Competitive Effects of Fumaria officinalis Density on Growth, Yield Components, and Grain Quality of Winter Wheat

Abstract

Weed competition is a major limiting factor in winter wheat production, with Fumaria officinalis emerging as a problematic broadleaf weed in many agroecosystems. The present study evaluated the competitive effects of F. officinalis density on growth, yield components, and grain quality of winter wheat under field conditions. Treatments included varying weed densities maintained throughout the crop growth period to assess crop–weed interactions and quantify yield losses. Results indicated that increasing weed density significantly reduced wheat plant height, tiller number, leaf area index, and aboveground biomass. Yield components such as spike length, number of grains per spike, and thousand-grain weight were markedly affected by weed interference. Grain yield showed a strong negative response to increasing weed density, with the greatest reductions observed at high infestation levels. Competition for soil moisture, nutrients, and light was identified as the primary mechanism driving yield decline. Grain quality parameters, including protein content and test weight, were also adversely affected under high weed pressure. Early-season weed emergence had a more pronounced impact on wheat performance compared to late-emerging weeds, highlighting the importance of early intervention. The study demonstrates that F. officinalis exhibits strong competitive ability under winter wheat conditions, particularly when present at higher densities. These findings emphasize the need for timely and effective weed management strategies to minimize yield and quality losses. Overall, weed density plays a critical role in determining wheat productivity, and integrated weed management approaches are essential for sustainable winter wheat production systems in F. officinalis-infested fields.