Assessing the opportunity for site-specific management of Avena sterilis in winter barley fields in Spain

The abundance of Avena sterilis in dryland barley fields was studied in four Spanish provinces. During two growing seasons, differential geopositioning system (DGPS)‐geo‐referenced A. sterilis infestations were obtained in 31 fields. The majority of the infestations were concentrated in few large but irregularly shaped patches, with a higher number of smaller and more regular patches accounting for a small proportion of the infestation. A multitude of very small and irregular patches completed the inventory. The implications of this spatial structure were studied. Site‐specific adjusted‐dose herbicide application offered 61–74% potential herbicide savings. However, given the low levels of infestation and the low economic returns obtained in most of the provinces, the most profitable strategy was generally no herbicide application. Site‐specific treatments were advantageous only in high‐returns systems. Because few large patches provided the majority of the infestation, zone‐specific treatments would be advisable, until such time that weed detection and site‐specific application technologies become more efficient.     

Interference between Avena sterilis, Phalaris minor and five barley cultivars

Field experiments were carried out in Northern Greece from 1994 to 1997 to study interference between Avena sterilis L. or Phalaris minor Retz. and five autumn-sown barley cultivars. Weed:crop interference began in early April. Avena sterilis at 120 plants m⁻² showed greater interference against barley than P. minor at 400 plants m⁻². The greatest grain yield and ear number reduction due to interference by either weed was recorded for cvs Klipper and Plaisant, and the least for cv. Athinaida; with cvs Carina and Thermi intermediate. Yield reduction due to A. sterilis for cvs Athinaida, Carina, Thermi, Klipper and Plaisant was 8, 16, 27, 61 and 67%, respectively, while corresponding losses to P. minor were 1, 8, 14, 45 and 55%. These results clearly indicate that growth and consequently yield components of cv. Athinaida were unaffected by the presence of either weed species, while those of cv. Carina were affected by A. sterilis , but not by P. minor . However, dry weight and panicle number of both weed species were severely reduced by interference with cvs Carina, Athinaida and Thermi compared with cvs Klipper and Plaisant. The order of interference of the five barley cultivars tested against A. sterilis and P. minor was Athinaida > Carina > Thermi > Klipper ≥ Plaisant.     

Comparison of sampling methodologies for site-specific management of Avena sterilis

The ability to manage weed infestations in a spatially precise manner requires efficient and accurate methods of mapping weed distributions. A study was conducted to compare four different ground-based methods for collecting georeferenced information on infestations of Avena sterilis in winter wheat and barley. Sampling was performed at harvest by scoring panicle density, either from the ground or from a combine, by counting the number of panicle contacts with a stick moved horizontally over the crop canopy by an observer walking through the field, and by sampling A. sterilis seed rain on the ground. No significant differences were observed among the populations estimated by the four methods. A partial budget analysis of the in-season costs and benefits of spraying patches using these methods showed that visual scoring from the combine was the most appropriate method for the creation of weed management maps to be used for patch spraying in the following season. As a large variety of spatial patterns may be found in fields, the recommended sampling method might be field-specific and optimality should be verified for general use.     

Improved management of Avena ludoviciana and Phalaris paradoxa with more densely sown wheat and less herbicide

Summary The effectiveness of crop competition for better weed control and reducing herbicide rates was determined for Avena ludoviciana and Phalaris paradoxa . Four experiments, previously broadcast with seeds of the two weeds in separate plots, were sown with three wheat densities, and emerged weeds were treated with four herbicide doses (0–100% of recommended rate). The measured crop and weed traits were first analysed across experiments for treatment effects. Grain yield and weed seed production data were then analysed using cubic smoothing splines to model the response surfaces. Although herbicide rate for both weeds and crop density for P. paradoxa had significant linear effects on yield, there was a significant non-linearity of the response surface. Similarly, herbicide rate and crop density had significant linear effects on weed seed production, and there was significant non-linearity of the response surface that differed for the weed species. Maximum crop yield and reduction in seed production of P. paradoxa was achieved with approximately 80 wheat plants m⁻² and weeds treated with 100% herbicide rate. For A. ludoviciana , this was 130 wheat plants m⁻² applied with 75% herbicide rate. Alternatively, these benefits were achieved by increasing crop density to 150 plants m⁻² applied with 50% herbicide rate. At high crop density, application of the 100% herbicide rate tended to reduce yield, particularly with the A. ludoviciana herbicide, and this impacted adversely on the suppression of weed seed production. Thus, more competitive wheat crops have the potential for improving weed control and reducing herbicide rates.     

