Weed size hierarchies in Denmark

In 962 field trials in different crops, the size of a number of weed species was investigated. The weeds were ranked according to their size on a single occasion. The ranks of the species were examined relative to two weed species, Viola arvensis and Matricaria inodora. The ranking was, however, independent of which of the two species were used as standard. The correlation between the rankings with Viola arvensis as standard, and the rankings with Matricaria inodora as standard were r= 0-93 for spring sown crops, and r= 0.84 for autumn sown crops. Sinapis arvensis was the largest weed species in spring sown crops, with a weight of 14.5 times that of Viola arvensis, followed by Brassica napus, Galeopsis spp., Thlaspi arvense and Amsinckia spp. Viola arvensis. Veronica spp. and Lamium spp. were the smallest weed species in spring sown crops. Galium aparine was the largest species in autumn sown crops, whereas spring germinating species such as Polygonum spp. were among the smallest. The ranks of Viola arvensis, Myosotis arvensis, Lapsana communis, Matricaria inodora and Lamium spp. were almost identical in spring sown crops and in autumn sown crops.     

A second survey of cereal weeds in central southern England

A survey of grass weeds of cereals in central southern England made in 1981 was repeated in 1982 between 28 June and 23 July. Dicotyledonous weeds were also assessed in 1982. A total of 1021 fields were surveyed, 702 in winter wheat. 198 in winter barley and 121 in spring barley. A total of twenty-four grass weeds were found and their levels of infestation were scored. The most frequently found grass weeds were the same as in 1981. In all cereals combined, these were Elymus (Agropyron) repens in 35% of fields, Avena fatua in 32%, Alopecurus myosuroides in 26% and Poa trivialis in 24%. Sixty-three species of dicotyledonous weeds were recorded and of these, eighteen species occurred in 2% or more of fields. The eight most frequent were Viola arvensis, Galium aparine, Stellaria media, Myosotis arvensis, Polygonum aviculare, Convolvulus arvensis, Bilderdykia (Polygonum) convolvulus and Lamium purpureum. Most species were fairly uniform in distribution, but Galium aparine, Convolvulus arvensis and Cirsium arvense were most frequent in the east while Viola arvensis was least frequent there. The cereals varied in weediness, 32% of winter barley, 23% of spring barley and only 7% of winter wheat fields had no weeds recorded.     

A survey of weeds of oilseed rape in central southern England

Weeds in a total of 450 fields of winter oilseed rape in nine areas of central southern England were surveyed, just prior to harvest during summer 1985, to identify those that had survived herbicide treatment or had not been sprayed and, thus, were capable of re-infestation or contamination of the harvested crop. Sixty-two species were identified; their levels of infestation were scored and distribution within the field noted. The most frequent species was Galium aparine, which occurred in 57% of fields. Mayweeds (Tripleurospermum inodorum, Matricaria recutita and Anthemis cotula) occurred in 23% of fields and Papaver rhoeas in 21%. All other species occurred in less than 20% of fields, the most prevalent being Sonchus asper(18%). Grassweeds were relatively infrequent, reflecting the widespread use of effective graminicides; the most prevalent was Arena spp., found in 9% of fields. Although most species were distributed throughout the field, Geranium dissection (13%) and Sisymbrium officinale (7%) were virtually confined to field margins (extending 1 m into the crop) and headlands (10m into the crop), respectively. Several species exhibited a well-defined regional distribution; Silene alba was virtually restricted to the most southern counties surveyed, whilst Papaver rhoeas and Viola arvensis were conspicuously absent from the eastern area.     

Untersuchungen zur Wirtseignung verschiedener geographischer Herkünfte von Ackerunkräutern gegenüber dem Rübenzystenälchen Heterodera schachtii Schmidt

Investigations on the suitability of weeds of various geographical origins as hosts of the sugar-beet nematode Heterodera schachtii Schmidt The suitability of five weed species of various geographical origins in Bavaria as host plants of Heterodera schachtii was tested. The root diffusates of all Capsella bursa-pastoris and Stellaria media origins examined increased hatching of larvae; Chenopodium album. Viola arvensis and Galium aparine did not have any effects. In biotests, cyst-forming was found regularly on the first-mentioned species, whereas only single ones were seen on the roots of Chenopodium album, in no case were new cysts found on those of Viola arvensis and Galium aparine. There were also no differences in influence on the population density. Hence, at least within a restricted geographical area, the suitability of weeds as hosts of Heterodera schachtii is species-specific.     

