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Weed Population Dynamics In Potato Cropping Systems As Affected By Rotation Crop, Cultivation, And Primary Tillage, Silke Ullrich

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Reduction of dependence on herbicides in potato production is important to limit environmental contamination and reduce production costs. An experiment was conducted from 1992 to 1997 in northern Maine to examine the effects of two rotation crops (a green-manure mixture of oat, pea and hairy vetch vs. barley) and two tillage practices (chisel vs. moldboard) on weed population dynamics in two-year potato rotations without the use of herbicides. Chenopodium album, Gnaphalium uliainosum, and a complex of cruciferous weeds (Brassica rapa, Brassica kaber, and Raphanus raphanistrum) were dominant. Oat-pea-vetch was more weed-suppressive than barley, however, crucifer density increased in both rotations. …