Technical Regulations for Comprehensive Control Weeding in Millet Field

According to experiments in many years in Hebei Province, the research explored weed comprehensive control technology on millet fields in terms of application range, prevention rules, prevention object, agricultural control, physical control, and chemical control and proposed specific methods and technological indices in order to provide technological references for comprehensive control on weeds of millet fields.

Impacts of Different Weeding Methods on Weeds Control in Tobacco Fields in Anshun City

[Objective] The paper was to explore weed control measures in tobacco fields in Anshun City. [Method] Different treatments on weed control were conducted in tobacco fields in Anshun City, Guizhou Province, from 2017 to 2019. [Result] Various treatments had no negative effect on tobacco plant growth in the field, and had different degrees of control effects on five dominant weeds, including Digitaria sanguinalis, Setaria viridis, Fagopyrum dibotrys, Commelina communis and Chenopodium album. White mulching film and 50% butralin·clomazone EC 160 m L/667 m^(2) + white mulching film had the worst performance, which had extremely significant or significant differences with other treatments. There was no sig-nificant difference among most treatments, and the overall effects were comprehensive(multi-factor) treatment > double factor treatment > single factor treatment. [Conclusion] Combination control is recommended in practical tobacco production.

A weeding-duration model for Abies sachalinensis plantations in Hok-kaido, northern Japan

I developed a weeding-duration model for Sakhalin fir （Abies sachalinensis （Fr. Schmidt） Masters） plantations that employs a generalized linear model. The number of years following planting that weeding is necessary is the response variable, and elevation, slope steepness, maximum snow depth, annual precipitation, geology, soil, site index, slope aspect, and vegetation type are explanatory variables. Among the explanatory variables, geology, soil, slope aspect, and vegetation type are categorical data. A Poisson distribution is assumed for the response variable, with a log-link function. Elevation, slope steepness, maximum snow depth, annual precipitation, site index, and vegetation type had a significant effect on weeding duration. Among the eight models with the smallest Akaike information criterion （AIC）, I chose the model with no multicollinearity among the explanatory variables. The weeding-duration model includes site index, maximum snow depth, slope steepness （angle） and vegetation type as explanatory variables; elevation and annual precipitation were not included in the selected model because of multicollinearity with maximum snow depth. This model is useful for cost-benefit analyses of afforestation or reforestation with Abies sachalinensis.

A game theory based method for inter-plant heat integration considering cost allocation

Inter-plant heat integration is an effective way for energy recovery in process industry. Although inter-plant heat integration can significantly reduce energy consumption, it is not widely applied in the multiple stakeholders’ situation due to profit or cost distribution problems. Therefore, this work considers both the technique aspects of heat integration and its business aspects between stakeholders simultaneously. The new proposed methodology consists of three steps. Firstly the optimal matching of heat integration between plants is obtained through mathematical programming. Then the cost distribution is decided through game theory. Finally the cost distribution obtained previous is corrected by an ideal expert model. A case study is used to illustrate the effectiveness of the method in the end of the work.

Integrating Mechanical Weeding and Planting for Reduced Labour Input in Paddy Rice under System of Rice Intensification (SRI)

The System of Rice Intensification (SRI) has been attributed to improvement in rice production with various attributes being accrued from application of the SRI Principles. The most notable are savings on water use and increase in yield. Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) has also paved way for mechanical weed control in paddy fields. One of the major constraints to adoption of SRI is the perceived increased labour input due to the careful transplanting and frequent weed control. This paper evaluates the effect of mechanization on labour input in SRI in comparison to the less mechanized farmer practice. In attempt to reduce drudgery in transplanting under SRI, the drum seeder was used to establish the rice crop by direct seeding. This was then followed by using SRI practices i.e. AWD and mechanical weeding. Direct seeding using a drum seeder was compared to transplanting in both SRI and the common farmer practice. Hand weeding was also evaluated and compared to mechanical weeding. Labour input cost was also compared to the income accrued from the yields. From the study, it was noted that direct seeding using the drum seeder reduced labour input by 97% compared to transplanting. This was possible in that in direct seeding, and there was no nursery preparation and management as in transplanting. The use of a mechanical weeder reduced labour input by 28.3% in relation to hand weeding. Labour input cost for SRI was cheaper (Kshs. 124,080 per hectare) compared to the common farmer practice (Kshs. 139,117.50 per hectare). There was more yield from the SRI practice (2.75 Ton/ha) compared to the common farmer practice (1.88 Ton/ha).