Spatial correlation between weed species densities and soil properties

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

Unkrautflora in Mais

A weed monitoring conducted by Syngenta Agro GmbH in co-operation with the University of Hohenheim was carried out to evaluate the local and regional weed situation in maize in Germany. The fields were monitored at the two to six leaf stage of maize before weed control. A total of 2602 maize fields across Germany has been investigated from 2000 until 2004. Altogether 204 weed species (including volunteer crops) from 32 plant families have been recorded. The dicots were the predominant group with 166 species. The monocots were represented by 36 species and two species belonged to the family of Equisetaceae; volunteer crops were represented by 22 species. The most frequent species were Chenopodium spp. (79.7%) in particular Chenopodium album, followed by Stellaria media (61.0%), Fallopia convolvulus (55.7%), Echinochloa crus-galli (53.0%), Matricaria spp. (50.3%), Viola arvensis (47.8%), Polygonum aviculare (45.8%), Lamium spp. (41.6%), Galium aparine (39.7%) and Elytrigia repens (39.4%). The results demonstrate that with the exception of Echinochloa crus-galli, species usually considered for being typical for maize as e. g. Solanum nigrum, Amaranthus spp. and Galinsoga spp. are not dominating. Among the volunteer crops, rape was most abundant (17.2%). On average the weed density over all fields was 192 plants m^-2. The monitoring clearly shows that some weeds occur predominantly in certain areas as e. g. Solanum nigrum and Stellaria media in the north-west and Veronica spp. in the south of Germany. Beside climatic conditions differences in cropping systems and cultivation practices lead to a specific weed flora in maize. In comparison to similar investigations in the seventies of the last century, some species species as e. g. Veronica spp. and Viola arvensis have increased dramatically. This increase is mainly due to the use of sulfonylurea herbicides which are weak on these species. The increase of Geranium spp., weeds which are rather new in maize, is also linked to the low efficacy of the herbicides presently used on these species. All the species found during the five years monitoring are presented by their frequency of occurrence.     

The use of fomesafen for pre-emergence weed control in cotton

The herbicide fomesafen was found to be selective in preplanting and pre-emergence treatments in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). It was effective due to residual soil activity in controlling some of the most troublesome weeds in cotton fields,i.e., pigweed (Amaranthus spp.), black nightshade (Solarium nigrum L.), velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti Medik.) and cocklebur (Xanthium spp.). The best soil activity of fomesafen was achieved from pre-emergence or preplanting applications which were activated when the soil was wetted by rain or sprinkler irrigation, but the herbicide caused damage to the crop’s foliage if rain fell just after the cotton emergence. The most effective and safest method for applying fomesafen in cotton fields was preplanting followed by mechanical incorporation to a depth of 10 cm. Combinations of fomesafen with trifluralin were effective and completed the spectrum of controlled weeds in cotton, including annual grasses, common purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) and field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis L.).     

Differential toxicity of simazine and diuron to Torilis arvensis and Lolium rigidum

In a soil application, Torilis arvensis was nearly as susceptible as Lolium rigidum to simazine but was 18-fold more tolerant to diuron. Treat ment with diuron inhibited photosynthesis in L. rigidum but had only a limited effect in T. arvensis although chloroplasts isolated from both species displayed similar susceptibility. ¹⁴C-diuron degradation in plants was limited, with the formation of conjugates of mono-methyl-diuron in T. arvensis and N-dealkylated derivatives of diuron in L. rigidum. ¹⁴C-diuron entered the roots and was translocated throughout the leaves of L. rigidum but was restricted to stems, leaf petioles and leaf veins of T. arvensis. This difference in transport pattern is proposed to explain the tolerance of T. arvensis to diuron.     

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.     

Verändern pfluglose Bodenbearbeitung und Frühsaaten die Unkrautvegetation im Winterraps?

