A Bioeconomic Model for the Analysis of Control Strategies for Lolium rigidum and Avena sterilis ssp. ludoviciana in Winter Wheat

The bioeconomic models developed in Weed Science consider the effect of a species on the crop. Bioeconomic models accounting for species interactions within the weed community might represent more realistic approximation to the economic outcome of weed control options in Mediterranean cereal crops. A bioeconomic model, based in community dynamics, competition and economic submodels, was developed and used to investigate the long-term agronomic, economic and environmental consequences of using herbicide-based strategies for the control of winter wild oats (Avena sterilis) and rigid ryegrass (Lolium rigidum) in winter wheat. The results of simulations indicated that different winner strategies can be postulated depending on selection criterion. Based on purely economic outcome, the best strategy was the application of half-dose herbicide to both species whereas if the goal is to achieve a long-term economically viable and environmental friendly decision making, then the strategy chosen would be the one based on a full-dose herbicide application for the control of L. rigidum and half-dose for control of A. sterilis. The sensitivity of the model to variation in economic and competition parameters was checked. The most sensitive model parameters were the potential yield and the wheat price. Bioeconomic models offer practical guidance regarding the possibilities and limitations of various strategic approaches for weed control.