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.     

Weed seed bank as affected by crop rotation and disturbance

An experiment was conducted to determine the influence of crop rotations on soil seed bank to provide a comparison between crop fields and non-crop lands. Crop rotations were continuous dryland wheat (Wd), continuous irrigated wheat (Wi), wheat-sugarbeet (WS) and wheat-chickpea (WCh). Nearby pastures (P) and orchards (Or) were also studied for comparison purposes. Estimates of the density of seed banks ranged from 52779 seed m⁻² in P to 9906 seeds m⁻² in Wd. A total of 114 plant species from 24 families were identified from seeds collected from different farms. 33 weed species were at high frequency in weed communities. Crop rotations were dominated by annual weed species, while the weed species dominated in P were mostly not found in any crop rotation. The two weed species Roemeria refracta and Eragrostis cilianensis were frequently present in all the study sites. Amaranthus chlorostachys and Euphorbia esula were more abundant in the areas of moderate to high disturbance. In SW and WS rotations, due to use of grass herbicides and hand weeding, winter annual broadleaves such as Lactuca serriola and Anchusa italica were the prominent species in the seed bank. Results showed that a number of weed species are adapted to a specific crop sequences and disturbance levels. Weed species richness, seed bank abundance and diversity in soil depths are highly dependent on disturbance levels. The current study highlights the importance of agricultural practices including crop sequences or disturbance levels in determining the characteristics of weed populations. This provides useful information to improve methods for maintaining plant population balance.     

稻作区灌溉水流传播的杂草种子与稻田土壤杂草种子库的关系

选择典型稻作区,对灌溉水流传播的杂草种子的种类和数量进行取样调查,并与田埂、灌溉水渠周围生境、下茬麦田的杂草群落及稻田土壤杂草种子库进行比较分析,以研究自然条件下灌溉水流传播的杂草种子与土壤杂草种子库及其他生境杂草群落间的相互关系。 有14科21种杂草种子随灌溉水流输入稻田,这些杂草种子主要隶属禾本科、报春花科、藜科、蓼科等。土壤杂草种子库中共检出19科41种杂草种子,含有所有其他生境中杂草的种子。灌溉水流传播的杂草种子与田埂上、灌溉水渠周围生境、下茬麦田杂草群落及稻田土壤种子库的杂草群落间相似性较高,Sorensen指数均在0.5以上。     

不同类型桉树人工林土壤种子库特征研究

为揭示土壤种子库在桉树人工林可持续经营与物种多样性恢复中的潜在作用,采用野外调查取样和室内模拟试验相结合的方法,研究了不同桉林土壤种子库的物种组成、密度、垂直分布等特征。结果表明：（1）新造桉林和桉萌芽林土壤种子库储量密度分别为9 804、7 356粒/m2,显著高于对照大叶栎杂木林土壤种子库储量密度（3 614粒/m2）。（2）新造桉林土壤种子库出现物种共15种,分属于9科;桉萌芽林为8种,分属于7科;大叶栎杂木林为16种,分属于11科。不同林型土壤种子库物种组成均以草本为主,灌木次之。（3）种子库垂直分布格局表明,不同类型森林种子主要储存在枯枝落叶层和浅层土壤中。新造桉林和萌芽林土壤种子库具有较高的生态优势度指数,但丰富度指数、Simpson多样性指数、均匀度指数及土壤种子库和地上植物的相似性系数均低于对照。桉树人工林物种多样性的提高需要适度的人为干预和科学的调控措施。     

稻田土壤杂草种子库研究

对江苏省仪征市连年稻麦两熟轮作稻田土壤杂草种子库中杂草种类进行了考查。结果表明, 有11 科22 种杂草的种子主要分布在0～10 cm 土层内。同时, 阐述了土壤种子库杂草种子的来源, 因水分、湿度、光照等自然因素和耕作、人工除草等人为因素, 杂草种子本身的完熟度等综合因素造成了土壤杂草种子库中杂草种子活力的损失与累积, 以及杂草种子萌发与土层深度、水分等的关系, 初步探明了水旱轮作对稻田土壤杂草种子库的影响, 提出了减少杂草种子库种源的对策。     

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.     