Between 2005 and 2007 a total of 1364 oilseed rape (OSR) fields in 12 federal states of Germany was surveyed. Investigations took place in late autumn and included the identification and counting of all weeds in unsprayed parts of rape fields. Results on the impact of tillage intensity and crop sowing date on the level of total weed infestation, weed species number and weed flora composition in OSR fields are shown and those species identified which are sensitive to the analysed factors. Neither tillage intensity nor crop sowing date affect the level of weed infestation in OSR fields. In contrast, species richness was enhanced by non-inversion tillage as well as by an early crop sowing. While there were statistically proofed differences in the weed species composition of ploughed and unploughed OSR fields due to canonical correspondence analysis, the crop sowing date only had minor effects on species composition. Nevertheless, a multitude of single weed species was affected by tillage intensity and sowing date showing significantly differing relative frequencies and/or densities in fields with inversion and non-inversion tillage as well as between early and late sown crop. Among others Centaurea cyanus, Anchusa arvensis, A. spica-venti and Elymus repens were more abundant and partly reached higher densities after ploughing, whereas non-inversion tillage mainly favoured Galium aparine, Geranium spp. and Sisymbrium spp.. Lots of weed species tended to have higher populations when OSR was sown before August 15^th, species significantly increased by early sowing date were e. g. Centaurea cyanus, Convolvulus arvensis, Euphorbia spp. and Anchusa arvensis. However, only V. arvensis reached significantly higher densities when OSR was sown after September 1^st.     

Dicotyledonous weeds of spring cereal crops in north-east Scotland

A survey of dicotyledonous weeds of spring cereals was conducted prior to herbicide application in 1985 in six districts of north-east Scotland, which involved a total of 113 fields. Results were similar to those from an earlier survey in 1973. The main species remained the same but in four of the six districts, total weed densities were lower. Stellaria media was the most common species except in Upper Banffshire and Morayshire where Galeopsis spp. and Polygonum aviculare, respectively, were predominant. The main changes apparent were a decline of Spergula arvensis and Polygonum persicaria, and an increase in Matricaria perforata and Viola arvensis in several districts.     

Predicting the growth and competitive effects of annual weeds in wheat

The growth and competitiveness of 12 annual weed species were studied in crops of winter wheat, in which weeds were sown to give a wide range of plant densities. Weed growth patterns were identified; early species which senesced in mid-summer were less competitive than those with a growth pattern similar to that of the crop. Most species had little effect on crop yield in 1987, and this was attributed to a high crop den sity. Crop yield-weed density relationships for all species in 1988 and for Galium aparine in 1987 were well described by a rectangular hyperbola. Species were listed in the following competitive order based on the percentage yield loss per weed m^?2: Avena fatua > Matricaria perforata > Galium aparine > Myosotis arvenis > Poa trivialis > Alopecurus myosuroides > Stellaria media > Papaver rhoeas > Lamiumpur-pureum > Veronica persica > Veronica hederi-folia > Viola arvensis. Prediction of yield loss is discussed. The assumptions inherent in using Crop Equivalents (based on relative weights of weed and crop plants), are challenged; with intense competition, weed biomass at harvest failed to replace lost crop biomass, and harvest index was reduced. It is concluded that a competi tive index, derived from yield density relation ships, and expressed as the percentage yield loss per weed m^?2, is more likely to reflect the com petitive ability of a species than an index obtained from plant weights in the growing crop.     

The effect of soil type and farm size on the variability of weed infestation in maize (Zea mays L.) fields in the south-west region of Poland

Weeds are a primary factor limiting maize yield. Their occurrence and abundance are affected considerably by environmental factors and farming practices. The variability of weed number in maize depending on the soil type and farm size was investigated. Farms of different sizes vary in farming practices, which affects weediness. Based on this assumption, farm size was considered as indirect factor affecting weed abundance. An investigation of 45 farms that differed in size (5–15 ha, 15–50 ha, >50 ha) and soil type (chernozem, distric cambisol, haplic luvisol) was conducted. Thirteen dominant weed species persistently occurring in maize fields in south-western Poland were examined. Regardless of the soil type and farm size, the most abundant weed species were Echinochloa crus-galli and Chenopodium album. In addition to these species, the most numerous weeds on chernozems were Setaria viridis and Solanum nigrum, while on haplic luvisols and distric cambisols, the most numerous were Viola arvensis and Elymus repens. Additionally, on haplic luvisols, Anthemis arvensis was abundant. Small farms were stronger infested by weeds than large farms due to the implementation of extensive weed-supressing practices, especially low herbicide use. Soil type affected the number of weeds to a greater extent than did farm size.     

