Determination of the critical period of weed control in potato (Solanum tuberosumL.)

Abstract

Field studies were conducted in north-eastern Iran in 2010 and 2011 to establish the critical period of weed interference in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) and to investigate the effects of weed interference on weed biomass. The critical period for weed control in potato based on a 5% acceptable yield loss level was calculated by fitting logistic and Gompertz equations to relative yield data. Total dry biomass and total number of weeds increased as the duration of weed infestation increased. The beginning of the critical period for weed control was 19 days after potato emergence in both years. The end of the critical period for weed control in 2011 was 22 days after potato emergence, whereas in 2010 the beginning and end of the critical period for weed control occurred simultaneously. Tuber yields of potato were reduced by prolonged delays in weed removal in both years. The practical implication of this study is that weeds must be controlled during the first 3 weeks of the crop's growing season. Such an approach would keep yield loss levels below 5%.

Effect of hand weeding and chemical treatments on weed flora in Potato crop

“…The highest weed biomass was recorded in untreated plots (5, 6 and 9). These results are in agreement with those of Karimmojeni et al (2014) [16] who confirmed that weed biomass in potato crops increases if the weeding (chemical or mechanical) is delayed. Accordingly, we can conclude that, under the studied sites conditions, the critical period of weed competition in potato is first 4-6 WAP.…”

The effect of living mulches and conventional methods of weed control on weed infestation and potato yield

“…Martins et al (2013) revealed that the critical period of weed interference lasts from 7 to 35 days after potato emergence. However, Karimmojeni et al (2014) state that in order to maintain losses in tuber yield below 5%, weed infestation must be controlled during the first three weeks of potato vegetation. The negative effect of living mulches on potato yield may result from plants competing for water (Rajalahti and Bellinder, 1996).…”

Morpho-physiological responses of potato cultivars under weed competition

“…Assessing the photosynthetic rate, since it is one of the most important primary metabolic processes, can contribute to determine or explain the productive behavior of potato; this physiological parameter is strongly affected by the interference of biotic and abiotic factors such as competition with weeds (Germ, 2008;Ferreira et al, 2015). Karimmojeni et al (2014) report that the effect of competition between potato and other species often reduces photosynthesis, which consequent reduced growth and biomass accumulation and negatively impact on plant yield. The two evaluated weeds reduced the aboveground dry mass, number of leaves and leaf area of potato (Figures 2, 5 and 6).…”