Comparative uptake and metabolism of methazole in prickly sida and cotton

The comparative uptake and metabolism of ¹⁴C-labeled 2-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-methyl-1,2,4-oxadiazolidine-3,5-dione (methazole), a herbicide, in prickly sida (Sida spinosa L.) and cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) were investigated as physiological bases for herbicidal selectivity, using thin layer chromatography, autoradiography, and liquid scintillation counting. Prickly sida and cotton readily absorbed and translocated ¹⁴C from nutrient solution containing [¹⁴C]methazole. Only acropetal translocation of ¹⁴C was observed. Methazole was rapidly metabolized to 1-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-3-methylurea (DCPMU) and other metabolites by both species. Although metabolism appeared to be qualitatively the same, quantitative differences between species were evident. Methazole was converted to DCPMU (also phytotoxic) more readily by prickly sida than cotton; however, DCPMU was more readily detoxified to 1-(3,4-dichlorophenyl) urea (DCPU) by cotton than prickly sida. More ¹⁴C per unit weight was present in the prickly sida shoots than in cotton shoots. Also, a larger portion of the methanol-extractable ¹⁴C was herbicidal in the shoots of prickly sida than of cotton. Thus, the differential tolerances of prickly sida and cotton to methazole may be explained, in part, by differential uptake and metabolism of methazole and DCPMU.     

不同机采棉行距配置对棉花生长发育及光合物质生产的影响

以新陆早32号为供试材料,在新疆自然生态环境下研究不同机采棉行距配置(66+10 cm、72+4 cm)对棉花生长发育及其光合物质生产的影响。结果表明:72+4模式利于棉花前期生长,因其地膜覆盖率高,采光面积大,地温高;66+10模式利于棉花中后期的生长,因其通风透光性强;其中66+10模式与72+4模式相比,棉花生育时期提前3 d,株高高于72+4模式15.66%,叶片多于72+4模式13.53%,两者差异达到显著水平,以此为基础,66+10模式下棉花营养生长和生殖生长得到有效合理的协调,并促进了生殖器官干物质的积累,且因中后期的通风透光性强,提高了外围铃比例,为增产做贡献。     

Arrowleaf sida (Sida rhombifolia) and prickly sida (Sida spinosa): germination and emergence

Maximum arrowleaf sida (Sida rhombifolia L.) germination occurred at 35°C, whereas prickly sida (Sida spinosa L.) germinated to the same extent at 35 or 40°C. Arrowleaf sida germinated better than prickly sida at 20 and 25°C, but did not germinate at 40°C. Less than 50% of seed from both species were viable at 45°C after 21 days of exposure. Both species exhibited more than 75% germination at a range of pH from 5.0 to 8.0. Arrowleaf sida germinated to a greater extent than prickly sida from 0 to —800 kPa, and an osmotic stress of —200 kPa reduced prickly sida germination, whereas —400 kPa was necessary to reduce arrowleaf sida germination. Prickly sida emergence was optimal at a planting depth of 0.5 cm, and declined rapidly at deeper planting depths. However, arrowleaf sida emergence was equivalent at planting depths of 0.5–2.0 cm, with declining emergence below 2.0 cm. Neither species emerged from depths exceeding 5.0 cm. Light did not influence the germination of arrowleaf sida or prickly sida. Sida rhombifolia et Sida spinosa: germination et levee Le maximum du germination pour Sida rhombifolia L. a été atteint à 35°C tandis que Sida spinosa L. a germé de facon équivalente à 35 ou 40°C. S. rhombifolia a mieux germé que S. spinosaà 20 et 25°C, mais n'a pas germéà 40°C. Moins de 20% de graines des deux espèces étaient encore viables à 45°C après 21 jours dèxposition. Les deux especes ont germéà plus de 75% dans des niveaux de pH allant de 5 à 8. S. rhombifolia a mieux germe que S. spinosa de 0 à 800 kPa, et un stress osmotique de —200 kPa a réduit la germination de S. spinosa, tandis que —400 kPa ont été nécessaires pour réquire la germination de S. rhombifolia. La levée de S. spinosaétait optimale à une profondeur de semis de 0,5 cm, et décroissait rapidement à des profondeurs plus élevées. Cependant la levée de S. rhombifoliaétait équivalente pour des profondeurs de 0,5 à 2 cm, avec une baisse à partir de 2 cm. Aucune des deux espèces n'a levéà des profondeurs supérieurs à 5 cm. La lumière n'a pas d'influence sur la germination des 2 espèces. Keimung und Auflaufen der Sidafaserpflanze (Sida rhombifolia L.) und der Stacheligen Samtmalve (Sida spinosa L.) Die stärkste Keimung lag bei der Sidafaserpflanze (Sida rhombifolia L.) bei 35 °C vor, während Samen der Stacheligen Samtmalve (Sida spinosa L.) bei 35 oder 40 °C gleich gut keimten. Samen der Sidafaserpflanze keimten bei 20 und 25 °C besser als die der Stacheligen Samtmalve, keimten jedoch nicht bei 40 °C. Nach Lagerung bei 45 °C für 21 Tage waren die Samen beider Arten zu < 20% keimfähig. Bei pH-Werten zwischen 5 und 8 keimten beide Arten zu >75%. Bei osmotischen Drücken zwischen 0 und —800 kPa keimte die Sidafaserpflanze besser als die Stachelige Samtmalve, deren Keimung ab —200 kPa gehemmt wurde, wahrend bei der Sidafaserpflanze —400 kPa erforderlich waren, die Keimung zu verringern. Samen der Stacheligen Samtmalve keimten am besten in 0,5 cm Tiefe, in gröβerer Ablagetiefe schnell schlechter. Bei der Sidafaserpflanze jedoch waren Aussaattiefen zwischen 0,5 und 2,0 cm gleich gut, erst bei Tiefen unter 2 cm ging der Auflauf zurück. Aus Tiefen unter 5 cm keimte keine der beiden Arten. Durch Licht wurde die Keimung der beiden Sida Arten nicht beeinflußt.     