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.     

稻田土壤多年生杂草种子库研究

对江苏省仪征市连年稻麦两熟轮作稻田土壤多年生杂草种子库中杂草种类、繁殖方式、分布及萌发等特性进行了系统调查研究。结果表明,眼子菜、矮慈姑、野荸荠、水莎草、扁秆藨草等5种多年生杂草种子和块（球）茎主要分布在0~15 cm耕作层内,并以营养繁殖为主。种子萌发主要在土壤表层,块（球）茎萌发在0~15 cm土层内;土壤含水量饱和至薄水层最有利于萌发。同时阐述了种子和块（球）茎的寿命,以及免耕和水旱轮作对稻田多年生杂草种子库的影响,并提出了控制措施。     

Soil Microorganisms for Weed Management

Abstract

Traditional methods of weed management have not considered the microbial or other biological factors that influence plant growth; however, incorporating this knowledge may expand weed management possibilities to develop weed-suppressive soils. Alternative weed management strategies are needed to expand the capability of weed control as weed pressures continue to limit optimum yield and the use of synthetic chemical herbicides for weed control becomes more restricted. Biotic factors can influence the distribution, abundance, and competitive abilities of plant species. It has been shown that soil microorganisms are capable of suppressing weeds in the field, and seed decay phenomena are most likely microbial. It is imperative that an understanding of soil microorganisms and their ecology be developed, so that they may be used to benefit agriculture, especially weed management. Further study is required so that the ecological and biological effects of the resident soil microbial population on weed growth can be used effectively in weed management strategies to assist in reducing inputs.     

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.     

苏北垦区豆田杂草生长为害习性

苏北垦区豆田杂草分属15科,36属,41种,恶性杂草有稗,苍耳等9种。在大豆整个生育期间通常出现1～2个萌发高峰,主要集中在6月中旬～7月下旬。杂草种子于8～10月成熟。种子在土壤中的埋深及出苗期,直接影响杂草的出苗和繁殖。杂草与大豆的相互竞争,以在大豆播种一个月后最为剧烈。0～2cm和6～25cm耕层中贮葳的杂草种子最多。     

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.     

Spatial distribution of nutsedge (Cyperus spp. L.) seed bank in rice growth cycle using geostatistics

A field experiment was conducted to investigate the spatial distribution of nutsedge (Cyperus spp L.) seed bank in rice growth cycle using geostatistics in 2010–11. The sampling from seed banks were performed prior to rice farm preparation and after rice harvest; also weeds density was determined in three different dates during the growing season. The results showed that the highest amount of weed population was belonging to nutsedge (Cyperus spp. L.) including Cyperus difformis, C. rotundus and C. esculentus species. Nugget/sill ratios for all variogram models ranged from 15.2 to 46.9%, indicated that there was strong and moderate spatial correlation as spherical and exponential variograms models between weed and seedling nutsedge at all stages of sampling. Visual assessments of the weed growth in these field indicated that the weed exist in patches, but mapping results showed that the size and morphology of these patches varied within field. In the present study, seed bank patchy pattern was roughly in accordance with seedling germination pattern. Generally the provided seed bank maps can be used not only as information database of seedling germination, but also for predicting of seed bank dynamics and weed management programs.     