Detection and quantification of Ilyonectria spp. associated with black‐foot disease of grapevine in nursery soils using multiplex nested PCR and quantitative PCR

Three nursery fields and three rootstock mother fields from commercial nurseries located in Comunidad Valenciana region (central‐eastern Spain) were surveyed in July 2011 to detect the presence and to quantify Ilyonectria spp. in the soil. In each field, ten soil samples were taken randomly with a soil probe at a depth of 10–30 cm, and 10–20 cm from the base of the plant. Three replicate subsamples (10 g each) were taken from each soil sample. DNA was extracted and a multiplex nested PCR with species‐specific primer pairs (Mac1/MaPa2, Lir1/Lir2 and Pau1/MaPa2) was used to identify the species present. Among the 180 soil DNA samples analysed, Ilyonectria spp. were detected in 172 of them. Ilyonectria macrodidyma complex was the most frequently detected, being identified in 141 samples from all the fields evaluated. However, I. liriodendri was detected in only 16 samples, but was present in all open‐root field nurseries and in two rootstock mother fields. In addition, quantitative PCR (qPCR) assays were done to assess the levels of I. liriodendri and I. macrodidyma‐complex DNA in the soil samples. Detection of Ilyonectria spp. DNA using qPCR correlated with the fields found positive with the nested multiplex PCR. DNA concentrations of Ilyonectria spp. ranged from 0·004 to 1904·8 pg μL^?1. In general, samples from rootstock mother fields showed the highest DNA concentrations. The ability to detect and quantify Ilyonectria spp. genomic DNA in soil samples from nursery fields and rootstock mother fields confirms soils from both field types as important inoculum sources for black‐foot pathogens.     

新疆核桃-小麦间作麦田杂草组成及群落特征

为明确新疆核桃与小麦间作对麦田杂草种类及群落结构的影响,于2012—2017年对新疆南疆核桃-小麦间作、单作麦田杂草发生情况进行了调查。结果表明,南疆麦区杂草有39种,隶属14科33属,其中以菊科、禾本科、藜科为主;优势杂草有9种,分别是灰绿藜Chenopodium glaucum L.、稗草Echinochloa crusgalli(L.)Beauv.、播娘蒿Descurainia sophia(L.)Schur.、扁蓄Polygonum aviculare L.、硬草Sclerochloa kengiana L.、田旋花Convolvulus arvensis L.、离蕊芥Malcolmia africana(L.)R. Br.、小蓟Cephalanoplos segetum(Bunge.)Kitam.、苣荬菜Sonchus brachyotus DC.;与小麦单作田相比,核桃-小麦间作麦田杂草物种丰富度及Shannon-Wiener指数较高,2017年物种丰富度最高达27种,代表杂草优势集中性的Simpson指数则是小麦单作田高于核桃-小麦间作麦田,2013年高达0.32;核桃-小麦间作有利于麦田播娘蒿、苣荬菜和离蕊芥发生,但不利于萹蓄发生,其它5种优势杂草在间作和单作麦田的发生密度无显著差异。     

Resistance against uprooting in carrots ( Daucus carota) and annual weeds: a basis for selective mechanical weed control

Trials were carried out in order to investigate ways in which to achieve selectivity in mechanical weed control. The influence of soil type, uprooting angle and development stage on the uprooting force of some annual weeds and carrot was studied. Spergula arvensis L., Urtica urens L., Chenopodium album L. and carrot (Daucus carota L.) were sown in soil bins filled with four different soil types. The plants were uprooted when they had two true leaves. Soil type significantly influenced the uprooting force needed by all four species. The forces required to uproot U. urens and C. album differed significantly between peat and loamy sand. In loamy sand, Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Med., Stellaria media (L.) Vill, Chamomilla suaveolens (L.) Pursh Buch. and Viola arvensis Murr. could all be uprooted by less force than it took to uproot carrot. The uprooting angle (0°, 45° and 90°) had no significant influence on the uprooting force for carrot at the studied developmental stage. C. album, S. arvensis, U. urens, Matricaria inodora, Thlaspi arvense L. and carrot could all be uprooted by less than 1 N when they had two true leaves. Carrots required a greater uprooting force than the weeds at the three early developmental stages studied. This indicates that it should be possible to develop selective mechanical weed control methods.     

