Strategies and tactics for herbicide use reduction in field crops in Canada: A review

2005 ◽  
Vol 85 (2) ◽  
pp. 457-479 ◽  
Author(s):  
Orla M. Nazarko ◽  
Rene C. Van Acker ◽  
Martin H. Entz
Keyword(s):  
Weed Management ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Cropping System ◽  
Integrated Weed Management ◽  
Pesticide Use ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Field Crops ◽  
Low Input Agriculture ◽  
Herbicide Use

There are many economic and health reasons for reducing pesticide use in Canada. Herbicide use on field crops is by far the most common pesticide use in Canada. This paper is a review of four topics related to herbicide use reduction on field crops in Canada: (1) broad strategies and (2) specific tactics for herbicide use reduction; (3) factors affecting adoption; and 4) research approaches for improving the implementation of herbicide use reduction. Numerous tactics exist to use herbicides more efficiently and herbicides can sometimes be replaced by non-chemical weed control methods. Many of these tactics and methods have been investigated and demonstrated for use on field crops in Canada. However, herbicide use reduction is fundamentally dependent upon preventative strategies designed to create robust cropping systems that maintain low weed densities. Diverse crop rotation forms the basis of preventative strategies as it inherently varies cropping system conditions to avoid weed adaptation. There is evidence that residual weed densities resulting from herbicide use reduction are manageable within competitive cropping systems. A great deal of research has been done on herbicide use reduction on field crops in Canada, and most projects report definite possibilities for herbicide use reduction in field crop production in Canada. Synthesizing and extending this information and customizing it for use on individual farms remain challenges. Collaboration between researchers and farmers can help to build successful strategies for herbicide use reduction which reflect the context of modern farming, the will of farmers and the culture of technology adoption among farmers. Key words: Pesticide use reduction, low-input agriculture, integrated pest management, integrated weed management

Slowing weed evolution with integrated weed management

2013 ◽  
Vol 93 (5) ◽  
pp. 759-764 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. N. Harker
Keyword(s):  
Weed Management ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Crop Yields ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Cropping System ◽  
Integrated Weed Management ◽  
Research Knowledge ◽  
Weed Evolution ◽  
System Sustainability ◽  
Weed Resistance

Harker, K. N. 2013. Slowing weed evolution with integrated weed management. Can. J. Plant Sci. 93: 759–764. For millennia, weeds have slowly evolved in response to ever-changing environments and crop production practices. Weeds are now evolving much more quickly due to consistently repeated cropping systems and intense herbicide selection pressures. Weed resistance to herbicides now threatens cropping system sustainability in several industrialized nations. Integrated weed management (IWM) provides opportunities to reduce selection pressure for weed resistance while maintaining current crop yields. Combining optimal IWM tactics that discourage weeds by minimizing disturbance (no till, direct-seeding), adopting diverse crop rotations, and attempting to preclude resource acquisition by weeds are encouraged. New research knowledge on practical IWM systems is available, but despite current and looming threats of major weed resistance, most crop producers will require greater incentives than those currently available to more-fully adopt IWM systems in the near future.

scholarly journals The Pitfalls of Relating Weeds, Herbicide Use, and Crop Yield: Don't Fall Into the Trap! A Critical Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nathalie Colbach ◽  
Sandrine Petit ◽  
Bruno Chauvel ◽  
Violaine Deytieux ◽  
Martin Lechenet ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Crop Yield ◽  
Weed Management ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Yield Loss ◽  
Crop Yields ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Crop Productivity ◽  
Arable Farming ◽  
Herbicide Use ◽  
The Impact

