Spatial stability of Avena sterilis ssp. ludoviciana populations under annual applications of low rates of imazamethabenz

Long‐term experiments were conducted in two winter barley fields in central Spain to determine the spatial stability of Avena sterilis ssp. ludoviciana populations under annual applications of low rates of imazamethabenz herbicide. Weed density was sampled every year (over 5 years in the first field and over 3 years in the second) on the same grid locations prior to herbicide application. Although weed patches were stable in their location, weed density decreased in most of the years. In the first field, the populations decreased exponentially over the 5‐year period. The rates of population decline were dependent on the initial density of the population, being higher for the central core of the patches and lower for the low‐density areas. Under the conditions present in this experiment, it was possible to reduce heavy weed patches (up to 1200 seedlings m^?2) down to relatively safe levels (18 seedlings m^?2) in a period of 3 years using a density‐specific control programme, applying low rates of herbicides when weed densities were below a given level (1000 seedlings m^?2). However, under adverse environmental conditions, half rates of the herbicide failed to control the weed populations adequately. The stability of the location of patches of A. sterilis ssp. ludoviciana suggest that weed seedling distributions mapped in one year are good predictors of future seedling distributions. However, the actual densities established each year will depend on the control level achieved the previous year and the climatic conditions present during the establishment period.     

Composition of the stubble weed flora and its role for Heterodera schachtii in the year preceding sugar beet production

In Germany, sugar beet is often rotated with 2 years of cereal. Extensive fallow periods between cereal harvest and autumn primary tillage allow for a weed flora to develop. Broad‐leaved weeds could potentially be alternate hosts for the common nematode Heterodera schachtii, one of the most important pests of sugar beet. Between 2009 and 2012, annual weeds developing in cereal stubble fields during July to mid‐October in the season prior to sugar beet were surveyed, including known hosts of H. schachtii. Yearly weather patterns and agronomic practices possibly impacted weed species composition and weed population densities. During September, Chenopodium album, Cirsium arvense, Convolvulus arvensis, Mercurialis annua, Polygonum spp., Solanum nigrum and Sonchus spp. occurred at the highest frequencies. Weed hosts of H. schachtii were present, but densities, frequencies and uniformity were limited. In 2010 and 2011, staining for nematodes in roots revealed juvenile penetration of some weeds but few adult stages. No indication of nematode reproduction of H. schachtii was found on these weed hosts. A fairly stable weed flora was detected on stubble fields that could provide some carry over for weed species. An elevated risk for nematode population density build‐up on these weeds was not found and management of these weeds at the observed densities during the stubble period for nematological reasons appeared unnecessary.     

Designing a sampling scheme to reveal correlations between weeds and soil properties at multiple spatial scales

Weeds tend to aggregate in patches within fields, and there is evidence that this is partly owing to variation in soil properties. Because the processes driving soil heterogeneity operate at various scales, the strength of the relations between soil properties and weed density would also be expected to be scale‐dependent. Quantifying these effects of scale on weed patch dynamics is essential to guide the design of discrete sampling protocols for mapping weed distribution. We developed a general method that uses novel within‐field nested sampling and residual maximum‐likelihood (reml ) estimation to explore scale‐dependent relations between weeds and soil properties. We validated the method using a case study of Alopecurus myosuroides in winter wheat. Using reml , we partitioned the variance and covariance into scale‐specific components and estimated the correlations between the weed counts and soil properties at each scale. We used variograms to quantify the spatial structure in the data and to map variables by kriging. Our methodology successfully captured the effect of scale on a number of edaphic drivers of weed patchiness. The overall Pearson correlations between A. myosuroides and soil organic matter and clay content were weak and masked the stronger correlations at >50 m. Knowing how the variance was partitioned across the spatial scales, we optimised the sampling design to focus sampling effort at those scales that contributed most to the total variance. The methods have the potential to guide patch spraying of weeds by identifying areas of the field that are vulnerable to weed establishment.     