不同行距配置对机采棉生长发育及光合特性的影响

以新疆兵团第七师胡杨河市推荐棉花品种Z1112和中棉641为供试材料,设置一膜六行、一膜四行和一膜三行3种行距配置模式,研究不同行距配置模式对棉花生长发育及光合特性的影响。结果表明,一膜三行配置模式生育期较一膜六行和一膜四行缩短2~6 d,株高较一膜六行、一膜四行分别增加7.3 cm和6.8 cm,果枝数较一膜六行、一膜四行分别增加1.1台和0.8台,始果节位和始果节高受行距配置影响较小。棉花叶面积指数（LAI）从苗期到盛铃前期随生育时期推进而逐渐增大;在盛铃前期到达峰值,进入盛铃期后,各处理LAI逐渐开始减小,不同行距配置模式下,Z1112和中棉641的LAI总体表现为一膜六行>一膜四行>一膜三行。所有处理叶片叶绿素相对含量（SPAD值）在现蕾至吐絮期均呈现出先增后降趋势,生育前期,棉株叶片SPAD值和干物质积累量随行距的增加而降低;生育后期,一膜三行配置模式的叶片SPAD值和干物质积累量迅速上升,高于一膜六行和一膜四行配置模式。单株结铃数、单铃重和子指随行距的增大而增加,一膜三行处理下的单株结铃数、单铃重、子指较一膜六行和一膜四行分别增加4.9个·株^-1和2.7个·株^-1、0.5 g和0.4 g、0.7 g和0.4 g;但棉花总铃数、产量和衣分受行距影响较小。一膜三行配置模式可加快生育进程、增加棉花株高和果枝数、提高光合作用,能保持较高的产量,具有较好的推广潜力。     

Comparison of commercial glyphosate formulations for control of prickly sida, purple nutsedge, morningglory and sicklepod

