Weed problems were covered in four talks at the regional Crop production and protection at the annual conference in Uddevalla, Sweden, on the 17th of January.
Anneli Lundkvist at Swedish Agricultural University reported form a study in which different crop rotations and cultivations regimes were compared in order to control cockspur grass (Echinochloa crus-galli) in maize. It was concluded that either a crop rotation with small grains inbetween maize crops and plowing before maize was sown was important measures.
Tackling Common Ragwort and Black Grass: Emerging Weed Challenges in Sweden
Agneta Sundgren gave two inspiring talks on a problem that has been coming up in Sweden 2024:
Common ragwort (Jacobaea vulgaris)
It has been very common in pastures and non-cultivated areas such as besides roads. It is poisonous for horses and cows . The reason for the upsurge is not known and a recommendation to cut an early stage since the seeds can be viably even if the plant is cut too late during the flowering.
Black grass
Agneta also covers the problems with black grass and that the resistance is being more common in Sweden. It is highly recommended to alternate between different herbicides to not make the resistance problem more severe.
Studie on survival of weed seeds during biogas production
It was also interesting to listen to Elin Strömberg from the regional advisor organization in Halland (Hushållningssällskapet) who informed us about a studie on survival of weed seeds during biogas production. Dock seeds are the most resistant but to reach 37° should be sufficient.
Annual Conference in Uddevalla
The purpose of the conference at Bohusgården, in Uddevalla, is to convey current knowledge about plant cultivation that can be used for training and counselling in western Sweden. The programme has been drawn up in consultation with the Jordbruksverket – Swedish Board of Agriculture, Länsstyrelsen, Hushållningssällskapet and « Försök i Väst ».
The Uddevalla conference is organised by SLU, Lanna Research Station at the Department of Soil and Environment.
