Sustainable Weed Management

Studying the eco-biology of weedy rice, the negative agronomic impacts of weedy rice infestations in rice fields, the traits related to its competitiveness towards the crop, the effect of different agronomic practices (including winter flooding) on weedy rice population dynamics, as well as the morphological and genetic variability of the different weedy rice populations.

Assessing the morphological and ecological variability, the baseline sensitivity to several herbicides and the presence of herbicide resistant/tolerant populations in Echinochloa species. Different methodologies are adopted, including studies carried in laboratory, in greenhouse, and in the field.

Elucidating the herbicide resistance patterns in Alisma plantago-aquatica, Echinochloa spp., Cyperus spp., Schoenoplectus mucronatus and other rice weeds, by considering in particular the response to various ALS-inhibiting herbicides.

Analysing the mid-long term effects of agronomic practices (e.g. crop residues management, rice transplanting, subsoil drip irrigation, water management) on weed population dynamics.

Studying sustainable weed management programs in both conventional and organic farming.

Following the environmental fate of herbicides applied in rice fields, under different agronomic management conditions, by considering both water and soil compartments.