Renewed interest in hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) for cannabinoid production has highlighted critical knowledge gaps for growers. The impacts of weed interference on hemp yield are largely unstudied despite causing serious economic losses in most cropping systems. Furthermore, understanding factors determining cannabinoid content of hemp will be crucial for effective production. To evaluate the effects of weed competition on hemp yield and cannabinoid content, hemp growing in plasticulture was subjected to competition from 5, 3, 1, or 0 waterhemp (Amaranthus tuberculatus (Moq.) Sauer) plants. Hemp biomass and cannabinoid content were not significantly affected by weed competition. Yields in weedy and weed-free treatments were generally comparable, although unexpectedly high variation limited the ability to detect subtle differences between treatments. Waterhemp biomass was significantly reduced by competition from hemp in comparison to hemp-free controls. Suppression of weed growth by hemp and lack of significant yield loss from weeds suggests that hemp can be highly competitive and grown successfully without herbicides in certain circumstances. Abundance and documented phytotoxicity of hemp secondary metabolites suggest a potential for allelopathic activity. While incorporated hemp residue was not more effective than a maize control at reducing plant growth, hemp residue and extracts effectively inhibit seed germination. A laboratory assay showed that crude extracts of hemp can reduce the germination of a Brassica napus L., a bioindicator. Furthermore, a greenhouse experiment showed that small amounts of hemp residue on the soil surface can effectively reduce and delay the germination of waterhemp. Together, these results show that hemp residue has the potential to be incorporated with a practice such as chaff-lining for enhanced control of germinating weed seeds.

Cogongrass management generally requires multiple herbicide applications, however, success is limited if not integrated with other methods. Experiments were conducted to evaluate the use of cover cropping systems with herbicides on cogongrass control. Field studies determined that sequential glyphosate applications in the summer were necessary to achieve 80% or greater control, but a single application could be effective if weather conditions allowed early planting and good cover crop establishment of Roundup Ready soybeans. Studies also indicated that the use of ALS-resistant Italian ryegrass and white clover crop combinations showed no effect, but imazapyr applications made in May or June provided 80% or higher control by October. Greenhouse experiments showed that delayed planting at least 1 month after imazapyr preemergence applications from 70 to 280 g ae ha-1, significantly reduced emergence failure, height and biomass reductions of legumes used for revegetation.

No description available.