Tolerance of competitive spring barley cultivars to weed harrowing

Two experiments were conducted in 14 spring barley cultivars to investigate if crop tolerance to post‐emergence weed harrowing is related to morphological traits that reflect competitiveness. The experiments were carried out in organically grown fields where low weed densities and biomass production were assumed to be without significant influence on crop growth. The experiments showed that different cultivars responded differently to post‐emergence weed harrowing in terms of yield reduction. Taller and higher yielding cultivars with high leaf area index (LAI) tended to be less tolerant to post‐emergence weed harrowing than shorter and lower yielding cultivars with low LAI. This conclusion, however, is only valid for 13 of 14 cultivars because one very tall cultivar was tolerant to harrowing. Although the tallest and highest yielding cultivars were damaged the most, they remained the highest yielding cultivars after weed harrowing. This study is the first attempt to relate competitiveness of cereal cultivars to tolerance to harrowing, and it is thought provoking that competitiveness and tolerance is found to be counterproductive.     

Real-time weed detection, decision making and patch spraying in maize, sugarbeet, winter wheat and winter barley

Information on temporal and spatial variation in weed seedling populations within agricultural fields is very important for weed population assessment and management. Most of all, it allows a potential reduction in herbicide use, when post‐emergence herbicides are only applied to field sections with weed infestation levels higher than the economic weed threshold; a review of such work is provided. This paper presents a system for site‐specific weed control in sugarbeet (Beta vulgaris L.), maize (Zea mays L.), winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and winter barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), including online weed detection using digital image analysis, computer‐based decision making and global positioning systems (GPS)‐controlled patch spraying. In a 4‐year study, herbicide use with this map‐based approach was reduced in winter cereals by 60% for herbicides against broad‐leaved weeds and 90% for grass weed herbicides. In sugarbeet and maize, average savings for grass weed herbicides were 78% in maize and 36% in sugarbeet. For herbicides against broad‐leaved weeds, 11% were saved in maize and 41% in sugarbeet.     

Joint effects of biotic and abiotic stressors on winter wheat suppression of Bromus tectorum

In winter wheat systems in the Northern Great Plains of the United States, Bromus tectorum and wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV) commonly co‐occur. While independent effects of these pests on wheat yields have been well documented, to our knowledge, no study has investigated whether WSMV modifies interactions between wheat and B. tectorum. Furthermore, the impact that environmental stressors such as nutrient availability have on these interactions has not been addressed. We conducted a randomised split‐plot field study over 2 years to investigate the effects of WSMV and nitrate (N) availability on winter wheat suppression of Bromus tectorum. The study included four N treatments (10–19, 20–31, 31–84, and 85–207 kg ha^?1) and two WSMV treatments (mechanically inoculated or control). Increasing soil N increased the susceptibility of wheat to WSMV infection. In 2009, wheat in the lowest and highest N levels had 24% and 65% of plants infected respectively. However, regression analysis indicated that interactive effects of wheat competition, N and WSMV did not play a consistent role in B. tectorum growth. Specifically, the effect of both wheat density and distance from row on B. tectorum biomass remained constant across inoculation treatments, suggesting that wheat inoculated with WSMV suppressed B. tectorum as effectively as healthy wheat. Furthermore, wheat had a greater impact on B. tectorum growth in higher N environments, even though incidence of WSMV infection in wheat was highest. Overall, our results suggest that WSMV infection may not change the ability of wheat to suppress B. tectorum.     

