Interference of sterile oat (Avena ludoviciana) and Mexican pricklepoppy (Argemone mexicana) in chickpea

ABSTRACT Context. Knowledge gaps exist for the interference of Avena ludoviciana and Argemone mexicana in chickpea grown in eastern Australia. Aims. This research aimed to examine the effect of different interference levels of A. ludoviciana and A. mexicana for their potential to cause yield loss in chickpea. Methods. Experiments were conducted in a randomised complete block design with five weed infestation levels of both weeds (none, low, medium, high, and very high) in three replications. Key results. Infestations of A. ludoviciana and A. mexicana at 15 and 17 plants m−2 caused an 83 and 48% reduction in chickpea yield, respectively, compared with weed-free situations. Based on the regression model, a 50% yield reduction of chickpea occurred at 10 and 17 plants m−2 of A. ludoviciana and A. mexicana, respectively. Based on the modified hyperbolic model, maximum seed production of A. ludoviciana and A. mexicana in chickpea at an infestation level of 1 plant m−2 was estimated at 366 and 7800 seeds m−2, respectively. At crop harvest, seed retention of A. ludoviciana and A. mexicana was greater than 50 and 90%, respectively. Conclusions. A. ludoviciana and A. mexicana infestation in chickpea caused a substantial reduction in crop yield. High seed retention in A. mexicana and A. ludoviciana in chickpea suggests the possibility to manage these two weeds through harvest weed seed control. Implications. The information generated from this study could help in strengthening integrated weed management in chickpea.