Harvest weed seed controls (HWSC) destroy weed seeds that are retained by the plant at crop harvest, which would typically be spread by the harvester along with other field residues. HWSC exploits coincidental maturity between crops and weeds, so an experiment was designed to collect weed seeds as they shatter throughout the growing season and through a simulated harvest delay. This experiment monitored four economically important broadleaf species and two grass species in a soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) field. Results indicated that broadleaf species shattered seed at rates accelerating through the growing season, while grass species shattered more seed early in the growing season. Field experiments in organic and conventional winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) fields infested with Italian ryegrass (Lolium perenne L. ssp. multiflorum (Lam.) Husnot) compared two HWSC techniques to grower-standard weed management programs in each system, including both no-till and full-till standard treatments in the conventional system. Italian ryegrass populations were monitored, and wheat yield was measured both before and after HWSC application. In both organic and conventional cropping systems, HWSC treatments did not provide better Italian ryegrass control than the grower-standard treatments. The conventional program including tillage boosted Italian ryegrass populations. These results suggest that HWSC treatments did not enhance Italian ryegrass control compared to grower-standard practices in either the organic or conventional systems. Additionally, broadleaf weeds may retain enough seeds to be viable targets for HWSC. Incorporating best practices, such as a timely crop harvest, is key for understanding and optimizing HWSC. / Master of Science / Harvest weed seed controls (HWSC) destroy weed seeds that the weed plant retains at the time of crop harvest. On a typical farm, these weed seeds pass through the crop harvester and get spread across the field along with other plant materials. HWSC directly targets weed seeds, differentiating itself from normal weed management practices, such as herbicides, that kill emerging or emerged weed plants. With HWSC, weed seeds never enter the soil seed bank, thus depleting weed populations over time. HWSC works through mechanical means, such as crushing, burning, or removal. For conventional farmers battling herbicide resistant weeds, HWSC can provide effective weed management by diversifying weed management programs. HWSC also has promise as a new chemical-free weed management for organic farmers. HWSC relies on crops and weeds having coincidental maturity; seeds released from the plant (shattered) before crop harvest cannot be targeted by HWSC. An experiment was designed to collect weed seeds weekly as they shatter throughout the growing season, continuing until three weeks after the ideal date to harvest crops, thereby simulating a situation where weather or logistical factors prevented a timely crop harvest. This experiment monitored four broadleaf species and two grass species that infest soybean fields. Broadleaf species shattered seeds at increasing rates throughout the soybean growing season, with each species shattering over 50% of captured seed during the simulated harvest delay. Compared to broadleaf weeds, grass species shattered relatively more seed early in the growing season. This experiment indicates that broadleaf weeds may be more suited to control by HWSC. HWSC was also used in organic and conventional winter wheat fields infested with Italian ryegrass. These experiments compared two HWSC techniques, windrow burning of field residue and residue removal to standard weed management programs in each system. Windrow burning incinerates field residues, eliminating weed seeds within. Residue removal takes all field residues off the field for disposal elsewhere. While the standard organic weed management program involved tillage by default, the conventional cropping system featured both no-till and full-till standard weed management programs. Italian ryegrass populations were monitored through population counts, biomass collections, and counting of seed remaining at harvest. Wheat yield was also recorded. These measurements were taken both before HWSC application and after the first year of HWSC, to compare year-to-year changes. In the organic cropping system, Italian ryegrass populations grew and wheat yield decreased at similar rates for both HWSC treatments and the standard weed management program. In the conventional cropping system, Italian ryegrass populations declined and wheat yield increased for HWSC and the no-till standard treatments. Tillage, however, boosted Italian ryegrass populations, keeping them at similar levels to the previous growing season. These results suggest that HWSC treatments did not enhance Italian ryegrass control compared to standard practices in either the organic or no-till conventional systems. Though these results indicate that broadleaf weeds may retain enough seeds to be viable targets for HWSC, more research is needed to optimize HWSC for Italian ryegrass control, especially for organic growers. Incorporating best agricultural practices, such as a timely crop harvest, is key for improving HWSC’s efficacy. Commercial implementation of HWSC depends on further understanding of how specific HWSC practices, such as windrow burning, interact with the agricultural landscape, including effects on landscape aesthetics and soil nutrition. HWSC holds promise for diversifying weed management and limiting reliance on herbicides, but its true potential is yet to be revealed.

A resistência de plantas daninhas é um grande problema que afeta a produtividade das culturas em nosso país, ao passo que quando é identificada, deve ser estudada visando desenvolver estratégias de manejo que evitem a expansão e seleção em novas áreas, além de seleção de resistência múltipla em áreas onde está presente. Nesta temática o objetivo desta pesquisa foi determinar manejo alternativo ao glyphosato para as espécies Chloris elata e Digitaria insularis no período de entressafra da cultura da soja e identificar características morfológicas da superfície foliar de Chloris elata que possam interferir sobre o controle com herbicidas. Foram estudadas alternativas ao glyphosate para manejo em áreas de sistema de produção soja/milho, em dois experimentos com as plantas daninhas Chloris elata e Digitaria insularis perenizadas e com duas condições de roçada (15 e 30 cm). Foram avaliados o controle visual das plantas daninhas, redução de matéria fresca e seca. Para morfologia das folhas da espécie Chloris elata foi realizada análise histológica com recursos de microscopia eletrônica de varredura, visando caracterizar a morfologia da folha, além de determinar o índice estomático, densidade estomática e densidade de tricomas para as superfícies adaxial e abaxial das folhas, nos estádios 4 e 6 folhas totalmente expandidas. Digitaria insularis se mostrou menos suscetível as técnicas de manejo empregadas para plantas perenizadas, necessitando duas aplicações sequenciais para conter a rebrota dos tratamentos. O uso da maior dose do herbicida haloxyfop associado aos herbicidas glyphosate ou amônio-glufosinato se mostrou eficaz no controle de C. elata e D. insularis. O manejo de roçagem potencializou a ação dos herbicidas, e a planta daninha D. insularis se mostrou mais suscetível a está técnica em relação ao C. elata. Para este manejo a associação da maior dose de haloxyfop ao glufosinato foi eficaz para as duas gramíneas. As alturas de roçagem somente se diferenciaram nas primeiras avaliações. O biótipo resistente de C. elata apresentou menor densidade estomática, no estádio de 4 folhas completamente expandidas e maior densidade de tricomas no estádios de 6 folhas completamente expandidas, o que pode contribuir para a resistência ao glyphosate. Está espécie apresentou formações de cristais de cera que circundam o ostíolo, no estádio de 6 folhas completamente expandidas, podendo estar relacionada a a menor suscetibilidade ao glyphosate desta planta daninha perenizada. / Weed resistance is a major problem that affects crop productivity in our country, whereas when it is identified, it must be studied in order to develop management strategies that avoid expansion and selection in new areas, as well as multiple resistance selection in areas where it is present. In this subject the objective of this research was to determine alternative management of glyphosate for the Chloris elata and Digitaria insularis species during the off - season of the soybean crop and to identify the morphological characteristics of the leaf surface of Chloris elata that could interfere the control with herbicides. It was studied alternatives to glyphosate for management in areas of soybean / maize production system in two experiments with weeds Chloris elata and Digitaria insularis perennial and with two mowing conditions (15 and 30 cm). The visual control of weeds, fresh and dry matter reduction were evaluated. For the morphology of the leaves of the Chloris elata species, a histological analysis was carried out using scanning electron microscopy to characterize the leaf morphology, as well as to determine the stomatal index, stomatal density and trichome density for the adaxial and abaxial surfaces of the leaves, stages 4 and 6 fully expanded leaves. Digitaria insularis was less susceptible to the management techniques used for perennial plants, requiring two sequential applications to contain the regrowth of treatments. The use of the highest dose of the herbicide haloxyfop associated with the herbicides glyphosate or ammonium glufosinate proved to be effective in the control of C. elata and D. insularis. Herbicide management potentiated herbicide action, and D. insularis weed was more susceptible to this technique than C. elata. For this management, the association of the highest dose of haloxyfop to glufosinate was effective for both grasses. The cutting heights differed only in the first evaluations. The resistant C. elata biotype showed lower stomatal density at the stage of 4 fully expanded leaves and greater density of trichomes in the stages of 6 fully expanded leaves, which may contribute to resistance to glyphosate. This species presented waxy crystal formations that surround the ostrich, in the stage of 6 fully expanded leaves, and may be related to the natural tolerance to the glyphosate of this perennial weed.

