Weed Science (2020) 68, 98-103

Sudheesh Manalil, Hafiz Haider Ali and Bhagirath Singh Chauhan (2020)
Interference of annual sowthistle (Sonchus oleraceus) in wheat
Weed Science 68 (1), 98-103
Abstract: Annual sowthistle (Sonchus oleraceus L.) is a broadleaf weed that is increasing in prevalence in the northern cropping regions of Australia. Being a member of Asteraceae family, this weed possesses many biological attributes needed to thrive in varying environments and under differing weed management pressures. Interference of this weed in a wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) crop was examined through field studies in 2016 and 2017. Different densities of S. oleraceus were evaluated for their potential to cause yield loss in wheat: 0.0 (weed-free), low (9 to 15 plants m^–2), medium (29 to 38 plants m^–2), and high (62 to 63 plants m^–2). Based on the exponential decay model, 43 and 52 plants m^–2 caused a yield reduction of 50% in 2016 and 2017, respectively. Yield components such as panicles per square meter and grains per panicle were affected by weed density. At the high weed infestation level, S. oleraceus produced a maximum of 182,940 and 192,657 seeds m^–2 in 2016 and 2017, respectively. Sonchus oleraceus exhibited poor seed retention at harvest, as more than 95% of seeds were blown away by wind. Adverse effects on crop, high seed production, and wind-blown dispersal may lead to an increased prevalence of this weed in the absence of an integrated weed management strategy utilizing both herbicides and nonchemical options.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Bhagirath Singh Chauhan

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
damage/losses/economics

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Sonchus oleraceus (weed)	Wheat (Triticum)	Australia (NT+QLD)