Interactive effects of mycorrhizal symbiosis and mulches on the weed seed bank in artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.)

To study the possibility of decreasing weed seed bank of artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) by mycorrhizal inoculation and mulches, a three replicated split plot design based on randomized complete block design was conducted during 2017 and 2018 at the research farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zanjan. Two levels of inoculation (inoculation with mycorrhiza and non- inoculation) were considered as the main plots and a variety of living mulches (Trifolium alexandrinum and Lathyrus sativus), polyethylene film (silver-black color), wheat straw, consistently hand weeding throughout the growing season, once hand weeding and no-weeding were considered as sub plots. Results revealed that the highest density of weeds seed (4453 seeds) was recorded in no-weeding treatment under non-mycorrhizal inoculation conditions in 2018. The lowest weeds seed density was recorded in silver-black plastic mulch treatment under mycorrhizal inoculation conditions in 2017. Seed frequency showed significant positive correlations with seedling frequencies (R2=0.85); therefore, mycorrhizal inoculation and living and non-living mulches application can be suggested as a solution to decrease the seed bank density.