Avena fatua L.: Wild oat

Abstract

Avena fatua is widely distributed in diverse agro-ecosystems, from temperate to sub-tropical regions, due to its unique seed traits, successful germination ecology, high competitive ability and allelopathic potential. A. fatua infests major winter and spring crops, including wheat, oat, barley, canola, maize, alfalfa and sunflower, causing yield losses up to 70%, depending on the crop species and the density of wild oat. In addition to herbicide application, several cultural practices, including diverse crop rotations, cover crops, improved crop competition (using competitive cultivars, high seed rates, narrow row spacing, altered crop geometry) have shown promise for the control of A. fatua. An integrated use of these cultural methods can reduce the herbicide dose which is required and lower the dependency on herbicides in the control of this grass species. Moreover, integrated management may successfully control the herbicide-resistant populations of this weed species.