Does continuous cropping of maize contribute to infestation with Johnsongrass (Sorghum alepense (L.) Pers.)?

Abstract

Experiments were conducted in the Maize Research Institute (MRI), Zemun Polje, Belgrade, in order to examine how economically driven continuous cropping of maize influences weed infestation, especially the distribution and abundance of Jonhsongrass, as well as maize productivity. The maize hybrid ZP 606 was grown in continuous cropping from 2009 to 2018 at a density of 59,500 plants ha. The experimental field was split into a part treated with the pre-emergence herbicide isoxaflutole + metolachlor (750 + 960 g a.i.) and untreated control. The level of complete weed infestation was evaluated 4-5 weeks after herbicide application by determining the number of weed individuals per species (NI), total fresh biomass (TB) and total dry weight (TDW) of all weeds and Johnsongrass fresh biomass (JB) and dry weight (JDW). Maize harvest index (HI) and grain yield (GY) were determined at the end of each growing period.