Glyphosate-tolerant cotton in Australia: successes and failures

ABSTRACT

Cotton is an important cash crop grown on 2.5% of the world’s arable land in over 100 countries, and has a 31% share of the world’s fibre market. In Australia, cotton is also a leading crop and contributes around AUD $3 billion to the total agricultural production. Weeds are a major biotic constraint resulting in yield losses of up to 90% and revenue losses of around AUD $100 billion globally and $4 billion to Australian agriculture. Genetically-modified (GM) crops have refashioned the weed management with more dependency on glyphosate. Such overreliance has led to the evolution of 43 glyphosate-resistant (GR) weed populations globally, with 16 species reported from Australia. Such GR weeds along with volunteer glyphosate-tolerant (GT) plants are now decreasing the value of the GM crops and forcing growers to spend more time and effort, and investment in their management. Weed management strategies need to be diversified and integrated with non-chemical methods and alternative herbicides not only to achieve efficient control, but to reduce the rate of evolution of GR weeds. In future, research is needed to improve integrated weed management through development and use of competitive and multiple herbicide-tolerant (HT) crops, organic herbicides, bio-herbicides, RNAi technology and robotics.     

Effect of different safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.)–bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) intercropping patterns on growth and yield under weedy and weed-free conditions

Two field experiments were carried out over two consecutive years (2010–2011) in the research field of the College of Agriculture, Shiraz University, Fars Province, southern Iran. The study was a factorial experiment based on a randomized complete block design with three replications: the first factor was the ratio of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L. Pi cv.) to bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L. Saiad cv.) at five levels (safflower and bean sole cropping, and intercropping of safflower and bean at ratios of 1:3, 2:2 and 3:1); and the second factor was weed management at two levels: weed-free (complete weed control) and weedy (no weed control). The results showed that an intercropping system was the most appropriate method for decreasing the adverse effect of weeds on the performance of both crops. Intercropping was more suitable for weedy than weed-free conditions. According to the land equivalent ratio (LER) value, if the main crop was bean, the best intercropping treatment was one row of safflower and six rows of bean (S₁B₃) under both weedy and weed-free conditions. By contrast, if the main crop was safflower, the best treatment under weedy conditions was S₁B₃, whereas under weed-free conditions the best treatment was two rows of safflower and four rows of bean (S₂B₂). Overall, S₁B₃ can be introduced as the best intercropping method.     

Glyphosate hormesis in broad-leaved weeds: a challenge for weed management

Little is known of glyphosate-induced hormesis in weeds and how this might influence weed management. To test the hormetic effect of low doses of glyphosate on broad-leaved weeds, two experiments were conducted, in the laboratory and the screenhouse. The hormetic effects of glyphosate solution in growth media (0, 65, 130, 250, and 500 g acid equivalent (a.e) ha^?1) and foliar spray (0, 4, 8, 16, 32, and 64 g a.e. ha^?1) were tested on four broad-leaved weeds (Coronopus didymus, Chenopodium album, Rumex dentatus, and Lathyrus aphaca). Glyphosate solution in the range 65–250 g a.e. ha^?1 stimulated the germination and seedling growth of all tested weeds. However, at 500 g a.e. ha^?1 inhibition of germination and growth was observed. Foliarly applied glyphosate in the range 4–32 g a.e. ha^?1 increased root and shoot length, dry biomass, and seed production ability of all four weeds species; however, the stimulatory response was species dependent. These results indicate that glyphosate hormesis could play a significant role in altering crop/weed competition and might influence weed management.     

Effect of nitrogen and wheat residue on cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) yield and weed control

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) residues and nitrogen (N) management are the major problems in the southern part of Iran where irrigated wheat–cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)–wheat rotation is a common practice. A 2-year (2009–2011) field experiment was conducted as a split plot design with four replications at a cotton field (Darab), Fars Province, Iran, to determine the influence of different rates of wheat residue (0%, 25%, 50%, and 75%) incorporation and N rates (150, 200, 300, and 400 kg ha^?1) on weed suppression, yield, and yield components of cotton. Results showed that a higher residue incorporation and a lower N rate improved weed suppression in both years. For treatments receiving 150 kg N ha^?1 and 75% of wheat residues (2250 kg ha^?1), weed biomass and density were significantly lower compared to treatments receiving 400 kg N ha^?1. The highest cotton lint yield (about 2400–2700 kg ha^?1) was obtained by 300 kg N ha^?1 in the absence of residue application, in both years. Incorporation of 25% of wheat residue (750 kg ha^?1) and application of 300 kg N ha^?1 are recommended to guarantee an optimum level of cotton lint yield and weed suppression in a wheat–cotton–wheat rotation in this region.     

