Dose–Response Curves of Pelargonic Acid against Summer and Winter Weeds in Central Italy

Pelargonic acid is a non-selective post-emergence contact bio-herbicide which registered both for cropping and non-cropping uses in several countries. Dose–response curves on the efficacy of pelargonic against common weeds Mediterranean areas are not available. summer winter annual were evaluated two field experiments (winter exp. 2019 2020) central Italy. was applied at five doses (1.4, 2.7, 5.4, 10.9 21.8 kg a.i. ha−1). Data weed density, dry weight, ground cover used to calculate weeds. subjected non-linear regression analysis using logistic dose–response model. Dose required obtain 50%, 70%, 90% 95% control each species (ED50, ED70, ED90 ED95) estimated. ED values allowed us classify with respect their susceptibility (ED50 ha−1 reported parenthesis): Kickxia spuria (2.6) (more susceptible) > Heliotropium europaeum (3.0) Echinochloa crus-galli (3.4) Solanum nigrum (3.6) Stachys annua (5.3) Papaver rhoeas (6.5) Veronica hederifolia (10.3) Amaranthus retroflexus (11.4) Matricaria chamomilla (11.6) Portulaca oleracea (18.7) Lolium multiflorum (>21.8) (less susceptible). These findings will allow optimization by its use management strategies, organic sustainable systems, under different environmental conditions.