Este trabalho propõe um modelo de otimização dinâmico para o controle da infestação por plantas daninhas usando aplicação seletiva de herbicida em um sistema anual de colheita da cultura do milho. A densidade do banco de sementes da população de plantas daninhas a frequência dos alelos dominante e recessivo são tomadas como variáveis de estado. A variável de controle é dada pela função de dose-resposta. O objetivo é reduzir o uso de herbicida, maximizar o lucro em um período pré-determinado de tempo e minimizar os impactos ambientais causados pelo uso excessivo de herbicida. O modelo de otimização leva em consideração a diminuição da eficácia do herbicida ao longo do tempo causada pela pressão seletiva. O problema de otimização dinâmico envolve variáveis inteiras e contínuas que foram modeladas como um problema de programação não linear inteiro misto (MINLP). O problema MINLP foi resolvido por enumeração implícita usando o método branch and bound. Simulações numéricas de uma estratégia ótima ilustra o manejo da planta daninha Bidens subalternans em uma plantação de milho com utilização da seleção de uma sequência de dois herbicidas. A solução obtida é comparada com a solução do problema com aplicação de uma sequência de somente um único herbicida. / A dynamic optimization model for weed infestation control using selective herbicide application in a corn crop system is presented. The seed bank density of the weed population and frequency of dominant and recessive alleles are taken as state variables of the growing cycle. The control variable is taken as the dose response-function. The goal is to reduce herbicide use, maximize profit in a pre-determined period of time and minimize the environmental impacts caused by excessive use of herbicides. The dynamic optimization model takes into account the decreased herbicide efficacy over time due to weed resistance evolution caused by selective pressure. The dynamic optimization problem involves integer and continuous variables which are modeled as a mixed integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) problem. The MINLP problem was solved by an implicit enumeration known as branch and bound method. Numerical simulations for a case study illustrate the management of the Bidens subalternans in a corn crop by selecting a sequence of two herbicides. The solution presented is compared to the solution of a sequence of only one herbicide.

