Winter wheat yield loss in response to Avena fatua competition and effect of reduced herbicide dose rates on seed production of this species

Abstract

Avena fatua is one of the most abundant and competitive grass weed species in cereal cropping systems worldwide. Despite its main occurrence in summer annual cereals, A. fatua is suspected to cause significant yield losses in winter wheat as well. Five yield loss experiments were conducted over the course of five years to investigate the impact of A. fatua on winter wheat yield. Two additional field studies were conducted to assess the efficacy of two ALS-inhibiting herbicides as well as of two ACCaseinhibiting herbicides at variable dose rates on A. fatua seed production. Avena fatua caused significant winter wheat yield losses of up to 40% at densities of approximately 250 plants m -2 . Winter wheat yield losses did not differ between years and sites. Relative A. fatua biomass was a better predictor for winter wheat yield loss as A. fatua density and biomass. Three out of four herbicides showed high efficacy against A. fatua, even at reduced dose rates, but A. fatua seed production was not directly related to herbicide efficacy. Seed production was rather influenced by the mode of action and the competitiveness of the winter wheat stand. The results showed that A. fatua can be a serious threat for winter wheat production in the local conditions, leading to high yield losses if not controlled. We did not find a general potential for reducing herbicide dose rates for the control of A. fatua in winter wheat due to variable effects on A. fatua seed production. The potential is highly dependent on the winter wheat competitiveness and herbicide mode of action.

Perspective: common errors in dose–response analysis and how to avoid them

“…of metsulfuron‐methyl ha −1 . Avena fatua (wild oat) seed production in response to variable dosages of pinoxaden was also different across two experimental sites in Germany 44 . Even in the same greenhouse, the ED 50 of benzoylprop‐ethyl on A. sterilis subsp .…”

“…Avena fatua (wild oat) seed production in response to variable dosages of pinoxaden was also different across two experimental sites in Germany. 44 Even in the same greenhouse, the ED 50 of benzoylprop-ethyl on A. sterilis subsp. ludoviciana differed when the experiments were carried out on plants at the same growth stage (one-to two-tillering stage) with an interval between the two experiments of just 2 weeks.…”

Soil Properties and Weed Dynamics in Wheat as Affected by Rice Residue Management in the Rice–Wheat Cropping System in South Asia: A Review

“…Phalaris minor is a highly competitive weed of wheat and can cause yield reductions of up to 95% [ 64 , 65 ]. Phalaris minor density of 25, 50, 100, 200, and 400 plants·m −2 resulted in yield reductions to the tune of 12%, 25%, 41%, 59%, and 71%, respectively [ 66 ], and 250 plants·m −2 of wild oat ( Avena fatua L.) caused yield loss of up to 40% [ 67 ]. Weeds in wheat may result in complete crop failure, and weed management through herbicide use is one of the most important components of crop production [ 68 ].…”

Effect of leaf aqueous extracts of acacia, brassica, eucalyptus and sorghum on germination and growth of Avena fatua L. and Phalaris minor Retz.

“…The weed, Avena fatua L. is famous for its allelopathic attributes, which are depicted by the release of deleterious chemicals, which subdue the normal nourishment pattern of targeted species. Based on the facts, this weed has been ranked as the topmost hazard for the cropping system of under-developed states i.e Pakistan, where its dominant distribution throughout the country has ranked it as the most intimidating weed [5]. Phalaris minor Retz., the most troublesome weed of wheat crop has developed resistance against the herbicide (isoprotoron), in India.…”