Competitive Interference of Scandix pecten-veneris in Lentil Crops Under Rainfed Mediterranean Conditions

Abstract

Competitive interference of Scandix pecten-veneris was evaluated in lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) crops under rainfed Mediterranean conditions to quantify its impact on crop growth, resource use, and yield performance. Field experiments were conducted under natural infestation gradients, and weed density was assessed in relation to lentil phenological stages. Results indicated that S. pecten-veneris exerted significant competitive pressure on lentil, particularly during early vegetative growth stages when crop establishment coincided with rapid weed emergence. Increasing weed density was associated with marked reductions in plant height, branching, biomass accumulation, and pod formation. Yield loss analysis revealed a strong negative relationship between weed density and lentil grain yield, highlighting the high sensitivity of the crop to early-season interference under moisture-limited conditions. Competition was primarily driven by below-ground resource limitation, especially soil moisture and nutrient availability, which are critical constraints in rainfed Mediterranean systems. Early emergence and synchronized growth of the weed with lentil intensified competitive overlap, reducing crop vigor and harvest index. Spatial distribution patterns showed patchy but dense infestations, leading to localized yield suppression within fields. The study emphasizes that delayed weed control significantly exacerbates yield losses, particularly under drought-prone environments where resource competition is severe. Integrated weed management strategies, including timely mechanical control, optimized sowing density, and crop rotation, are essential to reduce the impact of S. pecten-veneris in lentil production systems. These findings contribute to improved understanding of weed–crop interactions and support the development of sustainable management practices for rainfed Mediterranean agroecosystems.