The Impact of Different Weed Management Systems on Weed Flora and Dry Biomass Production of Barley Grown under Various Barley-Based Cropping Systems

Abstract

Weeds are among the major issues responsible for reduction in yield and profit in any crop production system. Herbicides are the easiest and quickest solution of weeds; however, their frequent use exert negative consequences on environment, human health, and results in the evolution of herbicide-resistant weed species. Due to these reasons, alternative weed management methods that are less harmful to environment and human health are needed. This two-year study evaluated the impact of different weed management options, i.e., false seedbed (FS), allelopathic water extracts (AWE), chemical control (CC), weed-free (WF) weedy-check (WC) on weed spectrum in various barley-based cropping systems, i.e., fallow-barley (FB), maize-barley (MB), cotton-barley (CB), mungbean-barley (M*B), and sorghum-barley (SB). Data relating to density, diversity, and biomass production of weed species prevailing in the studied cropping systems were recorded. Interactive effect of weed management methods and barley-based cropping systems significantly altered weed diversity, and densities of individual, broadleaved, and grassy weeds. A total 13 weed species (ten broadleaved and three grass) were recorded during both years of study. The highest dry biomass, diversity, and density of individual, broadleaved, and grassy weeds were noted in WC treatment, whereas WF treatment resulted in the lowest values of these traits. Chemical control resulted in the highest suppression of weed flora and improved dry biomass production of barley followed by AWE. The SB cropping system with CC or AWE resulted in the least weed flora. The M*B cropping system with CC or AWE produced the highest dry biomass of barley. It is concluded that including sorghum crop in rotation and applying AWE could suppress weeds comparable to herbicides. Similarly, including mungbean in rotation and applying AWE could increase dry biomass production of barley. In conclusion, herbicides can be replaced with an eco-friendly approach, i.e., allelopathy and inclusion of sorghum crop could be helpful in suppressing weed flora.

Impact of different mulching treatments on weed flora and productivity of maize (Zea mays L.) and sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)

“…Crop productivity is significantly influenced by several biotic and abiotic factors [8][9][10]. Weeds are among the major constraints in crop production, which significantly reduce yield and quality of the produce [11][12][13]. Weeds compete with crop plants for nutrients, water, light and space, which ultimately result in reduced crop yield [14][15][16][17].…”

“…Weeds can be managed by exploiting allelopathic potential of crops using mulches [32], residues' incorporation [33], intercropping [34], crop rotation [13,15,16], cover crops and allelopathic crop water extracts [35,36]. Different types of phenolics, i.e., protocatechuic acid, syringic acid, chlorogenic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, vanillic acid, ferulic acid, p-coumaric acid, gallic acid, caffeic acid and benzoic acid have been recognized from sorghum crop [37].…”

“…Different types of phenolics, i.e., protocatechuic acid, syringic acid, chlorogenic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, vanillic acid, ferulic acid, p-coumaric acid, gallic acid, caffeic acid and benzoic acid have been recognized from sorghum crop [37]. Owing to existence of these phenolics, sorghum water extracts and sorghum mulch may help in decreasing weed infestation [13,38]. Therefore, using mulches of allelopathic crops could provide significant control over weed flora.…”

Natural Plant By-Products and Mulching Materials to Suppress Weeds and Improve Sugar Beet (Beta vulgaris L.) Yield and Quality

“…Various types of phenolic compounds such as syringic acid, chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid, vanillic acid, p-coumaric acid, protocatechuic acid, caffeic acid, benzoic acid, and gallic acid are typified by allelopathic properties (Hassan et al 2012). Owing to existence of phenolics, aqueous water extracts and plant residues mulch may contribute in decreasing weed infestation (Farooq et al 2017;Naeem et al 2022). Allelochemicals can disrupt the metabolism processes of recipient plants such as photosynthesis, cell division, respiration and protein synthesis (Duke and Dayan 2006).…”

Allelopathic effects of sunflower water extract integrated with affinity herbicide on weed control and wheat yield

“…The existing weed control methods are either expensive or hazardous. Sorghum allelopathy for weed management is the safe use of agrochemicals thus, bioherbicides (allelochemicals) seem to be environment friendly (Naeem et al, 2022). Therefore, alternative strategies against weed must be developed.…”