The efficacy of the commercial glyphosate [( N -phosphonomethyl) glycine] formulations Roundup Ultra, Touchdown and Engame were compared for the control of prickly sida ( Sida spinosa L.), morningglory ( Ipomeae hederacea var. integriuscula Gray), sicklepod ( Senna obtusifolia L.) and purple nutsedge ( Cyperus rotundus L.). Engame is a new formulation of glyphosate that contains glyphosate acid and 1-aminomethanamide dihydrogen tetraoxosulfate (AMADS), a proprietary mixture of sulfuric acid and urea, other than glyphosate salt and surfactants. Injury by Engame differed from Roundup Ultra and Touchdown in that necrotic lesions formed on leaves several hours after treatment. Leaves of very susceptible species, such as prickly sida, were rapidly, although incompletely, desiccated and then became chlorotic and died in a manner typical of other glyphosate formulations. Engame was 2–3 times more active to growth inhibition than either the Roundup Ultra or Touchdown formulations, based on GR₅₀ comparisons expressed on an acid equivalent basis. The GR₅₀ estimates did not change over the 3 week evaluation period for prickly sida and purple nutsedge, and after 2 weeks after treatment for morningglory. The GR₅₀ estimates for sicklepod decreased over the 3 week evaluation period indicating a slower response to glyphosate. The application of AMADS alone caused minute necrotic lesions on sicklepod and purple nutsedge, and lesions up to 3 mm in diameter on prickly sida and morningglory. Further injury from AMADS was not noted and plants resumed growth without apparent delay. At glyphosate rates above 1120 g ha⁻¹, greater than 80% control was achieved at 7 days after treatment. These results demonstrate that glyphosate efficacy can be further enhanced by formulations that apparently improve uptake and translocation.     

Effects of surfactants and simulated rainfall on the efficacy of the Engame formulation of glyphosate in johnsongrass, prickly sida and yellow nutsedge

The effects of surfactants and simulated rain were investigated on the efficacy of Engame and Roundup Ultramax formulations of glyphosate on johnsongrass ( Sorghum halepense L.), prickly sida ( Sida spinosa L.) and yellow nutsedge ( Cyperus esculentus L.). Flame surfactant provided the greatest enhancement of Engame efficacy and the effect was species-dependent. Flame enhanced the activity of Engame on johnsongrass and yellow nutsedge but not on prickly sida. Engame and Engame plus Flame were more active than Roundup Ultramax on a glyphosate acid-equivalent basis on johnsongrass without rain, and on yellow nutsedge with or without rain. The Engame and Roundup Ultramax activities on johnsongrass were similar with rain, and rain occurring between five and 30 min after treatment diminished their activities to < 38% of the control. With the addition of Flame surfactant, Engame activity on johnsongrass increased, such that 50% and 80% of the control were realized, even with rain occurring between five and 15 min after treatment, respectively. Engame and Roundup Ultramax provided better control of prickly sida than of johnsongrass following a rain event. The addition of Flame surfactant to Engame did not enhance the activity on prickly sida. Yellow nutsedge control with Engame and Engame plus Flame was greater than with Roundup Ultramax and rain had little effect on control regardless of the length of the rain-free period. These results demonstrated that the activities of Engame, Engame plus Flame and Roundup Ultramax were species-dependent and surfactant-dependent.     

Growth and fitness of triazine-susceptible and triazine-resistant common waterhemp (Amaranthus tuberculatus var. rudis)

Two greenhouse trials were conducted over a 2 year period (2004 and 2005) to compare the relative growth potential and fitness of triazine-susceptible (TS) and triazine-resistant (TR) waterhemp biotypes. Waterhemp plants from each biotype were grown in 6 L pots in the greenhouse in a completely randomized design. There was no difference in leaf number, plant height, plant biomass, time to bud or time to flower between the two biotypes. The TR female waterhemp plants produced 30% less reproductive biomass and 39% less seed than the TS biotype. The fitness penalty associated with triazine resistance was related to reproductive capability, not to vegetative growth.     

不同生态型杂草稻对水稻生长及产量的影响

通过田间试验初步研究采自上海市青浦区、浦东新区、嘉定区等地的籼型和偏籼型杂草稻以及采自崇明区的粳型杂草稻对水稻生长、产量构成因子和产量的影响。结果表明,在水稻营养生长期,不同籼型、偏籼型杂草稻密度对水稻基本苗、株高、单株鲜质量、分蘖数、倒二叶长、倒二叶宽均未有明显影响;而籼型和偏籼型杂草稻密度对产量构成因子有效穗数、穗长、一次枝梗数、穗粒数、千粒质量、结实率等均能产生一定影响,而粳型杂草稻只对水稻有效穗数、结实率、千粒质量等产生一定影响,实际产量等均随杂草稻密度的增加呈下降趋势。青浦区、浦东新区、嘉定区等地的籼型、偏籼型杂草稻和崇明区粳型杂草稻导致水稻产量损失50%时的密度分别为8.19、12.82、15.45、19.82株/m~2。     

