A review of weeds management approaches in potato in India

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is a globally vital staple food. Weeds infestation remains a major challenge to potato cultivation worldwide. They compete with crop plants for nutrients, sunlight, space and water, ultimately reducing both yield quantity, quality and enhancing insects and diseases infestation. Effective weeds control through different practices is crucial for maximising potato production. Once weeds have established themselves in a field, it becomes difficult to control and eradicate them. Prevention is a key component of integrated weed management (IWM). In developing countries, hand and manual weeding and herbicide use are the most common methods for weeds control. However, the intensive use of herbicides has been accompanied by high production costs, weeds resistance, environmental pollution (especially surface water contamination) and adverse effects on non-target organisms. Consequently, reliance on herbicides alone is no longer considered sustainable. Therefore, focus is now on new methods of weeds control, such as cultural, biological, mechanical and biotechnological approaches that can be used in conjunction with chemical weeds control. Biotechnology is closely related with chemical weeds management because it helps in development of herbicide tolerant crops and makes herbicides use more sustainable and cost-effective. These weeds control methods can be combined as IWM to mitigate the negative environmental impacts of herbicides. Recognising the critical role of weeds management, this review aims to highlight emerging weed management strategies for potato cultivation.