The effect of crop,cultivation and seed addition for birds on surface weed seed densities in arable crops during winter

Weed seeds present an agronomic threat, but are also an important food resource for wildlife in winter. Weed seed densities on the soil surface in winter were examined from 1999 to 2002 in 105 fields on three different farms in UK. The effect of the preceding crop, cultivation, position within the field and the application of seed for birds (bird seed) on surface seed abundance and species composition was tested. Six or fewer species comprised c. 80% of the weed seeds. By January of each study year, the densities of seeds important for farmland birds (key seeds) were 73% or 87% lower compared with early winter on two of the farms, but were stable on the third where seeds were incorporated through cultivation. At the edge and mid‐field, seed densities only exceeded 400 m^?2 in 17%, 10% and 12% of fields for total, key and dicotyledonous seeds respectively. The preceding crop only affected seed densities at one site; stubbles of winter barley had fewer seeds compared with winter wheat or spring barley. Seed densities varied between the edge and mid‐field, but trends were inconsistent between sites. The density of the larger seeds (Atriplex patula, Viola arvensis, Polygonum aviculare and Chenopodium album) were reduced in fields receiving bird seed. The objectives of weed control and conservation may not be mutually exclusive because seed return was most reduced where the ground remained uncultivated through the winter, yet this also provided the best foraging opportunities for surface feeding seed predators.     

Evaluating the potential of Unmanned Aerial Systems for mapping weeds at field scales: a case study with Alopecurus myosuroides

Mapping weed densities within crops has conventionally been achieved either by detailed ecological monitoring or by field walking, both of which are time‐consuming and expensive. Recent advances have resulted in increased interest in using Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS ) to map fields, aiming to reduce labour costs and increase the spatial extent of coverage. However, adoption of this technology ideally requires that mapping can be undertaken automatically and without the need for extensive ground‐truthing. This approach has not been validated at large scale using UAS ‐derived imagery in combination with extensive ground‐truth data. We tested the capability of UAS for mapping a grass weed, Alopecurus myosuroides , in wheat crops. We addressed two questions: (i) can imagery accurately measure densities of weeds within fields and (ii) can aerial imagery of a field be used to estimate the densities of weeds based on statistical models developed in other locations? We recorded aerial imagery from 26 fields using a UAS . Images were generated using both RGB and R_mod (R_mod 670–750 nm) spectral bands. Ground‐truth data on weed densities were collected simultaneously with the aerial imagery. We combined these data to produce statistical models that (i) correlated ground‐truth weed densities with image intensity and (ii) forecast weed densities in other fields. We show that weed densities correlated with image intensity, particularly R_mod image data. However, results were mixed in terms of out of sample prediction from field‐to‐field. We highlight the difficulties with transferring models and we discuss the challenges for automated weed mapping using UAS technology.     

Weed flora distribution in Greek cotton fields and its possible influence by herbicides

A weed survey methodology was used for 2 years in three provinces in Greece to determine the abundance and spatial distribution of weeds in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) fields. Based on a stratified random sampling procedure, the most frequently occurring weeds were counted in 150 cotton fields. The field surveys were conducted late in the growing season; hence, the weed populations consisted of species that had been present during the critical competitive period for the crop and may have contributed to yield losses.Solanum nigrum was the most abundant weed in the surveyed fields of the southern province, followed byCyperus rotundus, Convolvulus arvensis, Xanthium strumarium, Chrozophora tinctoria andCynodon dactylon, in descending order. The ranked weed flora in the fields of the northern province was differentiated, suggesting the geographical distribution of weed species. The weedsDatura stramonium andS. nigrum were recorded in high abundance and followed byAmaranthus spp.,Abutilon theophrasti, Portulaca oleracea, Chenopodium album andXanthium spinosum, in descending order. Although the use of preplant incorporated herbicides is the dominant practice in cotton cultivation, certain weeds continue to spread in increasing densities. http://www.phytoparasitica.org posting July 26, 2005.     

Weed seed predation rate in cereals as a function of seed density and patch size,under high predation pressure by rodents

Weed seed predation is an ecosystem service, influencing weed population dynamics. The impact of weed seed predation on weed population dynamics depends on how predators respond to seed patches at the field scale. Seed predation will be most effective if the proportion of seeds predated increases with increasing size and seed density of patches. Density‐dependent rodent seed predation was measured by varying seed density and patch size in four irrigated conventionally managed cereal fields in north eastern Spain. Artificial weed seed patches were created by applying a range of Lolium multiflorum seed densities from 0 to 7500 seeds m^?2 in 225 m² patches (2008) or in patches that varied in size from 1 to 9 m² (2009). Seed predation was estimated using seed cards and seed frames. The granivorous rodents Mus spretus and Apodemus sylvaticus caused high seed predation rates (92%) in three fields, whereas in a fourth field, it was lower (47%). Rodents responded in an inversely density‐dependent manner, but this had little biological meaning as even in patches seeded with the highest density, the input to the soil seedbank was reduced by 88%. For the period of time this experiment lasted, hardly any new seeds would have entered the seedbank.     