Potential gene flow from transgenic rice (Oryza sativa L.) to different weedy rice (Oryza sativa f. spontanea) accessions based on reproductive compatibility

BACKGROUND: The possibility of gene flow from transgenic crops to wild relatives may be affected by reproductive capacity between them. The potential gene flow from two transgenic rice lines containing the bar gene to five accessions of weedy rice (WR1–WR5) was determined through examination of reproductive compatibility under controlled pollination. RESULTS: The pollen grain germination of two transgenic rice lines on the stigma of all weedy rice, rice pollen tube growth down the style and entry into the weedy rice ovary were similar to self‐pollination in weedy rice. However, delayed double fertilisation and embryo abortion in crosses between WR2 and Y0003 were observed. Seed sets between transgenic rice lines and weedy rice varied from 8 to 76%. Although repeated pollination increased seed set significantly, the rank of the seed set between the weedy rice accessions and rice lines was not changed. The germination rates of F₁ hybrids were similar or greater compared with respective females. All F₁ plants expressed glufosinate resistance in the presence of glufosinate selection pressure. CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of gene flow between different weedy rice accessions and transgenic herbicide‐resistant rice may differ owing to different reproductive compatibility. This result suggests that, when wild relatives are selected as experimental materials for assessing the gene flow of transgenic rice, it is necessary to address the compatibility between transgenic rice and wild relatives. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

Note: Proline — An inducer of resistance against pearl millet downy mildew disease caused by<Emphasis Type="Italic">Sclerospora graminicola</Emphasis>

In an attempt to find a suitable alternative to the otherwise perilous chemical control strategy of disease management, the amino acid proline was evaluated for its efficiency to elicit resistance in pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.) against downy mildew disease caused bySclerospora graminicola (Sacc.) Schroet both under greenhouse and field conditions. Proline treatment to seeds at 50 mM concentration for 3 h, significantly enhanced the seed germination and seedling vigor of pearl millet in comparison with the control. The same concentration and duration of seed treatment protected the pearl millet plants from downy mildew by offering 58% protection under greenhouse and 67% protection under field conditions. Studies revealed that 3 days were required for proline-treated plants to develop resistance, which was systemic and was sustained throughout the life of the plants. Apart from disease protection, proline was also found effective in enhancing vegetative and reproductive growth of the plants, as evidenced by the increase in height, fresh weight, leaf area, tillering capacity, 1000-seed weight and grain yield in comparison with the control plants. http://www.phytoparasitica.org posting Oct. 3, 2004.     

Interference between velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti Medic.) and soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) I. Growth

Three field experiments were conduced to evaluate the effect of Abutilon theophrasti on dry matter, branching and flowering node, and seed production of soybean. Low populations (2.4–4.7 plants m^?2) of the weed reduced soybean dry matter, flowering node and seed production. The effect was most pronounced on soybean seed yield, and less on flowering node and dry weight production. These effects were due to the presence of A. theophrasti with soybean, and not to changes in plant population. The effect on soybean branching node production was inconsistent between years.     

Consequences of narrow crop row spacing and delayed Echinochloa colona and Trianthema portulacastrum emergence for weed growth and crop yield loss in maize

Echinochloa colona and Trianthema portulacastrum are weeds of maize that cause significant yield losses in the Indo‐Gangetic Plains. Field experiments were conducted in 2009 and 2010 to determine the influence of row spacing (15, 25 and 35 cm) and emergence time of E. colona and T. portulacastrum (0, 15, 25, 35, 45 and 55 days after maize emergence; DAME) on weed growth and productivity of maize. A season‐long weed‐free treatment and a weedy control were also used to estimate maize yield and weed seed production. Crop row spacing as well as weed emergence time had a significant influence on plant height, shoot biomass and seed production of both weed species and grain yield of maize in both years. Delay in emergence of weeds resulted in less plant height, shoot biomass and seed production. However, increase in productivity of maize was observed by delay in weed emergence. Likewise, growth of both weed species was less in narrow row spacing (15 cm) of maize, as compared with wider rows (25 and 35 cm). Maximum seed production of both weeds was observed in weedy control plots, where there was no competition with maize crop and weeds were in rows 35 cm apart. Nevertheless, maximum plant height, shoot biomass and seed production of both weed species were observed in 35 cm rows, when weeds emerged simultaneously with maize. Both weed species produced only 3–5 seeds per plant, when they were emerged at 55 DAME in crop rows spaced at 15 cm. Infestation of both weeds at every stage of crop led to significant crop yield loss in maize. Our results suggested that narrow row spacing and delay in weed emergence led to reduced weed growth and seed production and enhanced maize grain yield and therefore could be significant constituents of integrated weed management strategies in maize.     

