Description
Competitive cultivars are varieties that have demonstrated a level of competition against weed growth, either at initial germination or during establishment of the crop.
Explanation
The cultivars have traits that reduce weed growth and therefore act as a cultural control tool.
Advantages
Provides a strong cultural control option by naturally suppressing weed growth.
• Easy to select and implement through variety choice.
• Widens crop variety options, helping reduce the risks of monoculture.
• Supports reduced herbicide use and promotes biodiversity through crop diversification.
Drawbacks
Effectiveness can vary depending on weather and soil conditions.
May be less effective under high weed pressure.
Relies on seed breeders to prioritize and develop competitive traits.
Competitive seed varieties may be more expensive.
Limited availability of comparative information between cultivars.
No direct negative environmental impacts identified.
Technical Aspects
- Technical readiness: This solution is available and easy to implement on farm today with little extra investment (potential higher seed cost such as hybrid barley).
- Ease and efficiency of implementation: This approach will require good knowledge of cultural control including choice of cultivation technique to suit the soil type or weed seed bank density, choice of drilling date and choice of variety and rate.
- Need for training and education: There is a lack of information to farmers on comparisons of cultivars specific to weed suppression as this is not a focus area for research by seed companies.
- Need for investments: Seed cost could be higher for some varieties.
Policy Recommendations
The policy recommendation includes a need for research and development into competitive cultivars and breeding programmes. The information should be added to the UK Recommended Lists for seed varieties.
Social Analysis Color
green
Environmental Analysis Color
green