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Vulpia myuros, an increasing threat for agriculture

Vulpia myuros, an increasing threat for agriculture

Büchi, Lucie ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1935-6176, Cordeau, Stéphane ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1069-8388, Hull, Richard and Rodenburg, Jonne ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9059-9253 (2020) Vulpia myuros, an increasing threat for agriculture. Weed Research, 61. pp. 13-24. ISSN 0043-1737 (Print), 1365-3180 (Online) (doi:10.1111/wre.12456)

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Abstract

Vulpia myuros is an annual grass species of Mediterranean origin, which has achieved a global distribution. It is a fast-growing species, with high colonisation and competitive abilities. This species is considered an invasive weed in most countries where it has been introduced, with highly negative economic impact where it now dominates. It is increasingly found to be a problematic weed in winter cereals, especially in no-till and reduced tillage systems, across Europe, United States and Australia. Seeds of V. myuros have reduced germination potential when buried. However, where tillage interventions are reduced, ideal conditions for V. myuros are created. Minimum and no tillage practices are increasing worldwide, with a concomitant increase in the spread and abundance of V. myuros. Effectiveness of herbicides is mostly suboptimal, in particular for well-established populations forming dense swards, even though no herbicide resistance has yet been identified. An integrated management approach, increasing crop diversification combined with management adaptations, possibly including herbicides is suggested as an effective control strategy. Despite increasing research on V. myuros, more information is needed to optimise the management of this weed. Based on the species’ Mediterranean origins and adaptation to warm and dry environments, an increase of its global importance may be expected with climate changes. It is thus paramount to increase the awareness around this species, improve its identification in the field, and monitor its spread before it becomes a concern of similar magnitude to grass weeds like Alopecurus myosuroides or Lolium rigidum.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: grass weed, winter annual, conservation agriculture, no-till, pastures, herbicide resistance
Subjects: S Agriculture > S Agriculture (General)
Faculty / School / Research Centre / Research Group: Faculty of Engineering & Science
Faculty of Engineering & Science > Natural Resources Institute
Faculty of Engineering & Science > Natural Resources Institute > Agriculture, Health & Environment Department
Faculty of Engineering & Science > Natural Resources Institute > Ecosystem Services Research Group
Last Modified: 24 Nov 2021 01:38
URI: http://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/30304

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