ALBERT

Notes: Experiments were conducted on linseed (Linum usiãissimum L.) and autumn-sown field bean (Vicia faha L.) to test how well the relative leaf area-based yield loss prediction model of Kropff & Spitters could estimate yield loss due to interference from Stellaria media L. (common chick-weed) or barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) alone or a combination of both S. media and barley. Damage coefficients were calculated for all comparisons. Generally, the model provided a better estimate of yield loss due to interference from barley than from S. media because of both the variability in crop yield response stemming from S. media's plasticity and the generally minor crop yield response to S. media interference. The addition to the model of a parameter accounting for asymptotic yield loss was, generally, not warranted for either S. media or barley in the single-weed species data sets. When both S. media and barley were present as weed species in the crop, the model that fitted the data best for six out of 10 data sets was the one in which a separate damage coefficient was included for both species. There was no evidence that the presence of S. media influenced damage coefficient values for barley. However, in the presence of barley a parameter accounting for asymptotic yield loss was warranted for S. media in the two-weed species model. The combination of the addition of this parameter and the presence or barley affected the values of the damage coefficients for S. media in the two-weed species compared with the single-weed species models. Consequently, it was shown for these two weed species that two-weed species yield loss prediction models parameterized using data from single-weed species experiments generally resulted in different estimates of yield loss in comparison with models parameterized using data from two-weed species experiments.

Notes: The effects of the density and proportion of both volunteer barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and Stellaria media (L.) Vill. (common chickweed) on the seed yield of both species was investigated in linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) and autumn-sown field bean (Vicia faba L.). A model was created to estimate these effects. It was a combination of two models. The first was a simple linear model relating weed seed number m2 to weed dry weight m2. The second was an inverse linear model relating weed dry weight per plant to weed density. A very good relationship existed between barley dry weight and number of seeds m2 and between S. media dry weight and number of seed capsules m2. This relationship was relatively consistent between experiments. The inverse linear model provided a good estimation of the relationship between weed density and weed dry weight per plant for both barley and S. media. Model variables, however, differed between experiments. Using the combined model it was estimated that, in the absence of other weed species and at a density of 800 plants m2, S. media would produce between 4000 and 48 000 seeds m2, whereas volunteer barley, at a density of 400 plants m2, would produce between 2000 and 8000 seeds m2. The presence of barley always reduced S. media seed yield and a barley population of 100 plants m2 could reduce S. media seed yield by up to 79%. The presence of S. media reduced barley seed yield in only one of three experiments, in which a S. media density of 800 plants m2 reduced barley seed yield by up to 68%. It was concluded that interspecific weed competition should not be ignored as a factor in models of weed population dynamics

Notes: For implementation of simple yield loss models into threshold-based weed management systems, a thorough validation is needed over a great diversity of sites. Yield losses by competition wsth Sinapis alba L. (white mustard) as a model weed, were studied in 12 experiments in sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) and in 11 experiments in spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Most data sets were heller described by a model based on the relative leaf area of the weed than by a hyperbolic model based on weed density. This leaf area model accounted for (part of) the effect of different emerging times of the S. alba whereas the density model did not. A parameter that allows the maximum yield loss to be smaller than 100% was mostly not needed to describe the effects of weed competition. The parameter that denotes the competitiveness of the weed species with respect to the crop decreased the later the relative leaf area of the mustard was determined. This decrease could be estimated from the differences in relative growth rate of the leaf area of crop and S. alba. However, the accuracy of this estimation was poor. The parameter value of the leaf area model varied considerably between sites and years. The results strongly suggest that the predictive ability of the leaf area model needs to be improved before it can be applied in weed management systems. Such improvement would require additional information about effects of abiotic factors on plant development and morphology and the definition of a time window for predictions with an acceptable level of error.

Notes: An investigation was made into the resistance of some biotypes of Stellaria media to mecoprop. Comparison of the sensitivity of five biotypes to foliar applications of mecoprop salt confirmed the presence of resistant and sensitive types and one of intermediate sensitivity. Applications of mecoprop through the roots of plants growing in nutrient culture were also more active on biotypes sensitive to foliar mecoprop, although the differences were less marked than they were with foliar treatments. Thus, possible differ ences in retention, uptake and translocation do not seem to be important causes of resistance. Consequently, it appears that resistance is associated with detoxification of mecoprop at the site of action. In two further experiments the cytochrome P450 mixed function oxidase inhibitor, 1-aminobenzotdazole, had only a small effect on the susceptibility of resistant S. media plants to mecoprop. The importance of these data in the elucidation of the mechanism of resistance is discussed.