Effect of soil tillage and weed control methods on weed biomass and yield of lentil (Lens culinaris Medic.)

Abstract

The study was carried out in dryfarming areas in Ankara, Turkey, over 2 years (2001 – 2002 and 2002 – 2003). The objective was to determine different soil tillage and weed control methods on weed biomass and yield components, yield of lentil (Lens culinaris). This study compared the effects of two tillage systems (shallow minimum tillage and traditional tillage) and three weed control methods (weedy check, hand weeding and herbicide) on weed biomass, growth characteristics, seed yield and some yield components of lentil. Significant differences were found among weed control methods for weed biomass and yield parameters of lentil. Tillage systems had no significant effect on weed biomass or yield of lentil. The highest yield and lowest weed biomass was found in the hand-weeded treatment compared to the other weed control methods. Results of this research indicate that weeds are a main constraint for lentil growing under dryland conditions. Grain yield of lentil was reduced more than 60% due to uncontrolled weeds.     

Variation in Elymus repens susceptibility to glyphosate

Continuous increase in glyphosate use in Sweden has caused concern about resistance development, not least in connection with the possible introduction of crops resistant to glyphosate. In Sweden, the main weed targeted by glyphosate is Elymus repens (L.) Gould. We sampled 69 clones of E. repens to assess the magnitude and geographical distribution of variation in susceptibility to glyphosate. Clones originated from four habitat types: intensively and extensively used arable lands, field vicinities and other habitats, including natural vegetation. Susceptibility varied greatly among clones with GR50 (50% of untreated growth reduction) spanning over at least one order of magnitude, 17–278 active ingredient ha^?1 in a pot experiment setting. There was a strong covariance between geographic and genetic distance, but there was no evidence of geographic or genetic differentiation in GR50. Nor did GR50 vary consistently between habitat types. We conclude that no indication of past selection was found towards the resistance to glyphosate in E. repens clones in Sweden. The great variability in susceptibility suggests that there might be a potential for such selection.     

Glyphosate effects on photosynthesis,nutrient accumulation,and nodulation in glyphosate‐resistant soybean

Previous greenhouse studies have demonstrated that photosynthesis in some cultivars of first‐ (GR1) and second‐generation (GR2) glyphosate‐resistant soybean was reduced by glyphosate. The reduction in photosynthesis that resulted from glyphosate might affect nutrient uptake and lead to lower plant biomass production and ultimately reduced grain yield. Therefore, a field study was conducted to determine if glyphosate‐induced damage to soybean (Glycine max L. Merr. cv. Asgrow AG3539) plants observed under controlled greenhouse conditions might occur in the field environment. The present study evaluated photosynthetic rate, nutrient accumulation, nodulation, and biomass production of GR2 soybean receiving different rates of glyphosate (0, 800, 1200, 2400 g a.e. ha^–1) applied at V2, V4, and V6 growth stages. In general, plant damage observed in the field study was similar to that in previous greenhouse studies. Increasing glyphosate rates and applications at later growth stages decreased nutrient accumulation, nodulation, leaf area, and shoot biomass production. Thus, to reduce potential undesirable effects of glyphosate on plant growth, application of the lowest glyphosate rate for weed‐control efficacy at early growth stages (V2 to V4) is suggested as an advantageous practice within current weed control in GR soybean for optimal crop productivity.     