Influence of Weeding on the Performance of White Maize Varieties

The experiment was conducted at agronomy farm of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka from November 2017 to April 2018 to investigate the influence of weeding regimes on the performance of white maize varieties. The experiment comprised two varieties viz. YANGNUO-3000 and PSC-121, designated as V1 and V2 respectively combined with four weed control treatments viz. T0 = No weeding, T1 = One hand weeding at 60 DAS (days after sowing), T2 = two hand weeding at 40 DAS and 60 DAS and T3 = Weed free after 40 DAS. The experiment was laid out in RCBD (factorial) with three replications. PSC-121 showed the superior performance in terms of plant height, leaf number plant-1, number of grains cob-1 (468.75), 100 grains weight (35.0837 g), grain yield (8.28 t ha-1), stover yield (6.56 t ha-1) and harvest index (55.58%) over YANGNUO-3000. In the case of weed control treatments, the highest plant height, leaf number plant-1, number of grains cob-1 (464.54), 100 grains weight (37 g), grain yield (9.25 t ha-1) and stover yield (7.46 t ha-1) were reported from T3. All the parameters studied were found lowest with T0. However, in terms of interaction, no single interaction was superior to other alternatives. But in most of the cases V2T3 showed the highest values regarding the maximum plant height, leaf number plant-1, number of grains cob-1 (494.97) and 100 grains weight (38 g). V2T3 showed the highest grain yield (9.33 t ha-1), whereas, V1T0 showed the lowest grain yield (5.49 t ha-1). The lowest weed density and weed biomass (12.17 no. m-2 and 4.33 g·m-2) was recorded from T3. The highest weed control efficiency (94.38%) was also recorded from T3. In the case of variety V2 showed better performance in terms of weed density, weed biomass and WCE (46.32%).

The effect of weeding frequency and schedule on weeding operation time: a simulation study on a sugi (Cryptomeria japonica) plantation in Japan

This study quantified the effect of weeding frequency and weeding schedules on weeding operation time in a sugi(Cryptomeria japonica)plantation stand.A weeding operation time estimation model was developed;then the cumulative weeding operation time after six growing seasons was simulated using the developed model.The developed model included weed height,relative height of weeds to sugi,and initial planting density.The simulated cumulative weeding operation time decreased approximately 6%for each one-treatment decrease in weeding frequency.Under a three-treatment weeding frequency scenario,the simulated cumulative operation time when weeding was conducted during non-consecutive years was longer than that when weeding was conducted during three consecutive years.The results suggest that carrying out weeding treatment during consecutive years is the more effective for reduction of weeding costs.We conclude that weeding schedule as well as weeding frequency must be considered for reduction of weeding operation time.

Chemical Weeding in Dry Direct Seeding Fields of Single Cropping Middlelate Rice

Chemical weeding in dry direct seeding fields of single cropping middle-late rice was studied in Huida vegetable farm of Huizhou City in 2012. The main treatment was herbicide（ pretilachlor ＋ bensulfuron-methyl,Yangguo and butachlor）,and the sub-treatment was application method（ soil treatments,seedling treatment and integrated treatment）. The results showed that 80 g pretilachlor ＋ bensulfuron-methyl（ 36% pretilachlor ＋ 4% bensulfuron-methyl） diluted with 50 kg water could be sprayed or 200 g Yangguo（ 23. 9% butachlor ＋ 1. 1% bensulfuron-methyl） mixed with 15 kg sandy soil could be broadcasted per 667 m2 on the sowing day or the second day under moist condition of soil,which could effectively control weeds in dry direct seeding fields of single cropping middle-late rice.