Notes: In three experiments, glyphosate (1.0 kg/ha) and aminotriazole (1.5 kg/ha) killed volunteer potatoes. Glyphosate (0.5 kg/ha) gave acceptable control in the field but not in the two pot experiments; in these latter, addition of ammonium sulphate to glyphosate improved its performance. Field applications of both herbicides at the end of May were less effective than those in June and July, because not all the sprouts had emerged in May. Aminotriazole killed those daughter tubers already pre sent, whilst glyphosate affected sprout viability and hence their ability to produce new plants. The practical potential of these two herbicides for the control of volunteer potatoes is discussed. Activité du glyphosate el de l'aminotriazole contre les repousses de pommes de terre et leurs tubercules fils Dans trois expériences, le glyphosate (1,0 kg/ha) et l'aminotria-zole (1,5 kg/ha) ont tue les repousses de pommes de terre. Le glyphosate (0,5 kg/ha) a fait preuve d'une efficacité acceptable au champ mais pas dans les deux expériences en pots; dans celles-ci, I'addition de sulfate d'ammonium au glyphosate a amélioré ses performances. Les applications au champ des deux herbicides à la fin de mai ont été moins efficaces que celles effectuées en juin et juillet parce que toutes les repousses n'étaient pas sorties en mai. L'aminotriazole a tué les tubercules fils déjà présents, alors que le glyphosate a affecté leur germina tion et par suite leur capacitéà produire de nouvelles plantes. La valeur pratique de ces deux herbicides pour lutter contre les repousses de pommes de terre est discutée. Die Wirkung von Gtyphosat und Aminotriazot auf Unkraut-Kar-toffelpflanzen und deren Tochterknollen In drei Versuchen wurden durch Glyphosat (1,0 kg/ha) und durch Aminotriazol (1,5 kg/ha) Unkraut-Kartoffeln abgetotet. Glyphosat (0,5 kg/ha) ergab unter Feldbedingungen eine brauchbare Bekampfung, nicht jedoch in zwei Gefassver-suchen; in letzteren wurde die Wirkung von Glyphosat durch den Zusatz von Ammoniumsulfat verbessert. Die Feldbehan-dlung Ende Mai war bei beiden Herbiziden weniger wirksam wie im Juni und Juli, weil im Mai das Kraut noch nicht voll entwickelt war. Durch Aminotriazol wurden alle bereits vor-handenen Tochterknollen getötet, wogegen Glyphosat das Kraut schädigte und damit auch die Bildung neuer Pflanzen beeinflusste. Es werden die Möglichkeiten diskutiert, die sich durch die beiden Herbizide für die Bekämpfung von Unkraut-Kartoffeln ergeben.

Notes: The response of four spring-sown combinable arable crops [Pisum sativum (peas), Hordeum vulgare (barley), Vicia faba (beans), Brassica napus (oilseed rape)] to competition from cultivated oats (Avena sativa), mimicking wild-oats (Avena fatua), was studied in three field experiments (1989–91). Reductions in crop growth and yield per oat plant m−2 were calculated from regressions of weight (yield) against oat numbers. Competitive effects from the oats were greatest in 1991, the year with the highest rainfall. The oats had least effect on the barley and rape (yield loss per oat plant m−2=0–2.3%), and most effect on the peas and beans (0.34–7.18%). Samples harvested during the summer showed how the crops' responses to competition from oats changed as they matured. Data was also collected on the effects of the crops on the oats. The results are discussed in relation to the development of threshold-based systems of weed management. La réponse de quatre cultures de printemps à la compétition des mauvaises herbes La réponse de quatre cultures de printemps [Pisum sativum (pois), Hordeum vulgare (orge), Vicia faba (féverolle), Brassica napus (colza)] à la compétition de l'avoine cultivée (Avenasativa) prise comme modèle de folle avoine (Avena fatua) a étéétudiée lors de trois expérimentations au champ (1989–91). Les réductions de croissance et de rendement des plantes cultivées en fonction de la densité de I'avoine ont été calculées par des régressions entre le poids (rendement) et le nombre de pieds d'avoine m−2. L'effet compétitif de I'avoine fut le plus important en 1991, période oò les précipitations furent les plus élevées. L'effet de I'avoine était le moins important sur 1'orge et le colza (la perte de rendement par pied d'avoine m−2était comprise entre 0 et 2,3%) et le plus important sur le pois et la féverolle (0.34–7.18%). Des échantillons récoltés pendant l'été ont montré comment les réponses des plantes cultivées a la compétition de 1'avoine se sont modif iées au cours de la maturation. Des données sur les effets des plantes cultivées sur les avoines ont aussi été recueillies. Les résultats sont discutés en relation avec le développement de systàmes de lutte contre les mauvaises herbes basés sur les seuils de nuisibilité. Unkrautkonkurrenz in vier Sommerkulturen Die Konkurrenz von Saat-Hafer (Avena sativa) als Modell für Flag-Hafer (Avena fatua) wurde in 4 Sommerkulturen [Erbse (Pisum sativum), Gerste (Hordeum vulgare), Acker-Bohne (Vicia faba) und Raps (Brassica napus)] in 3 Freiland-versuchen (1989–91) untersucht. Die Wachtums-und Ertragsreduktion je nach der Hafer-Dichte wurde nach der Gewichts- bzw. Ertragseinbuße berechnet. Die Konkurrenz durch den Hafer war 1991, dem Jahr mil dem höchsten Niederschlag, am gröBten: auf Gerste und Raps war sie am geringsten (0 bis 2.3 % Ertragsverlust pro Hafer-Pflanze m−2), auf Erbse und Acker-Bohne (0.34 bis 7.18 %) am stärksten. Durch Messungen der Biomasse wahrend der Vegetationsperiode konnte gezeigt werden, wie sich die Konkurrenz durch den Hafer bis zur Abreife änderte. Auch die Kulturpflanzenkonkurrenz auf den Hafer wurde bestimmt. Die Bedeutung der Ergebnisse für die Entwicklung von Bekämpfungssystemen auf der Grundlage von Schadensschwellen werden diskutiert.

