Search Results (435)

Chickpea is a highly weed-prone crop with limited herbicide options and high labor demands, raising the following question: Can fall-planted legume–cereal cover crops (CCs) improve soil properties while reducing herbicide use and manual weeding pressure? To explore this, we evaluated the effect of fall-planted winter rye (WR) alone in 2021 and mixed with hairy vetch (HV) in 2022 and 2023 at Randolph farm in Petersburg, Virginia. The objectives were two-fold: (a) to examine the effect of CCs on soil properties using monthly growth dynamics and biomass harvested from fifteen 0.25 m²-quadrants and (b) to evaluate the efficiency of five termination methods: (1) green manure (GM); (2) GM plus pre-emergence herbicide (GMH); (3) burn (BOH); (4) crimp mulch (CRM); and (5) mow-mulch (MW) in suppressing weeds in chickpea fields. Weed distribution, particularly nutsedge, was patchy and dominant on the eastern side. Growth dynamics followed an exponential growth rate in fall 2022 (R² ≥ 0.994, p < 0.0002) and a three-parameter sigmoidal curve in 2023 (R² ≥ 0.972, p < 0.0047). Biomass averaged 55.8 and 96.9 t/ha for 2022 and 2023, respectively. GMH consistently outperformed GM in weed suppression, though GM was not significantly different from no-till systems by the season’s end. Kabuli-type chickpeas under GMH had significantly higher yields than desi types. Pooled data fitted well to a three-parametric logistic curve, predicting half-time to 50% weed coverage at 35 (MM), 38 (CRM), 40 (BOH), 46 (GM), and 53 (GMH) days. Relapses of CCs were consistent in no-till systems, especially BOH and MW. Although soil properties improved, CCs alone did not significantly suppress weed. Full article

The role of rhizosphere bacteria in facilitating plant invasion is increasingly acknowledged, yet the influence of specific microbial functional traits remains insufficiently understood. This study addresses this gap by isolating two bacterial strains, Bacillus sp. ScRB44 and Pseudomonas sp. ScRB22, from the rhizosphere of the invasive weed Solidago canadensis. We assessed their nitrogen utilization capacity and indoleacetic acid (IAA) production capabilities to evaluate their ecological functions. Our three-stage experimental design encompassed strain promotion, nutrient stress, and competition phases. Bacillus sp. ScRB44 demonstrated robust IAA production and significantly improved the nitrogen utilization efficiency, significantly enhancing S. canadensis growth, especially under nutrient-poor conditions, and promoting a shift in biomass allocation toward the roots, thereby conferring a competitive advantage over native species. Conversely, Pseudomonas sp. ScRB22 exhibited limited functional activity and a negligible impact on plant performance. These findings underscore that the ecological impact of rhizosphere bacteria on invasive weeds is closely linked to their specific growth-promoting functions. By enhancing stress adaptation and optimizing resource allocation, certain microorganisms may facilitate the establishment of invasive weeds in adverse environments. This study highlights the significance of microbial functional traits in invasion ecology and suggests novel approaches for microbiome-based invasive weed management, with potential applications in agricultural soil health improvement and ecological restoration. Full article

Field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis L.) is a competitive herbaceous perennial weed that reduces productivity in irrigated pastures. Grazing might reduce competition by field bindweed when it begins growth in the spring, thereby encouraging encroachment by desirable grass species during the summer. To test this hypothesis, a two-year study was conducted in two adjacent, privately owned, irrigated, warm-season perennial grass pastures (replicates) that were heavily infested with field bindweed. Study sites were near Tucumcari, NM, USA. The fields were grazed with exclosures to evaluate ungrazed management. Aboveground biomass of field bindweed, other weeds, and perennial grass were measured, and field bindweed plants were counted in May of 2018 and 2019. There was no difference between years for any variable. Other weed biomass and field bindweed biomass and plant numbers were reduced (p < 0.05) by grazing (61.68 vs. 41.67 g bindweed biomass m⁻² for ungrazed and grazed management, respectively, and 108.5 and 56.8 bindweed plants m⁻² for ungrazed and grazed management, respectively). Otherwise, perennial grass production was unaffected by either year or management. These results indicate that grazing can be an effective tool to reduce field bindweed competition in warm-season perennial grass pastures. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate the forage yield, quality, and weed suppression potential of narbon vetch (Vicia narbonensis L.) and Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum L.) grown as sole crops and in mixtures under organic farming conditions in Bilecik, Turkey, during the 2020–2021 growing season. The experiment included 15 treatments comprising monocultures and mixed sowing at different ratios. Measurements included morphological traits, forage yield components (green herbage, hay, and crude protein), fiber content, botanical composition, and weed biomass. The results reveal significant differences among treatments in terms of growth parameters and forage performance. Monocultures of IFVN 567 and Bartigra showed the highest green and hay yields, while mixtures such as IFVN 567 + Trinova and IFVN 567 + Bartigra outperformed in terms of land equivalent ratio (LER) and protein yield, demonstrating a clear advantage in land use efficiency. Furthermore, these mixtures showed superior weed suppression compared to monocultures. Overall, the findings suggest that carefully selected vetch–ryegrass combinations can enhance forage productivity, nutritional quality, and weed management under organic systems. Full article

