Integrated management of wild chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) populations by tillage.

Nowadays, environmental, health and economic concerns encourage reviewing our weed management in agriculture. Integrated pest management is one key element in the development of weed management strategies less dependent from herbicides. To reach this goal, impact of different methods of tillage (Combinations of stubble cultivator and moldboard plow) on biology and dynamic of wild chamomile populations was studied in experimental plots of experimental farm of Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech. In summer 2012, wild chamomile densities were significantly lower in plots tilled with a moldboard plow. The use of a stubble cultivator did not significantly affect M. chamomilla density. In addition, we found higher wheat yields in plowed plots, indicating that the decrease in M. chamomilla densities reduces competition for wheat. These results show well long run impact of plowing and his effect on densities of wild chamomile and the seedbank.

Effect of mechanical weeding on wild chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) populations in winter wheat crop (Triticum aestivum L.).

Currently, economic, agronomic and environmental concerns lead to reduce the use of herbicides. Mechanical weeding can help to reach this objective. Dynamics and biology of wild chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) populations were assessed as well as dynamic of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) for four level of application of a weeder-harrow (0, 1, 2, 3 treatment(s)). After each treatment, an effect of mechanical weeding on wild chamomile density was observed. Density of wild chamomile decreased significantly with intensification of mechanical weeding. A third treatment allowed eliminating late emerged plants.

Dynamic of black-grass populations depending on the sowing time of winter wheat.

Currently, economic, agronomic and environmental concerns, lead to reduce use of herbicides. This reduction can be help by cultural measures like delay of the sowing date. Four sowing dates of winter wheat from 15th of October to 26th of November were tested. Dynamic of black-grass (Alopecurus myosuroides Huds.) populations and their reproduction rate were assessed as well as dynamic of winter wheat for each date. Delay of sowing could significantly reduce reproduction rate of black-grass. It was shown that the emergence rate (pl/m2), but also number of ears per plant and number of seeds per ear of black-grass decreased significantly with the sowing date. This reduction of seeds production already is from sixty per cent for a delay of two weeks sowing.