Glyphosate degradation in glyphosate-resistant and -susceptible crops and weeds

High levels of aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA), the main glyphosate metabolite, have been found in glyphosate-treated, glyphosate-resistant (GR) soybean, apparently due to plant glyphosate oxidoreductase (GOX)-like activity. AMPA is mildly phytotoxic, and under some conditions the AMPA accumulating in GR soybean correlates with glyphosate-caused phytotoxicity. A bacterial GOX is used in GR canola, and an altered bacterial glyphosate N-acetyltransferase is planned for a new generation of GR crops. In some weed species, glyphosate degradation could contribute to natural resistance. Neither an isolated plant GOX enzyme nor a gene for it has yet been reported in plants. Gene mutation or amplification of plant genes for GOX-like enzyme activity or horizontal transfer of microbial genes from glyphosate-degrading enzymes could produce GR weeds. Yet, there is no evidence that metabolic degradation plays a significant role in evolved resistance to glyphosate. This is unexpected, considering the extreme selection pressure for evolution of glyphosate resistance in weeds and the difficulty in plants of evolving glyphosate resistance via other mechanisms.     

Bioefficacy and Determination of Terminal Residues of a Herbicide Anilofos in Field Soil and Plants Following an Application to the Transplanted Rice Crop

Although herbicides provide effective weed control, some herbicides may pose serious health and environmental threats. Thus the bioefficacy and the persistence of three formulations of a herbicide, anilofos [GR (granules), W/O (water in oil emulsion), and EC (emulsifier concentration)], at 300, 450, and 600 g ha^?1 as pre-emergent applications were evaluated in transplanted rice (Oryza sativa L.). All of the formulations enhanced the rice grain yield by 50% over weedy check and the grain yield was greatest in the 30% EC treatment applied at a 450 g ha^?1 rate. Phytotoxic symptoms of anilofos were not observed with any of these formulations on the transplanted rice. Terminal residues of anilofos in the soil and mature rice plants were below the maximum residues limit (MRL, 0.05 mg/kg) in the soil, grains, and straw treated with the various formulations of anilofos. Study showed fast degradation of anilofos in the soil and rice plants.     

Weed management in canola (Brassica napus L): a review of current constraints and future strategies for Australia

ABSTRACT

Weeds are a major constraint to canola (Brassica napus L.) production, reducing grain yield and quality. The repeated use of pre- and post- emergent herbicides to control several grasses and broadleaf weeds has escalated the problem of herbicide resistance in weeds. The development of herbicide-tolerant canola cultivars has increased the flexibility of weed management but has also increased the risks of outcrossing with wild relatives and weed shifts to resistance. Herbicide-resistant weed species, and the related biological repercussions, pose a major threat to sustainable weed management. These developing risks have led researchers to examine integrated weed management (IWM) techniques for sustainable weed control. Weed control strategies using non-chemical tactics have valid roles for managing weeds. However, in broad-acre commercial fields, the effectiveness of several non-chemical selections are less proven than commercial chemical herbicides. Canola competition and allelopathy for weed suppression are potential components for integrated weed management in canola. This review examines current chemical and non-chemical options available for developing IWM strategies for profitable canola production, as well as future research directions.     

Mexican poppy (Argemone mexicana) control in cornfield using deep learning neural networks: a perspective

Mexican poppy (Argemone mexicana) is a widespread noxious annual weed associated with crops such as corn (Zea mays L.), and this weed is persistent because it produces a seed bank. This invasive weed species must be controlled even in the dry season because Mexican poppy has a deep-reaching root system, which taps water from deep soil layers. Cases of a human death caused by Mexican poppy seeds in South Africa, India, and other Eastern countries were reported from the early years of the twentieth century. However, when weeds are controlled uniformly instead of site-specific or precision farming method across the spatially variable fields, there are environmental pollution challenges. Site-specific weed control techniques have gained interest in the precision farming community over the last years mainly because of Global Positioning System (GPS) applications, and a controlled measure of herbicides are applied where there are weeds in the field, and areas with more clusters of weeds receive the correct amount of herbicide application. Mexican poppy has prickles and is a nuisance to farmers, and herbicides represent a severe health hazard to humans due to chemical concentrations in water. For that reason, we propose the design of a site-specific weed control plan to use a row-guided robot to detect and identify weeds with accuracy, control speed timeously, and spray herbicides with a high level of precision and automation. These robotics methods are reported to be environmentally conscious, and economically efficient with less labour and management. The proposed method of deep learning neural networks, which use row-guided robots, a machine is trained on multiple images to identify weeds automatically from the main crop, and release a controlled measure of herbicides based on weed location and density, and spray weeds on-the-go upon emergence.     