A modelling approach using seedbank and soil properties to predict the relative weed density in organic fields of an Italian pre-alpine valley

In 1996, a study was conducted on the seedbanks of a pre‐alpine valley in northern Italy which had been organically farmed since 1986. The seedbanks were evaluated using soil cores taken from 16 organic fields located at various altitudes and seed numbers were determined using the ‘seedling emergence method’. Thirteen soil properties were also evaluated. In 2003, the germinable seedbank was assessed in five other fields chosen at random. Soil properties were evaluated by the same method as in 1996. Using the data of the first 16 fields as the analysis data set and those of the latter five as an independent validation data set, a quadratic weed seedbank‐soil properties model was built with partial least square regression analysis. The model estimates the relative abundance of the various species as the sum of the contribution of individual soil properties and has a high predictive capacity. With a novel graphic approach, it is possible to describe the nonlinear relationship between each soil property and weed species relative abundance, giving a rational, quantitative, explanation as to why some species are widespread (e.g. Chenopodium album, Galinsoga parviflora and Chenopodium polyspermum), whereas others tend to concentrate in specific fields (e.g. Spergula arvensis). The approach can, when some hypotheses hold, give a rational basis for the explanation of the relative abundance of species in a weed community and constitutes a useful methodology for study and research.     

Vertical distribution, size and composition of the weed seedbank under various tillage and herbicide treatments in a sequence of industrial crops

Investigations were conducted during the 2003, 2004 and 2005 growing seasons in northern Greece to evaluate effects of tillage regime (mouldboard plough, chisel plough and rotary tiller), cropping sequence (continuous cotton, cotton–sugar beet rotation and continuous tobacco) and herbicide treatment on weed seedbank dynamics. Amaranthus spp. and Portulaca oleracea were the most abundant species, ranging from 76% to 89% of total weed seeds found in 0–15 and 15–30 cm soil depths during the 3 years. With the mouldboard plough, 48% and 52% of the weed seedbank was found in the 0–15 and 15–30 cm soil horizons, while approximately 60% was concentrated in the upper 15 cm soil horizon for chisel plough and rotary tillage. Mouldboard ploughing significantly buried more Echinochloa crus‐galli seeds in the 15–30 cm soil horizon compared with the other tillage regimes. Total seedbank (0–30 cm) of P. oleracea was significantly reduced in cotton–sugar beet rotation compared with cotton and tobacco monocultures, while the opposite occurred for E. crus‐galli. Total seed densities of most annual broad‐leaved weed species (Amaranthus spp., P. oleracea, Solanum nigrum) and E. crus‐galli were lower in herbicide treated than in untreated plots. The results suggest that in light textured soils, conventional tillage with herbicide use gradually reduces seed density of small seeded weed species in the top 15 cm over several years. In contrast, crop rotation with the early established sugar beet favours spring‐germinating grass weed species, but also prevents establishment of summer‐germinating weed species by the early developing crop canopy.     

The effects of soil texture and moisture on reproductive strategies of Spergula arvensis L. and Plantago major L.

The reproductive strategies of two weeds, Spergula arvensis L. and Plantago major L., were studied in relation to soil texture and moisture regime. On sandy soil, daily watering gave greatest dry wt per plant in S. arivensis, while fortnightly watering gave the greatest in P. major. In P. major, seed production was increased with increased moisture stress in sandy soil, but not in garden soil when watered fortnightly. Conversely, S. arvensis showed a decrease in seed number with increasing moisture stress in both soil types. The reproductive effort of S. arvensis was much greater (26.2–63.1%) than P. major (2.3–9.2%). There was greater emphasis on reproduction by S. arvensis under both soil types and various moisture regimes while P. major was characterized by higher allocation to vegetative structures which may confer a competitive advantage by increasing its efficiency of resource capture. Thus, S. arvensis seems to be r-selected and P. major K-selected. The differences in the reproductive strategies of the two weeds are discussed with reference to the environmental conditions under which they grow in nature.     

Design and synthesis of N-(2,4=difluorophenyl)-2-(3-trifluoromethylphenoxy)-3-pyridinecarboxamide (diflufenican), a novel pre- and early post-emergence herbicide for use in winter cereals

The pre- and early post-emergence herbicidal activity of diflufenican, a novel herbicide, is reported and attention is drawn to its ability to control important weeds in winter cereals, including Galium aparine, Veronica hederifolia, Veronica persica and Viola arvensis, which are resistant to substituted-urea herbicides. The synthesis of a series of related compounds is described and the relationship between structure and activities against a range of plant species is examined in respect of changes in the phenyl, phenoxy and pyridine rings. The design and synthesis of a small number of compounds combining the best patterns of substitution in each of the rings is described. The resulting optimisation of herbicidal activity in the series is reported, together with field trial results comparing the herbicidal efficacy, crop selectivity and soil persistence of the most active structures.