海岛棉与陆地棉干物质积累与氮素吸收分配的特点

以新陆中75号、新陆中54号、新海35号和新海48号为材料,研究陆地棉与海岛棉在相同管理条件下干物质积累与氮素吸收分配的特点。结果表明:陆地棉干物质积累总量在全生育期内均高于海岛棉,生殖器官干物质所占比例在生育前期小于海岛棉,后期逐渐大于海岛棉;氮素积累总量在全生育期内陆地棉均大于海岛棉,生殖器官氮素积累比例在生育前期为陆地棉小于海岛棉,后期逐渐大于海岛棉。与陆地棉相比海岛棉营养器官干物质以及氮素积累比例较大,不利于生育后期生殖器官干物质的积累与分配,从而影响棉花产量。因此,在大田管理中应注意在生育后期加强对海岛棉的水肥管理。     

Agronomic practises for weed control in turmeric (Curcuma longa L.)

Weeds are the main problem with turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) cultivation where herbicides are not allowed. This is because herbicides cause water contamination, air pollution, soil microorganism hazards, health hazards, and food risks. Considering turmeric's medicinal value and the environmental problems caused by herbicides, various agronomic practises have been evaluated for non‐chemical weed control in turmeric. One additional weeding is required before turmeric emergence and weed infestation is much higher when turmeric is planted in February and March, as compared to April, May or June planting. A similarly higher yield of turmeric is achieved when it is planted in February, March, and April, compared to late plantings. Weed emergence and interference are not affected by planting depth, seed size, planting pattern, planting space, ridge spacing, and the row number of turmeric until 60 days after planting. This is because turmeric cannot develop a canopy structure until then. Thereafter, weed infestation reduces similarly and significantly when turmeric is planted at depths of 8, 12, and 16 cm, compared to shallower depths. The yield of turmeric at these depths is statistically the same, but the yield for the 16 cm depth is difficult to harvest and it tends to decrease. Turmeric grown from seed rhizomes (daughter rhizomes) weighing 30–40 g reduces weed infestation significantly and obtains a significantly higher yield compared to smaller seeds. The mother rhizome also can suppress weed infestation and increase the yield markedly. Around 9% weed control and 11% higher yield are achieved by planting turmeric in a triangular pattern compared to a quadrate pattern. The lowest weed infestation is found in turmeric grown in a 20 or 30 cm triangular pattern and the highest yield is obtained with the 30 cm triangular pattern. Turmeric gown on two‐row ridges spaced 75 cm apart shows excellent weed control efficiency and obtains the highest yield. This review concludes that turmeric seed rhizomes of 30–40 g and/or the mother rhizome could be planted in a 30 cm triangular pattern at the depth of 8–12 cm on two‐row ridges spaced 75–100 cm apart during March to April in order to reduce weed interference and obtain a higher yield. Mulching also suppresses weed growth and improves the yield. The above agronomic practises could not control weeds completely; biological weed management practises could be integrated in turmeric fields using rabbits, goats, sheep, ducks, cover crops or intercrops.     

Factors affecting threshold levels and seed production of jimsonweed (Datura stramonium L.) in soyabeans (Glycine max (L.) Merr.)