Type and time of autumn tillage with and without herbicides at reduced rates in southern Sweden: 1. Yields and weed quantity

Environmental as well as economic incentives support the use of integrated weed management (IWM) systems for crop production. In order to reduce the input of agrochemicals for weed control, it may be possible to combine reduced doses of herbicides with appropriate tillage strategies and still maintain acceptable weed population levels. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficiency of different tillage strategies, with and without herbicides at 50% of normal rates, on weed populations and crop yields. The influences of type and time of stubble cultivation, harrowing and mouldboard ploughing were followed in eight long-term field trials in southern Sweden from 1988 until the spring of 1994. The crop rotations were dominated by spring-sown oats (Avena sativa L.) and barley (Hordeum distichon L.). Although significant site-by-year-by-treatment interactions were found, certain trends in influences of tillage on weeds and yields were identified. Weed density and weight often decreased in the order: stubble cultivation without ploughing > solely ploughing > stubble cultivation succeeded by ploughing. Grain yields of oats and barley varied 6–50% among tillage systems and the highest yields were often obtained in plots where ploughing succeeded stubble cultivation. Effects of tillage on weeds or yields were usually not influenced by herbicide application. Although only subnormal herbicide rates were used, weed density and weight were mostly reduced by 70–90%, while yields increased by 10–20%. In the spring of 1994, 1 year after the last herbicide application, densities of annual broad-leaved weeds were 40–65% lower in plots previously treated by herbicides than in non-treated plots, and differences among tillage systems were still significant. This study shows the advantage of combining herbicides at reduced rates with stubble cultivation and ploughing.     

Early-season nutrient competition between weeds and soybean

Abstract

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] yield losses may be attributable to early-season nutrient competition with weeds; however, research investigating macro- and micronutrient accumulation of weeds in soybean is scarce. Field experiments were conducted across eight site-years in Illinois, USA to determine which soybean nutrients are most susceptible to weed competition. Weeds were controlled by applying glyphosate at 10-, 20-, 30-, or 45-cm weed heights during which accumulation of 11 nutrients were measured in soybean and broadleaf and grass weeds. For both weed groups, K and Fe were the macro- and micronutrient, respectively, with the greatest rate of accumulation. Variations in nutrient uptake between broadleaf and grass weeds were largely explained by differences in weed density, except for Ca and B, which were greater in broadleaf weeds regardless of density. Canonical discriminant analysis (CDA) identified soybean accumulation of N, P, K, Fe, and Cu as the nutrients most affected by weed competition, with P, K, and Fe uptake being particularly susceptible during droughty conditions. The weed height causing a 10% reduction in uptake was 11, 12, 12, 7, and 10?cm for N, P, K, Fe, and Cu, respectively. Soybean grain yield, seed weight, pods plant^?1, and seed oil content were identified through CDA as the yield parameters most affected by weed competition. Results indicate weeds should be removed before reaching 18?cm (V2 to V3 soybean) to avoid a 5% loss in grain yield. Early-season weed control preserves yield potential and may improve efficiency of nutrient management programs in soybean.     

Losses of 15N-nitrogen by plant–soil system after herbicide application on black oat

Recent studies have demonstrated that the use of glyphosate or glufosinate-ammonium herbicides for some cover crop desiccation in conservationist systems could favor nitrogen (N) losses from the soil–plant system. In this context, the objective of this study was to evaluate the losses of N by the plant–soil system after the desiccation of black oat (Avena strigosa Schreb.) with the application of herbicides glyphosate, glufosinate-ammonium, or paraquat. Two greenhouse experiments were implemented using black oat plants fertilized with labeled (¹⁵N) ammonium nitrogen, and the N loss of the plant–soil system was quantified. The desiccation of black oat with glyphosate caused a reduction in root dry mass by approximately 60% in both experiments. The glyphosate and glufosinate-ammonium reduced the amount of N present in the aboveground portion; however, the paraquat herbicide did not modify it. None of the herbicides applied affected N losses in the black oat plant–soil system. However, 5–15% of the N applied as fertilizer was lost up to harvest. The results suggest that black oat can be used as a cover crop in direct sowing in order to avoid nitrogen losses in the soil–plant system.     

