatic Potamogeton distinctus needs serious attention owing to its prevalence in major rice areas and potential alone to cause significant yield losses of up to 37%. The successful experiences and challenges in neighbouring Asian countries should also help to guide future weed control research in Bhutan.     

Weed management in aerobic rice systems

Aerobic rice systems can substitute the conventional rice cultivation system in the wake of water shortage and energy crises. The major constraint in the success of aerobic rice is high weed infestation. Hence, we have discussed the weed flora, yield losses, herbicide-resistant weeds, need for integrated weed management, and approaches to manage weeds in aerobic rice systems. A review of several studies indicated that 90 weed species were competing with rice under aerobic systems, causing 23–100% reductions in grain yield. Weed control in aerobic rice gets difficult due to shifts in weed flora and herbicide resistance development in weeds. A wide increase in grain yield (15–307%) by implementing different weed control practices elaborates the scope of weed management in aerobic rice. Practices, such as soil solarization, sowing of competitive crop cultivars, stale seedbed preparation, mulch application, correct fertilization, and intercropping, were found to have particular significance for managing weeds in aerobic rice systems. Moreover, hand weeding and mechanical control were more effective when combined with other weed control methods. Herbicides, such as pendimethalin, 2,4-D, penoxsulam, ethoxysulfuron, bispyribac-sodium, triclopyr, imazosulfuron, bensulfuron, pretilachlor, and metsulfuron, were found most effective in aerobic rice systems. Keeping in view the severity of weed infestation in these systems and the evolution of herbicide resistance, reliance on a single control method is out of question. Hence, the approach of integrated weed management is the most appropriate for proper weed management and the subsequent success of rice cultivation using aerobic systems.     

Weed Seed Bank Dynamics

Summary

Weeds continue to have major impacts on crop production in spite of efforts to eliminate them. Most weed species rely on seed for regeneration and persistence. The species composition and density of weed seed in the soil vary greatly and are closely linked to the cropping history of the land. Altering tillage practices changes patterns of soil disturbance and weed seed depth in the soil, which plays a role in weed species shifts. Crop rotation and weed control practices also impact the weed seed bank in the soil. Information on the weed seed bank should be a useful tool for integrated weed management. Decision aid models are being developed that use information on the composition of the weed seed bank to estimate weed populations, crop yield loss, and to recommend weed control tactics. Understanding weed seed bank dynamics can also be used to guide management practices. Improving and applying our understanding of weed seed and seed bank dynamics is essential to developing improved weed management systems.     

Effect of Establishment Methods and Weed Management Practices on Some Growth Attributes of Rice

In rice, the traditional system of transplanting gives the crop a 14 to 21-day growth advantage over the weeds [1]. The transplanting also enables rice to capture space earlier. This is because the young rice plants have leverage over germinating weeds due to shading and earlier establishment of root system. The immediate flooding after transplanting limits the establishment of many weeds [2]. Similarly, in direct seeded method, the use of high seed rates could reduce weed infestation to a lar…     

Weed Thresholds

Abstract

Weed thresholds are an integral component of an integrated weed management system (IWM). In this paper we review the literature on weed thresholds and examine the theory and applicability of thresholds within the context of a systems approach to IWM. The development of empirical models describing single and multi-species thresholds are reviewed and discussed in terms of the magnitude of weed threshold values in various crops and the importance and limitations of the parameters used to calculate these values. Mechanistic weed threshold crop competition models are suggested as a means of overcoming some of the limitations of empirically based threshold models. A mechanistic approach to the development of weed threshold models is desirable since relative crop and weed responses to environmental factors, cultural practices and the dynamic nature of competition are considered. Guidelines for the application of weed thresholds within a cropping system are outlined.     