The effects of soyabean Glycine max (L.) Merr. row width, date of planting and year on threshold levels of jimsonweed (Datura stramonium L.) and on jimsonweed seed production were examined over 3 years. Natural infestations of jimsonweed were employed and densities were determined at 3 weeks after planting and also at soyabean harvest. Date of planting affected emergence of both soyabean and jimsonweed seedlings, whereas row width affected weed seedling mortality. Percentage soyabean yield losses attributable to jimsonweed, over all treatments, were greater in the 2 years with above-average rainfall than in the one dry year. Slopes of regression equations and estimates of threshold densities varied significantly among years and between initial and final density counts. The number of jimsonweed seed capsules produced per plant and the number of seeds per capsule declined with jimsonweed density, but the mean number of seeds produced per m² remained fairly constant over a wide density range. Jimsonweed seed production did not decline significantly until well below the threshold densities determined for soyabean yields. Les facteurs du seuil de nuisibilité et de la production de graines chez Datura stramonium L. dans les cultures de soja (Glycine max. (L.) Merr.) L'influence de l'écartement des rangs de soja, Glycine max (L) Merr., de la date de semis, et de l'année, sur le seuil de nuisibilité et la production de graines chez le Datura stramonium L., a étéétudiée durant 3 années. Les études ont été effectuées sur des infestations naturelles de datura, dont les densités ont été déterminées 3 semaines après le semis ainsi qu'à la récolte. La date du semis influence à la fois la levée du soja et celle du datura, alors que l'écartement des rangs influe sur la mortalité des graines de l'adventice. Dans tous les traitements, les pertes de rendement attribuables au datura ont été plus importantes durant les 2 années où les précipitations on été supérieures à la moyenne que durant une année sèche. Les pentes des équations de régression et les estimations de seuils de nuisibilité variaient d'une manière significative selon les années et entre les comptages initiaux et finaux. Le nombre de capsules par plane et le nombre de graines par capsule diminuaient avec la densité des datura, mais le nombre moyen de graines produites par m² est resté assez constant dans une large gamme de densité. La production de graines de datura n'a décliné significativement que pour une densité de plantes située bien en dessous du seuil de nuisibilitéà l'égard des rendements du soja. Faktoren, welche die Schädigungsschwelle und Samenproduktion von Stechapfel (Datura Stramonium L.) in Sojabohnen (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) beeinflussen Während drei Jahren wurde in Sojabohnen der Einfluss von Reihendistanz und Saatzeitpunkt auf die Schädigungsschwelle und Samenproduktion von Stechapfel (Datura stramonium L.) untersucht. Diese Studie basierte auf den natürlichen Stechapfelpopulationen; die Zählungen der Populationsdichten erfolgten drei Wochen nach der Sojasaat und bei der Ernte. Der Saattermin beeinflusste das Auflaufen der Sojabohnen und der Stechapfelsämlinge, während die Reihendistanz die Mortalität der Unkrautsämlinge veränderte. Die Steigung der Regressionsgeraden und die Schätzungen der schädigenden Populationsdichte variierten signifikant in den einzelnen Jahren und zwischen der ersten und letzten Zählung. Die Anzahl der von den Stechapfelindividuen produzierten Samenkapseln pro Pflanze und Samenmenge pro Kapsel nahm mit zunehmender Populationsdichte ab; die pro m² gebildete Samenzahl blieb jedoch über einen weiten Bereich verschiedener Populationsdichten relativ konstant. Die von der Stechapfelpopulation produzierte Samenmenge nahm bis weit unter die für die Sojabohen schädigende Populationsschwelle nicht signifikant ab.     

SPATIAL GROWTH OF SORGHUM HALEPENSE (L.) PERS.*

Summary. Small plants of Sorghum halepense (L.) Pers. were planted in the field and grown without competition from weeds and crops for 2½ years. The plant spread by means of subterranean rhizomes from which aerial shoots developed at increasing distances from the plant centre, and by tillering around these aerial shoots to form clumps. No preferential direction of expansion was detected and established patches developed an approximately circular shape. Aerial growth stopped completely in the cold season. During the warm season the mean area increment amounted to 1·3 m²/month and was similar in both years of observations. After 2½ years of growth, patches had extended up to 3·4 m from the initial sprig and had a mean area of 17 m². In the second summer of growth, shoot density reached 190/m² and mean seed production was 84 g, or 28 000 seeds per plant. About 80% of rhizome dry weight was present in the upper 20 cm of soil and rhizomes did not penetrate deeper than 40 cm. About 80% of rhizome dry weight was present within 1 m radius from the plant centre. Croissance dans l'espace de Sorghum halepense (L.) Pers.     

