Non-chemical Weed Management Principles, Concepts and Technology

Abstract

The unavailability of a comprehensive book on non-chemical weed management has been a problem for weed science students and instructors around the world. We feel that this book, which deals with the principles, concepts, technology, potential, limitations and impacts of various non-chemical weed management options, will fill this gap. The book consists of chapters on prevention strategies in weed management, exploitation of weed–crop interactions to manage weed problems, cultural methods, cover crops, allelopathy, classical biological control using phytophagous insects, bioherbicides, mechanical weed control, non-living mulches, thermal weed control and soil solarization. The final chapter is a synopsis and integration of all the information presented in the various chapters. We expect that this book will serve as a valuable source of information on non-chemical weed management options and will stimulate research in this area. Since protection of the environment is a global concern, specialists from around the world have been selected to write these chapters, with an international focus wherever possible. While different options for non-chemical weed management are covered in different chapters, an optimal integration of these alternatives is necessary in order to achieve weed management objectives. The need for a more holistic way of thinking in weed management cannot be overemphasized.