Weed control without glyphosate

IWMPRAISE, the project focusing on Integrated Weed Management, has published two inspiration sheets examining weed control without the use of glyphosate. The current European approval for the use of the herbicide is due to end in December this year and, for example, the French government launched a campaign in 2018 to end its use in 2023.

Researchers have reported back on their trials using mechanical weed control on grassweeds and ragweed in sunflower and soyabean crops, and before sowing oilseed rape and spring crops.

In sunflower and soyabean crops they conclude that tillage is not fully efficient for destroying grassweeds though it destroys broadleaf species before the crop is sown. They emphasise that climate conditions have an impact on tillage feasibility and efficiency.

They write: “Indeed, a period with good climate conditions is necessary to till the soil correctly and a dry climate after tillage is required to prevent weeds transplanting or new germination.”

They add that while glyphosate without tillage prevents the new germination of weeds and destroys plants quite well, “it is not enough to correctly prepare the soil for sowing, especially for spring crops (e.g. sunflower). Soil structure is better for crop sowing when some tillage operations are performed.”

For oilseed rape and before spring crops they report that tillage is not fully efficient for destroying grassweeds though it is for broadleaf species. They emphasise the importance of the efficacy of the equipment used, with tines or discs that cut all weed roots preferred.

* Despite being the most widely used herbicide in the world and the subject of controversy regarding its direct and indirect effects, little information is available on the quantitative aspects of glyphosate, such as its use in European countries. ENDURE has addressed this with the publication of a report, ‘A survey on the uses of glyphosate in European countries', available in both English and French.

For more information:
•    Read more on the IWMPRAISE website here
•    Access the ENDURE report on glyphosate use here