Spatial and temporal patterns of Lolium rigidum–Avena sterilis mixed populations in a cereal field

Through a detailed case study of a two‐species (Lolium rigidum and Avena sterilis) weed community at contrasting scales, this paper examined factors that affect weed distribution across space and time in a commercial wheat field in north‐east Spain. A. sterilis showed relatively stable spatial distribution and spatial structure of its population over time at large scale, with well‐defined patches, although weed density rose quickly. L. rigidum showed poorly defined patches that were not stable across time. Interaction between species could explain to some degree the spatial distribution at large scale: a negative relationship was detected between the spatial structures of both weed populations. At fine scale, both species showed a clear interaction effect from primary dispersal (more important in A. sterilis) and secondary dispersal from combine harvesting (more important in L. rigidum).     

皖西南直播棉田杂草群落出苗模式

为明确皖西南直播棉田杂草群落出苗模式及其与气象因子的相关性,采用定点定时调查法,于2010—2012年对棉田杂草种类、数量及群落结构进行调查,分析物种多样性,并以灰色关联度法分析直播棉田杂草群落出苗数量与气象因子的相关性。结果表明,皖西南棉区直播棉田杂草种类有13科24种。棉田杂草出苗有2次高峰,分别在5—6月和8—9月。棉田杂草群落多样性指数年度间变化较一致,但物种丰富度变化较大。周积温、周最高积温和周最低积温是影响皖西南直播棉田杂草群落出苗数量季节变化的主要因素,另外还受降水量影响。5—6月的杂草出苗高峰期是棉田杂草重点防治时期;相对占优势的杂草有牛筋草、千金子、旱稗、通泉草和马齿苋,是棉田杂草重点防治对象。     

Relationships between soil properties and the occurrence of the most agronomically important weed species in the field margins of eastern Arkansas – implications for weed management in field margins

The work presented in this study adds to previous research on the occurrence, distribution and growth habitat of common weeds along roadsides in the Mississippi River Delta region of eastern Arkansas, USA. It addresses the relationships between soil properties (i.e. defined as a group of individual soil characteristics or attributes such as P, K, Ca, Mn and other nutrients) and the most agronomically important weeds of which the occurrence at field margins accounted for ≥ 10% of the total sampling sites. These were three broad‐leaved weeds (Amaranthus palmeri, Ipomoea spp. and Sida spinosa) and four grass weeds (Echinochloa crus‐galli, Urochloa platyphylla, Sorghum halepense and Digitaria sanguinalis). Soil properties were used as explanatory variables for weed occurrence (presence–absence) using partition analysis; the occurrences of the weeds under examination were partitioned by the application of a decision‐tree method. The most important soil properties explaining the occurrence of these weeds in field margins were extractable soil nutrients, specifically sodium, boron and copper content, as well as soil physical attributes, in order of importance, bulk density, silt content, field moisture capacity, hydraulic conductivity, wilting point, available water and clay content. Soil chemical properties proved least reliable in explaining weed occurrence at roadside field margins. Knowledge of the relationships between soil properties and weed occurrence can add to our understanding of weed biology and hence enhance the efficiency of weed management strategies. For example, the occurrence of A. palmeri, in soils with high bulk density (>1.4 g cm^?3) and low organic matter content (<2.7%) and thus lower residual herbicide activity, will require integrated weed management of this species in field margins. This is of interest given the occurrence of herbicide resistance in roadside arable weeds, mainly A. palmeri, E. crus‐galli and S. halepense, in the Mississippi River Delta region of eastern Arkansas and other parts of the world.     