Control of Quackgrass in Grasslands Using Different Mechanical Weeding Strategies

It is well known that quackgrass is both very aggressive and persistent. In agriculture, many attempts have been made to eliminate this weed without success. Within the context of a sustainable agriculture, mechanical control of quackgrass represents an interesting alternative to chemical means. The use of a ＂C＂ shaped mounted tine cultivator, a rotary cross-harrow, and an ＂S＂ shaped trailed tine cultivator （alone or in combination） to control quackgrass in grassland was investigated. The rate of quackgrass present in each experimental plot was determined before and after the treatments using a one square meter quadrant. Also, the time required for each passage as well as the fuel consumption were computed. Results revealed that the fuel consumption and the time required by the ＂C＂ and ＂S＂ shaped tine cultivators to transport and expose the rhizomes to the sun on the soil surface highly depend on the quality of tillage during the first stubble passage. Also, subsequent tillage with the ＂C＂ shaped tine cultivator after a first passage with a rotary cross-harrow resulted in less fuel consumption and passage time. On the other hand, stubble and subsequent soil tillage with only the ＂C＂ shaped tine cultivator is the least successful method.

Enhanced Species Diversity Unlocked by Habitat Conservation in Agricultural Landscapes: New Perspectives on Ecological Weed Management and Sustainable Intensification—Species Diversity and Habitat Conservation

The impulse to remain profitable by increasing agricultural production levels in view of the greater demand for food, provided impetus to production intensification. The aim of this review is to summarise current literature, reporting specifically on the impact of production intensification on habitats and yield constraints caused by weeds. Secondly, in alleviating these effects over the short term, ecological measures that enhance species diversity in conserved habitats and promote semi-natural habitats in the agricultural landscape, are discussed. In large-scale intensive agriculture, weed control is predominantly rooted in agrochemical applications in the form of herbicides. Long lasting intensive agricultural practices show discord both with the promotion of the biodiversity of microbes belowground and aboveground and with organisms involved in the breaking down of plant material. The presence of native species in the surroundings, in combination with hedgerows and field margins, with a comparatively intricate and balanced variety of plants in a sheltered environment, are essential for settlement of benign insects, particularly in the face of intensive agricultural production. The promising tactic of advantageous seed predators enables decreased herbicide applications. Crop mosaics arranged to advance compatibility at the landscape scale are important to bolster pollination services and insect management, while ecological variety in the surroundings acts as a safety net for habitat diversity. Weed control in combination with different tactics of vegetation use, comprising cover cropping, hedgerows and field margins, sets up safe havens in the landscape, and improves the diffusion of complementary life forms. Field margins perform a meaningful natural function as point of provision for forage, safe havens and distribution passageways for pollinators and insect predators. Production practices that promote more heterogeneity and combine high density semi-natural safe havens and habitat conservation in agro ecosystems are beneficial to species diversity across trophic levels and contribute to agricultural production stability and food safety.

Prospects and limitations of soil amendment and irrigation techniques for the water-saving public urban greenery and ephemeral weed management in the sandy soils of the United Arab Emirates

