Weed control in sunn hemp and its ability to suppress weed growth

Sunn hemp is a tropical, herbaceous annual legume that has potential as a cover crop during the summer in temperate climates. Due to the recent increased interest in sunn hemp breeding and seed production for temperate climates, there is a need for weed control in sunn hemp production. No herbicide product currently on the market specifically identifies sunn hemp as a tolerant crop. The aims of this research were 1) to evaluate herbicides with the intent of identifying a herbicide program that can assure near weed free sunn hemp intended for seed harvest and 2) to demonstrate and quantify sunn hemp-weed suppression. Pre-emergence applied treatments consisted of pendimethalin alone, imazethapyr alone, and pendimethalin plus imazethapyr. Pendimethalin alone provided consistent effective weed control and maximum sunn hemp biomass, but when yellow nutsedge was present, imazethapyr was required for effective control and greater sunn hemp biomass. The combination of pendimethalin and imazethapyr was detrimental to sunn hemp biomass yield. Results also established that sunn hemp is tolerant of 2,4-DB applied post-emergence, but was not necessary for weed control in these studies because of the lack of broadleaf weed pressure. In a separate study with variable sunn hemp densities, weed biomass reductions of ≥50% were obtained with sunn hemp densities of only 20 to 50 plants m⁻². This degree of weed suppression obtained from relatively modest sunn hemp densities is likely indicative of the ability of sunn hemp to grow faster and taller than other plants.     

Evaluating the efficacy of pre- and post-emergence herbicides for controlling Amaranthus retroflexus L. and Chenopodium album L. in potato

Field studies were conducted from 2008 to 2010 to evaluate the control of Amaranthus retroflexus and Chenopodium album and tolerance of potato (Solanum tuberosum cv. Agria) to ethalfluralin, trifluralin, pendimethalin, rimsulfuron, EPTC and oxadiargyl applied pre-emergence (PRE) and post-emergence (POST) at seven rates. The experiments showed that trifluralin applied PRE, rimsulfuron applied PRE or POST and oxadiargyl applied POST provided the best control of A. retroflexus. Rimsulfuron and oxadiargyl applied POST and pendimethalin applied PRE were the best control options for C. album. Except for trifluralin and pendimethalin the susceptibility of the two weed species to the herbicides was similar. Trifluralin was more effective against A. retroflexus than C. album while the opposite was true for pendimethalin. Applied POST oxadiargyl was more effective than applied PRE. In contrast no differences were observed between PRE and POST applications for metribuzin, rimsulfuron and EPTC. Crop injury to rimsulfuron applied PRE or POST, trifluralin and pendimethalin was negligible while the other herbicides injured the potato crop. Metribuzin, oxadiargyl and ethalfluralin tended to cause more damage than EPTC. The results suggest that rimsulfuron and trifluralin would be the best options for weed control of A. retroflexus and C. album in Iranian potato fields.     

Response of weeds and soil microorganisms to imazaquin and pendimethalin in cowpea and soybean

Herbicides applied to combat weeds and increase crop yields may also have undesired effects on beneficial soil microorganisms. Field studies were conducted in 2005 and 2006 in Zaria, Nigeria, to evaluate the response of weeds and soil microorganisms to imazaquin applied at 0.05, 0.10, 0.20 and 0.40 kg a.i./ha and pendimethalin applied at 1.0, 2.0, 4.0, and 8.0 kg a.i./ha in cowpea and soybean. Hoe-weeded and unweeded (no herbicide) plots were controls. Both herbicides significantly reduced weed biomass in both crops, when compared to the unweeded control, which had the highest weed biomass at all sampling dates. Treatments with 0.40 kg a.i./ha of imazaquin, 2.0 and 4.0 kg a.i./ha of pendimethalin, and the hoe-weeded control, had the highest cowpea grain yield. The unweeded control had the lowest grain yield which was comparable to that in all other herbicide treatments. All treatments except 4.0 and 8.0 kg a.i./ha of pendimethalin had higher soybean grain yield than the unweeded control. Soybean yield was lowest in the unweeded control, and treatments that received 4.0 and 8.0 kg a.i./ha of pendimethalin. All rates of imazaquin gave similar soybean grain yields that were 29–41% higher than that from pendimethalin. The hoe-weeded control had the highest yield, which was 79% more than that in the unweeded control. Higher rates of imazaquin and pendimethalin reduced nodulation, nitrogen fixation, and vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) fungi colonisation in both crops. VAM fungi species diversity and species richness in cowpea rhizosphere soil and species diversity in soybean rhizosphere soil were reduced relative to the controls due to application of both herbicides with the rates of 0.10, 0.20, and 0.40 kg a.i./ha of imazaquin and 8.0 kg a.i./ha of pendimethalin being significantly effective.     