Weed Biology,Cropping Systems,and Weed Management

SUMMARY

Weeds pose a recurrent threat to agricultural productivity in both industrialized and developing countries. Weeds respond dynamically to all cropping practices, and therefore, the design and function of cropping systems plays a central role in the composition of weed communities. The unique and challenging nature of weed communities requires more integrated approaches to weed management than are currently being employed by most growers. Integrating weed management with cropping system design and application may be an effective approach to diversifying weed management systems. Each crop-weed system is a unique mix of genetics and biology and will respond dynamically to changes in management practices. Practices such as crop rotation, tillage, cover crops, and fertility management modify weed populations. The challenge is to integrate these and other practices with the best available control tactics to generate integrated management systems. Cropping system design provides an excellent framework for developing and applying integrated approaches to weed management because it allows for new and creative ways of meeting the challenge of managing weeds. Weed science must integrate the theories and application of weed management into cropping system design based on the unique characteristics of weed communities and the available weed management options.     

Multi-Year Evaluation of Model-Based Weed Control Under Variable Crop and Tillage Conditions

Abstract

Selecting effective weed management options requires biological, ecological, and economic information. This study compared model-based to standard-herbicide weed control in a corn (Zea mays L.)/soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] rotation that had a long-term history of different tillage and weed management practices. The model integrates weed population dynamics, herbicide efficacies, and economic information to evaluate preplant incorporated (PPI) or preemergence (PRE) weed control options based on weed seed bank size and postem-ergence (POST) strategies based on weed seedling densities. There were fewer weeds in standard-herbicide compared with model-based treatments. No-tillage had the greatest numbers of weeds 3 out of 4 years. Soybean yield was reduced the first year of the study in several treatments receiving model-based weed control and the third year in all model-based treatments. Corn yields were greatest in reduced tillage. Resuits of using model recommendations to control weeds were mixed, with PRE recommendations being insensitive to a common cocklebur (Xan-thium strumarium L.) infestation. Our conclusions agree with those of others that the nature of the weed pressure may be a prevailing influence on the outcome of using weed control recommendations of bioeconomic models.     

Global distribution of rice weeds – A review

This review provides an overview on the most common rice weed species of the world. It shows that a few generalists have established in rice independent from sites, crop management systems, and local climatic conditions. Cosmopolitan weeds are even constant elements where rice cultivation started just a century ago. Local differences may be explained by cultivation methods, growing seasons, or special weed management. Some general changes in weed spectra have been observed globally in recent years. Weedy rice (Oryza sativa L.) and herbicide resistance have become general global problems within the last decades. Some global key weed genera such as Echinochloa, Cyperus, Scirpus, or Fimbristylis species are, however, still dominating rice fields despite the decade long use of well performing herbicides. On the other side, general species shifts as a result of resistance have not been observed yet. Leptochloa species started to become major problems in Asia in the end of the last century and now in Europe also. Several modern herbicides allow the control of perennial weeds, such as Cyperus rotundus L. or Eleocharis kuroguwai Ohwi which makes them no longer serious threats. Some genera in rice such as Echinochloa and Oryza (weedy rice) are characterized by an enormous germplasm variability which makes species definitions difficult. The fact that weeds in rice have to adapt to wet or aquatic conditions reduces the biodiversity range in comparison to other arable crops. Water management has a considerable impact on weed spectra. The increase of rice acreages with reduced irrigation may end up in higher weed infestations. Long term results of weed surveys in rice as they exist for other crops are, however, not available. This makes predictions on biodiversity changes in this crop quite difficult.     