Public urban greenery greatly contributes to the residential and tourist value of cities in the Gulf Region,but due to the hyper-arid climatic conditions,the cost of irrigation and plant maintenance is very high.Existing strategies to reduce the monetary and ecological costs involve the cultivation of native xerophytic plantations,and/or the use of soil improvers to increase water-and nutrient-holding capacity of the sandy soils.Various soil improvers based on mineral,organic,or synthetic materials have entered the United Arab Emirates(UAE)market in recent years,but there is considerable uncertainty about how they should best be used in combination with ornamental plant stands involving xerophytic native plants.The present study investigated the effect of soil amendment and deep pipe irrigation on perennial ornamental plant stands involving native plants(Tephrosia appolinea(Gel.)Link in combination with Aerva javanica(Burm.f.)Juss.ex Schult.)and native-exotic plants(T.appolinea in combination with Ruelia simplex C.Wright)either or not topsoil and subsoil amendment with bentonite and hydrophobic sand under the irrigation water supply of less than 50%of reference evapotranspiration(ET0).After one year of cultivation,T.appolinea and A.javanica(native vs.native)produced high biomass and exhibited high water use efficiency(WUE)as compared with T.appolinea and R.simplex(native vs.exotic)combination given that no significant differences were found under the soil amendment treatments.All stands thrived under irrigation water supply far below what is usually supplied to exotic ornamental stands in public parks of the Al Ain City,the UAE.However,subsoil amendment in combination with deep pipe irrigation reduced the occurrence of weeds and increased the overall plant rooting depth.Our results suggest that subsoil amendment and irrigation up to 60-80 cm depth can potentially control ephemeral weed infestation,which is a great challenge in various plant production systems of the Gulf Region.The results of the present study suggest that the impact of soil amendment on the WUE of exotic plants is marginal and might not be economically justified.Replacing exotic with native ornamental plant species seems to have a far greater water-saving potential than the amendment of the soil,while weeds can be suppressed in the absence of topsoil moisture.

Artificial Intelligence for Maximizing Agricultural Input Use Efficiency: Exploring Nutrient, Water and Weed Management Strategies

Agriculture plays a crucial role in the economy,and there is an increasing global emphasis on automating agri-cultural processes.With the tremendous increase in population,the demand for food and employment has also increased significantly.Agricultural methods traditionally used to meet these requirements are no longer ade-quate,requiring solutions to issues such as excessive herbicide use and the use of chemical fertilizers.Integration of technologies such as the Internet of Things,wireless communication,machine learning,artificial intelligence(AI),and deep learning shows promise in addressing these challenges.However,there is a lack of comprehensive documentation on the application and potential of AI in improving agricultural input efficiency.To address this gap,a desk research approach was used by utilizing peer-reviewed electronic databases like PubMed,Scopus,Goo-gle Scholar,Web of Science,and Science Direct for relevant articles.Out of 327 initially identified articles,180 were deemed pertinent,focusing primarily on AI’s potential in enhancing yield through better management of nutrients,water,and weeds.Taking into account researchfindings worldwide,we found that AI technologies could assist farmers by providing recommendations on the optimal nutrients to enhance soil quality and deter-mine the best time for irrigation or herbicide application.The present status of AI-driven automation in agricul-ture holds significant promise for optimizing agricultural input utilization and reducing resource waste,particularly in the context of three pillars of crop management,i.e.,nutrient,irrigation,and weed management.

Effects of Film Mulching on the Growth of Silage Maize and Weed

[Objective] The aim was to provide scientific reference for the production of silage maize in correlated regions of Tibet.[Method] Effects of film mulching on the growth period,growth traits and yield of silage maize and weed were analyzed.[Result] Under the treatment of film mulching,the growth period of silage maize could be advanced for 7-16 d; the plant length,stem diameter and leaf area were increased; and the grain output was increased by 75.9%.According to the market price of silage maize in 2008,22 500 Yuan/hm^2 was increased.There were 13 kinds of weeds in silage maize field,which belonged to 13 genera,8 families.Among them,6 kinds of weeds belonged to Gramineae,among which Echinochloa crusgalli and Setaria viridis were dominated in the weed communities.Plantago depressa,Eragrostis pilosa and Malva verticillata var.chinensis could be totally controlled by the film mulching; meanwhile the others could be also controlled in a certain degree except Echinochloa crusgalli.[Conclusion] The plastic mulching planting is worth popularizing for the developing of animal husbandry and the incoming of the local farmers in Tibet.

