Weed seed return as influenced by the critical weed-free period and row spacing of no-till glyphosate-resistant soybean

Abstract

Seed return from later-emerging weeds is a concern in soybean management systems based on critical periods for weed control. This study in Ontario estimated the weed seed return to the soil surface as influenced by the duration of weed control in soybean and soybean row spacing. Weeds emerging after the 1- to 2-trifoliate stage of soybean development did not increase the weed seedbank population compared to the residual population in the weed-free control. Weed seed return was greater in 76 cm than in 38 cm or 19 cm (twin rows) soybean row spacings. Key words: Seedbank, weed population dynamics, integrated weed management, glyphosate-resistant soybean, [Glycine max (L.) Merr].