Melissa officinalis L. (Lamiaceae) is a perennial plant species widely used in the pharmaceutical and food industries, particularly valued for its sedative properties. This study investigates the impact of synthetic mulch film and planting density as two experimental factors on agronomic performance, raw material quality, and economic efficiency in lemon balm production. The experiment was conducted at three locations in Serbia (L1: Bačko Novo Selo, L2: Bavanište, L3: Vilandrica) from 2022 to 2024, using two planting densities on synthetic mulch film (F1: 8.3 plants m⁻²; F2: 11.4 plants m⁻²) and a control treatment without mulch (C). The synthetic mulch film used was a synthetic black polypropylene film (Agritela Black, 90 g/m²), uniformly applied in strips across the cultivation area, covering approximately 78% of the soil surface. The results showed consistent increases in morphological parameters and yield across the years. Plant height in F1 and F2 treatments ranged from 65 to 75 cm, while in the control it reached up to 50 cm (2022–2024). Fresh biomass yield varied from 13.4 g per plant (C) to 378.08 g per plant (F2), and dry biomass yield from 60.3 g (C) to 125.4 g (F2). The highest essential oil content was observed in F2 (1.2% in 2022), while the control remained at 0.8%. The F2 treatment achieved complete weed suppression throughout the experiment without the use of herbicides, demonstrating both agronomic and ecological advantages. Economic evaluation revealed that F2 generated the highest cumulative profit (€142,164.5) compared to the control (€65,555.3). Despite higher initial investment, F2 had the most favorable cost–benefit ratio in the long term. This study highlights the crucial influence of mulching and planting density on optimizing lemon balm production across diverse climatic and soil conditions, while also underscoring the importance of sustainable, non-chemical weed management strategies in lemon balm cultivation. Full article

Salvia pratensis L. is a valuable medicinal plant rich in bioactive compounds, yet its allelopathic potential remains underexplored. This study evaluated allelopathic effects and total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid (TFC) contents of water extracts from the dry aboveground biomass of S. pratensis. To assess their selectivity and potential application in sustainable weed management, extracts at five different concentrations were tested on the germination and early growth of lettuce, radish, tomato, and carrot. The results demonstrated that the phytotoxic effects of S. pratensis extracts were both concentration- and species-dependent. Higher extract concentrations significantly inhibited germination and seedling growth, while lower concentrations of extracts stimulated shoot elongation by up to 30% compared to the control. Phytochemical analysis revealed that S. pratensis extracts contain notable TPC and TFC contents, with their concentrations increasing consistently with the extract concentration. Correlation analysis showed that higher TPC and TFC contents were strongly negatively correlated with germination and seedling growth parameters. Radish exhibited the highest sensitivity to the extracts, while lettuce was the most tolerant. Further research under field conditions is needed to assess the efficacy, selectivity, and practical potential of S. pratensis extracts in sustainable crop production systems. Full article

During spring–summer 2023 and 2024, an Artemisia annua crop was carried out, using two planting densities (20D = 5.0 plants m⁻²; 40D = 2.5 plants m⁻²). Morphological traits were measured, including height, stem number, diameter, weight, and dry above-ground biomass. The aerial parts were hydro-distilled, and the essential oil (EO) yield increased from the 1st to 2nd year, from 0.117 to 0.439% for 20D and from 0.157 to 0.550% for 40D. There were significant variations in chemical composition between the years, with an increase in the presence of oxygenated monoterpenes in the 2nd year and the disappearance of oxygenated sesquiterpenes. In the 1st year, sesquiterpene hydrocarbons were the main class, while in the 2nd, oxygenated monoterpenes predominated. The main components were artemisia ketone (8.05–65.77%), eucalyptol (4.70–13.14%), and β-selinene (5.38–37.53%), present in all the EOs, and trans-caryophyllene (11.65%), present only in the 1st year EOs. The possible phytotoxicity of the EOs on seeds of plants found in the A. annua crops was evaluated. The most susceptible seeds were Sinapis alba, Papaver rhoeas, and Portulaca oleracea. The phytotoxicity was greater in the 2nd year, with more marked effects on the germination of P. rhoeas and P. oleracea (up to 100%). The inhibition of root elongation reached 100% for those at the higher concentrations tested. Full article