Investigation of Types and Hazard of Weeds in Coffea arabica Orchads in Nujiang River Basin

[Objective] Through the investigation of weeds in Coffea arabica orchads in NuJiang River basin, this study aimed to provide scientific guidance for the weed control and improving the ecological and economic benefits of the plantation of Cof- fea arabica. [Method] The types of weeds and the characteristics of weed occur- rence in Coffea arabica orchads in Nujiang River basin were investigated from July to August in 2012. [Result] The results showed that there were 69 types of weeds belonging to 21 families in Coffea arabica orchads. The predominant harmful types were shown as follows： Commelina nudiflora L. ＋ Leptochloa chinensis, Cyperus ro- tundus L. ＋ Bidens pilosa L. ＋ Eleusine indica, Imperata cylindrical ＋ Ageratum conyzoides L. ＋ Eupatorium odoratum L., Ageratum conyzoides L. ＋ Digitaria san- guinalis （L.） Scop. The preponderant weeds consisted mainly of 10 species, namely, Cyperus rotundus L., Commelina nudiflora L., Leptochloa chinensis, Digitaria san- guinalis （L.） Scop, Imperata cylindrical, Bidens pilosa L., Ageratum conyzoides L, E- upatorium odoratum L., Eleusine indica and Chenopodium serotinum L. [Conclusion] The result from this study is of great significance for the plantation of Coffea arabica in Nujiang River basin, as well as the control of weeds.

Chemical Control of Herbicide Monosulfuron Plus Propazine 44% WP against Weeds in Millet Fields and Study on Factors Influencing Yield of Millet

[Objective] The paper was to resolve the poor efficacy or phytotoxicity problems in promotion of herbicide monosulfuron plus propazine 44% WP. [Method] Using orthogonal test and Duncan＇s new multiple range statistical analysis with four factors four levels and three factors two levels, the effects of factors such as herbi- cide dose, irrigation water volume, quality of soil preparation and soil moisture content on chemical control of monosulfuron plus propazine 44% WP against weeds and millet yield were compared in the test. [Result] Seven factors all had great impact on control effect of monosulfuron plus propazine 44% WP against weeds, of which her- bicide dose, irrigation water volume, quality of soil preparation and soil moisture content were the most important factors affecting millet yield. According to millet yield and economic benefit, the optimal scheme to ensure safe, efficient and economic control of monosulfuron plus propazine 44% WP against weeds was as follows： the dose of monosulfuron plus propazine 44% WP was 1 800 g/hm2, the soil was treat- ed after sowing and before seedling emergence; the soil should be smooth and sol- id; the soil moisture should reach 15%; the fields should not be irrigated after herbi- cide application, and the damage of weeds in millet fields could be effectively con- trolled within 45 d during high efficacy duration, especially the damage of dicotyledonous weeds. [Conclusion] The study provided useful information for comprehensive technology of weeds control and ensuring high yield and good harvest of millet.

Effects of Pb Stress on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Two Weed Species Seeds

Objective] The aim was to investigate the effects of Pb stress on seed germination and seedling growth of Chenopodium glaucum and Chenopodium serot-inum L. [Method] With C. glaucum and C. serotinum as the study objects, the ef-fects of different concentrations of Pb on their seed germination and seedling growth, as wel as on the leaf SOD, POD and CAT activity were studied primarily. [Result] The germination potential of both the two kinds of weed seeds increased first and then decreased with the increase of Pb concentration. The germination po-tential of C. serotinum and C. glaucum seeds reached the peak at Pb concentration of 25 and 50 mg/L, respectively. With the increase of Pb treatment concentration, the germination rate, germination index and vigor index of C. serotinum and C. glaucum seeds decreased, and their bud length and root length also reduced gradu-al y. ln overal , the leaf SOD, POD and CAT activity of C. glaucum and C. serot-inum_ seedlings increased first and then decreased with the increased treatment concentration of Pb. The leaf SOD and POD activity of C. glaucum and C. serot-inum seedlings reached the maximum at Pb concentration of 200 and 100 mg/L, respectively, and the leaf CAT activity reached the maximum at Pb concentration of 100 mg/L. [Conclusion] The two Chenopodium species had strong tolerance to Pb stress, and they could be used as alternative accumulator plants of soil Pb contami-nation.