Effect of herbicides on weed management in dry-seeded rice sown under different tillage systems

In India, dry-seeded rice (DSR) production systems are rapidly replacing conventional rice production systems due to various advantages. DSR systems can be managed under zero-till (ZT) conditions or after a preparatory tillage, often referred to as conventional tillage systems (CONT). Although previous reports indicate the contribution of tillage to weed suppression, the effect of one-time preparatory tillage in a DSR system could vary depending on the dominant weeds in the system, vertical seed distribution and the weed seed dynamics. A study was conducted to test the efficacy of ZT and CONT and their interaction with herbicide treatments on the weed population dynamics and rice grain yield in 2010 and 2011. Tillage systems did not affect weed emergence, weed biomass, tiller production and crop yield. However, herbicide treatments varied in their efficacy on individual weeds. Hand-weeding treatments and pendimethalin combined with hand weeding did not effectively control Cyperus rotundus L. and Panicum maximum Jacq. (a perennial grass weed with underground parts). The herbicide combination of metsulfuron and chlorimuron was effective in controlling C. rotundus but not grass weeds. This indicates the need for sequential applications of herbicides for grass weed control or integration of hand weeding to achieve broad-spectrum weed control. Apart from hand weeding (three times), treatment with penoxsulam–cyhalofop and pendimethalin followed by (fb) hand weeding resulted in low weed density, high tiller production and grain yield. The study clearly indicates that tillage does not always lead to weed suppression compared with ZT, and herbicides must be chosen based on the dominant weeds in a system. The results of this study are pertinent as herbicide-resistant weeds are rapidly evolving under continuous herbicide selection pressure, which warrants studies on enhancing productivity through low-input, environmentally friendly and sustainable production technology.     

Selectivity and weed control efficacy of pre- and post-emergence applications of clomazone in Southern Brazil

During the 2006/07 and 2008/09 growing seasons in Southern Brazil, we evaluated crop selectivity and weed control efficacy of clomazone on rice when applied alone or in a mixture with other pre- and post-emergence herbicides (BRS Querência variety). All herbicide treatments caused some degree of rice injury during both years; however, in no case was the injury still visible 21 days after application. Rice injuries were observed when application rates exceeded the recommended dose, and particularly when the herbicide was applied pre-emergence. Density reduction and panicle sterility served as measures of rice injury. Echinochloa crus-galli was the primary weed; it reduced rice yields by approximately 50% compared treated plots. In both growing seasons, clomazone herbicide (400 g ai ha⁻¹) controlled the weed 87.0%–99.6%, and it provided 8.06 t ha⁻¹ to 9.44 t ha⁻¹ of rice yield.     

Pre and postemergence herbicides for weed control in castor crop

Weed management is among the main factors limiting cultivation of castor (Ricinus communis) in extensive fields, particularly when labor is scarce or expensive. This experiment evaluated the efficiency of weed management programs using preemergence (clomazone, pendimethalin, and trifluralin) and a postemergence herbicide (chlorimuron-ethyl) applied at 20 days after emergence in castor plants cv. BRS Energia under rainfed conditions in Apodi, Brazil. No phytotoxicity was observed on the castor plants, and the postemergence herbicide significantly increased castor seed yield to 1466 kg ha⁻¹ complementing the weed control of preemergence herbicides treatments in which seed yield was 1207 kg ha⁻¹. Seed yield on weedy and weed-free treatments was 760 and 1971 kg ha⁻¹, respectively. Weeds were kept under a satisfactory control up to 40 days after emergence. This program resulted in reasonable weed control because the preemergence herbicides controled monocotyledon weeds, while the postemergence herbicide controlled broad leafed species being selective to castor plants.     