Characterization and quantitative assessment of interspecific and intraspecific penetration of below-ground vegetation by cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica (L.) Beauv.) rhizomes

Cogongrass ( Imperata cylindrica (L.) Beauv.), an invasive C4 perennial grass, negatively influences native plant communities by forming dense monotypic stands that alter ecosystem properties and lower local species diversity. A hypothesized mechanism by which cogongrass achieves competitive dominance is a novel use of below-ground vegetative disturbance of neighboring vegetation (i.e. puncturing). However, very little empirical evidence is found in the peer-reviewed literature to quantify this phenomenon, much less establish it as a true form of competitive interaction. The present field study was conducted to quantify the occurrence of rhizome-mediated, below-ground vegetative penetration, both interspecifically and intraspecifically, document how this phenomenon is influenced by spatial location relative to the cogongrass stand, and determine the role that above-ground and below-ground biomass might have in the process. Analyses of 100 sod samples indicated that rhizome-mediated, below-ground vegetative penetration is a much larger intraspecific phenomenon than an interspecific one. The data also strongly suggested spatial location as a significant factor, with most penetrations occurring in the interior of a cogongrass stand as opposed to the advancing border. Significant correlations between rhizome-mediated, below-ground vegetative penetration and above-ground cogongrass biomass were found in the overall plot analysis and most strongly in the advancing border of the cogongrass stands.     

A competition index for Orobanche crenata Forsk effects on broad bean (Vicia faba L.)

The influence of broomrape (Orobanche crenata Forsk) infection levels on commercial broad bean (Vicia faba L.) crops was investigated and an equation relating yield losses to O. crenata density was derived. O. crenata growth was weakly and negatively related to the final height or shoot number of the broad bean plant. O. crenata decreased seed yield mainly by reducing the number of pods. The number of seeds per pod was also decreased by O. crenata infection when competition occurred at late-crop growth stages when most of the pods had already developed. Bean unit seed weight was only weakly affected by infection. Correlation coefficients between O. crenata number and broad-bean seed yield per plant were significant at P=0·05 and greater than 0·70 in most locations. On average, about four O. crenata per broad-bean plant decreased seed yield by half. An estimation of the percentage of losses in any field can be calculated from the equation: %loss = 100 × 0·124 × OcN. where OcN is the average final number of emerged O. crenata per plant.     

ON THE REGENERATION OF ROOT FRAGMENTS OF LEAFY SPURGE (EUPHORBIA ESULA L.)

Summary. The roots of leafy spurge ( Euphorbia esula L.) normally produce shoot buds abundantly near the soil surface but with decreasing frequency at increasing depths. By placing Fragments of roots collected from various depths in the soil in shallow flats in a glasshouse, it was demonstrated that root Fragments from all depths down to 2–8 m do not differ appreciably in rcgenerative capacity and this capacity is not dependent upon the presence of performed shoot buds. By collecting root fragments from the same stand throughout the growing season it was shown that regenerative capacity is lowest in June at the time of maximum flowering. The implications of these findings arc discussed in relation to the control of this species.
Sur la régénération des fragments de racines de Euphorbia esula L .     

Effect of Subsurface Water Level and Irrigation Intervals on Hassawi Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Production on a Sandy Loam Soil

A 2-year experiment was conducted using 84 cylindrical metal barrels, each 80 cm in diameter and 120 cm in height. Barrels were packed with sandy loam soil to evaluate the effect of three subsurface water levels (30, 70, and 100 cm) and four irrigation intervals (daily, every second day, every third day, and every fourth day) in a completely randomized design on growth and production of Hassawi rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivar. The 30-cm subsurface water level (SW L) gave the highest grain yield. However, yield decreased as SW L increased. On the other hand, the four irrigation intervals showed significant increase in grain yield as the frequency of irrigation decreased. All yield components were positively affected by increasing irrigation frequency. The most important was found to be the 100-grain weight. The increase in grain yield was associated with the increase in plant height, plant fresh weight, plant dry weight, and weight of 100 grains. The interaction between SW L and irrigation intervals revealed that the highest grain yield was obtained at 30-cm SW L and daily irrigation. However, the grain yield obtained at 30-cm SW L and irrigation every second day showed similar yield and higher water use efficiency, with a savings of 12% irrigation water compared to that used at daily irrigation and 30-cm SW L. All other combinations of SW L and irrigation intervals either produced very low grain yields or showed low water use efficiency. Therefore irrigation of Hassawi rice in sandy loam soil may benefit from shallow SW L (30 cm) and irrigation every second day, which may prove to be an acceptable management practice for grain rice production, providing the highest water use efficiency.