Practical experiences with a system for site-specific weed control in arable crops using real-time image analysis and GPS-controlled patch spraying

Information on temporal and spatial variation in weed seedling populations within agricultural fields is very important for weed population assessment and management. Primarily, spatial information allows a potential reduction in herbicide use, when post‐emergent herbicides are only applied to field sections with high weed infestation levels. This paper presents a system for site‐specific weed control in sugar beet, maize, winter wheat, winter barley, winter rape and spring barley. The system includes on‐line weed detection using digital image analysis, computer‐based decision making and Global Positioning System‐controlled patch spraying. In a 2‐year study, herbicide use with this map‐based approach was reduced in winter cereals by 6–81% for herbicides against broad leaved weeds and 20–79% for grass weed herbicides. Highest savings were achieved in cereals followed by sugar beet, maize and winter rape. The efficacy of weed control varied from 85% to 98%, indicating that site‐specific weed management will not result in higher infestation levels in the following crops.     

Quality versus quantity: spring wheat seed size and seeding rate effects on Avena fatua interference, economic returns and economic thresholds

A 3-year field experiment was conducted at Kalispell, Montana, USA, to investigate the effects of spring wheat seed size and seeding rate on wheat yield loss (YL), economic returns and economic thresholds (ETs), as a function of Avena fatua density. Crop competitive ability increased as wheat seeding rate and seed size increased, with the greatest differences among treatment factors being observed at low weed densities. Both treatment factors decreased spring wheat YL, increasing economic returns during all 3 years of the study despite the higher associated seed costs. Averaged over all other factors, adjusted gross returns (AGR) were 477 and 537$ ha⁻¹ for the low and high seeding rates, while values of 453, 521 and 547$ ha⁻¹ were obtained for the small, bulk and large seed size classes respectively. Weed-free yield potential varied yearly. As yield potential increased, A. fatua competitive effects were more evident and ETs decreased. Nonetheless, both treatment factors increased ETs in 2 of 3 years. These results demonstrate that the use of higher seeding rates and larger seed size classes both improve wheat competitive ability towards A. fatua while simultaneously increasing economic returns.     

Effects of winter wheat cultivars and seed rate on the biological characteristics of naturally occurring weed flora

Summary Differential competitive ability of six winter wheat cultivars and traits that confer such attributes were investigated for a range of seed rates in the presence or absence of weeds for a naturally occurring weed flora in two successive years in split-plot field experiments. Crop height and tillering capacity were considered suitable attributes for weed suppression, although competitiveness is a relative rather than an absolute characteristic. Maris Huntsman and Maris Widgeon were the most competitive cultivars whereas Fresco was the least competitive. Manipulation of seed rate was a more reliable factor than cultivar selection for enhancement of weed suppression, although competitiveness of cultivars Buster, Riband and Maris Widgeon was not enhanced by increased seed rate. Crop densities ranging between 125 and 270 plants m⁻² were found to offer adequate weed suppression. Linear relationships were observed between individual and total weed species dry weight and reproductive structures per unit area.     

Yield and competitive ability in potato cultivars characterised by different developmental timing

Potato is very susceptible to weed interference during the early growth stages due to slow emergence, and again at the end of the growing cycle when branches collapse and the canopy opens. Weed control usually is performed through a combination of physical and chemical methods. A growing concern for the environment and human health has encouraged the development of non‐chemical weed control. We evaluated the effects of an integrated weed management strategy consisting of physical and cultural methods on naturally emerging weeds over two field seasons in central Italy. One harrowing plus one hilling operation were conducted during the early crop stages, and the competitive abilities against late emerging weeds of six different cultivars of potato, characterised by differences in developmental timing and growth habit, were evaluated. Two measures of competition were evaluated, the competitive balance index (Cb) and the relative total biomass of crop and weed. Higher competitive ability (Cb) was associated with traits such as fast early above‐ground biomass production, height and final above‐ground biomass. Medium late maturity cultivars showed higher Cb than earlier ones, but this was associated with lower yield, providing evidence for a trade‐off between competitive ability and yield. The trade‐off was in part biased by the lack of adaptation of the medium late cultivars to hot weather conditions, so we concluded that cultivars characterised by different developmental time need to be screened and tested for local systems.     