The growing recognition of the environmental and health issues associated to pesticide use requires to investigate how to manage weeds with less or no herbicides in arable farming while maintaining crop productivity. The questions of weed harmfulness, herbicide efficacy, the effects of herbicide use on crop yields, and the effect of reducing herbicides on crop production have been addressed over the years but results and interpretations often appear contradictory. In this paper, we critically analyze studies that have focused on the herbicide use, weeds and crop yield nexus. We identified many inconsistencies in the published results and demonstrate that these often stem from differences in the methodologies used and in the choice of the conceptual model that links the three items. Our main findings are: (1) although our review confirms that herbicide reduction increases weed infestation if not compensated by other cultural techniques, there are many shortcomings in the different methods used to assess the impact of weeds on crop production; (2) Reducing herbicide use rarely results in increased crop yield loss due to weeds if farmers compensate low herbicide use by other efficient cultural practices; (3) There is a need for comprehensive studies describing the effect of cropping systems on crop production that explicitly include weeds and disentangle the impact of herbicides from the effect of other practices on weeds and on crop production. We propose a framework that presents all the links and feed-backs that must be considered when analyzing the herbicide-weed-crop yield nexus. We then provide a number of methodological recommendations for future studies. We conclude that, since weeds are causing yield loss, reduced herbicide use and maintained crop productivity necessarily requires a redesign of cropping systems. These new systems should include both agronomic and biodiversity-based levers acting in concert to deliver sustainable weed management.

Cropping Systems in Some Drought-Prone Communities of the Northern Region of Ghana: Factors Affecting the Introduction of Rice

2014 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 475-483 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vincent Kodjo Avornyo ◽  
◽  
Osamu Ito ◽  
Gordana Kranjac-Berisavljevic ◽  
Osamu Saito ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Crop Production ◽  
Crop Yields ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Average Distance ◽  
Cropping System ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Northern Region ◽  
Northern Ghana ◽  
Cattle Production ◽  
Factors Affecting

Despite the growing demand for rice in Ghana, domestic rice production remains low, resulting in the importation of about 70% of the rice consumed in Ghana. In spite of the fact that 39-47% of the 20-28% of Ghana’s total geographic area classified as inland valley wetlands is considered suitable for rice cultivation, less than 15% is presently being used. A household survey was therefore conducted in six communities, Fihini (F), Cheshegu (C), Dabogushei (D), Kpalgum (K), Zergua (Z), and Yoggu (Y), of the Tolon district in northern Ghana in order to identify factors affecting the introduction of rice into the cropping system. Maize, groundnut, rice, and yam were found to be the four major crops grown in the communities. Overall, 64% of respondents cultivate rice, but this figure is particularly low (30%) in F and Y communities. Rice is usually combined with two other major crops, most frequently maize and yam. In C, D, and K communities, about 90% of households cultivate at least, three out of the four major crops. The interview with farmers revealed that rice yield is 0.73 t/ha on average and significantly higher in K and C (1.06 t/ha and 0.93 t/ha, respectively) than in D (0.37 t/ha). The average distance from compound houses to rice and maize fields is significantly shorter in C, D, and K. Similarly, the rate of rice introduction in C, D, and K is higher than in F, Z, and Y, suggesting that distance to inland valleys may be one of the factors that influence the incorporation of rice into the cropping systems of these communities. Principal component analysis of crop yields and cattle number for the Y community revealed that rice growers tend to have higher crop productivity while cattle production is higher among non-rice growers. Within the community, the productivity of upland crops and balance between crop production and cattle production may be important factors that influence the incorporation of rice into the cropping system.

An Environmental and Economic Perspective on Integrated Weed Management in Iran

2013 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 352-361
Author(s):  
Mohammad Ghorbani ◽  
Surendra Kulshreshtha
Keyword(s):  
Weed Management ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Wheat Yield ◽  
Multinomial Logit Model ◽  
Negative Influence ◽  
Integrated Weed Management ◽  
Number Of Factors ◽  
Wheat Cultivation ◽  
Irrigated Wheat ◽  
Herbicide Use

Inputs, including herbicides, used in crop production may create negative environmental impacts. One solution to minimize these adverse effects is the adoption of integrated weed management (IWM) with the intention of reducing herbicide use. This study, conducted in 2010, estimates the willingness of farmers to pay for the adoption of more effective weed management methods. Results suggest that the willingness to pay (WTP) for IWM is greater than the WTP for other weed management methods, including chemical weed management and chemical and mechanical weed management. This study also identified a number of factors that influence the adoption of IWM on wheat farms in Iran using a multinomial logit model. Total annual income, area under irrigated wheat, wheat yield loss due to weeds, perennial nature of the weeds, and having awareness of weed resistance to herbicides had a positive effect on the adoption of IWM practices. However, having rain-fed (dryland) wheat cultivation and a larger number of plots on the farm had a negative influence on the choice of IWM.

