Modelling the population dynamics of Avena sterilis under dry-land cereal cropping systems

Abstract

In the absence of control, and under continuous winter cereal cropping, the population grows hyperbolically, reaching equilibrium at a density of 535 plants m-2. Annual application of herbicides with <85% control results in moderate reductions in the equilibrium level. To obtain a negative growth of the population it is necessary to apply herbicides annually with a control level of >90%. Fallowing the land for 1 in every 2-3 yr gave a practical method of containing the populations of A. sterilis, but to eradicate this weed it was necessary to combine crop rotation with application of herbicides. -from Authors