Notes: Summary Seed production by Sinapis arvensis, Tripleurospermum inodorum and Stellaria media growing alone or in crops of spring wheat, spring field beans and spring linseed was studied in 11 experiments. Seed numbers for S. arvensis and T. inodorum were measured directly from samples harvested in late summer but for S. media were estimated from measurements of flower number and seeds/flower. Seed numbers were regressed against plant dry matter. In general, a linear log/log plot (y = mx + c) fitted the data for each species quite well (R2 = 0.75, 0.89, 0.89 for S. arvensis, T. inodorum and S. media respectively), but there were small differences between crops and years in the individual regression lines, especially the intercept values. Estimated seed production for a ‘mean’ 10-g plant (dry matter) in the three crops for S. arvensis, T. inodorum and S. media was 590, 6300 and 8600, respectively. Seed production tended to be lower for the weeds in wheat than it was in field beans and linseed, or in the plants grown alone, primarily due to the differences in plant weight arising from the differing competition exerted by the crops involved.

Notes: Summary Two experiments have investigated the persistence of 16 arable, annual broad-leaved weed species over 6 years in a silty loam and a clay soil. Small plastic beads were included as an ‘inert’ comparison. Seeds were broadcast in October on to plots at the start of the experiment, and these were either tine cultivated or ploughed annually thereafter. Plots were sown with either spring or winter wheat. As far as possible, weed seeding was prevented each year. For some species, the seed decline appeared to be slower on the ploughed plots than on the tined plots and in the winter wheat compared with the spring wheat. Seed decline also tended to be slower on the clay soil at Rothamsted than on the silty loam at Long Ashton. Some species declined rapidly (e.g. Brassica napus, Chrysanthemum segetum, Galium aparine, Galeopsis tetrahit), with annual decline rates in excess of 58%, whereas others declined very little (e.g. Papaver rhoeas decline rate 9%). Most of the other species had decline rates between 20% and 40%. The results are discussed in relation to the development of population dynamics models to predict long-term consequences of alternative weed management strategies.

Notes: Seeds of oilseed rape (Brassica napus L., cv. Liglandor) were induced into secondary dormancy by imbibing them for 2-4 weeks in an osmotic solution at -1500 kPa in darkness. Treated seeds were then transferred into pots or Petri dishes, where they were given adequate water for germinatton. These pots and Petri dishes were exposed to various temperature regimes during the course of the following 6–14 months. During that time, seed samples were taken at 2- to 6- weekly intervals to monitor survival of seeds and to study their dormancy. The ntimber of seeds that had not germinated in pots or Petri dishes remained constant in the majority of treatments. but it declined when seeds were exposed to pronounced daily temperature alternations. This decline was due to germination and not to death of seeds from other causes. Germination tests on subsamples of seeds showed that they were light sensitive, more seeds germinating in the light than in the dark. The seeds’germination behaviour differed between samphng dates. This variation in germination behaviour appeared not to display the classical dormancy:non-dormancy cycle. Part of the variation seemed to be due to the changes in temperature that the seeds experienced when taken from pots and set up in the germination tests. Seeds exposed to a constant temperature for 1 year appeared lo become more dormant with time. The relevance of this work in relation to the persistence of volunteer oilseed rape is discussed.

Notes: A series of eleven field experiments over two seasons investigated the control of Galium aparine (cleavers) with mecoprop and a proprietary mixture of ioxynil plus bromoxynil. Applications of mecoprop (2⋅4 kg a.e. ha−1) between December and March gave variable results but a mixture of ioxynil + bromoxynil (0⋅6 kg a.i. ha−1) and mecoprop improved control up to at least 90%, at most sites. Applications of mecoprop alone in April were most effective and frequently achieved more than 90% control. In May, when the G. aparine plants were very large, it was less successful. The reasons for the environmental effects on performance are discussed. Preliminary examination of the effect of soil temperature on mecoprop activity indicates that the reliability of control increases with increasing temperature (0–12°C). An average of 94% control was achieved when soil temperatures were greater than 6°C. La destruction de Galium aparine (Gaillet) dans les cereales d'hiver avec du mecoprop seul ou avec ioxynil plus bromoxynil