U.S. Grower Views on Problematic Weeds and Changes in Weed Pressure in Glyphosate-Resistant Corn, Cotton, and Soybean Cropping Systems

2009 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 162-166 ◽  
Author(s):  
Greg R. Kruger ◽  
William G. Johnson ◽  
Stephen C. Weller ◽  
Micheal D. K. Owen ◽  
David R. Shaw ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
North Carolina ◽  
Weed Management ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Cropping System ◽  
The State ◽  
Integrated Weed Management ◽  
Management Tactics

Corn and soybean growers in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Mississippi, Nebraska, and North Carolina, as well as cotton growers in Mississippi and North Carolina, were surveyed about their views on changes in problematic weeds and weed pressure in cropping systems based on a glyphosate-resistant (GR) crop. No growers using a GR cropping system for more than 5 yr reported heavy weed pressure. Over all cropping systems investigated (continuous GR soybean, continuous GR cotton, GR corn/GR soybean, GR soybean/non-GR crop, and GR corn/non-GR crop), 0 to 7% of survey respondents reported greater weed pressure after implementing rotations using GR crops, whereas 31 to 57% felt weed pressure was similar and 36 to 70% indicated that weed pressure was less. Pigweed, morningglory, johnsongrass, ragweed, foxtail, and velvetleaf were mentioned as their most problematic weeds, depending on the state and cropping system. Systems using GR crops improved weed management compared with the technologies used before the adoption of GR crops. However, the long-term success of managing problematic weeds in GR cropping systems will require the development of multifaceted integrated weed management programs that include glyphosate as well as other weed management tactics.

scholarly journals Recent Weed Control, Weed Management, and Integrated Weed Management

2013 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Neil Harker ◽  
John T. O'Donovan
Keyword(s):  
Weed Control ◽  
Weed Management ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Arable Land ◽  
The United States ◽  
Integrated Weed Management ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Research Activity

Integrated weed management (IWM) can be defined as a holistic approach to weed management that integrates different methods of weed control to provide the crop with an advantage over weeds. It is practiced globally at varying levels of adoption from farm to farm. IWM has the potential to restrict weed populations to manageable levels, reduce the environmental impact of individual weed management practices, increase cropping system sustainability, and reduce selection pressure for weed resistance to herbicides. There is some debate as to whether simple herbicidal weed control programs have now shifted to more diverse IWM cropping systems. Given the rapid evolution and spread of herbicide-resistant weeds and their negative consequences, one might predict that IWM research would currently be a prominent activity among weed scientists. Here we examine the level of research activity dedicated to weed control techniques and the assemblage of IWM techniques in cropping systems as evidenced by scientific paper publications from 1995 to June 1, 2012. Authors from the United States have published more weed and IWM-related articles than authors from any other country. When IWM articles were weighted as a proportion of country population, arable land, or crop production, authors from Switzerland, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Australia, and Canada were most prominent. Considerable evidence exists that research on nonherbicidal weed management strategies as well as strategies that integrate other weed management systems with herbicide use has increased. However, articles published on chemical control still eclipse any other weed management method. The latter emphasis continues to retard the development of weed science as a balanced discipline.

Weed Management in Asian Vegetable Cropping Systems

Weed Science ◽  
1980 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 445-451 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. D. William ◽  
M. Y. Chiang
Keyword(s):  
Weed Management ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Climatic Factors ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Cropping System ◽  
Competitive Balance ◽  
Weed Communities ◽  
Control Technologies

In tropical and subtemperate regions of the world, farmers plant vegetables and other crops in a vast array of cropping systems that often involve more than one crop being grown on the same parcel of land in a year. Weed communities within each cropping system shift depending on physical and climatic factors and the specific crop and weed management practices employed. Modern weed management strategies involve combinations of crop production practices and specific weed control technologies intended to reduce weed competition, thereby shifting the competitive balance in favor of the crop. Weed research and, training efforts, therefore, must focus on the entire cropping system with emphasis on year-round and multi-year management of weed communities.

