The first report of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) tolerance to Paraquat in Australia

Abstract

Chickpea growers in Australia have no post-emergent (POST) herbicides labeled for broadleaf weed control and they rely on pre-emergent herbicides for control of broadleaf weeds. The objective of this study was to evaluate chickpea tolerance to POST application of paraquat (0, 90, 180, 360, and 540 g ai ha-1) in a randomized complete block design. Paraquat (180 g ai ha-1) applied POST (up to 10 days after crop emergence) did not injure chickpeas and reduce plant height, and biomass when compared with nontreated control. When the crop just emerged, even the highest dose of paraquat (540 g ai ha-1) did not cause any injury or reduce chickpea biomass compared with nontreated control. Moderate toxicity to chickpea at paraquat 360 or 540 g ai ha-1 was observed when applied 20 days after crop emergence. This study suggests that paraquat POST has the potential to provide broad-spectrum weed control, including broadleaf weeds at an early stage of chickpea. However, the potential for crop injury to paraquat at higher doses, especially when applied at a late stage of the crop warrants further evaluation under field conditions. The study also suggests that tank mix applications of paraquat with residual herbicides may be useful for season-long weed control in chickpea and result in improved yield. The current study warrants further evaluation of the tank-mix application of paraquat with pre-emergent herbicides for season-long weed control under field conditions.

Managing Weed–Crop Interactions Enhances Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Chemical Components

“…Recently, Mahajan et al [10] indicated that infestations of Avena ludoviciana Durieu and Argemone mexicana L. at densities of 15 and 17 plants m −2 caused an 83% and 48% reduction in chickpea yield, respectively, compared to weed-free conditions. Yield losses in chickpea may vary from 24% to 63%, depending on weed infestation levels [11]. However, when weeds are not effectively managed during the critical growth period of chickpea plants (35-60 days after emergence), yield losses as high as 88% [10] can be experienced.…”

“…Weed infestation adversely affects chickpea grain's dietary composition, particularly through a reduced nitrogen and crude protein content, thus compromising overall seed and grain quality [13]. Weeds compete for resources, impede nutrient uptake, and disrupt soil microbial activity, collectively diminishing chickpea's nutritional value [11,14]. Understanding the unique mechanisms by which weeds, particularly Asphodelus tenuifolius Cav., affect the dietary status of chickpea grain is of key importance to adopt efficient weed management strategies.…”