Author
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Webster, Theodore |
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Submitted to: North Central Weed Science Society US Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract Only Publication Acceptance Date: 10/1/2004 Publication Date: N/A Citation: Webster, T.M. 1999. Weed seedbank management: minimizing seed return [abstract]. Proceedings of North Central Weed Science Society. 54:183. Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: Effective weed management systems may soon need to account for subsequent weed populations when implementing a control strategy. Cropping systems designed to minimize weed seed production and/or weed seed return to the soil seedbank may accomplish this goal. A review of the literature has shown that weed scientists have been looking at the effect of weed management systems on weed growth and fecundity in many different crops, with various weeds throughout the world. While this branch of research is still in its infancy, significant reductions of weed populations may be possible. Weed scientists have evaluated at least six practices that have potential in reducing weed seed production. These are not inclusive, but instead individual examples of principles that could be developed in an effort to alter the way that weeds are managed. The six practices include: changes in Crop Density and Crop Row Spacing, Late Season Herbicide Applications, changes in Planting Date, development of Competitive Crops, and Prevention of Weed Seed Dispersal. It is important to remember that these practices would not be effective without our current weed management tools. Altering our weed management systems to minimize weed seed production and/or weed seed return to the soil seedbank may help reduce weed populations and change the way that we approach weed management. There are some disadvantages to these practices, including increased seed costs due to higher seeding rates, the need for specialized equipment, the inflexibility of planting dates due to the large amount of land farmed by an individual, and the difficulty in getting through a field to make late- season herbicide treatments. Once proven, these principles should be applicable to various cropping systems all over the world. |