Soil-applied herbicide use in wide- and narrow-row glyphosate-resistant soybean (Glycine max)

A field study was conducted in 2001 and 2002 at Blackville, SC, to compare the effectiveness of soil-applied herbicide programmes followed by glyphosate with sequential glyphosate applications in 19- and 97-cm row soybean. Treatments included pre-emergence applications of flumetsulam, chlorimuron plus sulfentrazone, metribuzin, or flumioxazin all applied with S-metolachlor with a subsequent application of glyphosate applied 5 wk after soybean planting (WAP). Additional treatments included sequential applications of glyphosate at 3 and 5 WAP and a non-treated control. Weed control was comparable in wide and narrow rows, and soil-applied herbicides were similar to sequential glyphosate applications in either row width. Amaranthus palmeri S. Wats., Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop., and Cyperus rotundus L. control with all herbicides was 98–100%. All herbicide programmes provided at least 92% Ipomoea hederacea var. integriuscula Gray and I. lacunosa L. control. S-metolachlor plus flumetsulam followed by glyphosate provided 99% Senna obtusifolia (L.) Irwin and Barneby control, which was superior to the 88% and 90% obtained with chlorimuron plus sulfentrazone and metribuzin programmes, respectively. Flumioxazin and sulfentrazone caused up to 12% soybean injury. In 2001, soybean yields and gross profit margins were similar for soil-applied programmes followed by glyphosate and sequential glyphosate applications in wide and narrow rows. Conversely, soybean yields and profit margins in 2002 averaged across soil-applied programs were 380 kg/ha and $50/ha superior to sequential glyphosate applications in wide rows, but were similar in narrow rows. This research indicates a highly efficacious soil-applied herbicide program followed by glyphosate provides similar weed control to sequential glyphosate applications in wide- and narrow-row soybean; however, a soil-applied herbicide programme followed by glyphosate may improve yields and returns of wide-row soybean over sequential glyphosate applications alone.     

Chemical weed control in direct-seeded irrigated rice in the Lake Chad Basin,Nigeria

Two field experiments were conducted at Ngala in the Lake Chad Basin during the 1981 and 1982 wet seasons to investigate chemical weed control in direct-seeded, irrigated rice (Oryza sativa L.). Pre-plant-incorporated, pre- and post-emergence herbicides and their mixtures were tested in replicated, completely randomized block trials. Rice variety IR 28 was drilled each season at 125 kg/ha and fertilized with N (150 kg/ha) and P₂O₅ (40 kg/ha). In both seasons, the post-emergence herbicides propanil + oxadiazon at 3·0 + 1·0 kg a.i./ha, propanil+fluorodifen at 1·4 + 1·8 kg a.i./ha, propanil + bentazone at 3·6 + 1·5 kg a.i./ha and propanil at 3·6 kg a.i./ha as well as thiobencarb applied pre-emergence at 5·0 kg a.i./ha controlled the weeds effectively and gave similar grain yields to that from hand-weeding twice, and significantly higher grain yield than the unweeded control treatments. Grain yields similar to those from the ‘two hand-weeding control’ were achieved also by use of the herbicide dymrone at 3·0 kg a.i./ha, either soil-incorporated pre-sowing or sprayed before weed emergence. The herbicides gave satisfactory control of the weeds, which were predominantly the broad-leaved weed Luffa echinata Roxb., together with the grasses Sorghum aethiopicum (Hack.) Rupr. ex Stapf., Echinochloa colona (L.) Link, Eleusine indica (L) Gaertn, Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop., Oryza longistaminata (Chev. & Roehr.), and sedges Cyperus rotundus L. and Cyperus esculentus L. The studies indicate that effective weed control by these herbicides and herbicide mixtures are dependable alternatives to hand weeding for direct-seeded, irrigated rice cultivation in the Chad Basin area.     

