Weed control under increasing cover crop diversity in tropical summer and winter

Description of the subject. Weed pressure is a main biotic constraint in tropical agriculture. Cover crop mixtures have increased popularity to limit weed growth through competition for resources, but relationship between cover diversity and suppression still under debate. Objectives. This study aimed assess impact increasing (one four species) on control during two growing seasons (tropical summer winter) Reunion Island. Method. was expressed regarding ground by weeds aboveground dry mass months its response traits tested using structural equation models. Results. While crops reduced 60% 68% average winter, respectively, higher number species within mixture did not increase mean control. Nonetheless, influenced composition improved when including Guizotia abyssinica. Additionally, explaining differed seasons. In summer, mainly explained final biomass leaf area (depletion strategy). contrast, rate (obstruction strategy) winter. Conclusions. Using characterize enables us identify adapted different conditions. Our suggests that particular attention identity rather than should be paid improve