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Ancient varieties can help control weed density while preserving weed diversity

Authors :
Federico, Ana Ailén
Pimet, Eric
Coffin, Arnaud
Ducourtieux, Chantal
Queyrel, Wilfried
Rolhauser, Andrés G.
Poggio, Santiago L.
Guillemin, Jean-Philippe
Blouin, Manuel
Source :
Biological Agriculture and Horticulture; April 2024, Vol. 40 Issue: 2 p78-91, 14p
Publication Year :
2024

Abstract

ABSTRACTWeeds are a major component of agricultural diversity affecting crop yield and ecosystem services. Compared to modern wheat (Triticum aestivum) varieties, ancient wheat cultivars (released before 1960) are taller, and this trait can be used to control weeds in organic farming systems. However, there is still a lack of quantitative assessments of the relative contribution of wheat breeding-history (ancient vs modern varieties) and synthetic inputs in explaining weed density and community structure. In this study, a field experiment was undertaken where five modern and five ancient wheat varieties were either treated as in a conventional system with synthetic inputs (nitrogen, herbicide and fungicide) or as in an organic system without the use of synthetic inputs. Crop light interception and weed density were recorded for 12 weeks until crop maturity. On average, ancient varieties reduced weed density by 17% compared with modern varieties, while the application of chemical inputs was responsible for an average reduction of 37%. The stronger competitive effect of ancient varieties was associated with increased sunlight interception. Species richness was higher in the absence of inputs for some weeks, but not by the end of the experiment. The field-based results illustrated that ancient varieties can be used to help control weed density in organic systems that do not rely on synthetic inputs for weed control Despite this effect of crop interference on weed density, a reduction in weed diversity was not observed. These findings could be of particular interest to promote agrobiodiversity in agricultural systems without synthetic inputs.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
01448765 and 21650616
Volume :
40
Issue :
2
Database :
Supplemental Index
Journal :
Biological Agriculture and Horticulture
Publication Type :
Periodical
Accession number :
ejs66422246
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1080/01448765.2023.2270982