Control of weed barley species in winter wheat with sulfosulfuron at different rates and times of application

Field experiments were conducted at five locations in the major wheat production regions of Iran to evaluate the efficacy of sulfosulfuron in controlling weed barley species (including Hordeum spontaneum , Hordeum murinum , Hordeum distichon , and Hordeum vulgare ) in the 2004–2005 and 2005–2006 growing seasons. Sulfosulfuron was applied either postemergence (POST) or preplant-incorporated (PPI) at 0, 20.25, 30.75, 40.5, 51.0, 60.75 or 71.25 g ai ha⁻¹ to plots arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Sulfosulfuron at the recommended rate (20.25 g ai ha⁻¹) failed to provide acceptable control of the weed barley species. However, the level of control increased with the application rate, particularly at rates >51.0 g ai ha⁻¹. Generally, PPI-applied sulfosulfuron resulted in markedly greater control levels than those of a POST application and complete control of H. murinum and H. vulgare was achieved with PPI-applied sulfosulfuron at all rates >20.25 and 30.75 g ai ha⁻¹, respectively. In most cases, the wheat yield increased with the application rate without any crop injury. The highest yield increase (186%) was obtained with a PPI application of 71.25 g ai ha⁻¹.     

Spatial distribution of weeds in arable crops: are current sampling and analytical methods appropriate?

This paper reviews the literature concerning the spatial distribution of weeds; highlighting the limitations of our current sampling and analytical methodologies, and suggesting how these inadequacies can be addressed. Most research studies have used discrete sampling, i.e. weeds are counted within a quadrat, on a grid basis. Few have mapped weeds at a whole-field scale, either with a resolution appropriate to spraying operations or key ecological processes. Statistical analyses used to describe the data can be divided into two main types, spatially implicit (also at the scale of the sampling unit) or spatially explicit, in which the location of individuals is included in the analyses. Spatially implicit methods can be strongly affected by quadrat size and mean density and are of doubtful benefit. More attention is required to address sampling resolution issues for spatially explicit methods. Our understanding of the formation and dynamics of spatial pattern, as well as predicting the consequences of site-specific management, can be improved with models. Unfortunately, most models consider only newly expanding patches and appear incapable of predicting spatial distributions when an area has been fully invaded. More detailed biological information is required if models are to become more realistic and informative. We also need to ensure that we understand the spatial processes in the context of the whole field environment, to optimize the success of site-specific weed management in the longer term.     

The influence of nitrogen supply on the ability of wheat and potato to suppress Stellaria media growth and reproduction

Summary This paper tests the hypothesis that increased soil nitrogen supply reduces the growth of late-emerging weeds in wheat and potato by enhancing canopy leaf area development and thereby reducing the availability of light for weed growth. Two series of experiments were conducted: one in spring wheat (1997, 1999) with sown Stellaria media and one in potato (1998, 1999) with naturally emerged weeds, including S. media . For each crop, two cultivars were grown at three levels of nitrogen supply. In wheat, as in a monoculture of S. media , total dry weight and seed number of the weed increased with soil nitrogen supply, whereas in potato the opposite was found. Increased soil nitrogen supply increased the nitrogen uptake of S. media in wheat, despite the reduced light availability, indicating that S. media in wheat was limited by nitrogen. In potato, on the other hand, growth of S. media was limited by light availability, which decreased with increased soil nitrogen supply . We conclude that the differences in response of S. media in wheat and potato to additional nitrogen supply are attributable to the dual influence of soil nitrogen supply on light and nitrogen availability, which are mediated by the crops.     

Influence of soil moisture on the competitive ability and seed dormancy of Sinapis arvensis in spring wheat

Two experiments were carried out, one in 1995 and one in 1997, to investigate the competitive abilities of two spring wheat cultivars with Sinapis arvensis L. The spring wheat cultivars (Baldus and Canon) of contrasting growth habit were grown with and without S. arvensis under two different moisture regimes (10% and 70% of field capacity). In 1995, S. arvensis was found to be less competitive when subjected to moisture stress, resulting in smaller wheat yield losses in dry soil than in moist soil. In both years, seed production of S. arvensis was reduced by competition and moisture stress, and the seeds produced by plants that had been grown in drier soil were small and had negligible dormancy. Hence, in dry conditions, the competitiveness of S. arvensis and its potential to produce persistent seed may be reduced. Some differences between the two wheat cultivars were evident: cv. Baldus was more competitive against S. arvensis than cv. Canon. This could be attributed to differences in canopy structure.     

