Weed control: presence and future - the German view.

The regional growing concentration of only less different crops combined with less labour intensive growing systems leads to a onesided dominace of some but well adapted weed species. Therefore the farmers need effective, safe and efficient control measures. Growing transgenic herbicide resistant crops is no realistic option in Germany; on the other hand, organic growing and consequently specific weed problems will increase. Their solution is only possible by the detailed knowledge of interactions of cultivation practices and weed infestation. Alternative weed control concepts like cultural or biological methods as well as the use of allelopathy need more research efforts before they can be used for practical weed control.