Alternative methods to synthetic chemical control of Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. A systematic review

Abstract Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. is one of the worst agricultural weeds and invasive species in world, being widely established many countries. Despite its impact on agriculture growing awareness authorities consumers about consequences synthetic herbicides, alternative control methods for this weed have been poorly reviewed. A systematic review literature published over last 50 years was used to assess most studied C. (excluding herbicides) summarize trends knowledge gaps. The major findings are as follows: (1) number publications that chemical management has increasing exponentially since 1972; (2) studies were made under controlled conditions (57%) lack observations real production conditions; (3) field experiments carried out Asia (42%), temperate subtropical arid climates; (4) publication articles studying allelopathy stands significantly (50% papers found), with two from Poaceae family, rice ( Oryza sativa L.) sorghum Sorghum bicolor Moench), showing very high allelopathic inhibitory effects (often above 80%), especially open (5) preventive soil tillage treatment among indirect treatments, although there a risk propagation, results indicate can contribute , when compared no-tillage treatments. Further research needed optimize treatments so they be applied by farmers conditions.