Management of complex weed flora in dry-seeded rice

Dry-seeded rice has been introduced as an alternative to puddled hand-transplanted rice in the north Indian states of Punjab and Haryana. In dry-seeded rice, weed flora tends to be more diverse and weeds emerge in several flushes during the crop growth cycle and substantial yield reductions due to weed competition are quite common. The efficacy and compatibility of tank mixtures of different herbicides for the control of diverse weed flora in dry-seeded rice was evaluated in field experiments during the summer seasons of 2012 and 2013. The tank mixture of fenoxaprop with ethoxysulfuron improved the control of Echinochloa crus-galli and Echinochloa colona by 43–69% as compared to fenoxaprop alone while the tank-mix of azimsulfuron with fenoxaprop was antagonistic and reduced the control of Leptochloa chinensis by 86% as compared to fenoxaprop alone. Addition of azimsulfuron or ethoxysulfuron to bispyribac did not improve the control of grass weeds as compared to bispyribac alone. Weed control with the mixture of bispyribac and fenoxaprop varied over the two years. In 2012, bispyribac and fenoxaprop mixture was antagonistic for the control of Dactyloctenum aegyptium, Acrachne racemose, and L. chinensis but in 2013, there was no apparent antagonism and the addition of bispyribac to fenoxaprop reduced grass weed biomass as compared to fenoxaprop alone. In 2013, there was a strong negative correlation (r = −0.95, P < 0.001) between weed dry matter at 45 days after sowing and rice grain yield. According to the linear regression, rice crop is likely to produce no grain yield when weed dry matter exceeds 400 g m⁻². Over the two seasons, fenoxaprop-ethoxysulfuron tank-mix produced similar grain yields (5.6–6.2 t ha⁻¹) to the weed-free check (5.6–7.1 t ha⁻¹). At the farmer fields, rice grain yield in the plots treated with pendimethalin followed by post-emergence bispyribac or a tank-mix of fenoxaprop + ethoxysulfuron ranged from 6.2 to 7.7 t ha⁻¹ as compared to 5.3–5.6 t ha⁻¹ in the plots treated with pendimethalin alone. The tank mixture of fenoxaprop with bispyribac needs further evaluation as this mixture has the potential to effectively control aerobic and aquatic grasses in dry-seeded rice. Single hand weeding prevented crop yield loss from weeds that escaped herbicide treatments only when it was performed within six weeks of sowing.     

Increasing Crop Competitiveness to Weeds Through Crop Breeding

Abstract

Increasing the ability of crops to compete against weeds, through either enhancing crop tolerance or crop interference to weeds, provides an attractive addition to current weed control practices and could be an integral component of weed management systems. Research has shown that considerable variability exists among crop culti-vars with respect to their ability to compete with weeds. Despite this evidence, directed research on competitive crops has been minimal. Reasons for this lack of emphasis in plant breeding programs include the effectiveness of current weed management with tillage and herbicides, and the lack of easily identifiable crop characteristics that are indicative of weed competitiveness. Expanded knowledge of specific crop-weed interactions would facilitate crop competitiveness to weeds through either crop management practices or plant breeding. Plant breeders need basic and applied information to identify favorable crop-weed competitive traits in order to enhance or incorporate those traits into crop cultivars. Accelerated research on weed competitive crops should lead to more economical, effective, and feasible integrated weed management programs for all crops.     

Biology and management of Phalaris minor in rice–wheat system

Phalaris minor Retz. (Littleseed canarygrass) is a pernicious weed, which infests several crops during the winter season, particularly the wheat crops in rice–wheat sequence. Considering the limitations of cultural and chemical methods of weed control, the understanding of its biology with respect to different environmental, edaphic and management factors may offer a useful key to strengthen weed management strategies. This review considers various aspects on dormancy, viability and agro-ecology with emphasis on management practices in host and succeeding crops. Due attention has been given to the approaches required to manage the resistant biotypes under present conditions and hence to avoid further escalation of the epidemic. The various studies indicate that P. minor utilizes beneficially the prevailing environmental and management conditions of both the wheat and succeeding rice crop in rice–wheat system for its survival and growth. Its seed is highly sensitive to variable moisture and temperature regimes for germination and exhibits tolerance to anoxia during anaerobic respiration in rice. Tillage options, residue management, spatial–temporal considerations and other factors influence the seed dynamics, pattern and depth of emergence and growth of P. minor. A comprehensive and conceptual understanding of these aspects may provide useful guidelines in formulating cautious and opportunistic weed management strategies.     