Effect of trifluralin,pronamide, haloxyfop-p methyl,propaquizafop, and isoxaben on weed control and oilseed rape yield in Iran

In order to investigate the effect of trifluralin, pronamide, haloxyfop-p methyl, propaquizafop and isoxaben on weed control and oilseed rape yield, a two year field experiment was conducted at Darab, Iran, during 2004–2005 and 2005–2006 growing seasons. Herbicides reduced weed biomass compared with the weedy check. In 2004–2005, at 16 WAP (weeks after planting), application of trifluralin plus propaquizafop plus isoxaben at 1200 + 200 + 250 g a.i./ha and trifluralin plus haloxyfop-p methyl plus isoxaben at 1200 + 100 + 500 g a.i./ha provided best control (80%) of wild mustard (Sinapis arvensis L.), compared to other treatments. At 8 and 16 WAP, wild mustard control decreased to 47 and 42%, respectively, when trifluralin was applied alone at 1400 g a.i./ha. In 2005–2006 at 16 WAP, maximum reduction in wild mustard biomass (82%) was achieved with trifluralin plus propaquizafop plus isoxaben at 1200 + 200 + 250 g a.i./ha. In both years, all herbicide treatments controlled fumitory (Fumaria officinalis L.) 64–96%. In 2004–2005, at 16 WAP, wild oat (Avena fatua L.) biomass reduction by trifluralin plus propaquizafop plus isoxaben at 1200 + 200 + 250 g a.i./ha was 95%. In 2005–2006, at 8 and 16 WAP, minimum biomass reduction of wild oat (37–53%) was observed with trifluralin at 1200 and 1400 g a.i./ha. In both years, at 8 and 16 WAP, the most effective herbicide treatments were trifluralin plus propaquizafop plus isoxaben and trifluralin plus haloxyfop-p methyl plus isoxaben regardless of the dose applied and provided maximum reduction in total weed biomass (77–89%) compared to other treatments. Results of both years showed that all herbicide treatments increased oilseed rape grain yield as compared with the weedy check but percentage of oil was not affected by various herbicide treatments. Maximum grain yield was obtained with trifluralin plus haloxyfop-p methyl plus isoxaben at 1200 + 100 + 500 g a.i./ha.     

Weed control with pre-emergence herbicides in vegetable soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill)

Field and laboratory experiments were conducted in the early and late rainy seasons in Thailand to evaluate the effect of pre-emergence application of herbicides and determine the herbicide residues on vegetable soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill cv. No. 75) production. No visible crop injury was observed after application of alachlor 469 g a.i./ha, clomazone 1080 g a.i./ha, metribuzin 525 g a.i./ha, pendimethalin 1031.25 g a.i./ha, tank-mixed clomazone 960 g a.i./ha + pendimethalin 928 g a.i./ha, or tank-mixed metribuzin 350 g a.i./ha + pendimethalin 928 g a.i./ha. However, acetochlor 1875 g a.i./ha, isoxaflutole 75 g a.i./ha, and oxadiazon 1000 g a.i./ha caused visible crop injury. Plant bioassay of herbicide residues in the soil after harvest showed no phytotoxic effect on baby corn (Zea mays Linn. cv. Suwan 3), cucumber (Cucumis sativus L. cv. Pijit 1), pak choi (Brassica chinensis Jusl. cv. Chinensis), and soybean (G. max L. Merrill cv. CM 60). Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis showed no significant herbicide residues on crop yield (or MRLs < 0.01 ppm) for all herbicides used in this study. The application of metribuzin at 525 g a.i./ha was sufficient to provide satisfactory full-season control of several weed species and gave the highest crop yield. In addition, pendimethalin at 1031.25 g a.i./ha, and tank-mixed metribuzin at 350 g a.i./ha + pendimethalin at 928 g a.i./ha can provide a similar level of weed control as an alternative to reduce herbicide dosage thereby increasing food and environmental safety in vegetable soybean production.     

