CONTROL MEASURES OF XANTHIUM ITALICUM ‒ AN INVASIVE SPECIES IN MAIZE CROP (ROMANIA).

Maize crop (Zea mays L.) has a major place in the agricultural economy of Romania, and is infested yearly by resilient weed species that strongly compete with the crop. In recent years, it has been found that the invasive species Xanthium italicum Moretti causes increasing damages to crops, with the success of this plant provided by some biological particularities. The research carried out in the southern part of Romania during 2016-2018 demonstrated that maize is greatly influenced by competition of X. italicum which has an adverse impact on its phenology and growth, producing quantitative and qualitative losses of yield. Related to this context, the paper presents data on invasive species management: X. italicum by integrating agro-technical measures with products for plants protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]