A critical review of integrated grass weed management in Ireland

Abstract

Grass weeds affect arable crops throughout the world, inflicting yield penalties, reducing crop quality and taking available nutrients away from the growing crop. Recently in Ireland, the presence of herbicide resistance in grass weeds has been noted. In order to preserve the sustainability of crop production in Ireland, an integrated pest management approach must be implemented. How this applies to control grass weeds was the focus of this review. Here we examined the state of current research into grass weed biology and the nature of herbicide resistance, identifying gaps in research in the Irish context. We identified a number of cultural grass weed control techniques, as being relevant to the Irish mode of crop production. Crop rotation, cultivation techniques, manipulation of sowing dates and increased crop competition were recognised as useful strategies. Combining these strategies to provide effective grass weed control may be key to reduce dependence on herbicides.

First Report on Assessing the Severity of Herbicide Resistance to ACCase Inhibitors Pinoxaden, Propaquizafop and Cycloxydim in Six Avena fatua Populations in Ireland

“…Additionally, A. fatua seeds were collected from populations that had not previously received herbicides from Laois and Kildare counties c. 30 km apart to use as a susceptible control. The populations were different from those tested by Byrne et al [1]. Samples were stored in sealed paper bag and kept in a cold room at 8 • C until used.…”

“…In Ireland, the first incidence of herbicide resistance in A. fatua to ACCase inhibitors was reported by Byrne et al [1] from different populations collected across south-east arable counties in 2017. This initial finding suggests that herbicide resistance in A. fatua is widespread in some if not all populations across the country.…”

“…An Atlantic-influenced Irish climate results in high yield potential for cereal crops but also facilitates rapid development of weeds and fungal diseases [1,2]. Until recently, pesticide efficacy and evolving resistance research in Ireland has been focused primarily on fungal pathogens and to some extent, insect pests and transmitted diseases, with less emphasis on weeds.…”

“…Unlike the UK, where ACCase resistant field populations of Alopecurus myosuroides (black-grass), Lolium multiflorum (Italian ryegrass) and Avena spp. are well studied [15], research in Ireland has focused on identifying the incidence of emerging weed control issues with grass weeds [1]. Consequently, there has been no study to date which quantifies the levels of resistance in A. fatua to important herbicides, which would allow the design of effective weed resistance management strategies, which is suitable for Ireland's mild Atlantic climate and cropping systems, including significant proportions of spring cereals.…”

Development of herbicides resistance in Apera spica-venti in Lithuania

“…Herbicide resistant weeds have been reported in 93 crops in 70 countries (Heap, 2019). The onset of herbicide resistance coupled with unpredictable grain prices currently leaves crop production facing an uncertain future (Byrne et al, 2018). The crops most affected by weed resistance in the EU are winter cereals (Collavo, 2017).…”