Biologicals: A New Frontier in Black grass Management

Black grass (Alopecurus myosuroides) has long been a formidable adversary in cereal crop production, notorious for its rapid spread and resistance to conventional herbicides. As traditional chemical controls wane in effectiveness, the agricultural community is turning its attention to innovative, sustainable solutions. One such promising avenue is the use of biological agents to suppress blackgrass populations.

The Challenge of Black grass

Blackgrass thrives in temperate climates and has adapted to modern farming practices, making it a persistent weed in cereal fields. Its ability to produce a vast number of seeds and develop resistance to multiple herbicide modes of action has rendered many chemical controls less effective. This resilience necessitates alternative strategies to manage its proliferation.

Introducing Biologicals

Recent field trials have explored the application of host-specific fungal pathogens found and created by Eutrema as a means to biologically supress black grass. These fungi infect black grass plants, stunting their growth and reducing their competitiveness with cereal crops. Unlike broad-spectrum herbicides, these biological agents target black grass specifically, minimizing collateral damage to desired crops and beneficial organisms.

Field Trial Insights

In collaborative efforts involving multiple farms, large-scale trials were conducted to assess the efficacy of the spores made by Eutrema against black grass. Key observations from these trials include:

• Variable Efficacy: Approximately 32% of participating farms reported noticeable effects on blackgrass populations or visible disease symptoms by mid-season.
• Weather-Dependent Outcomes: Unprecedented wet spring conditions delayed spore applications by up to 6-8 weeks on some farms, impacting the overall effectiveness of the treatment.
• Importance of Timing: Early application of fungal spores is critical for maximizing their impact on blackgrass suppression.

Advantages of Biologicals

Employing biological agents offers several benefits:

• Selective Targeting: Reduces black grass without harming cereal crops or beneficial soil microbes.
• Resistance Management: Diversifies weed management strategies, mitigating the risk of further herbicide resistance development.
• Environmental Sustainability: Decreases reliance on chemical herbicides, promoting ecological balance.

Considerations for Implementation

While promising, the adoption of biological methods requires careful planning:

• Application Timing: Optimal results depend on timely application, ideally before blackgrass reaches advanced growth stages.
• Environmental Conditions: Weather patterns can influence the success of fungal agents; thus, monitoring and flexibility are essential.
• Integrated Approach: Combining biologicals with cultural practices, such as crop rotation and delayed drilling, can enhance overall weed management efficacy.

Conclusion

The integration of biological agents presents a viable and environmentally friendly strategy for managing blackgrass in cereal crops. While challenges such as application timing and environmental factors exist, ongoing research and field trials continue to refine these methods. As part of an integrated weed management plan, biologicals hold the potential to reduce blackgrass prevalence and contribute to sustainable agricultural practices.

Article by Dr Russell Sharp

You can keep up to date on subjects just like these on our podcasts. Links found bellow;

Cereal Killers Podcast: https://t.co/eSEbBkTVHl

Hydroponics Daily Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/207T7p7fw9sPjINfSjVXW2