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.     

我国抗ALS类除草剂油菜种质创制与研究进展

化学除草是控制田间草害的有效手段,但我国油菜化除面积非常有限。创制对特定除草剂具有选择抗性的油菜新种质,选育抗性品种是实现我国油菜化除的有效途径。乙酰乳酸合酶(acetolactate synthase,ALS) 类除草剂具有高效低量、选择性强、杀草谱广等优点,在生产上得到广泛应用。本文简述了ALS 基因及其突变产生抗性的机制,着重介绍我国基于ALS靶酶突变的抗除草剂油菜种质创制、抗性生理生化和分子机理等方面的研究进展,并探讨了抗除草剂新种质在油菜抗性新品种选育、杂交油菜制种及抗性基因在转基因工程中的应用。     

Comparing weed and crop seedling response to pre-emergence pendimethalin application in Corchorus olitorius and Abelmoschus esculentus

Field experiments and bioassay tests were carried out to evaluate the relative response of the crops, tossa jute (Corchorus olitorius L.) and okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench], and their associated weeds to pre-emergence application of pendimethalin at 0.33, 0.66, 0.99, 1.32 kg ai ha⁻¹ and a pendimethalin+atrazine tank mixture at 1.32+2.05 kg ai ha⁻¹. Bioassay tests were carried out using herbicide solutions of corresponding concentrations and herbicide-treated soil. Field application of pendimethalin at 0.66 kg ai ha⁻¹ and the herbicide mixture in both crops effectively controlled most seedling weeds including Rottboellia cochinchinensis. Euphorbia heterophylla and Calopogonium mucunoides, which persisted from 2 weeks after treatment (WAT) were not controlled. Herbicide application during crop establishment markedly inhibited the growth of both seedling weeds and crops. The mixture caused the highest weed and crop injury. Pendimethalin at 0.33 kg ai ha⁻¹ had minimal effect on these crops. Weed growth, weed tolerance of herbicide treatment and crop seedling injury were higher in tossa jute than that in okra, under the conditions of this study. The use of low pendimethalin doses in an integrated weed management system will ensure effective control of seedling weeds, and prevent crop injury and residue accumulation in edible plant produce.     

Pre-transplant herbicides for weed control in irrigated onion (Allium cepa L.) in northern Nigeria

Field trials were conducted at Samaru in the northern Guinea and at Bakuta and Kadawa in the Sudan Savanna ecological zones of Nigeria to identify suitable herbicides for weed control in irrigated onion. The herbicides tested were chlorthal-dimethyl, fluorodifen and oxadiazon. In the trials each herbicide treatment was compared with an identical treatment which received supplementary hand-weeding. The results of these experiments show that oxadiazon at 1·0–2·0 kg a.i./ha, with or without supplementary hoe-weeding at 6 weeks after transplanting, combined effective weed control with high bulb yields in irrigated dry season onions. While fluorodifen at 1·5 kg a.i./ha followed by supplementary hoe-weeding may be effective at sites with low weed infestation, a higher rate (3·0 kg/ha) may be desirable at sites with a higher broad-leaved weed infestation. Chlorthaldimethyl at 10·0 kg a.i./ha effectively controlled weeds at all the sites and gave high onion yields at sites with 6–12% clay; the selectivity was, however, lower at Bakura with very light soil. Uncontrolled weed growth caused 49–86% reduction in the bulb yields compared with the best herbicide treatments.     

Management of complex weed flora in dry-seeded rice

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

Effect of cover crops and mulches on weed control and nitrogen fertilization in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.)

