The influence of transgenic (Bt) and non-transgenic (non-Bt) cotton mulches on weed dynamics, soil properties and productivity of different winter crops

Abstract

The introduction of transgenic cotton (Bt-cotton) for controlling bollworms has resulted in increased production; however, the residual effects of mulches from Bt-cotton are poorly understood. Therefore, the current study evaluated the impact of Bt and non-Bt cotton mulches on soil properties, weed dynamics and yield of winter crops sown after cotton. Three different winter crops, i.e., wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), canola (Brassica napus L.) and Egyptian clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.) and two mulch types, i.e., Bt mulch (obtained from Bt-cotton cultivars, i.e., 'CIM-616' and 'GH-Mubarik') and non-Bt mulch (obtained from non-Bt cultivars, i.e., 'CIM-620' and 'N-414') were included in the study. The mulches were applied at a rate of 2 t ha-1 before planting the winter crops. The Bt and non-Bt mulches differentially affected soil properties, weed dynamics and productivity of winter crops. The non-Bt mulches decreased the soil bulk density and penetration resistance, while increased the soil porosity. Wheat crop increased the soil porosity, pH, available N and soil organic matter content. Overall, non-Bt mulches improved the productivity of winter crops compared with Bt mulches. The toxins released by Bt mulches lowered the weed density; however, it negatively influenced soil properties (bulk density and available nitrogen) and productivity of winter crops. Therefore, appropriate crop rotation measures may be opted for the soils cultivated with Bt-cotton to conserve soil and achieve yield sustainability for the crops sown after cotton. Nonetheless, non-Bt mulches can be used for improving soil properties and productivity of winter crops.

Toxic and repellent impacts of botanical oils against Callosobruchus maculatus (Bruchidae: Coleoptera) in stored cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.]

“…chinensis . Several studies on weed species have also suggested that extracts of various plants effectively suppress weed populations [ 55 – 60 ]. Therefore, these are valuable resources for pest management.…”

Natural Plant By-Products and Mulching Materials to Suppress Weeds and Improve Sugar Beet (Beta vulgaris L.) Yield and Quality

“…Furthermore, several plant residues decreased weed competition because of their allelopathic potentiality (Anzalone et al 2010). The negative impacts of weeds could be dwindled by employing the allelopathic potential of crops using mulches (Riaz Marral et al 2020). Significant increase in relative water content and photosynthesis efficiency and decrease in weed competition were obtained with using of soil mulching (Abd El-Mageed et al 2016;El-Metwally et al 2022).…”

The Impact of Different Weed Management Systems on Weed Flora and Dry Biomass Production of Barley Grown under Various Barley-Based Cropping Systems

“…Weeds exert negative impacts on quality and quantity of agricultural products; thus, reduce farmers’ profits to a significant extent [ 10 ]. Weeds compete with crop plants either through competing for moisture, sunlight, nutrients, and space or through secreting allelochemicals, which adversely impact seed germination and growth of crop plants [ 11 , 12 , 13 ]. Nevertheless, weeds produce significant number of seeds, which are deposited to soil seed bank; thus, laying the foundation for future weed infestation [ 14 , 15 , 16 ].…”

“…Recently, plant-based natural products that could serve as alternatives to herbicides have been focused on weed management research globally [ 28 ]. Residues’ incorporation of allelopathic crops, and inclusion of such crops in rotation could improve weed control [ 8 , 11 , 29 ]. The crops with high allelopathic potential include sunflower, rye, wheat, rice, barley, and sorghum, which have been shown to suppress weed flora in different crops [ 29 , 30 , 31 ].…”