Using geographic information systems to map the prevalent weeds at an early stage of the cotton crop in relation to abiotic factors

Cotton is still one of the most important crops in Greece despite the changes in the country’s socioeconomic status which have reduced the total cultivated area. In order to minimize yield losses, weed control is essential during the cultivation period. The aim of this study was to determine the distribution of the prevalent weeds that escape the usual herbicide application in the main cotton zone, located in the Karditsa prefecture. The weed densities and the irrigation methods used were recorded in 101 sampling sites of 25 m²; the cotton crop had been grown for the last 5 years using similar weed control techniques. Existing soil maps of the area were also used, through which soil data (texture and carbonates content) were accessed. Among the 14 weed species that have been recorded, four were perennial (Cyperus rotundus, Convolvulus arvensis, Cynodon dactylon, Sorhum halepense) and were ranked as first, second, fourth and fifth, respectively, according to the mean density, indicating the inefficient herbicidal control. In the fields irrigated by sprinklers, the weeds occurred in greater populations than those that occurred in fields irrigated by drippers, at values of 4.64 and 3 weeds m^-2, respectively. In terms of the studied soil properties, the distribution of C. arvensis was significantly correlated with carbonate content and soil texture in the surface soil layer. The autocorrelation analysis showed that only perennial weeds are spatially correlated whereas the interpolated maps showed this spatial trend of weed appearance.     

Weed seedling herbivory by field cricket Teleogryllus emma (Orthoptera: Gryllidae) in relation to the depth of seedling emergence

This study aimed to determine whether seedling herbivory by the field cricket, Teleogryllus emma (Ohmachi et Matsuura), promoted the mortality of Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.), a non‐native grass weed in Japan, whether the impact of seedling herbivory differed depending on the depth of seedling emergence and the influence of cricket density on seedling mortality. First, the seedlings at emergence depths of 0, 1 and 2 cm were exposed to the cricket for 2 days in plastic cups and the amount of seedling mortality by herbivory was calculated. The level of mortality of 60 seedlings that emerged from seeds on the soil surface was 92.4%, significantly higher than that of the seedlings that emerged from seeds at depths of 1 cm (10.8%) and 2 cm (9.6%). Second, the seedlings at the emergence depths of 0 and 1 cm were exposed to the crickets at four different densities (zero, one, two and three individuals per 5700 cm²) for 5 days in plastic containers and the amount of seedling mortality by herbivory was calculated. The level of mortality by herbivory of the seedlings that emerged from 100 seeds on the soil surface was higher (33.3–61.3%) than that of the seedlings that emerged from seeds at a depth of 1 cm (4.7–13.1%) in the containers with one‐to‐three crickets. The level of seedling mortality tended to increase with an increasing cricket density. These results suggest that seedling herbivory by crickets is an important factor in weed mortality, particularly in no‐till fields and in field margins, where the seeds are more prevalent near the soil surface.     

Long‐term effect of different tillage systems on the emergence and demography of Bromus diandrus in rainfed cereal fields

The adoption of no‐tillage systems in semi‐arid cereal fields in northern Europe has resulted in difficulties in controlling Bromus diandrus. However, in some fields, lower densities are observed in continuous long‐term no‐tillage management than in other reduced tillage systems. A cumulative effect on the seedbank could promote changes in the period of seedling emergence and in population demography. This study evaluated the effect of long‐term mouldboard plough (MbP), chisel plough (ChP), subsoiler (SS) and no‐tillage (NT) on the population dynamics of B. diandrus. The work was carried out in a barley (Hordeum vulgare)–wheat (Triticum aestivum)–barley rotation during three seasons where these soil management systems had been applied for the last 22 years. Cumulative emergence (CE) and densities of B. diandrus followed a gradient of ChP > SS > NT > MbP. This cumulative effect over time resulted in significant differences in population demography. A previous hydrothermal emergence model developed for this species estimated the percentage of emergence prior to the date of sowing to be: 71%, 92% and 53% for the seasons 2008–2009, 2009–2010 and 2010–2011 respectively. Furthermore, the reduction in CE observed was on average 53% in SS, 92% in NT and 98% in MbP in comparison with that recorded in ChP. The long‐term effect of different tillage systems tended to cause changes to soil characteristics (photo‐inhibition of germination, soil temperature, water availability) affecting B. diandrus demography, reaching equilibrium in weed densities over years, which were significantly lower in MbP and NT than in ChP or SS.     