Cover crops and mulches are a suitable choice for sustainable agriculture because they improve weed control and crop performance. The aim of this research was to investigate weed control and nitrogen supply by using different winter cover crop species which were converted into mulches in spring. We carried out a 2-year field experiment where a tomato crop was transplanted into four different types of mulches coming from winter cover crops [hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth.), subclover (Trifolium subterraneum L.), oat (Avena sativa L.), and a mixture of hairy vetch/oat)] and in conventional treatment (tilled soil without mulch). The mixture of hairy vetch/oat cover crop produced the highest aboveground biomass (7.9 t ha⁻¹ of DM), while the hairy vetch accumulated the highest N in the aboveground biomass (258 kg N ha⁻¹). The oat cover crop was the most effective cover crop for suppressing weeds (on average −93% of weed aboveground biomass compared to other cover crops). After mowing the cover crop aboveground biomass was placed in strips as dead mulch into which the tomato was transplanted in paired rows. Weed density and total weed aboveground biomass were assessed at 15 and 30 days after tomato transplanting to evaluate the effect of mulches on weed control. All mulches suppressed weeds in density and aboveground biomass compared to the conventional system (on average −80% and −35%, respectively). The oat was the best mulch for weed control but also had a negative effect on the marketable tomato yield (−15% compared to the conventional treatment). Amaranthus retroflexus L. and Chenopodium album L. were typical weeds associated with the conventional treatment while a more heterogeneous weed composition was found in mulched tomato. Legume mulches, in particular hairy vetch, gave the best marketable tomato yield 28% higher than the conventional system both with and without nitrogen fertilization. This research shows that winter cover crops converted into dead mulch in spring could be used successfully in integrated weed management programs to reduce weed infestation in tomato crops.     

Effect of pre-emergence herbicides and timing of soil saturation on the control of six major rice weeds and their phytotoxic effects on rice seedlings

The study evaluated the effects of pre-emergence herbicides and their rates [oxadiazon (0.5 and 1 kg ai ha⁻¹), pendimethalin (1 and 2 kg ai ha⁻¹), and pretilachlor with safener (0.6 kg ai ha⁻¹)], and time of soil saturation establishment after herbicide application [1, 3, 5, and 7 days after spray (DAS)] in controlling the six major rice weeds, and their phytotoxic effects on rice seedling growth. All herbicides provided 100% control of Echinochloa colona, Echinochloa crus-galli, Leptochloa chinensis, Cyperus iria, and Amaranthus spinosus. Murdannia nudiflora was 100% controlled by oxadiazon and pretilachlor with safener, but poorly controlled (22–75%) by pendimethalin. Pendimethalin at 2 kg ai ha⁻¹ was more effective than at 1 kg ai ha⁻¹ in reducing the biomass of the stem, leaf, and root of M. nudiflora irrespective of timing of soil saturation. Rice plant height was reduced to a maximum (77–96%) by pendimethalin at 2.0 kg ai ha⁻¹ followed by oxadiazon at 1.0 kg ai ha⁻¹ (38–70%) compared to the non-treated control. In contrast, the tallest rice plants were observed in the non-treated control and those treated with pretilachlor with safener which had 80–100% rice plant survival. The lowest rice plant survival of 0, 6, 7, and 16% was found in the soil applied with pendimethalin at 2 kg ai ha⁻¹ and saturated at 1, 3, 5, and 7 DAS, respectively, which was followed by oxadiazon at 1 kg ai ha⁻¹. All herbicides except pretilachlor with safener reduced SPAD values with early soil saturation, which improved with delay in soil saturation timing. Pendimethalin at 2 kg ai ha⁻¹ reduced the SPAD values of rice plants by 100–164% relative to the non-treated control and produced the highest phytotoxicity symptoms. Pendimethalin also reduced rice shoot biomass more than oxadiazon, which was compounded by early soil saturation after herbicide application. Pretilachlor with safener was the only herbicide that exhibited low phytotoxic symptoms on rice plants and did not reduce leaf, stem, root, and shoot biomass of rice. Percent reduction in rice leaf, stem, root, and shoot biomass by the different herbicides was in the order of pendimethalin 2 > oxadiazon 1 > pendimethalin 1 > oxadiazon 0.5 > pretilachlor with safener 0.6 kg ai ha⁻¹. Each herbicide treatment reduced rice growth parameters as soil saturation was delayed in the order of 1 DAS > 3 DAS > 5 DAS > 7 DAS. The study suggests that soil water content and herbicide rates are important factors in influencing herbicide phytotoxicity in rice. The application of herbicides should be avoided when the soil is too wet, and irrigation should be delayed at least one week after herbicide application.     

