Integrated weed management in grasslands

Schaffner, Urs; Müller‐Schärer, Heinz; Lúscher, A.

doi:10.19103/as.2021.0098.15

Cited by 5 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 42 publications

(54 reference statements)

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“…Prevention is one of the central elements of integrated weed management (Schaffner et al, 2022), and its benefits are accentuated by the costs and inefficacy of many control measures applied against R. obtusifolius . For example, in SI and UK all case parcels were repeatedly treated with either herbicides and/or weeding, as were many in CH (see Table S2 for details).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…First, it is important that management practices promote a competitive forage grassland and prevent sward gaps that arise through damage. Oversowing with fast growing and persistent species Prevention is one of the central elements of integrated weed management (Schaffner et al, 2022), and its benefits are accentuated by the costs and inefficacy of many control measures applied against R. obtusifolius. For example, in SI and UK all case parcels were repeatedly treated with either herbicides and/or weeding, as were many in CH (see Table S2 for details).…”

Section: Implication For Management Practices To Prevent Rumex Obtusi...mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Strategies that combine control with prevention measures are a central feature of integrated weed management (Schaffner et al, 2022). Prevention measures target at improved management practices, such as site-adapted fertiliser application and stocking rates, which indeed can be related to the occurrence of R. obtusifolius in grasslands (Zaller, 2004).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Key management practices to reduce the risk of the occurrence of Rumex obtusifolius in productive grasslands

Klötzli,

Suter,

Beaumont

et al. 2023

Weed Research

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Rumex obtusifolius (broad‐leaved dock) is a problematic weed that reduces yield and nutritional value of forage in grasslands of temperate regions worldwide. We conducted an on‐farm study to identify management practices and environmental factors that influence the risk of the occurrence of R. obtusifolius in high densities in permanent, productive grasslands used for forage production. Following a common protocol, a paired case–control design was implemented in Switzerland (CH), Slovenia (SI), and United Kingdom (UK) to compare parcels with high densities of R. obtusifolius (cases, ≥1 plant m−2) with nearby parcels free of or with very low densities of the species (controls, ≤4 plants 100 m−2). A total of 40, 20, and 18 pairs were recorded in CH, SI, and UK respectively. Parameters measured included data about management practices and history, vegetation cover and composition, and soil nutrients and texture. Across countries, increased vegetation cover reduced the relative risk of R. obtusifolius occurrence. By contrast, increased soil phosphorus and potassium and high soil bulk density raised the relative risk. These effects were consistent across countries, as no interactions between country and any of the factors were observed. The two indicator species for case parcels, Plantago major and Poa annua, were typical species of disturbed areas and fertile soils, while indicators for control parcels were characteristic of grasslands under medium to high management intensity (e.g., Festuca rubra, Cynosorus cristatus, Anthoxantum odoratum). We conclude that the risk for grassland infestation with R. obtusifolius can be significantly affected by management practices. Prevention measures should target phosphorus and potassium fertilisation to the forage plants' requirements, minimise soil compaction, and maintain dense swards.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Implication For Management Practices To Prevent Rumex Obtusi...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Key management practices to reduce the risk of the occurrence of Rumex obtusifolius in productive grasslands

Klötzli,

Suter,

Beaumont

et al. 2023

Weed Research

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“…Grazing management in these regions is therefore key to regulating the biomass of established grasses as well as weeds. Overgrazing of pastures leaves many areas bare and predisposes them to weed invasion while under grazing on the other hand encourages selectivity of the more palatable species leaving behind less grazed weedy species which may become a nuisance (Schaffner et al, 2022). Livestock keepers need to strike a balance of grazing where pastures are neither overgrazed nor under-grazed by observing adequate stocking rates.…”

Section: Effect Of Weed Control Methods On Aboveground Grass and Weed...mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Muoni and Mhalnga (2014) found that effectively controlling weeds from the first year and successive seasons eventually reduces weed pressure over several years hence cost reduction. Cultivated grasses and grasslands if well managed, will offer few or little opportunity for weeds to recruit from invading seeds or the soil seed bank and will have a competitive advantage over any kind of weeds (Schaffner et al, 2022). Combining different weed control strategies that can complement each other is suggested as the most cost-effective and efficient method of managing weeds in pasture-based systems (Ghanizadeh and Harrington, 2019).…”