中国剑麻园杂草种类分布危害调查与防控策略

剑麻是我国重要的热带经济作物,杂草危害给剑麻生产带来严重障碍和损失。为了掌握我国广东、广西和海南剑麻园杂草情况,从而进行科学防控。本研究采取踏查和定块系统调查相结合,全面调查了我国剑麻园杂草种类、分布与危害。结果表明,剑麻园共有杂草49科144属200种,其中禾本科40种,菊科24种,豆科20种,茜草科和莎草科各10种;一年生杂草79种,二年生杂草1种,多年生杂草100种,其它生活周期20种;种子繁殖杂草143种,种子、茎和根茎等繁殖杂草57种;外来杂草68种,本地杂草132种;5级危害的杂草3种（大白茅、铺地黍和香附子）,4级危害的杂草7种（牛筋草、短颖马唐、假臭草、阔叶丰花草、加拿大蓬、鬼针草、薇甘菊）。在剑麻园杂草防控方面,提出了"生态优先,以草治草"策略和"不生草的剑麻园不可能是生态剑麻园,只有生良草的剑麻园才可能是生态园"的新观点,并采取剑麻园种草控草、养地、养麻、养畜和驱虫防病的生态化管理技术措施,达到减肥减药、生态安全的可持续发展目标。     

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.     

Ecological studies on Echinochloa crus-galli and the implications for weed management in direct-seeded rice

Echinochloa crus-galli, a C₄ grass, is one of the world’s most serious weeds. Weed management decisions for this species can be derived from knowledge of its seed biology. Studies were conducted to determine the effects of light on germination; seed burial depth and rice residue on emergence and growth; and flooding time and depth on emergence, survival and growth of this species. Light stimulated seed germination but it was not an absolute requirement for germination. The proportion of seeds germinating was greatest for seeds placed on the soil surface (92%), and emergence declined with increasing burial depth in soil; no seedlings emerged from the depth of 8 cm. A burial depth of only 0.4 cm reduced seedling emergence by 50%. Seedling emergence and seedling biomass were reduced by the addition of high level (6 ton ha⁻¹) of rice residue to the soil surface. Early and deep flooding significantly suppressed growth of E. crus-galli seedlings. In flooded conditions, with increased water depth the weed allocated more biomass to shoots at the expense of roots. The information gained from this study could contribute to improve weed control approaches. Soil inversion by tillage to bury weed seeds below their maximum depth of emergence, use of crop residue as mulch and early flooding of the crop could serve as important tools for managing E. crus-galli and other weed species with similar germination requirements. These management options, however, would need to be compatible with other crop management requirements.     

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.     

Weed Management in Rainfed Upland Rice Fields under Varied Agro-Ecologies in Nigeria

The demand for rice to meet the dietary need in low-income countries is expected to witness an exponential rise as the population increases. Meeting the rice demand domestically has remained challenging due to significant yield loss caused by several biotic and abiotic factors. Among these factors, one of the most important is the high weed pressure that ravages the upland rice ecology. In Nigeria, several independent weed control techniques, such as physical, chemical and cultural methods, have been recommended and adopted for weed control across varying rice upland ecologies. However, outcomes of these approaches when used independently have not consistently led to an increase in yield. There remains an outstanding deficit between the actual yield and the potential rice yield. This review aimed to identify potential research gaps, and quest effective and sustainable weed management strategies in smallholder upland rice farming systems in Nigeria. A critical analysis of studies suggests the potential of sustainable weed management practices if adopted and adapted smartly in different upland ecologies in Nigeria. Competitiveness of upland rice against weeds can be enhanced through strategic integration of weed competitive cultivars, optimum nitrogen application timings (within weed-free periods), uniform plant spacing, and high seeding rates, with conventional herbicide/manual weed control practices. However, such management practices can only be engaged where inputs are supplied on time and the technical know-how is extended to farmers. The review equally highlights potential research gaps for further studies.     

龙门县农田草害种群组成危害程度及防除策略

通过调查发现，龙门县水稻杂草有15科40种，柑桔杂草有16科53种，花生杂草有8科30种，蔬菜杂草有12科35种。危害水稻的优势种是四叶萍，亚优势种是鸭舌草和黑藻；危害柑桔的优势种是马兰和马唐，亚优势种是狗尾草和狗牙根；危害蔬菜、花生的优势种因海拔、生态环境不同差异较大。根据调查结果，对农田草害造成的粮油损失进行估算，并提出了针对性的防除策略。     

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.