Cereal rye residue effects on the germination of troublesome southeastern weeds

Authors: KUMARI, ANNU - Auburn University; Price, Andrew; LI, STEVE - Auburn University

Submitted to: Proceedings of Southern Weed Science Society
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/24/2022
Publication Date: 1/24/2022
Citation: Kumari, A., Price, A.J., Li, S. 2022. Cereal rye residue effects on the germination of troublesome southeastern weeds. Southern Weed Science Society, Austin TX, January 24-26, 2022.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Weed seed germination and early growth stage are critical parts of the weed life cycle affected by environmental and genetic factors. Therefore, weed control strategy should be focused on the most susceptible parts of the weed cycle to maintain sustainability and reduce the use of the chemical herbicide. Cover crops have been increasingly adopted to suppress weed germination and seedling emergence. A greenhouse experiment was conducted in Auburn University greenhouse to evaluate the germination and growth response of several key weeds in the Southeast to various levels of cereal rye residue. Seeds of palmer amaranth, sicklepod, morning glory, and crabgrass were mixed with organic garden soil and placed over the top of the tray. The soil flats were covered uniformly by four different biomass of cereal rye straw. Seed germination and seedling establishment were quantified through seedling counting and recording of dry weight. The results illustrated that morning glory was the least responsive to increasing biomass due to large seed sizes, and palmer amaranth was the most responsive one due to small seed sizes. At the same time, the germination and growth rate of crabgrass and sicklepod fluctuated with different levels of biomass residue during this greenhouse study.