Section: Weed Control Efficiencymentioning

confidence: 99%

Effects of Weed Control Methods on Weeds and Productivity of Range Grasses in Semi-Arid Kenya

Kisambo

Ogillo²,

Musyimi³

2023

Trop Subtrop Agroecosyst

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Background: Weeds are a common occurrence and challenge in different crops eventually influencing crop development and yields. Weed control and management are key in enhancing the productivity of cultivated pastures. In semi-arid Kenyan drylands, the main methods employed for weed management are manual cultural practices and recently, the application of commercial herbicides. Objective: To evaluate the effects of two weed control methods on weed characteristics and productivity of four rangeland grasses commonly used in reseeding and pasture improvement in a semi-arid environment. Methodology: In a randomized complete block design in a field experiment, we determined the effects of two weed control methods (manual and herbicide use) in four rangeland cultivated grasses. These are Buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris), Horsetail grass (Chloris roxburghiana), Masaai love grass (Eragrostis superba) and Bush rye (Enteropogon macrostachyus). Weed characteristics (species, density, diversity and weed biomass,) were evaluated, as well as the effectiveness of the weed control methods in the grasses. Results: Broad-leaved weeds and annual grasses were prevalent in the established grasses. Generally, higher grass dry matter yields were obtained in Cenchrus ciliaris grasses (2.05 t h-1) while lowest yields were in Chloris roxburghiana (1.2 ton ha-1). Weed management interventions increased biomass production in the grasses by a mean of 19% in general. The mean yield increase varied with species and weed control method ranging from 8-39%. Weed control methods significantly reduced weed density, diversity and eventually weed biomass within the grass species. The efficacy of manual weed control and chemical application was in the range of 27-74%. Implications: Weed control is, therefore, necessary if one is to realize higher productivity and returns in cultivated pasture and fodder systems in semi-arid environments. Conclusion: Both chemical and manual control methods of weed control are important and effective approaches to manage weeds in pasture systems in semi-arid environments.

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Synergistic effects of grass competition and insect herbivory on the weed Rumex obtusifolius in an inundative biocontrol approach

Klötzli,

Suter,

Schaffner

et al. 2023

Sci Rep

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Outcomes of weed biological control projects are highly variable, but a mechanistic understanding of how top-down and bottom-up factors influence the success of weed biological control is often lacking. We grew Rumex obtusifolius, the most prominent native weed in European grasslands, in the presence and absence of competition from the grass Lolium perenne and subjected it to herbivory through targeted inoculation with root-boring Pyropteron spp. To explore whether the interactive effects of competition and inundative biological control were size-dependent, R. obtusifolius was planted covering a large range of plant sizes found in managed grasslands. Overall, competition from the grass sward reduced aboveground biomass and final root mass of R. obtusifolius about 62- and 7.5-fold, respectively, and increased root decay of R. obtusifolius from 14 to 58%. Herbivory alone increased only root decay. However, grass competition significantly enhanced infestation by Pyropteron spp. and, as a consequence, enhanced the impact of herbivory on aboveground biomass and final root mass. The synergistic effect was so strong that R. obtusifolius plants grown from initially smaller roots did no longer develop. Inoculating R. obtusifolius with Pyropteron species in grasslands should be further pursued as a promising inundative biological control strategy in the weed’s native range.

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Integrated weed management in grasslands

Cited by 5 publications

References 42 publications

Key management practices to reduce the risk of the occurrence of Rumex obtusifolius in productive grasslands

Key management practices to reduce the risk of the occurrence of Rumex obtusifolius in productive grasslands

Effects of Weed Control Methods on Weeds and Productivity of Range Grasses in Semi-Arid Kenya

Synergistic effects of grass competition and insect herbivory on the weed Rumex obtusifolius in an inundative biocontrol approach

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