Abstract
In many European countries tests and trials are undertaken in order to know more about the genotypic effect on weed competitiveness and several studies have shown that varietal differences do exist. The selection of cereal varieties for competitiveness against weeds under organic conditions requires the identification of relevant crop characteristics (or traits) and the development of routine methodologies to measure them. An adequate evaluation and selection
for weed suppression will be an advantage to farmers practising integrated methods of farming, as well as benefit the breeding of suitable varieties.
Weed suppression cannot be attributed to one single characteristic but is the result of the interaction between a series of desirable characteristics. Moreover, weed competitiveness is based on a combination of different traits for different cereal species and for winter versus spring cultivars. In the following paragraphs the theoretical basis and the practical methods to measure the different components of weed competitiveness will be discussed. Three main tools of weed control will be used as a continuous thread throughout these paragraphs:
• Plant physiology
• Allelopathy
• Harrowing
for weed suppression will be an advantage to farmers practising integrated methods of farming, as well as benefit the breeding of suitable varieties.
Weed suppression cannot be attributed to one single characteristic but is the result of the interaction between a series of desirable characteristics. Moreover, weed competitiveness is based on a combination of different traits for different cereal species and for winter versus spring cultivars. In the following paragraphs the theoretical basis and the practical methods to measure the different components of weed competitiveness will be discussed. Three main tools of weed control will be used as a continuous thread throughout these paragraphs:
• Plant physiology
• Allelopathy
• Harrowing
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Handbook: Cereal variety testing for organic and low input agriculture |
| Publisher | SUSVAR COST 860 |
| Number of pages | 17 |
| Publication status | Print publication - 2006 |