Guest Editors
Prof. Dr. Christos A. Damalas
Email: cdamalas@agro.duth.gr
Affiliation: Department of Agricultural Development, Democritus University of Thrace, Orestiada, 68200, Greece
Homepage:
Research Interests: Weed biology, weed-crop interactions, weed control, Herbicide efficacy, selectivity, and joint action
Prof. Dr. Spyridon D. Koutroubas
Email: skoutrou@agro.duth.gr
Affiliation: Department of Agricultural Development, Democritus University of Thrace, Orestiada, 68200, Greece
Homepage:
Research Interests: Weed control in arable crops, Non-chemical weed control
Summary
Weeds compete with crops for water, light, and nutrients, while potentially carrying pests and diseases, which made their management a priority to farmers. However, weeds act differently in different habitats. Weed biology relates to plant attributes such as morphology, seed dormancy and germination, physiology of growth, competitive ability, and reproductive biology. Weed biology is essential for the development of both economically and environmentally acceptable weed management systems. Weed populations continue to evolve and weed problems persist, sustaining a requirement for effective management strategies. Weed control in production agriculture is commonly achieved through the integration of chemical, biological, and mechanical management methods. Chemical weed control is the most adopted and perhaps the most effective approach to control weeds all over the world. Even though herbicides are effective in controlling many weeds in the short term, their continuous use can lead to serious ecological consequences over time. Therefore, it is crucial to explore additional options for an efficient and agroecological weed management rejecting the “one fits all” approach.
The aim of the Special Issue is to present the latest research on ecological aspects of weeds and strategies that could facilitate effective and environmental friendly weed management in agricultural fields as listed below.
New weed problems, seed dormancy and germination, growth physiology, competitive ability, reproductive biology, chemical weed management, mechanical weed management, biological weed management, integrated weed management.
Keywords
New weed problems, weed biology, weed control