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The spread pattern of Abutilon theophrasti (velvetleaf) in Austria, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia was analysed based on an exhaustive distribution data set (389 records). Cumulative number of all records showed a continuous increase since its introduction in the 19th century and more than 1970 its spread gained momentum with an exponential increase more than 2000. In fields, the species remained rare until 2000. Since then, A. theophrasti has invaded fields much more frequently (78% of all records in fields more than 2000) and it was mainly found in sugar beet and maize. Approximately a total of 188 000 ha of the agricultural area are currently at risk of being invaded. Given the on-going spread into fields, the results provide evidence that A. theophrasti may cause serious impacts. Control measures should focus on the prevention of spreading seeds and the establishment of new foci.

The control of Rumex obtusifolius L. (broad-leafed dock) is very important in organic farming systems. Indeed, concerns about managing this weed without the use of herbicides is one of the major factors limiting the uptake of these systems by conventional farmers. Against this background, we analyzed the impact of two management practices on the development of R. obtusifolius populations in two winter cereal trials: spelt (Triticum spelta [L.] Thell.) and triticale (×Triticosecale [A.Camus] Wittm.). The management factors were sowing density (SD) and nitrogen fertilization (NF) at the tillering stage. The results showed that an increase in SD and NF led to stronger crop growth and better soil coverage by the end of spring, demonstrated by a significant decrease in photosynthetic active radiation (PAR) at soil level. However, although there was an SD effect, it was too weak in April to restrict an increase in R. obtusifolius populations through the recruitment of new R. obtusifolius plants. An increase in R. obtusifolius population density was also linked to an increase in the NF level, illustrating the nitrophilic character of this weed. Although an increase in SD and NF at the tillering stage led to a higher canopy density, these two practices failed to reduce R. obtusifolius density in the cereal crops. Nevertheless, cereal yields were shown to be maintained or improved. Our results indicate that, even when combining weed harrowing and some cultural weed control methods, this perennial weed is difficult to control.

Following several decades of popularity after the Second World War, the use of synthetic herbicides is now experiencing a backlash within the agriculture industry.The increase in organic farming and concerns about potential negative effects on human health and the environment is creating a demand for pesticide-free food and alternative weed management techniques. International research has now explored the potential, limitations and impacts of non-chemical alternatives and the effect of different strategies on the entire agro- or natural ecosystem. Through the re-evaluation of techniques previously considered uneconomical or impractical, this text provides a comprehensive examination of non-chemical weed management.

Description of the subject. Common Ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.) is a problematic invasive plant which population has recently spread/increased throughout Belgium. Previous studies in European countries have pointed out wild bird and poultry feed trade as a vector of introduction. In 2011, a maximum limit of contamination was imposed by the European commission. Objectives. The goal is to quantify the level of bird seed contamination sold in Southern Belgium. Method. In 2021, we analyzed 42 bags of bird feed, purchased in various retailers in Southern Belgium. We distinguished wild bird seed mixes, poultry seed mixes and sunflower seeds. Results. Regardless of the moisture of the samples (not measured), the results of the samples were not near the legal limit. However, 13 out of 42 samples contained common ragweed seeds and 0.75 ± 0.265 seeds (mean ± standard error) per kilo of bird feed were found on average, of which 82.4% were viable. Conclusions. Although the legal limit seems to be respected, the bird feed trade still represents a substantial introduction pathway for ragweed.

Written by top turfgrass professionals, this second edition of a bestseller presents hundreds of solutions and best practices to help you manage turfgrass weeds, diseases, and insects more effectively. It explains how to integrate cultural, biological, and chemical management tactics to ensure quality and functional turf on lawns, athletic fields, and golf courses. Rather than simply relying on a pesticide solution, the authors discuss how to fine-tune cultural practices to optimize the competitiveness of your turfgrass against the pests that inevitably become part of any ecosystem.

The testa of higher plant seeds protects the embryo against adverse environmental conditions. Its role is assumed mainly by controlling germination through dormancy imposition and by limiting the detrimental activity of physical and biological agents during seed storage. To analyze the function of the testa in the model plant Arabidopsis, we compared mutants affected in testa pigmentation and/or structure for dormancy, germination, and storability. The seeds of most mutants exhibited reduced dormancy. Moreover, unlike wild-type testas, mutant testas were permeable to tetrazolium salts. These altered dormancy and tetrazolium uptake properties were related to defects in the pigmentation of the endothelium and its neighboring crushed parenchymatic layers, as determined by vanillin staining and microscopic observations. Structural aberrations such as missing layers or a modified epidermal layer in specific mutants also affected dormancy levels and permeability to tetrazolium. Both structural and pigmentation mutants deteriorated faster than the wild types during natural aging at room temperature, with structural mutants being the most strongly affected.

Fast in-field herbicide resistance detection is a key requirement for future herbicide resistance management, yet secure and rapid herbicide resistance tests are still missing. Chlorophyll fluorescence and chlorophyll fluorescence ratios can be very sensitive to changes in plant health status. Recent studies have demonstrated the potential of chlorophyll fluorescence measurements to evaluate the herbicide impact on crops and weeds. The fluorescence ratio Fv/Fm quantifies the maximum quantum efficiency of photosystem II (Fv/Fm) and indicates reliably plant health status. Hitherto, research on herbicide resistance detection via the Fv/Fm value have concentrated on Alopecurus myosuroides Huds. Investigations concerning herbicide resistance detection in other important weed species, both monocotyledonous as well as dicotyledonous, have not been carried out to a large extent. This work addresses the apparent gap in knowledge by four lines of research.

Classical biological control, i.e. the introduction and release of exotic insects, mites, or pathogens to give permanent control, is the predominant method in weed biocontrol. Inundative releases of predators and integrated pest management are less widely used. The United States, Australia, South Africa, Canada, and New Zealand use biocontrol the most. Weeds in natural ecosystems are increasingly becoming targets for biocontrol. Discussion continues on agent selection, but host-specificity testing is well developed and reliable. Post-release evaluation of impact is increasing, both on the target weed and on non-target plants. Control of aquatic weeds has been a notable success. Alien plant problems are increasing worldwide, and biocontrol offers the only safe, economic, and environmentally sustainable solution.