INTRODUCTION

The French partner ACTA in the IWMPRAISE project has created a new integrated weed management (IWM) game. This version of the game concerns perennial cropping systems only. A version for annual crops were previously published. See link: https://iwmpraise.eu/iwm-game-for-annual-crops/

GAME AVAILABLE IN ENGLISH

Now, we can present the English version of the game below. The objective of the game is to present all the methods to manage and control weeds in the context of a perennial crop. Production indicators (yield and quality) but also impact indicators (water quality, agronomic quality of the soil, toxicity, soil fauna) make it possible to compare each of the solutions to be implemented. The type of soil is chosen initially but the weather is random and influences the evolution of five groups of weeds and the possibility of implementing methods. The players are limited in money over the duration of the game and in time on each of the six periods which represent a rotation of two crops.

The winner of the game must therefore both ensure a certain production output while having a minimum im-pact on the environment and applicator health.

HOW TO PLAY THE GAME

The game consists of a number of PDF-files which must be downloaded and printed, preferably on a colour printer. The files are:

	IWMGame_Perennial_Rules_English This file gives an overview of the game and the rules of playing. It is essential for the facilitator of the game to read this carefully before introducing the game to the players.
	IWMGame_Perennial_Game_board This is the main board to track the course of the game, including weather and weed dynamics. It must be printed in one copy for a group of farmers.
	IWMGame_Perennial_Player_board This is the main board to print for the players. One board is printed for each player.
	IWMGame_Perennial_Cards_measures These cards give a range of potential weed management measures and their characteristics (price, efficacy, toxicity etc,)
	IWMGame_Perennial_Cards_others These cards represent weather scenarios, soil types and different types of annual crops.

 

Feedback

We encourage anyone interested to test the game and report their experiences to Philippe Delval. If you are interested in translating the game to your language or adopting the game to conditions in your country/local area/cropping system, you are also welcome to contact Philippe Delval.

Play the game – and remember that even if you may lose, you will gain knowledge!