Integrated weed management systems with herbicide-tolerant crops in the European Union: lessons learnt from home and abroad

Abstract

Conventionally bred (CHT) and genetically modified herbicide-tolerant (GMHT) crops have changed weed management practices and made an important contribution to the global production of some commodity crops. However, a concern is that farm management practices associated with the cultivation of herbicide-tolerant (HT) crops further deplete farmland biodiversity and accelerate the evolution of herbicide-resistant (HR) weeds. Diversification in crop systems and weed management practices can enhance farmland biodiversity, and reduce the risk of weeds evolving herbicide resistance. Therefore, HT crops are most effective and sustainable as a component of an integrated weed management (IWM) system. IWM advocates the use of multiple effective strategies or tactics to manage weed populations in a manner that is economically and environmentally sound. In practice, however, the potential benefits of IWM with HT crops are seldom realized because a wide range of technical and socio-economic factors hamper the transition to IWM. Here, we discuss the major factors that limit the integration of HT crops and their associated farm management practices in IWM systems. Based on the experience gained in countries where CHT or GMHT crops are widely grown and the increased familiarity with their management, we propose five actions to facilitate the integration of HT crops in IWM systems within the European Union.ARTICLE HISTORY

Economics of Weed Management Methods as Influenced by Row-Spacing in Cowpea

“…An integrated weed management (IWM) approach combines two or more weed control methods, which are likely to prove more effective than any single method in alleviating the build-up of weeds in a crop (Lamichhane et al, 2017). IWM provides diverse weed control tools that are feasible in a given socio-economic situation and implies them in a very precise manner both spatially and temporally.…”

Looking beyond the jug: Non‐chemical weed seedbank management

“…Crop rotations effectively manage weeds by changing conditions in the field, thereby altering selection pressure. This can come in the form of competition from other weed species, alternating planting and harvest timing and soil disturbance, light transmission through crop canopies, and habitat for natural weed enemies (Lamichhane et al, 2016). The goal is to “optimize a rotation that maximizes economic return and minimizes seed introduction to the seedbank,” Seipel says.…”

“…“There's great potential to use integrated weed management tools and cover crops, but I think we need to be very deliberate and careful to really maximize their benefit,” Seipel says. Soil‐moisture effects of cover crops and crop rotations can impact net yield potential (Lamichhane et al, 2016). The most effective control methods vary by region and are designed around problematic weed species and available resources.…”

Weed Interference and Control in Cowpea Production: A Review

“…Integrated weed management combines weed control practices that are effective, sustainable and perhaps, economical (Lamichhane et al, 2017). No one weed control method is applicable in all cases because of the wide variability in soil type, climate conditions, growth habits and nature of weed, therefore, a combination of two or more weed control methods is likely to prove more effective than any single method in alleviating the build-up of hard to kill weeds (including herbicide resistant ones).…”