Improving Soil Quality

Abstract

Future advancements in crop production will rely on increased understanding of ecological principles that control interactions among cropping system components. Our interest in linking soil quality and weed management derives from the belief that greater understanding of key processes and properties that define soil-weed relationships will lead to the design of agroecosystems with greater capacity and opportunity to suppress weeds. We identified seed-bank persistence, seedling establishment, and interspecific interference as key processes that affect annual weed population dynamics. We then examined how soil processes and properties can affect each of these factors and how, in turn, soil-improving management practices and cropping system design may affect weed dynamics. We established weed-related soil management objectives as: (i) reducing the persistence of seeds in the soil; (ii) reducing the abundance of safe-sites for weed establishment and the filling of available sites; and (iii) reducing crop yield loss caused by a given density of weeds. Soil factors that can be managed to achieve these goals include: (i) chemical, physical, and biological conditions that affect resources required for weed seed germination, establishment and growth; (ii) habitat for herbivores and pathogens that attack weed seeds and seedlings; and (iii) phytotoxin production. We concluded that many as yet unexplored opportunities exist to manipulate the soil environment and to design cropping systems that create multiple weed suppressive conditions at critical junctures of weed seed-bank persistence, establishment, and interference.     

Plant characteristics associated with weed competitiveness of rice under upland and lowland conditions in West Africa

Weeds are a major constraint to rice (Oryza spp.) production in West Africa. Superior weed competitive rice genotypes may reduce weed pressure and improve rice productivity. Two upland and two lowland experiments were conducted in southern Benin to examine genotypic variations in weed-suppressive ability and grain yield under weedy conditions, and to identify plant characteristics that could be used as selection criteria for improved weed competitiveness. A total of 19 genotypes, including Oryza sativa and Oryza glaberrima genotypes and interspecific hybrids developed from crossing O. sativa and O. glaberrima, were grown under weed-free and weedy conditions in an upland with supplemental irrigation and in a flooded lowland. In weedy plots, hand weeding was done once or not at all. Mean relative yield loss across all genotypes due to weed competition ranged from almost 0% to 61%. Large genotypic variations in weed biomass and grain yield under weedy conditions were found. Visual growth vigor at 42 and 63 days after sowing (DAS) under weed-free conditions significantly correlated with weed biomass at maturity in both upland and lowland experiments (R² = 0.26–0.48). Where weed pressure was low to moderate, with mean relative yield loss less than 23%, the multiple regression models using grain yield and plant height at maturity or only grain yield measured under weed-free conditions as independent variables could explain 66–88% of the genotypic variation in grain yield under weedy conditions. At higher weed pressure (mean relative yield loss: 61%), as observed in one of the upland experiments, biomass accumulation of rice at 42 days after sowing was associated with higher grain yield under weedy conditions. Biomass accumulation also significantly correlated with visual growth vigor at the same sampling dates. Therefore, we conclude that grain yield, plant height at maturity and visual growth vigor at 42–63 DAS under weed-free conditions appear to be useful selection criteria for developing superior weed competitive rice genotypes.     

Influence of crop establishment methods on yield,economics and water productivity of rice cultivars under upland and lowland production ecologies of Eastern Indo-Gangetic Plains

