Sugarcane Weed Management in Iran: Evolution and Current Status

Document Type : Review Article

Authors

1 Weed science Department, Iranian institute of sugarcane research and training

2 Salman Farsi Agro- industry Co.

10.22034/ijws.2026.371377.1512

Abstract

Sugarcane is a key industrial crop in Khuzestan province, Iran. However, sugarcane faces a major production constraint, a remarkably diverse weed flora encompassing over 140 species. This flora includes annual and perennial species which can cause yield losses of up to 80%. For decades, chemical control relying on a limited portfolio of Photosystem II inhibitors and synthetic auxins was the dominant strategy. This approach led to serious challenges, including the emergence of resistance in Echinochloa colona, a shift in weed flora favoring invasive species, increased control costs, and environmental concerns. In response to these challenges, the management paradigm has shifted towards an Integrated Weed Management system. This evolution involves introducing new herbicides with different sites of action (e.g., indaziflam, pendimethalin), optimizing application timing and methods (e.g., delayed pre-emergence), and significantly increasing the role of physical-mechanical control. Consequently, the average herbicide application rate has decreased from approximately 20 units (kg/l) per hectare in the past to less than 6 units in recent years. Nevertheless, effective management of perennial species still requires a deep understanding of their biology and ecology and the integration of chemical, mechanical, and cultural methods within species-specific management programs. The future outlook emphasizes strengthening this trend through training, developing precision application technologies, optimizing water and fertilizer management and implementing crop rotation to achieve a sustainable sugarcane production system. This journey from a chemically dependent system to a multifaceted IWM framework highlights the critical importance of adaptive, research-based strategies for the long-term sustainability of sugarcane agro-ecosystems in Iran.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Iranian Journal of Weed Science
Volume 21, Issue 2
January 2026
Pages 98-126

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History

  • Receive Date: 11 November 2025
  • Revise Date: 09 May 2026
  • Accept Date: 17 May 2026
  • First Publish Date: 17 May 2026
  • Publish Date: 22 December 2025

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