Response of Sorghum halepense demographic processes to plant density and rimsulfuron dose in maize

In spatially heterogeneous weed infestations, variable dose technologies could be used to minimise herbicide use; high doses could be applied to reduce high‐density patches and low doses to maintain weed populations in low‐density portions of a field. To assess the potential short‐ and long‐term effects of variable herbicide dose and site‐specific management, the major weed demographic processes were described and parameterised in this study. Various doses of rimsulfuron (from 0 to 12.5 g a.i. ha^?1) were applied to different densities of Sorghum halepense (0–100 plants m^?2). Contrary to similar studies with other weed species, higher herbicide efficacy was not observed at low densities, suggesting that the same rimsulfuron dose should be applied regardless of the S. halepense density. The highest percentage of control was obtained with the full rimsulfuron dose. However, it did not guarantee a decrease of the infestation in the following season in the field areas where the initial S. halepense density was lower than 60 plants m^?2. Reduced doses of rimsulfuron to control S. halepense cannot be recommended based on our results.     

Micro‐elevations in paddy fields affect the efficacy of mechanical weeding: Evaluation of weeding machines to control Monochoria vaginalis in herbicide‐free farming

Differences in local topography (micro‐elevation) within a paddy field that constitute a source of variability in agronomical indicators have not been considered thoroughly as a block factor in weed studies. This study investigated and evaluated the performance of weeding machines (weeders) in two herbicide‐free paddy fields that contained micro‐elevations. The plant density of Monochoria vaginalis, a typical and harmful paddy weed unless controlled with herbicides, was used as the indicator of the efficacy of the weeders. Among the three weeders that were tested, one suppressed M. vaginalis dramatically at low elevations and the others were less sensitive to micro‐elevation. For comparison across the fields, micro‐elevations at weed sampling locations were converted to the initial depth of water by using the records of hydrographs that had been set in each field. The relationship between the initial depth of water and the plant density of M. vaginalis was very clear with the use of the elevation‐sensitive weeder. Moreover, this relationship was valid, even with the less‐sensitive weeders. The finding that the greater the depth of water, the less the plant density was significant, even for M. vaginalis, a difficult aquatic paddy weed that was controlled with any of the weeders tested. Thus, micro‐elevation within a paddy field needs to be treated as a crucial block factor in weed‐sampling studies. A coarse survey of the level of a field and the installation of a hydrograph are recommended for a clear analysis of the background of weed control practices.     

Increased density and spatial uniformity increase weed suppression by spring wheat

It has been hypothesized that increased crop density and spatial uniformity can increase weed suppression and thereby play a role in weed management. Field experiments were performed over 2 years to investigate the effects of the density and spatial arrangement of spring wheat (Triticum aestivum) on weed biomass and wheat yield in weed-infested fields. We used three crop spatial patterns (normal rows, random and uniform) and three densities (204, 449 and 721 seeds m⁻²), plus a fourth density (1000 seeds m⁻²) in the random pattern. Increased crop density reduced weed biomass in all three patterns. Weed biomass was lower and crop biomass higher in wheat sown in the random and uniform patterns than in normal rows in both years. At 449 seeds m⁻², weed biomass was 38% lower in the uniform and 27% lower in the random pattern than in rows. There was evidence of decreasing grain yield due to intraspecific competition only at 1000 seeds m⁻². The results not only confirm that increasing density and increasing crop spatial uniformity increase the suppression of weeds, but also suggest that a very high degree of spatial uniformity may not be necessary to achieve a major increase in weed suppression by cereal crops. Rows represent a very high degree of spatial aggregation. Decreasing this aggregation increased weed suppression almost as much as sowing the crop in a highly uniform spatial pattern. While the random pattern produced as much crop biomass and suppressed weeds almost as well as the uniform pattern, the uniform pattern gave the highest yield.     

Quantitative reproductive potential of Heterodera schachtii on weeds typical for late summer fallow in sugar beet rotations

In Europe, sugar beet is often produced in a 3‐year rotation with cereals, leaving stubble fields fallow from cereal harvest until primary tillage in autumn in the year prior to sugar beet production. The weed flora on such fields could include host plants of Heterodera schachtii that is one of the most important pests of sugar beet. Crop sequences with non‐hosts and cover cropping with resistant cruciferous hosts during this period have been crucial for its management. Availability of resistant and tolerant sugar beet cultivars could entice growers to forego cover cropping, exacerbating weed problems during the fallow period. The objective of this study was to determine the reproductive potential of H. schachtii on weeds that develop during this period. Under glasshouse conditions, reproduction on 39 plant species was compared with that on oilseed radish and sugar beet of differing nematode host status. In 2 years in field microplots, 18 previously tested species were grown in H. schachtii‐infested soil during the typical fallow period at 60 plants m^?2, and nine of these species were also grown at 180 plants m^?2. There were variable results between years after 8 weeks of growth, but most weeds allowed lower reproduction (<10%) than the susceptible sugar beet; only Stellaria media at 180 plants m^?2 and Thlaspi arvense at both plant densities increased nematodes. Such weed densities may seldom occur under commercial conditions; thus, weed management for nematological considerations during the stubble period may have limited importance.     