A field study on assessment of crop establishment methods on yield, economics and water productivity of rice cultivars under upland and lowland production ecologies was conducted during wet seasons (June–November) of 2012 and 2013 in Eastern Indo-Gangetic Plains of India. The experiment was laid-out in a split-plot design (SPD) and replicated four times. The main-plot treatments included three crop establishment methods, viz. dry direct-seeded rice (DSR), system of rice intensification (SRI) and puddled transplanted rice (PTR). In sub-plots, five rice cultivars of different groups like aromatic (Improved Pusa Basmati 1 and Pusa Sugandh 5), inbreds (PNR 381 and Pusa 834) and hybrid (Arize 6444) were taken for their evaluations. These two sets of treatments were laid-out simultaneously in two production ecologies, upland and lowland during both years. In general, lowland ecology was found favourable for rice growth and yield and resulted in 13.2% higher grain yield as compared to upland ecology. Rice grown with SRI method produced 19.4 and 7.0% higher grain yield in 2012 and 20.6 and 7.1% higher in 2013, over DSR and PTR. However, PTR yielded 13.1 and 14.5% higher grain over DSR during 2012 and 2013, respectively. On an average, Arize 6444 produced 26.4, 26.9, 28.9 and 54.7% higher grain yield as compared to PS 5, P 834, PNR 381 and IPB1, respectively. Further, the interaction of production ecologies × crop establishment methods revealed that, in upland ecology, SRI recorded significantly higher grain yield as compared to PTR and DSR, but in lowland, grain yield resulting from SRI was similar to the yield obtained with PTR and significantly higher than DSR. The latter two methods (PTR and DSR) yielded alike in lowland ecology in both study years. The production ecologies × crop establishment methods × cultivars interaction on grain yield showed that the growing of Arize 6444 cultivar using SRI method in upland ecology resulted in the higher grain yield (8.87 t/ha). But the cost of production was also highest in SRI followed by PTR and DSR across production ecologies and cultivars. Cultivation of hybrid (Arize 6444) involved higher cost of production than all other cultivars. Irrespective of crop establishment methods and cultivars, gross returns, net returns and B:C ratio were significantly higher in lowland compared to upland ecology. Owing to higher grain yield, SRI method fetched significantly higher gross returns and net returns over PTR and DSR. Average increase in net return with Arize 6444 was 68.8, 41.0, 37.7 and 33.1% over IPB 1, PNR 381, P 834 and PS 5, respectively. There was a saving of 30.7% water in SRI and 19.9% in DSR over PTR under upland ecology. Similarly in lowland ecology, water saving of 30.2% was observed in SRI and 21.2% in DSR over PTR. Due to higher yield and saving on water, SRI returned significantly higher total water productivity (TWP) (5.9 kg/ha-mm) as compared to DSR (3.5 kg/ha-mm) and PTR (3.6 kg/ha-mm) under upland ecology. In lowland ecology, also SRI (6.2 kg/ha-mm) resulted in higher TWP as compared to other two methods. However, DSR gave significantly higher TWP as compared to PTR. Among cultivars, hybrid Arize 6444 recorded the highest TWP in both upland and lowland production ecologies across crop establishment methods. Hence, growing of hybrid Arize 6444 with SRI method can enhance rice productivity and water-use efficiency in lowland and upland production ecologies of Eastern Indo-Gangetic Plains and in other similar regions.     

Biology,impact, and management of Echinochloa colona (L.) Link

Echinochloa colona (L.) Link. is one of the most problematic weeds across the world. It is an annual C₄ summer grass, native to tropical and subtropical Asia, emerged as a serious and persistent threat in 35 cropping systems in more than 60 countries. E. colona is reported as an important associated weed species in transplanted and direct-seeded rice. Diverse ecotypes, high seed production, short seed dormancy, rapid growth, competitive potential, allelopathic interaction, and resistance against several herbicides makes it a more adaptable and persistent challenge in various agro-ecosystems. Development of resistance to recommended or higher doses of numerous herbicides, including ametryn, atrazine, bispyribac-sodium, clefoxidym, cyhalofop-butyl, fenoxaprop-p-ethyl, glyphosate, metribuzin, propanil, and triazine, is a serious concern for the farming and scientific community. Crop infestation with resistant E. colona biotypes may ultimately increase the weed control cost. Unfortunately, investigations on seed dormancy release, genetic diversity, allelopathic interference, and competitive ability of this weed are inadequate in accomplishing its appropriate control in different environments. Therefore, a comprehensive review is presented here to gather the existing information, to pin point key findings, and to highlight the research gaps in the biology, interference, and management of E. colona. Different management options have been discussed in relation with eco-biology of this noxious weed. The potential research endeavours have also been highlighted in order to provide an insight of its existing scenario and to facilitate the future management strategies.     