Weed control efficacy and winter wheat safety of a novel herbicide HW02

HW02, a pyruvate dehydrogenase inhibitor, is a newly developed herbicide for broadleaf weed control in wheat, maize and turf in China. Greenhouse and field experiments were conducted to evaluate its efficacy against weeds and safety to winter wheat. In the greenhouse experiment, this herbicide had higher activities than 2,4-D against Descurainia sophia (L.) Schur., Amaranthus retroflexus L., Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medic., and Malachium aquaticum (L.) Fries.. When it was applied at late tillering stage of winter wheat in spring, the herbicide provided weed biomass reduction of 98%–100% at the rates 225–525 g a.i. ha⁻¹ and was safe to the crop at the rate of up to 900 g a.i. ha⁻¹. These results showed HW02 could be an alternative herbicide for resistant weed management because its mode of action is different from herbicides presently used.     

Can winter cover crops influence weed density and diversity in a reduced tillage vegetable system?

Weeds are a major constraint for organic crop production. Previous research has found that cover crops in reduced tillage systems can provide weed interference, subsequently reducing inputs and improving crop yield. However, questions remain about effects of cover crop species identity and cover crop biomass on weed suppression and crop yield. This four-year study investigated how winter cover crops grown alone or in mixture influenced weed presence and crop yield in a reduced tillage organic vegetable system. Treatments were barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.), mixed barley + crimson clover, and a no-cover crop control. Plots were flail-mowed and strip-tilled prior to planting main crops (2011 and 2012: broccoli Brassica oleracea L.; 2013 and 2014: crookneck squash Cucurbita pepo L.). We measured density, diversity, and community composition of weeds and viable weed seeds, changes in weed percent cover within growing seasons, and crop yield. We found that the presence of barley, crimson clover, or barley + crimson clover reduced weed density by 50% relative to the control. Cover crop biomass negatively influenced weed density and weed seed diversity, and positively influenced squash yield. Weed percent cover within growing seasons did not respond differentially to cover crop treatment. Cover crop treatment and cover crop biomass had no influence on weed or weed seed community composition. These results suggest that reduced tillage winter cover crops in mixture or monoculture can similarly suppress weeds and improve yield, primarily due to biomass effects.     

Efficiency of mesosulfuron-methyl and clodinafop-propargyl dose for the control of Lolium perenne in wheat

Increasing environmental and economic concerns have resulted in considering the potential for the successful use of herbicides at lower doses within an integrated approach to weed management. Therefore, field experiments were carried out to evaluate the efficiency of mesosulfuron-methyl and clodinafop-propargyl dose to control Lolium perenne in pure stand and in mixture with wheat. The herbicides at 5 different doses were assigned in a factorial arrangement (subplots) within planting systems (mainplots). L. perenne biomass was totally different in pure stand and in mixed planting system, irrespective of the herbicide effect. More than 3-fold decrease was caused in the L. perenne biomass by the presence of wheat. Mesosulfuron-methyl was more potent than clodinafop-propargyl in the L. perenne control. Mixed planting enhanced the herbicide performance, increasing the relative potency value of mesosulfuron-methyl. The wheat grain yield received no additional benefit from applying mesosulfuron-methyl at the full recommended dose rather than at half dose. This study demonstrates that L. perenne suppression involving sub-lethal herbicide dose is associated with the wheat competitiveness. Combining competitive cropping systems with reduced herbicide could be an approach to reducing weed populations over time with lower crop production costs.