Herbicide Resistance and Management Options of Papaver rhoeas L. and Centaurea cyanus L. in Europe: A Review

Abstract

Corn poppy (Papaver rhoeas L.) and cornflower (Centaurea cyanus L.) are two overwintering weed species found in crop fields in Europe. They are characterised by a similar life cycle, similar competitive efforts, and a spectrum of herbicides recommended for their control. This review summarises the biology and herbicide resistance phenomena of corn poppy and cornflower in Europe. Corn poppy is one of the most dangerous dicotyledonous weeds, having developed herbicide resistance to acetolactate synthase inhibitors and growth regulators, especially in Mediterranean countries and Great Britain. Target site resistance to acetolactate synthase inhibitors dominates among herbicide-resistant poppy biotypes. The importance of non-target site resistance to acetolactate synthase inhibitors in this species may be underestimated because non-target site resistance is very often associated with target site resistance. Cornflower, meanwhile, is increasingly rare in European agricultural landscapes, with acetolactate synthase inhibitors-resistant biotypes only listed in Poland. However, the mechanisms of cornflower herbicide resistance are not well recognised. Currently, herbicides mainly from acetolactate synthase and photosystem II inhibitors as well as from synthetic auxins groups are recommended for the control of both weeds. Integrated methods of management of both weeds, especially herbicide-resistant biotypes, continue to be underrepresented.