Weed Suppression Capacity of Different Barley Cultivars in Relation to Early Vigour and Canopy Architecture

Abstract

Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is an important cereal crop with considerable potential for suppressing weed growth through competitive ability, particularly during early growth stages. Weed infestation remains a major constraint in barley production systems, leading to significant yield losses and increased production costs. The ability of barley cultivars to suppress weeds is influenced by traits such as early vigour, canopy architecture, plant height, leaf area development, and light interception efficiency. The present study was conducted to evaluate the weed suppression capacity of different barley cultivars in relation to early vigour and canopy structural traits. Field experiments were carried out using multiple barley cultivars grown under natural weed infestation conditions, and data on weed density, weed biomass, crop growth parameters, and yield components were recorded. Early vigour was assessed through measurements of seedling emergence, early biomass accumulation, and ground cover, while canopy architecture was evaluated based on leaf angle, plant height, and canopy closure rate. The results demonstrated significant variation among barley cultivars in their ability to suppress weed growth. Cultivars exhibiting rapid early vigour and more upright canopy architecture showed greater ground shading and reduced weed establishment. Increased canopy closure during early growth stages significantly reduced weed biomass and improved crop competitiveness. In contrast, cultivars with slower early development and open canopy structure were less effective in suppressing weeds and experienced higher levels of weed interference. The findings highlight the strong relationship between crop architectural traits and weed suppression potential in barley. Selection of competitive cultivars with superior early vigour and optimized canopy structure can contribute significantly to integrated weed management strategies. The study emphasizes the importance of exploiting crop competitiveness as a sustainable approach to reduce herbicide dependence and enhance productivity in barley-based cropping systems.