2026/01/01 by Muhammad Awais Arshad, Rana Nadeem Abbas, Rania Baloch +6
Agricultural and Biological Sciences · Environmental Science · #Agronomic Practices and Intercropping Systems #Turfgrass Adaptation and Management #Weed Control and Herbicide Applications
paper · pdf · doi:10.1017/wsc.2026.10123
openalex publication_date 2026/01/01 · openalex created_date 2026/05/22 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/25
Abstract Wild radish ( Raphanus raphanistrum L.) is a highly competitive annual broadleaf weed that significantly constrains wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) production, particularly under increasing herbicide resistance and limited chemical control options. Optimizing sowing geometry offers a practical, nonchemical approach to enhance crop competitiveness and suppress weed growth. A field study was conducted during 2022 and 2023 to evaluate the impact of different sowing geometries on R. raphanistrum suppression and wheat productivity. The experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block design with seven treatments, including broadcast sowing; line sowing at 11, 22, and 33 cm; ridge sowing (30 cm); bed sowing (60 cm); and cross sowing (22 cm). Sowing geometry significantly influenced R. raphanistrum density and biomass at all growth stages (15 to 45 d after sowing). Narrow spacing (11 cm) consistently resulted in the lowest weed density and biomass, while the wider 33-cm spacing resulted in the highest weed pressure. Crop growth and yield responses were consistent across years, with 11-cm line sowing producing the highest number of productive tillers (393.7 m −2 ), grains per spike (42.9), biological yield (15.4 Mg ha −1 ) and grain yield (6.0 Mg ha −1 ) averaged across 2 yr. This treatment was closely followed by cross sowing (22 cm). In contrast, wider spacing (33 cm) reduced grain yield by approximately 25% to 30% due to increased weed competition and reduced crop competitiveness. Correlation and principal component analyses revealed a strong negative association between late-season weed biomass and wheat productivity, emphasizing the importance of sustained weed suppression during critical growth stages. Overall, narrow row spacing, particularly 11-cm line sowing, enhanced crop competitiveness, effectively suppressed R. raphanistrum , and maximized wheat yield, demonstrating its potential as an eco-friendly strategy for integrated weed management.