Mini Review - Journal of Agricultural Science and Botany (2023) Volume 7, Issue 5

Advances in weed management strategies: Enhancing crop yield and reducing environmental impact

Department of Botany and Microbiology, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia

*Corresponding Author:

Huma Anwar
Department of Botany and Microbiology
King Saud University, Saudi Arabia
E-mail: anwar.h@ksu.edu.sa

Citation: Anwar H. Advances in weed management strategies: Enhancing crop yield and reducing environmental impact. J Agric Sci Bot. 2023; 7(5):204

Weeds have long been a major challenge in agriculture, negatively impacting crop yield and quality. Conventional weed management strategies often relied heavily on synthetic herbicides, which raised concerns about environmental pollution and the development of herbicide-resistant weeds. In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on developing sustainable weed management strategies that not only suppress weed growth but also minimize environmental impact. This article provides an overview of the recent advances in weed management strategies, focusing on their role in enhancing crop yield and reducing the environmental footprint of agriculture [1].

Cultural practices involve manipulating the crop environment to create conditions that are unfavorable for weed growth. These practices include crop rotation, cover cropping, and tillage management. Crop rotation disrupts the life cycle of weeds, reduces weed seed banks, and enhances soil health. Cover cropping suppresses weed growth by providing competition for resources, shading the soil, and releasing allelopathic compounds. Reduced tillage systems minimize soil disturbance, conserve moisture, and reduce weed seed germination. Mechanical weed control methods have gained popularity due to their effectiveness and reduced reliance on herbicides. Techniques such as hand-weeding, hoeing, and mechanical cultivation are employed to physically remove or destroy weeds. Advancements in precision agriculture technologies, such as automated robotic weeders and intelligent weed detection systems, have further enhanced the efficiency and accuracy of mechanical weed control [2].

While the use of herbicides remains a vital component of weed management, the focus has shifted towards reducing the environmental impact. The development of selective herbicides targeting specific weed species allows for precise and efficient weed control while minimizing damage to the crop. Furthermore, herbicide formulations with reduced toxicity and improved environmental fate have been introduced. Adjuvants and herbicide combinations are also employed to enhance herbicidal efficacy and reduce the required dosage. Biological control utilizes natural enemies of weeds, such as insects, pathogens, and herbivores, to suppress weed growth. Bioherbicides derived from microbial pathogens have shown promise in selectively targeting and controlling weeds. Additionally, the use of allelopathic plants, cover crops, and weed-suppressive microorganisms can contribute to the biological control of weeds [3].

Integrating multiple weed management strategies is crucial for achieving sustainable and long-term weed control. Integrated Weed Management (IWM) combines cultural, mechanical, chemical, and biological control methods to target weeds at different stages of their life cycle. IWM maximizes the synergistic effects of various strategies while minimizing the reliance on any single approach. Implementing IWM practices can lead to enhanced crop yield, reduced weed pressure, and minimized environmental impact [4].

Advances in weed management strategies have provided farmers with a range of tools and techniques to combat weeds effectively. The integration of cultural practices, mechanical methods, chemical control, and biological control has shown great promise in enhancing crop yield while reducing the environmental impact. However, the selection and implementation of weed management strategies should be tailored to specific agroecosystems, considering factors such as weed species composition, crop rotation, and regional climate conditions. Continued research, farmer education, and adoption of sustainable weed management practices are essential for ensuring long-term agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability [5].

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