Effect of tillage systems on pea crop infestation with weeds

In a multi-year experiment, weed infestation of pea crop in three tillage systems was analyzed: a) conventional tillage (CT), b) reduced tillage (RT), and c) no-tillage (NT), and in two terms: 1) at 2–3 pea leaves stage (23–25 stage in BBCH scale) and 2) at the flat pod stage (75–79 BBCH). Treatments conducted in the CT system included shallow ploughing and pre-winter ploughing in the autumn. In the RT system, both these treatments were replaced by double cultivation, whereas only glyphosate treatment was applied in the NT system. In both terms of weed infestation assessment, the highest number and air-dry weight of weeds were determined in the RT system, lower ones in CT and the lowest ones in the NT system. In the first term, the number of weeds m^?2 in the RT system was higher by 43.9% than in NT and by 26% than in CT system. Also in the second term was the weed number m^?2 in RT higher by 58.6% than in NT and by 27.9% than in CT. Tillage systems differentiated also weed mass in pea crop. In RT, it was 4-fold higher than in NT and over 2-fold higher than in CT.     

Influence of Soil Moisture on Root Colonization of Glyphosate‐Treated Soybean by Fusarium Species

Abstract

The widespread use of glyphosate‐resistant (GR) cropping systems may impact rhizosphere microbial associations and crop productivity. It was previously reported that glyphosate accumulation in the rhizosphere may stimulate colonization of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] roots by soilborne Fusarium. Field studies often reveal inconsistent root colonization by Fusarium, especially during growing seasons characterized by contrasting rainfall patterns. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the impact of different soil moisture contents on root colonization of glyphosate‐treated soybean by Fusarium species. Glyphosate (0.84 kg ae ha^?1) was applied to greenhouse‐grown glyphosate‐resistant (GR) soybean at the two to three trifoliate-leaf (V2–V3) growth stage growing in a Mexico silt loam at 27%, 13%, and 10% soil moisture contents. Soil and plant samples were sampled periodically after herbicide application and selectively cultured for Fusarium. Highest Fusarium colonization was associated with the glyphosate treatment, with maximum levels occurring at the highest soil moisture level. Thus, glyphosate interactions with root colonization by Fusarium in glyphosate‐resistant soybean are greatly influenced by soil moisture content.     

Effect of flow rate on the adsorption and desorption of glyphosate,simazine and atrazine in columns of sandy soils

Adsorption and desorption of the herbicides glyphosate [N-phosphonomethyl-aminoaceticacid], simazine [6-chloro-N,N′-diethyl-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine] and atrazine [6-chloro-N²-ethyl-N⁴-isopropyl-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine] were studied in four sandy soils from Western Australia. Distribution coefficients (K_ds) were calculated from breakthrough curves (BTCs) resulting from leaching step changes in concentrations through small saturated columns of soil at flow rates ranging from 0.3 to 30 m day^–1. A comparison was made with K_ds obtained after batch equilibrating solutions of the herbicides with the same soils. The K_ds of herbicides in soils decreased with increasing flow rate and most strongly for glyphosate in soils rich in clay content. Resulting increases in mobility of about 40–50% were estimated for simazine and atrazine and > 50% for glyphosate at flow rates of 3 m day^–1. Adsorption and desorption rates were estimated by fitting numerically simulated BTCs to experimental BTCs. Best fits were obtained with a time-dependent Freundlich adsorption equation. The resulting coefficient for time dependency in the equation suggests that the rates of adsorption and desorption are controlled mainly by diffusion in an adsorbing layer on or in soil particles.     

Tolerance and accumulation of shikimic acid in response to glyphosate applications in glyphosate-resistant and nonglyphosate-resistant cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.).

