Herbicide use and weed management strategies in hemp cultivation

Abstract Industrial hemp has experienced a resurgence in global cultivation due to its diverse applications in textiles, food, bioplastics, biofuels, and environmental benefits such as phytoremediation and carbon sequestration. However, optimizing hemp production remains challenging, particularly in...

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Main Authors: Navneet Kaur, Anil Kumar, Tabarak Malik, Madhuri Girdhar, Manbir Singh, Reenu Singh, Mohd. Tariq, Anand Mohan
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2025-05-01
Series:Journal of Cannabis Research
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-025-00280-0
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author Navneet Kaur
Anil Kumar
Tabarak Malik
Madhuri Girdhar
Manbir Singh
Reenu Singh
Mohd. Tariq
Anand Mohan
author_facet Navneet Kaur
Anil Kumar
Tabarak Malik
Madhuri Girdhar
Manbir Singh
Reenu Singh
Mohd. Tariq
Anand Mohan
author_sort Navneet Kaur
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Industrial hemp has experienced a resurgence in global cultivation due to its diverse applications in textiles, food, bioplastics, biofuels, and environmental benefits such as phytoremediation and carbon sequestration. However, optimizing hemp production remains challenging, particularly in weed management, where limited approved herbicides and varying regional weed pressures pose significant obstacles. Weed dynamics across different regions highlight the prevalence of problematic species like Chenopodium album and Amaranthus spp. While hemp’s rapid canopy closure and high planting densities can reduce herbicide dependence, early-season weed competition can significantly impact crop establishment and yield. This review explores the current state of weed management in hemp cultivation, highlighting cultural, mechanical, and chemical strategies. Additionally, it evaluates the efficacy and phytotoxicity of pre- and post-emergent herbicides. Recent trials indicate that pre-emergent pendimethalin is consistently safe across multiple studies, while post-emergent grass herbicides like quizalofop, clethodim, and fluazifop provide effective control with minimal crop injury. For broadleaf control, clopyralid and bromoxynil show relative safety, though varietal responses vary. The limited availability of registered herbicides underscores the need for continued research and regulatory advancements. The review identifies critical knowledge gaps, including limited understanding of variety-specific herbicide tolerance and regional weed dynamics. Current research priorities include systematic herbicide screening across varieties and regions, optimizing cultural practices, and developing herbicide-tolerant cultivars. By integrating these strategies, hemp can fulfil its potential as a sustainable and profitable crop, contributing to environmentally friendly agricultural systems. This review provides a foundation for future research and policy decisions to optimize weed management in hemp production.
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spelling doaj-art-bc0473f2a53548d99ef5fd1d779e01622025-08-20T03:53:58ZengBMCJournal of Cannabis Research2522-57822025-05-017112510.1186/s42238-025-00280-0Herbicide use and weed management strategies in hemp cultivationNavneet Kaur0Anil Kumar1Tabarak Malik2Madhuri Girdhar3Manbir Singh4Reenu Singh5Mohd. Tariq6Anand Mohan7School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional UniversityGene Regulation Laboratory, National Institute of ImmunologyDepartment of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Health, Jimma UniversityDivision of Research and Development, Lovely Professional UniversityChaudhary Devi Lal UniversitySchool of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional UniversityDepartment of Life Sciences, Parul Institute of Applied Sciences, Parul UniversitySchool of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional UniversityAbstract Industrial hemp has experienced a resurgence in global cultivation due to its diverse applications in textiles, food, bioplastics, biofuels, and environmental benefits such as phytoremediation and carbon sequestration. However, optimizing hemp production remains challenging, particularly in weed management, where limited approved herbicides and varying regional weed pressures pose significant obstacles. Weed dynamics across different regions highlight the prevalence of problematic species like Chenopodium album and Amaranthus spp. While hemp’s rapid canopy closure and high planting densities can reduce herbicide dependence, early-season weed competition can significantly impact crop establishment and yield. This review explores the current state of weed management in hemp cultivation, highlighting cultural, mechanical, and chemical strategies. Additionally, it evaluates the efficacy and phytotoxicity of pre- and post-emergent herbicides. Recent trials indicate that pre-emergent pendimethalin is consistently safe across multiple studies, while post-emergent grass herbicides like quizalofop, clethodim, and fluazifop provide effective control with minimal crop injury. For broadleaf control, clopyralid and bromoxynil show relative safety, though varietal responses vary. The limited availability of registered herbicides underscores the need for continued research and regulatory advancements. The review identifies critical knowledge gaps, including limited understanding of variety-specific herbicide tolerance and regional weed dynamics. Current research priorities include systematic herbicide screening across varieties and regions, optimizing cultural practices, and developing herbicide-tolerant cultivars. By integrating these strategies, hemp can fulfil its potential as a sustainable and profitable crop, contributing to environmentally friendly agricultural systems. This review provides a foundation for future research and policy decisions to optimize weed management in hemp production.https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-025-00280-0Cannabis sativaIndustrial hempHemp cultivationHerbicide toleranceIntegrated weed managementSustainable agriculture
spellingShingle Navneet Kaur
Anil Kumar
Tabarak Malik
Madhuri Girdhar
Manbir Singh
Reenu Singh
Mohd. Tariq
Anand Mohan
Herbicide use and weed management strategies in hemp cultivation
Journal of Cannabis Research
Cannabis sativa
Industrial hemp
Hemp cultivation
Herbicide tolerance
Integrated weed management
Sustainable agriculture
title Herbicide use and weed management strategies in hemp cultivation
title_full Herbicide use and weed management strategies in hemp cultivation
title_fullStr Herbicide use and weed management strategies in hemp cultivation
title_full_unstemmed Herbicide use and weed management strategies in hemp cultivation
title_short Herbicide use and weed management strategies in hemp cultivation
title_sort herbicide use and weed management strategies in hemp cultivation
topic Cannabis sativa
Industrial hemp
Hemp cultivation
Herbicide tolerance
Integrated weed management
Sustainable agriculture
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-025-00280-0
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