Comparison of Organic and Inorganic Mulching for Weed Suppression in Wheat under Rain-Fed Conditions of Haripur, Pakistan

Abstract

Weeds pose a great threat to crop production subsequently distressing the equilibrium of agro-ecological systems globally. Instead of relying on chemical weed control, there is a dire need to explore alternative eco-friendly agricultural practices for weed suppression and sustainable wheat production. Mulching being eco-friendly could potentially serve the purpose towards weed suppression organically. To check the usefulness of mulching, two-year studies were conducted under field conditions in Haripur, Pakistan, during 2014 and 2015 to elucidate the response of various mulching materials for weed control in wheat. Six mulch material treatments were used along with Buctril super (used as check) at the rate of 1.235 L ha−1 to control the most problematic weed species of wheat in Pakistan. Experiments were designed under randomized complete block design with four repeats. The analysis of data revealed a significant decrease in weed density, relative weed density, fresh and dry plant biomass at 25, 50 and 75 days after sowing (DAS) where Buctril super at 1.235 L ha−1 and mulch of black plastic were used followed by sugarcane bagasse and dry leaves of mulberry, as compared with control (untreated). Higher density of weed, relative weed density, fresh and dry plant biomass were observed in test weed species of wheat where lentil was applied with wheat and dry leaves of mulberry were incorporated. Net economic benefits in the form of benefit cost ratio (2.55) were higher where grass clippings were applied followed by sugarcane bagasse (2.43), mulberry leaves (2.49), while the lowest net economic benefits (1.72) were obtained when lentil (grown as live mulch crop) with wheat was intercropped. It was concluded from the study that sugarcane bagasse and grass clippings could be a source to control weeds in the wheat with a minimum cost of production at Haripur, Pakistan, and similar agro-climatic environment.

Quality Responses of Table Grapes ‘Flame Seedless’ as Effected by Foliarly Applied Micronutrients

“…Our results showed that reducing, non-reducing and total sugar contents of grape berries were increased with increasing concentration of micronutrients (Table 4). Such an increase in sugar contents of grape berries could be related to the increased chlorophyll contents and the higher photosynthesis rate achieved through supplemental sprays of Fe, B and Zn [51]; similar findings were reported in apple and grapevines [52][53][54]. Higher sugar contents as a result of foliar sprays of micronutrients have also been reported in strawberry, pomegranate, and grapes [55][56][57].…”

Foliar Application of Liquid Micronutrient Formulation for Improving Quality of Panner Grapes

“…The rise in sugar levels in grape berries was clearly associated with elevated chlorophyll contents and a higher rate of photosynthesis due to increased levels of Fe, B, and Zn [25]. Similar observations have been documented in apple and grapevine studies [21,26,27]. Moreover, previous reports also documented that foliar sprays of micronutrients have led to increased sugar contents in strawberry, pomegranate, and grape crops [28][29][30].…”

Antioxidant Enzyme Activities Correlated with Growth Parameters of Wheat Sprayed with Silver and Gold Nanoparticle Suspensions

“…They also contribute to the peroxidation of cellular membranes in plant cells and affect the expression of genes responsible for the production of biologically active compounds [50]. The main mechanism underlying the phyto-stimulatory effect of Ag NPs is the production of excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by Ag NPs, resulting in oxidative stress in plant cells [51][52][53]. Silver nanoparticles promoted plant growth and development through regulation of energy metabolism by suppression of glycolysis-associated proteins [54], and proteins related to secondary metabolism, protein synthesis and transport were increased [49].…”