Measurement of shikimic acid accumulation in response to glyphosate inhibition of 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase is a rapid and accurate assay to quantify glyphosate-induced damage in sensitive plants. Two methods of assaying shikimic acid, a spectrophotometric and a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method, were compared for their accuracy of recovering known amounts of shikimic acid spiked into plant samples. The HPLC method recovered essentially 100% of shikimic acid as compared with only 73% using the spectrophotometric method. Relative sensitivity to glyphosate was measured in glyphosate-resistant (GR) and non-GR cotton leaves, fruiting branches, and squares (floral buds) by assaying shikimic acid. Accumulation of shikimic acid was not observed in any tissue, either GR or non-GR, at rates of 5 mM glyphosate or less applied to leaves. All tissues of non-GR plants accumulated shikimic acid in response to glyphosate treatment; however, only fruiting branches and squares of GR plants accumulated a slight amount of shikimic acid. In non-GR cotton, fruiting branches and squares accumulated 18 and 11 times, respectively, more shikimic acid per micromolar of translocated glyphosate than leaf tissue, suggesting increased sensitivity to glyphosate of reproductive tissue over vegetative tissue. GR cotton leaves treated with 80 mM of glyphosate accumulated 57 times less shikimic acid per micromolar of translocated glyphosate than non-GR cotton but only 12.4- and 4-fold less in fruiting branches and squares, respectively. The increased sensitivity of reproductive structures to glyphosate inhibition may be due to a higher demand for shikimate pathway products and may provide an explanation for reports of fruit abortion from glyphosate-treated GR cotton.     

Distribution of Nitrogen between Crop and Weeds in Spring Cereals

Abstract

The nitrogen content of the above-ground biomass of crop and weeds was assessed one week after crop heading in the beginning of July in spring barley and spring wheat. Crops were sown with a combined sowing and fertilizing machine at five seed rates. The trial plots received nitrogen, 90 kg ha^?1. No herbicides were applied. In spring barley sown at a normal seed rate, less than 5% of the nitrogen in the above-ground biomass was accumulated in weeds. In spring wheat stands the corresponding amount averaged 10–15%. The nitrogen concentration in the crop biomass averaged 1.8% of the dry weight and that in mixed weed species 3.2%. Under normal growth conditions the N concentration in crop and weeds was relatively constant at the time of crop heading. Variations in N accumulation between crop plants and weeds are explained by the different biomass production of the plants.     

Crop stand density enhances competitive ability of spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)

Abstract

The aim of the research was to establish weediness, competitive ability and productivity of the crop. The experimental object was agrophytocenoses of spring barley – Hordeum vulgare L. – crop of spring barley ‘Aura’ and unsown soil, and weeds growing in them. The crop was formed sowing 0, 120, 200 and 280 kg ha^?1 (0, 2.7, 4.5 and 6.2 million seeds per ha^?1 respectively) seeds of spring barley ‘Aura’. Spring barley crop was not harrowed and herbicides were not applied. In the field experiment estimates were made of changes of weeds and spring barley inter- and within- species competition optimizing crop density. During three years of field experiment in the crop of spring barley annual weeds prevailed at 88–99%, such as Chenopodium album, Stellaria media, Erysimum cheiranthoides. Perennial weeds formed 1–12% of the crop weeds, such as Sonchus arvensis, Cirsium arvense, Equisetum arvense. General number of weed species in spring barley crops varied from 13 to 21. Weed abundance proportionally declined in the crops of higher density, hence, higher seed rate should be recommended for organic agriculture where weeds are controlled in non-chemical ways. Consistently increasing barley stand density, the competition between species (spring barley with weeds) gradually turned into competition within species (between barley plants) when a higher number of weaker and non-productive stems started forming. Spring barley yield did not significantly depend on the stand density. Increasing stand density enhanced cultivated crop yield to a certain level (200 kg ha^?1), since an increase in spring barley plant number resulted in the reduction in weight per plant and 1000 grain weight, which was compensated by an increase in the number of spring barley plants. Different spring barley density had an essential influence on the chemical composition of weeds which was similar to that of spring barley. Weeds accumulated the greatest amount of crude proteins, crude fat and crude fibre growing without spring barley.