Water scarcity is a critical challenge in arid and semi-arid regions, where agricultural water consumption accounts for a significant portion of freshwater use. Conventional agriculture (CA) methods with high reliance on chemical and mechanical inputs often exacerbate this issue through soil degradation and water loss. This review aims to examine how different organic practices, such as mulching, cover cropping, composting, crop rotation, and no-till (NT) in combination with precision technologies, can contribute to water optimization, and it discusses the opportunities and challenges for the adoption and implementation of those practices. Previous findings show that organic agriculture (OA) may outperform CA in drought conditions. However, the problems of weed management in organic NT, trade-offs in cover crop biomass and moisture conservation, limited access to irrigation technologies, lack of awareness, and certification barriers challenge agricultural resilience and sustainability. Since the outcomes of OA practices depend on the crop type, local environment, and accessibility of knowledge and inputs, further context-specific research is needed to refine a scalable solution that maintains both productivity and resilience. Full article

The tropical house cricket (Gryllodes sigillatus) can convert organic diets formulated from weeds and agro by-products into high-quality biomass. This study assessed the potential of diets developed from weeds and agro by-products as a feed source for G. sigillatus. We compared the development and nutritional value of crickets fed these alternative diets with control crickets fed chicken feed. Ten different diets with varying protein contents were used, including chicken feed (Control) with a protein content of 215 g/Kg dry matter (DM) basis), Cassava–Sugar Diet (250 g/Kg DM protein) Desmodium–Bran Diet (245 g/Kg DM protein), Morning Glory–Bean Diet (240 g/Kg DM protein), Morning Glory–Cassava Diet (235 g/Kg DM protein), Morning Glory–Cowpea Diet (225 g/Kg DM protein), Mixed Weed–Bran Diet (Optimal) (215 g/Kg DM protein) Cassava–Gallant Soldier Diet (200 g/Kg DM protein), Wheat–Bran Diet (145 g/Kg DM protein), and Maize–Cassava Diet (135 g/Kg DM protein). The weight and length of the crickets were measured for 9 weeks from day 1 after hatching to day 56. Then, the crickets were harvested and analyzed for dry matter, crude protein, fat, ash, fiber, minerals, and fatty acid composition. Cricket developmental time, survival rate, weight and length, yield, proximate components, and mineral and fatty acids differed depending on the diet provided. The Mixed Weed–Bran Diet (Optimal) resulted in the crickets developing faster (48.8 days), with a higher survival rate (88.1%), greater adult length (19.2 cm) and weight (0.44 g), and a nutrition content richer in minerals and unsaturated fatty acids when compared to other treatments. Oleic, linoleic, and palmitic acids were the major fatty acids. The highest protein content (64.4 g/100 g) was observed in the Mixed Weed–Bran Diet (Optimal) and Morning Glory–Cassava Diet treatments, while the Maize–Cassava Diet treatment crickets possessed the highest quantities of fats (19.1 g/100 g) and ash (15.4 g/100 g). The fatty acid profile of G. sigillatus revealed the cricket to have high unsaturated fatty acids except in crickets fed Morning Glory–Cowpea Diet and Wheat–Bran Diet. Generally, G. sigillatus grew best and had the most nutritious body composition on the Mixed Weed–Bran Diet (Optimal). The findings indicate that diets developed from weeds and agro by-products have great potential to be used as an alternative feed source for crickets and are capable of replacing expensive chicken feed, enhancing the circular farming potential of insect farming. Full article