Phosphorus fertilizer effects on the competition between wheat and several weed species

Information on phosphorus (P) fertilizer affecting crop–weed competitive interactions might aid in developing improved weed management systems. A controlled environment study was conducted to examine the effect of three P doses on the competitive ability of four weed species that were grown with wheat. Two grass and two broad-leaved weed species were chosen to represent the species that varied in their growth responsiveness to P: wild oat (medium), Persian darnel (low), round-leaved mallow (high), and kochia (low). Wheat and each weed species were grown in a replacement series design at P doses of 5, 15, and 45 mg P kg⁻¹ soil. The competitive ability of the low P-responsive species, Persian darnel and kochia, decreased as the P dose increased, supporting our hypothesis that the competitiveness of species responding minimally to P would remain unchanged or decrease at higher P levels. As expected, the competitiveness of the high P-responsive species, round-leaved mallow, progressively improved as the P dose increased. However, wild oat's competitive ability with wheat was not affected by the P fertilizer. The results suggest that fertilizer management strategies that favor crops over weeds might deserve greater attention when weed infestations consist of species known to be highly responsive to higher soil P levels. The information gained in this study could be used to advise farmers of the importance of strategic fertilizer management in terms of both weed management and crop yield.     

Competition of sorghum cultivars and densities with Japanese millet (Echinochloa esculenta)

Field studies were conducted at two locations in southern Queensland, Australia during the 2003–2004 and 2004–2005 growing seasons to determine the differential competitiveness of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) cultivars and crop densities against weeds and the sorghum yield loss due to weeds. Weed competition was investigated by growing sorghum in the presence or absence of a model grass weed, Japanese millet (Echinochloa esculenta). The correlation analyses showed that the early growth traits (height, shoot biomass, and daily growth rate of the shoot biomass) of sorghum adversely affected the height, biomass, and seed production of millet, as measured at maturity. “MR Goldrush” and “Bonus MR” were the most competitive cultivars, resulting in reduced weed biomass, weed density, and weed seed production. The density of sorghum also had a significant effect on the crop's ability to compete with millet. When compared to the density of 4.5 plants per m², sorghum that was planted at 7.5 plants per m² suppressed the density, biomass, and seed production of millet by 22%, 27% and 38%, respectively. Millet caused a significant yield loss in comparison with the weed‐free plots. The combined weed‐suppressive effects of the competitive cultivars, such as MR Goldrush, and high crop densities minimized the yield losses from the weeds. These results indicate that sorghum competition against grass weeds can be improved by choosing competitive cultivars and by using a high crop density of >7.5 plants per m². These non‐chemical options should be included in an integrated weed management program for better weed management, particularly where the control options are limited by the evolution of herbicide resistance.     

Spatial correlation between weed species densities and soil properties

The spatial cross‐correlation between weed species densities and six soil properties within fields was analysed using cross‐semivariograms. The survey was carried out in three successive years in two fields. The most consistent relationship between weed species density (numbers m^?2) and soil properties was negative cross‐correlation between the density of Viola arvensis Murray and clay content. This correlation was found in both fields; however, the range of spatial dependence varied between fields. In one of the fields, the density of Lamium purpureum L. was positively cross‐correlated with the phosphorus content in the soil in all years. The density of Veronica spp. and Poa annua L. was negatively cross‐correlated with pH in all three years. Other spatial cross‐correlations that were found in this study were inconsistent over time or field site. The densities of some of the weed species were spatially cross‐correlated with more than one soil property. The results showed that the range of spatial dependence varied not only between fields, but also between weed species and soil properties, as well as between years. This study indicates that the weed pattern is field‐specific and that the spatial variation in soil properties within a field is one of several factors affecting weed patchiness.