A resistência de plantas daninhas é um grande problema que afeta a produtividade das culturas em nosso país, ao passo que quando é identificada, deve ser estudada visando desenvolver estratégias de manejo que evitem a expansão e seleção em novas áreas, além de seleção de resistência múltipla em áreas onde está presente. Nesta temática o objetivo desta pesquisa foi determinar manejo alternativo ao glyphosato para as espécies Chloris elata e Digitaria insularis no período de entressafra da cultura da soja e identificar características morfológicas da superfície foliar de Chloris elata que possam interferir sobre o controle com herbicidas. Foram estudadas alternativas ao glyphosate para manejo em áreas de sistema de produção soja/milho, em dois experimentos com as plantas daninhas Chloris elata e Digitaria insularis perenizadas e com duas condições de roçada (15 e 30 cm). Foram avaliados o controle visual das plantas daninhas, redução de matéria fresca e seca. Para morfologia das folhas da espécie Chloris elata foi realizada análise histológica com recursos de microscopia eletrônica de varredura, visando caracterizar a morfologia da folha, além de determinar o índice estomático, densidade estomática e densidade de tricomas para as superfícies adaxial e abaxial das folhas, nos estádios 4 e 6 folhas totalmente expandidas. Digitaria insularis se mostrou menos suscetível as técnicas de manejo empregadas para plantas perenizadas, necessitando duas aplicações sequenciais para conter a rebrota dos tratamentos. O uso da maior dose do herbicida haloxyfop associado aos herbicidas glyphosate ou amônio-glufosinato se mostrou eficaz no controle de C. elata e D. insularis. O manejo de roçagem potencializou a ação dos herbicidas, e a planta daninha D. insularis se mostrou mais suscetível a está técnica em relação ao C. elata. Para este manejo a associação da maior dose de haloxyfop ao glufosinato foi eficaz para as duas gramíneas. As alturas de roçagem somente se diferenciaram nas primeiras avaliações. O biótipo resistente de C. elata apresentou menor densidade estomática, no estádio de 4 folhas completamente expandidas e maior densidade de tricomas no estádios de 6 folhas completamente expandidas, o que pode contribuir para a resistência ao glyphosate. Está espécie apresentou formações de cristais de cera que circundam o ostíolo, no estádio de 6 folhas completamente expandidas, podendo estar relacionada a a menor suscetibilidade ao glyphosate desta planta daninha perenizada. / Weed resistance is a major problem that affects crop productivity in our country, whereas when it is identified, it must be studied in order to develop management strategies that avoid expansion and selection in new areas, as well as multiple resistance selection in areas where it is present. In this subject the objective of this research was to determine alternative management of glyphosate for the Chloris elata and Digitaria insularis species during the off - season of the soybean crop and to identify the morphological characteristics of the leaf surface of Chloris elata that could interfere the control with herbicides. It was studied alternatives to glyphosate for management in areas of soybean / maize production system in two experiments with weeds Chloris elata and Digitaria insularis perennial and with two mowing conditions (15 and 30 cm). The visual control of weeds, fresh and dry matter reduction were evaluated. For the morphology of the leaves of the Chloris elata species, a histological analysis was carried out using scanning electron microscopy to characterize the leaf morphology, as well as to determine the stomatal index, stomatal density and trichome density for the adaxial and abaxial surfaces of the leaves, stages 4 and 6 fully expanded leaves. Digitaria insularis was less susceptible to the management techniques used for perennial plants, requiring two sequential applications to contain the regrowth of treatments. The use of the highest dose of the herbicide haloxyfop associated with the herbicides glyphosate or ammonium glufosinate proved to be effective in the control of C. elata and D. insularis. Herbicide management potentiated herbicide action, and D. insularis weed was more susceptible to this technique than C. elata. For this management, the association of the highest dose of haloxyfop to glufosinate was effective for both grasses. The cutting heights differed only in the first evaluations. The resistant C. elata biotype showed lower stomatal density at the stage of 4 fully expanded leaves and greater density of trichomes in the stages of 6 fully expanded leaves, which may contribute to resistance to glyphosate. This species presented waxy crystal formations that surround the ostrich, in the stage of 6 fully expanded leaves, and may be related to the natural tolerance to the glyphosate of this perennial weed.