Evaluating field‐scale sampling methods for the estimation of mean plant densities of weeds

The weed flora (comprising seven species) of a field continuously grown with soyabean was simulated for 4 years, using semivariograms established from previous field observations. Various sampling methods were applied and compared for accurately estimating mean plant densities, for differing weed species and years. The tested methods were based on (a) random selection wherein samples were chosen either entirely randomly, randomly with at least 10 or 20 m between samples, or randomly after stratifying the field; (b) systematic selection where samples were placed along diagonals or along zig‐zagged lines across the field; (c) predicted Setaria viridis (L.) P. Beauv seedling maps which were used to divide the field into low‐ and high‐density areas and to choose the largest sample proportion in the high‐density area. For each method, sampling was performed with 5–40 samples. Systematic methods generally resulted in the lowest estimation error, followed by the random methods and finally by the predicted‐map methods. In case of species over‐ or under‐represented along the diagonals or the zig‐zag sampling line, the systematic methods performed badly, especially with low sample numbers. In those instances, random methods were best, especially those imposing a minimal distance between samples. Even for S. viridis, the methods based on predicted S. viridis maps were not satisfactory, except with low sample numbers. The relationships between sampling error and species characteristics (mean density, variability, spatial structures) were also studied.     

Weed species composition of maize fields in Germany is influenced by site and crop sequence

During the last decade, maize has become the crop with the second largest acreage in Germany. Therefore, agricultural advisors and the plant protection sector are interested in an overview of the weed species composition in maize fields, their determining factors and trends. From 2001 to 2009, a weed survey was conducted in 1460 maize fields throughout Germany. Data on crop management and soil characteristics were collected via farmer questionnaires. Principal component analysis and redundancy analysis were used to analyse patterns in weed species composition. The late spring and summer germinating species Chenopodium spp., Echinochloa crus‐galli and Solanum nigrum occurred with high densities and frequencies, but their occurrence was determined by different factors. Other frequent weed species were those that typically accompany autumn‐sown crops. The variation in species composition was significantly related to environmental factors (9.1% explained variance), particularly geographical latitude and precipitation, and management factors (4.7% explained variance), particularly crop sequence. The relative importance of these factors seems universal, when compared with surveys in other crops and regions. The factor ‘year’ was of minor importance (0.9% explained variance). Over the 9‐year period, no changes in weed species composition could be determined. The results suggest that despite the limited impact of crop management on weed species composition, farmers can use crop sequence to suppress individual species. The survey furthermore sets a baseline against which future changes can be measured in a landscape of rapidly changing agricultural land use.     

Weed flora and soil seedbanks in fields dominated by Imperata cylindrica in the moist savannah of West Africa

Imperata cylindrica (L.) Raeuschel is a dominant and infamous grass weed in the savannah of West Africa. Research to reduce the weed to non-damaging levels is a priority activity at many agricultural institutions. The successful development and implementation of long-term I. cylindrica management strategies depend on the ability to predict changes in weed composition after I. cylindrica has been controlled effectively. The weed flora and soil seedbank were assessed from 329 fields dominated by this species in the fringes of the humid forest (HFF), coastal/derived savannah (CDS) and in the southern Guinea savannah (SGS) in 1996 and 1997. The objectives of the study were to correlate species composition of the weed flora with that of the soil seedbank and to determine the effect of management factors and soil properties on the composition of the weed flora. Species richness in the weed flora and in the weed seedbank was higher in the SGS than in the CDS and HFF. Mean weed density per field was generally higher in the HFF (156 ± 25.0 weeds m^–2) than in the CDS (108 ± 8.1 weeds m^–2) and in the SGS (92 ± 6.3 weeds m^–2). Weed composition varied with agroecological zone as well as with management factors and soil properties. Sørenson's index of similarity was low (mean=0.20) in all zones, indicating poor similarity between the weed flora above-ground and the soil seedbank.