Effects of Rice-duck Mutualism on Diseases Insect Pests and Weeds and Economic Benefits

[Objective] Study on the effects of rice-duck mutualism on weeds and insects pests and economic benefits of paddy field. [Method] Comparison of the incidence of weeds, sheath blight and insects pest under rice-duck mutualism, conventional cultivation and control treatment, the yield and economic benefits were analyzed under the 3 treatments. [Result] Average occurrence of weeds in rice-duck mutualism group decreased by 2.33 and 52.0g ind/m^2 compared with that in conventional cultivation and control treatment ; the control rate of mutualism was up to 75% against rice hopper, but just between 25% -60% against rice leaf roller and Chilo suppressalis. The rates of diseased plant and diseased bell against rice sheath blight were higher and disease indices were lower compared with control group. The yield of mutualism group was identical with conventional cultivation, Which was greatly higher than that of control group. The results suggested an higher economic benefits and lower cost benefit ratio for rice-duck mutualism treatment. [Conclusion] Rice-duck mutualism gives birth to a positive effect to control the diseases, insect pests and weeds, as well as to economic benefits, providing basis on extension of rice-duck mutualism system.

Control Effects of 3 Kinds of Herbicides against Weeds in Dogbane (Apocynum venetum) Field

[ Objective] The paper was to explore the control effects of 3 kinds of herbicides against weeds in dogbane （Apocynum venetum） field. [ Method ] Using haloxyfop-R-mithyl and quizalofop-ethyl EC specifically killing monagenns gramineous weeds and chipton specifically killing dicotyledonous broad-leaf weeds, the control test against weeds in 2-year-old dogbane field was carried out. [ Result ] Haloxyfop-R-mithyl had good control effect against gramincous weeds, and its control effect against both barnyard weed （ Echinochloa crusgalli） and green bristleweed （ Setaria viridis ） was greater than 35.0% ; the control effects of quizalofop- ethyl EC against barnyard weed and green bristleweed were 14.8% and 28.6%, respectively; chipt0n had good control effect against Chenopodium album, and the control effect reached 30.8%. Moreover, 3 herbicides did not cause damage to dogbane. [ Conclusion] The study provide theoretical basis for completing cultivation technique of dogbane.

Response of Invasive Plant Alligatorweed to Salt Stress at Early Growth Stage

[Objective] The study aimed to investigate the early growth stage＇s response of invasive plant alligatorweed（Alternanthera philoxeroides） under salt stress.[Method] The alligatorweed was cultivated with four different NaCl concentrations 0（control）, 100, 200, 300 mmol/L diluted in 1/2 Hoagland＇s solution at early stage.During the period, we measured the number of nodes and leaves, length, fresh weight, dry weight and water content of stems to determine the effect of salt on alligatorweed growth. [Result] Compared with control, the node number, leaf number,length, fresh weight and dry weight of the stems significantly changed in NaCl solution, and the difference was positively related to NaCl concentration. We concluded that middle and high concentrations of NaCl significantly inhibited the growth of alligatorweed, by suppressing the node number, leaf number, length, fresh weight and dry weight of the stems. Among them, the stem length and fresh weight were more sensitive to NaCl stress. [Conclusion] The present result is helpful to understand the alligatorweed＇s adaptability to saline environment, and also helpful to prevent its invasion in such environment.

Control Effect Evaluation of Herbicides for Malignant Weed Nut Grass in Sugarcane Field

In order to screen herbicides with ideal safety characteristics to control malignant weed nut grass in sugarcane field, 20% thifensulfuron methyl WP and 65% MCPA·ametryne·diuron WP were selected for the field efficacy trial. The results showed that 20% thifensulfuron methyl WP and 65% MCPA·ametryne·diuron WP had good control effect on nut grass. The optimum dosage of 20% thifensulfuron methyl WP and 65% MCPA.ametryne-diuron WP was 1 125 g/hm^2 （effective ingredients 225 g） and 3 150 g/hm^2 （effective ingredients 2 047.5 g）, respectively. These two herbicides should be dissolved in 675 kg water per hectare and applied in the vigorous growth period of nut grass （height 10-15 cm） with oriented stem leaf spraying. The control effect after 15 days could be above 87.9%.