Measurement of post-dispersal invertebrate seed predation of some relevant weed species in maize fields in Hungary: An ecosystem service provided in crop fields contributing to weed management

Invertebrate seed predation is a potential ecosystem service that substantially reduces weed seeds in crop fields, decreasing the seedling emergence and, thus, limiting competition next season. It may, be considered as natural component of long-term management toolbox. This study aimed to measure post-dispersal invertebrate levels following relevant species Hungarian maize fields: Ambrosia artemisiifolia, Datura stramonium, Chenopodium album, and Echinochloa crus-galli, compare among them. We hypothesised predators will predate seeds, but may vary with species. Two sampling rounds were performed, November 2019 October 2020, GĂśdĂśllő, Hungary. A total 100 cards/round placed on soil surface inside field prior harvest, 10 m from field's edge, along 25 transects, four cards/transect. distance was set between transects 1 cards. Twenty each glued onto sandpaper (25 × cm, P-60), wire mesh used exclude vertebrate predators. The removal calculated every 24 h, for seven days five then measured using number removed card. results showed high all cards, an overall average 85.9 ± 13.7%. Besides, there decrease % remaining cards starting first day after exposure due both years. optimum period measuring found three days, though predated 3 4 significantly differed years (P < 0.001), higher rates 2020 than 2019. However, no differences detected = 0.962, 0.079). These findings indicate contribution by invertebrates fields.