Threshing and cleaning are crucial for efficient harvest procedures that are carried out to separate the grains from the biomass and eliminate any potential contaminants or foreign debris. This study examines the cleaning capabilities of the grain cleaning equipment Kimseed Cleaner MK3, a vibratory sieve and air-screen device, for tiny oilseed crops, particularly kalonji (Nigella sativa) and sesame (Sesamum indicum L.), which are valued for their industrial, medicinal, and nutritional properties. These crops frequently provide post-harvest cleaning issues because of their tiny size and vulnerability to contamination from weed seeds, plant residues, and immature or damaged conditions. In order to determine the ideal operating parameters, 0.5 kg of threshed seed samples with 10% moisture content were utilised in the experiment. A variety of shaker frequencies (0.1–10 Hz) and airflow speeds (0.1–10 m/s) were assessed. A two-stage cleaning method was applied for sesame: the first stage targeted larger contaminants (6.5–7.0 Hz and 1.25–1.5 m/s), while the second stage targeted finer impurities (5.25–5.5 Hz and 1.75–2.0 m/s). With a single-stage procedure (5.5–6.0 Hz and 1.0–1.5 m/s), kalonji was successfully cleaned. The findings demonstrated that sesame attained 98.5% purity at the output rate of 200.6 g/min (12.03 kg/h) while kalonji reached 97.6% seed purity at an output rate of 370.2 g/min (22.2 kg/h). These results demonstrate how important carefully regulated shaker frequency and airflow speed are for improving output quality and cleaning effectiveness. The study shows that the Kimseed MK3 is a suitable low-cost, scalable option for research operations and smallholder farmers, providing better seed quality and processing efficiency for underutilised yet economically valuable oilseed crops. Full article

Despite their effectiveness in eliminating weeds, herbicides can indirectly and directly affect organisms, leading to a decline in species abundance as well as disruptions to the structure and functioning of ecosystems. Boxer 800 EC, whose active ingredient is prosulfocarb, is an active herbicide commonly used for weed control, but its potential ecological risks are not well understood. With this in mind, a study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of sodium alginate and sodium polyacrylate in restoring homeostasis to soil exposed to Boxer 800 EC herbicide. This involved a two-factor pot experiment: factor I—herbicide dose (0.0, 0.8, 4.8, and 48.0 mg kg⁻¹ d.m.); factor II—polymer type (soil with the polymer additives sodium alginate, and sodium polyacrylate). The experiment was carried out on Eutric Cambisols with four replicates and lasted for 50 days. The test plant was Triticum aestivum L., cultivar “KWS Dorium C1”. The contaminant herbicide doses inhibited the proliferation of organotrophic bacteria and actinobacteria and reduced the colony development index (CD) and ecophysiological diversity index (EP) values for these microorganisms. The addition of sodium alginate to the soil increased the proliferation of these microorganisms, whereas sodium polyacrylate inhibited their development. Sodium alginate also increased the colony development index value of organotrophic bacteria and actinobacteria. Across all the analyzed factors, bacteria from the phylum Proteobacteriota dominated. However, the presence of herbicides and polymers changed the abundance of these bacteria. Bacteria of the genus Sphingomonas were the most prevalent genus in the samples. The herbicide Boxer 800 EC exerted a toxic effect on the growth and development of spring wheat, which was reflected in the plant biomass yield (shoot and ear) and the SPAD index. The recommended herbicide dose (0.80 mg kg⁻¹) did not cause significant changes in the growth and development of spring wheat. The hydrogel control additives deepened the negative effect of the herbicide on plant development. While the herbicide significantly reduced the levels of available carbon and total nitrogen in the soil, the polymers increased these parameters. Full article

The competitive ability of weeds against crop plants is determined by the amount of macronutrients taken up from the soil. Macronutrient uptake is influenced by nutrient concentrations in plants and, above all, the amount of weed biomass produced per unit area. The present study was conducted as a part of a field experiment with winter oilseed rape, which has been carried out since 1967. Winter oilseed rape has been grown continuously since 1967 in the same field and in a six-field crop rotation. In winter oilseed rape monoculture, weed management was implemented to mitigate soil fatigue. Winter oilseed rape yields were twice as high in crop rotation than in monoculture, and weed biomass was more than three times higher in the continuous cropping system than in crop rotation. Winter oilseed rape yields were higher in crop rotation without a weed control than in monoculture, including monoculture with a weed control. Nitrogen (N) uptake by rape seeds and straw was significantly higher, whereas N uptake by weeds was lower in crop rotation than in monoculture. In all years of this study, N uptake by weed biomass was higher in monoculture than in crop rotation due to higher weed infestation levels in the continuous cropping system, and N uptake was not significantly affected by N content. The weed control induced a greater increase in N uptake by rape seeds and straw in monoculture than in crop rotation. The results indicate that integrating crop rotation with herbicide protection can help increase yields while reducing weeds, which promotes a more sustainable crop production system. The use of crop rotation contributes to a more efficient use of nitrogen by crops, while reducing its uptake by weeds. Full article

