The study of weeds in wheat grown in Penza Oblast to assess the export potential of the region

Abstract

The results of a three-year monitoring (2019–2021) of wheat crops and grain samples in Penza Oblast are presented. When examining 27 fields of wheat of milk, milk-wax and wax ripeness, located on the territory of 10 districts, 147 plant species were noted. At the same time, most of them grew along the edges of the fields, but there were also crops heavily contaminated in their main part, with a significant abundance of weed species. Unsatisfactory agricultural practices lead to a significant regular replenishment of the soil bank of weed seeds, which remain viable for a long time. It should be noted that the seeds and fruits of many weed species present in wheat fields were not observed in the studied grain samples. In order to predict the probability of detecting fruits or seeds of weed species in products, it is necessary to take into account the phenophase of development of weeds, the stage of wheat ripeness and the expected date of harvest when describing the fields. 475 samples of wheat grain harvested in 2018–2020 were analyzed from 15 districts of the region. Fruits and seeds of 84 weed species were detected in the studied grain samples. Of these, Fallopia convolvulus (L.) Á. Löve and Сonvolvulus arvensis L. fruits and seeds were the most common. Among the plants detected both in crops and in grain, there is a quarantine species, Cuscuta campestris Yunck.; Ambrosia trifida L. achenes were found only in wheat grain. The data obtained on wheat weeds from specific areas of Penza Oblast can be used for a preliminary assessment of wheat compliance with the phytosanitary requirements of specific importing countries when considering potential markets for crop products.