Canola (Brassica napus L.) seedbank declines rapidly in farmer-managed fields in South Australia

2008 ◽  
Vol 59 (8) ◽  
pp. 780 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeanine Baker ◽  
Christopher Preston
Keyword(s):  
Weed Management ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
South Australia ◽  
Integrated Weed Management ◽  
Anova Analysis ◽  
Brassica Napus L ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Cultivation Method ◽  
Herbicide Tolerant ◽  
Significant Factors

Canola is an important crop in southern Australia, where it is used as part of the crop rotation to manage cereal diseases, improve wheat yields, and assist in integrated weed management programs. The potential release of herbicide-tolerant transgenic cultivars into Australia has raised concerns that volunteer canola may itself become an uncontrollable weed. This study examined the persistence of the canola seedbank in farmer-managed fields in 3 geographical areas of the South Australian cropping region for up to 3.5 years after the last canola crop was grown. In total, 66 fields from minimum- and no-tillage farms were sampled for number of canola seed/m2 and the percentage of those that germinated. ANOVA analysis indicated that time since the last harvest and cultivation method were both significant factors affecting the number of seed/m2 present. Neither time since harvest nor cultivation method was significant for number of germinated canola seeds, although time since harvest approached significance at the 5% level. This demonstrates that the canola seedbank and the number of volunteers decline rapidly in managed cropping systems in southern Australia. Therefore, it is unlikely that herbicide-tolerant canola will become a major weed if volunteers are managed carefully.

scholarly journals Integrated Weed Management in Herbaceous Field Crops

Agronomy ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 466 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aurelio Scavo ◽  
Giovanni Mauromicale
Keyword(s):  
Weed Management ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Single Species ◽  
Integrated Weed Management ◽  
Biotic Factor ◽  
Agronomic Practices ◽  
Field Crops ◽  
Weed Mapping ◽  
Soil Seedbank ◽  
The Government

Current awareness about the environmental impact of intensive agriculture, mainly pesticides and herbicides, has driven the research community and the government institutions to program and develop new eco-friendly agronomic practices for pest control. In this scenario, integrated pest management and integrated weed management (IWM) have become mandatory. Weeds are commonly recognized as the most important biotic factor affecting crop production, especially in organic farming and low-input agriculture. In herbaceous field crops, comprising a wide diversity of plant species playing a significant economic importance, a compendium of the specific IWM systems is missing, that, on the contrary, have been developed for single species. The main goal of this review is to fill such gap by discussing the general principles and basic aspects of IWM to develop the most appropriate strategy for herbaceous field crops. In particular, a 4-step approach is proposed: (i) prevention, based on the management of the soil seedbank and the improvement of the crop competitiveness against weeds, (ii) weed mapping, aiming at knowing the biological and ecological characteristics of weeds present in the field, (iii) the decision-making process on the basis of the critical period of weed control and weed thresholds and iv) direct control (mechanical, physical, biological and chemical). Moreover, the last paragraph discusses and suggests possible integrations of allelopathic mechanisms in IWM systems.

scholarly journals The profitability of diverse crop rotations and other cultural methods that reduce wild oat (Avena fatua)

2018 ◽  
Vol 98 (5) ◽  
pp. 1094-1101
Author(s):  
Elwin G. Smith ◽  
K. Neil Harker ◽  
John T. O’Donovan ◽  
T. Kelly Turkington ◽  
Robert E. Blackshaw ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Weed Management ◽  
Cultural Practices ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Cropping System ◽  
Avena Fatua ◽  
Integrated Weed Management ◽  
Wild Oat ◽  
Hordeum Vulgare L ◽  
Brassica Napus L ◽  
Winter Crops

With the increasing resistance of wild oat (Avena fatua L.) to herbicides, there is a need to evaluate the potential of alternative cropping systems based on integrated weed management principles. A 5-yr field study at eight sites across Canada was used to evaluate the profitability of alternative cropping systems that have the potential to control wild oat using cultural practices in conjunction with herbicides. Cultural practices included twice the recommended seeding rates, fall-seeded winter crops, barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) silage, fallow, and alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). Seven of the 14 cropping systems in this study did not include wild oat herbicide for three consecutive years, controlling wild oat entirely by cultural practices. Cropping system profitability varied by location. For many locations, combinations of barley silage and fall-seeded winter crops without wild oat herbicide application were as profitable as a system of canola (Brassica napus L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) with wild oat herbicide applied every year. Unprofitable systems generally included those with fallow, alfalfa, and fall-seeded winter crops in regions with rates of high winter kill. Wild oat control can be achieved with diverse cropping systems that are as profitable as conventional annual cropping that relies on herbicide control of wild oat.

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