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Project Code [2021R528]
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Primary Funding Agency
DAFM
Co-Funding Organisation(s)
n/a
Lead Organisation
Teagasc
Project Abstract
Evolving grass weed problems are restricting the uptake of carbon-smart crop production systems and threatening future sustainable production in Ireland's climate. Increasing herbicide resistance and a declining armory of herbicides is increasingly challenging our ability to control problem weeds such as brome, black grass, wild oats and scutch. Less intensive but more sustainable crop establishment systems including min-till and direct drill are constrained by grass weed challenges and the lack of knowledge concerning the impact of cultivation depth and intensity on their carbon footprint. This project will quantify the evolving resistance issue, assess the impact of cultivation practices for weed control and crop establishment on the fate of carbon, and deliver integrated weed control strategies needed to support carbon-smart crop production. The specific aims of the project are: 1) To determine the evolving resistance status of key challenging grass weeds and the molecular changes which underpin those changes. 2) To assess the impact of variations in cultivation depth and intensity in cultural weed control strategies and crop establishment systems appropriate for use in mild Atlantic conditions. 3) To develop, evaluate and demonstrate integrated weed control strategies that are less reliant on herbicides and provide a pathway for the adoption of carbon-smart crop production systems. The status of evolving herbicide resistance will be determined by herbicide sensitivity testing of surveyed grass weed populations, followed by molecular genotyping of the resistant / less-sensitive strains. The greenhouse gas (GHG) and soil carbon credentials of a range of soil cultivation strategies will be determined using process models in combination with soil measurements and soil respiration data from long-term and new cultivation trials. Key components of integrated weed management practices will be evaluated in a series of field trials while specific herbicide-free sites will be established to monitor weed development and control needs.
Grant Approved
�946,220.50
Research Theme
Carbon Stocks, GHG Emissions, Sinks and Management Options
Initial Projected Completion Date
31/03/2026