Meeting the rising demand for staple grains now requires cultivars that combine high yield, enhanced nutritional value, and strong chemical resilience. Blue-kernel landraces from central Mexico are rich in anthocyanins yet remain highly susceptible to post-emergence herbicides, whereas modern hybrids detoxify these compounds through cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes. We crossed the anthocyanin-rich variety Polimaize with a CYP450-tolerant hybrid and evaluated the two parents and their F₁ segregants (designated “White” and “Yellow”) under greenhouse applications of mesotrione (75 g a.i. ha⁻¹), nicosulfuron (30 g a.i. ha⁻¹), and their mixture. Across 160 plants, the hybrid retained 95% of control dry matter and showed ≤7% foliar injury under all treatments, whereas Polimaize lost 28% biomass and exhibited 36% injury after nicosulfuron. The Yellow class matched hybrid performance while maintaining a blue pericarp and a β-carotene-rich endosperm, demonstrating that nutritional and agronomic traits can be stacked. The White class displayed heterosis-driven compensatory growth, exceeding its untreated biomass by 60% with nicosulfuron and by 82% with the mixture despite transient bleaching. Chlorophyll and carotenoid fluorescence revealed rapid, zeaxanthin-linked photoprotection in all tolerant genotypes, consistent with accelerated CYP450-mediated detoxification. These findings show that broad-spectrum herbicide tolerance can be introgressed into pigment-rich germplasm through conventional breeding, providing a non-transgenic path to herbicide-ready, anthocyanin-rich maize. The strategy preserves local biodiversity while delivering cultivars suited to intensive, weed-competitive agriculture and offers a template for integrating metabolic resilience into other native crops. Full article

Marigold (Tagetes erecta L.), a crop of significant medicinal, ornamental, and economic value, faces severe industrialization challenges due to weed-induced yield losses (up to 60%). This study aims to identify safe and highly efficient herbicides for marigold, assess their effects on dominant weeds and crop safety, and provide a practical basis for large-scale cultivation. We evaluated 11 pre-emergence herbicides, 13 post-emergence herbicides, and agronomic practices (plastic mulch) through three field trials to optimize weed control, crop safety, and productivity. In Experiment 1, pre-emergence applications of pendimethalin (35% SC) and oxyfluorfen (240 g/L EC) under plastic mulch suppressed 85–99% of grass and broad-leaved weeds, elevating marigold yield to 1655.6 kg/667 m² and increasing lutein content by 10.7% compared to controls, with no phytotoxicity to subsequent wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)or broad beans (Vicia faba L.). Experiment 2 demonstrated that post-cultivation soil treatment with metolachlor · oxyfluorfen · pendimethalin (50% EC) enhanced weed suppression (47.8–53.6%) and yield (3.4% increase) while ensuring crop safety. Experiment 3 revealed that the post-emergence herbicides haloxyfop-P-methyl (108 g/L EC) and fomesafen (250 g/L SL) achieved over 92% reduction in grass weed biomass and over 75% reduction in broadleaf weed density, respectively, alongside a 6.1% yield improvement. Therefore, region-specific strategies are recommended based on local agronomic conditions: high-value production zones should adopt integrated systems combining plastic mulch with pre-emergence herbicides; arid lands with extended crop rotation intervals require pre-emergence herbicides after intertillage and earthing-up; labor-abundant regions can rotate targeted post-emergence herbicides to delay resistance evolution. This study provides data-driven optimization strategies for comprehensive weed management in marigold fields, offering practical solutions to enhance industrial productivity and ecological sustainability. Full article

Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) is a globally invasive aquatic weed with high biomass productivity and nutrient content, offering potential as a low-cost organic soil amendment. This review synthesizes findings from 35 studies identified through a structured Web of Science search, examining its use as mulch, compost, biochar, and foliar extract. Reported agronomic benefits include improvements in soil organic carbon, nutrient availability (particularly nitrogen and potassium), microbial activity, and crop yields. However, most studies are short-term and conducted under greenhouse or pot conditions, limiting field-scale generalizability. Additionally, reporting of compost composition and contaminant levels is inconsistent, raising concerns about food safety. While logistical and economic feasibility remain underexplored, emerging evidence suggests that with proper processing, water hyacinth amendments could reduce fertilizer dependence and contribute to circular bioeconomy goals. Future research should prioritize field trials, standardized production protocols, and life cycle assessments to evaluate long-term performance, risks, and climate benefits. Full article