Este trabalho propõe um modelo de otimização dinâmico para o controle da infestação por plantas daninhas usando aplicação seletiva de herbicida em um sistema anual de colheita da cultura do milho. A densidade do banco de sementes da população de plantas daninhas a frequência dos alelos dominante e recessivo são tomadas como variáveis de estado. A variável de controle é dada pela função de dose-resposta. O objetivo é reduzir o uso de herbicida, maximizar o lucro em um período pré-determinado de tempo e minimizar os impactos ambientais causados pelo uso excessivo de herbicida. O modelo de otimização leva em consideração a diminuição da eficácia do herbicida ao longo do tempo causada pela pressão seletiva. O problema de otimização dinâmico envolve variáveis inteiras e contínuas que foram modeladas como um problema de programação não linear inteiro misto (MINLP). O problema MINLP foi resolvido por enumeração implícita usando o método branch and bound. Simulações numéricas de uma estratégia ótima ilustra o manejo da planta daninha Bidens subalternans em uma plantação de milho com utilização da seleção de uma sequência de dois herbicidas. A solução obtida é comparada com a solução do problema com aplicação de uma sequência de somente um único herbicida. / A dynamic optimization model for weed infestation control using selective herbicide application in a corn crop system is presented. The seed bank density of the weed population and frequency of dominant and recessive alleles are taken as state variables of the growing cycle. The control variable is taken as the dose response-function. The goal is to reduce herbicide use, maximize profit in a pre-determined period of time and minimize the environmental impacts caused by excessive use of herbicides. The dynamic optimization model takes into account the decreased herbicide efficacy over time due to weed resistance evolution caused by selective pressure. The dynamic optimization problem involves integer and continuous variables which are modeled as a mixed integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) problem. The MINLP problem was solved by an implicit enumeration known as branch and bound method. Numerical simulations for a case study illustrate the management of the Bidens subalternans in a corn crop by selecting a sequence of two herbicides. The solution presented is compared to the solution of a sequence of only one herbicide.

Medusahead is a harmful weed that is invading public lands in the West. The invasion is a serious concern to the public because it can reduce forage for livestock and wildlife, increase fire frequency, alter important ecosystem cycles (like water), reduce recreational activities, and produce landscapes that are aesthetically unpleasing. Invasions can drive up costs that generally require taxpayer’s dollars. Medusahead seedlings typically spread to new areas by attaching itself to passing objects (e.g. vehicles, animals, clothing) where it can quickly begin to affect plants communities. To be effective, management plans need to be sustainable, informed, and considerate to invasion levels across large landscapes. Ecological remote sensing analysis is a method that uses airborne imagery, taken from drones, aircrafts, or satellites, to gather information about ecological systems. This Thesis strived to use remote sensing techniques to identify medusahead in the landscape and its changes through time. This was done for an extensive area of rangelands in the Channel Scabland region of eastern ashington. This Thesis provided results that would benefit land managers that include: 1) a dispersal map of medusahead, 2) a time line of medusahead cover through time, 3) “high risk’ dispersal areas, 4) climatic factors showing an influence on the time line of medusahead, 5) a strategy map that can be utilized by land managers to direct management needs. This Thesis shows how remote sensing applications can be used to detect medusahead in the landscape and understand its invasiveness through time. This information can help create sustainable and effective management plans so land managers can continue to protect and improve western public lands threatened by the invasion of medusahead.

The spread of invasive weeds continues to be a serious economic and environmental threat. Weed prevention has the potential to stop weeds before they become well established in an area conserving time, energy, and resources. Unfortunately, weed prevention is often overlooked. Weed Prevention Areas (WPAs) are a relatively new tool developed to help improve the application of weed prevention. They are cooperatively managed areas that focus on implementing prevention and early detection strategies at a community level. The purpose of this research was to establish baseline data that will be used to evaluate the overall effectiveness of the WPA concept, as well as to produce materials to assist individuals with the development of a WPA. Two rural communities, with new WPAs, were each paired with a non-WPA community for data collection purposes. On-the-ground GPS vegetation inventories were conducted to determine the initial abundance and distribution of selected invasive weed species. This information was then used to demonstrate how to prioritize species and sites within a WPA in order to utilize limited resources more efficiently. A mail-back survey was also conducted to evaluate landowners' current opinions and activities in regards to prevention and control. In general, weed prevention was viewed as an important part of integrated weed management, but fewer than half of all respondents applied prevention strategies on their property. The failure to implement prevention strategies was attributed to limited funding and resources, a lack of weed prevention knowledge, and a high level of perceived risk. The knowledge gained from this research was then used to create Step-By-Step Guidelines for Establishing a Weed Prevention Area. These Guidelines provide interested individuals the resources necessary to successfully organize a WPA in their community. In addition, four wildland weed mapping methods were evaluated to identify their strengths and weaknesses. There was no difference in the estimation of patch size or location between the buffered point, screen-drawn, and perimeter walked methods. In most situations, time and distance factors favor the selection of either the buffered point or screen-drawn method. If patch shape is an important consideration, the perimeter-walked or buffered point method should be selected.