Assessing the Importance of Natural Regulating Mechanisms in Weed Management: The Case of Weed Seed Predation in a Winter Wheat Field and in Adjacent Semi-Natural Habitat in Northern Hungary

Weeds are one group of pests that significantly reduce crop yields and qualities, while herbicide use poses a risk to human health environment. Weed seed predation has been identified as potential biocontrol approach offering sustainable weed management. It causes substantial losses on species in fields, thus may result reduction use. This study aimed investigate the relevant patterns important species, Galium aparine L., Papaver rhoeas Apera spica-venti winter wheat field adjacent semi-natural habitat (SNH) near Gödöllő, Hungary, assuming seeds likely be predated, but levels differ by type. Sampling rounds were performed twice, 2019 2021, before harvest, placing total 240 cards (120 cards/round) soil surface inside both field, SNH. Seed was assessed each card every 24 h, for 5 days 6 2021. The results revealed high intensity (100%) evaluated during exposure periods years types, although consumed (p < 0.001) opposed Whereas, consumption not different = 0.802) among between habitats 0.842). optimum period measuring found after 48 h exposure. Our findings showed reduced number exposed surface, which decrease banks, seedlings next cropping season.