Weed management in maize using crop competition: A review

Weeds are a major constraint to crop production, and are responsible for considerable yield losses in maize production systems throughout the world. Herbicides are widely used for weed control in maize production systems, but can have negative environmental consequences. Researchers have evaluated the use of crop competition and suppression to manage weeds in various crop combinations, including maize-based systems. Crop competition in maize may involve techniques such as reduced row spacing, increased planting density, and the use of competitive cultivars that exhibit weed suppressive potential. In this review, examination of the literature has revealed the considerable value of using crop competition in integrated weed management programs. Research has demonstrated that narrowing row spacing to half the standard distance reduced weed biomass by 39–68%, depending on weed species. Researchers have also demonstrated that increasing maize planting density by up to twice the standard rate achieved a reduction in weed biomass of 26–99%. While little research has been conducted into the use of competitive maize cultivars for weed management, several studies have documented cultivars with potential to suppress weeds. Attributes of weed competitive cultivars include high leaf area index, and other elements of leaf architecture that improve light interception by the crop, so increasing the shading of weeds. Combining crop competition methods with other agronomic practices can increase their effectiveness in controlling weeds. For example, biomass of Setaria italica (L.) Beauv was reduced by 60% when maize planting density was increased by 1.5 times the recommended spacing, and this effect was more pronounced when fertilizer was banded rather than broadcast. In summary, the strategic use of crop competition to control weeds has been a success in many regions, and is an important tool in integrated weed management. The importance of crop competition methods has particular relevance where farmers are unable to afford herbicides, as making use of crop competition is more economical.     

Effect of interrow spacing and weeding frequency on the performance of selected rice cultivars on hydromorphic soils of West Africa

Field experiments were conducted on hydromorphic soils at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, Nigeria to determine the effects of crop-management practices on rice yield. The performances of three rice cultivars at different crop densities and weeding regimes were investigated. Weed weight decreased significantly as the interrow spacing was decreased from 45 cm to 15 cm. Tillering and the number of rice panicles also decreased with reduction in interrow spacing. When rice was kept weed free, there was no significant difference in yield between rice planted at 15, 30 and 45 cm interrow spacing. However, when the crop was weeded once only at 30 d.a.s., yield was significantly reduced at the widest spacing. Yield reduction caused by weed competition at the wide interrow spacing was more pronounced in the semi-dwarf cultivar than in the taller cultivars. All cultivars competed better with weeds when grown at 15 and 30 cm interrow spacing than at the wider spacing used by most peasant rice farmers in West Africa.     

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Interaction of genotype × management on vegetative growth and weed suppression of aerobic rice

Water shortage in drought-prone rice-growing areas of the world is threatening conventional irrigated rice production systems, in which rice is transplanted into fields where standing water is maintained until harvest. Aerobic rice production systems, in which rice is grown as a direct-seeded upland crop without flooding, require less water than conventional systems, but the transition to aerobic rice systems is impeded by severe weed infestation. An environmentally friendly and less labor-intensive weed control method needs to be introduced to aerobic rice farmers. A study was conducted at the International Rice Research Institute in the 2003 wet season and 2004 dry season to evaluate the effects of genotype, seeding rate, seed priming and their interactions on vegetative growth, yield and weed suppression. Three contrasting aerobic rice genotypes differing in yield and weed-suppressive ability (WSA) were grown at three seeding rates (100, 300 and 500 viable seeds m⁻²) with or without seed priming under two weed management treatments (weed-free and weedy) in a split-plot design. In 2004, the overall weed pressure was higher than in 2003, and consequently treatment effects in this year were more distinct than in 2003. No significant interactions among the experimental factors were found for crop yield, weed biomass, leaf area index, tiller number and vegetative crop biomass. Raising seeding rate from 100 to 300 viable seeds m⁻² resulted in a significant increase in yield and a decrease in weed biomass, whereas a further increase from 300 to 500 viable seeds m⁻² did not result in a further improvement in yield and weed suppression. The stronger WSA of genotype Apo than that of genotypes IR60080-46A and IRAT 216 related to a stronger competitive ability of individual plants and a faster canopy closure (0.5–6 days earlier). The WSA of weakly competitive genotypes was partially compensated for by a higher seeding rate. Seed priming, which was only evaluated in 2003, accelerated emergence by 2 days and slightly enhanced early crop growth, but had no significant effect on yield and weed suppression. The present study suggests that combining a weed-suppressive genotype with an optimum seeding rate can serve as a tool to manage weeds.