Impact of sowing density and nitrogen fertilization on Rumex obtusifolius L. development in organic winter cereal crops

in Biotechnologie, Agronomie, Société et Environnement = Biotechnology, Agronomy, Society and Environment [=BASE] (2012), 16(3), 237-343

The control of Rumex obtusifolius L. (broad-leafed dock) is very important in organic farming systems. Indeed, concerns about managing this weed without the use of herbicides is one of the major factors ... [more ▼]

The control of Rumex obtusifolius L. (broad-leafed dock) is very important in organic farming systems. Indeed, concerns about managing this weed without the use of herbicides is one of the major factors limiting the uptake of these systems by conventional farmers. Against this backround, we analyzed the impact of two management practices on the development of R. obtusifolius populations in two winter cereal trials: spelt (triticum spelta [L.] thell.) and triticale (xtriticosecale [A.Camus]Wittm.). The management factors were sowing density (SD) and nitrogen fertilization (NF) at the tillering stage. The results showed that and increase in SD and NF led to stronger crop growth and better soil coverage by the end of sping, demonstrated by a significant decrease in photosynthetic active radiation (PAR) at soil level. However, although there was an SD effect, it was too weak in April to restrict an increase in R. obtusifolius populations through the recruitment of new R. obtusifulius plants. An increase in R. obtusifolius population density was also linked to an increase in the NF level, illustrating the nitrophilic character of this weed. Although an increase in SD and NF at the tillering stage led to a higher canopy density, these two practices failed to reduce R. Obtusifolius density in the cereal crops. Nevertheless, cereal yields were shown to be maintained or improved. Our results indicate that, even when combining weed harrowing and some cultural weed control methods, this perennial weed is difficult to control. [less ▲]

A first step towards a real-time predictive yield support system.

Conference (2012)

Real-time non-invasive determination of crop biomass and yield prediction are maybe among the major challenges in agriculture. But unknown future weather remains the key point of accurate yield forecast ... [more ▼]

Real-time non-invasive determination of crop biomass and yield prediction are maybe among the major challenges in agriculture. But unknown future weather remains the key point of accurate yield forecast. This paper presents the results of a preliminary study that aims to supply the unknown future by daily mean climatic data. The results show that, under the Belgian weather, this approach is relevant. Furthermore, the developed methodology appears to be a powerful diagnosis tool of the remaining yield potential under ongoing weather. [less ▲]

2. Variétés - 2. Escourgeon et orge d’hiver fourragers

in Livre Blanc: Céréales-Gembloux - Informations avant les semis (2011, September 08)

2. Variétés - 1. Froment d'hiver

in Livre blanc: Céréales-Gembloux - Informations avant les semis (2011, September 08)

POLLEN DISPERSAL ABILITIES OF ALS TARGET-SITE RESISTANT BLACK-GRASS (ALOPECURUS MYOSUROIDES HUDS.)

Poster (2011, September 05)

Target-Site Resistant (TSR) black-grass individuals were introduced in a field, at different growing stages to be synchronised with autochthonous population. Patches of susceptible black-grass were ... [more ▼]

Target-Site Resistant (TSR) black-grass individuals were introduced in a field, at different growing stages to be synchronised with autochthonous population. Patches of susceptible black-grass were created by setting protective canvas on few areas (from 0,5 up to 32m²), during herbicide spraying and they were removed afterwards. Those patches were disposed along rays starting from the introduction point at distances from 2 to 128 meters. In those patches, local black-grass grew regularly and was able to receive some pollen from the resistant individuals, located in the centered emitting area. The herbicide field treatment (mesosulfuron+iodosulfuron : 15+3 g.a.i.ha-1) was efficient, confirming that the local population is susceptible to ALS inhibitors, was preceded by another herbicide treatment targeting only broad-leaves weeds, performed on the entire field, including patches, such as the rest of cultural practices such as fertilization, and fungicide and insecticide treatment. All seeds were harvested in each patches separately and tested in glasshouse. Seed samples were sprayed with sulfometuron, herbicide active ingredient known not to be affected by non-target site resistance, in a way to detect the percentage of resistant black-grass that can be engendered after the introduction of TSR individuals and to determine the distance resistant pollen can cover. DNA analyses were performed on surviving plants to confirm the presence of the mutation. [less ▲]

Production de viande - réchauffement climatique

Article for general public (2011)

Carbon exchange in a Belgian grassland with cattle

Poster (2011, April 08)

Management effects on net ecosystem carbon and GHG budgets at European crop sites

in Geophysical Research Abstracts (2011, April 08), 13

Etude de l'impact de la gestion culturale sur la respiration d'un sol agricole

Conference (2011, February 23)

2. Implantation des cultures

in Livre Blanc: Céréales - Gembloux (2011, February 23)