AGROPYRON REPENS (L.) BEAUV.—SOME EFFECTS OF RHIZOME FRAGMENTATION, RHIZOME BURIAL AND DEFOLIATION

Summary. A factorial experiment with couch grass ( Agropyron repens (L.) Beauv.) grown in boxes examined the effects of rhizome fragmentation, planting depth and shoot removal on the survival of rhizome pieces, new rhizome growth and rhizome carbohydrate reserves.
Burial to 4 in. depth in sandy loam soil led to the death of 54% of 1 in. long rhizome pieces and 28% of 3 in. pieces. With all the segment lengths tested deeper planting decreased the proportion of buds which produced shoots.
Shoot removal every 14 days decreased the dry weight and carbohydrate content of the planted rhizomes and prevented new rhizome growth. Segments 1 or 3 in. long lost their carbohydrate reserves more quickly than 9 in. pieces. Rhizomes planted at 4 in. depth contained less carbohydrate after establishment than shallow-planted material, and produced less new rhizome growth.
IS Agropyron repens (L.) Beauv.–Quelques effets de la fragmentation et de l'enfouissement du rhizome et de la defoliation     

Studies on the mode of action of asulam in bracken (Pteridium aquilinum L. Kuhn) I. Absorption and translocation of [14C]asulam

Studies of the absorption and translocation of foliage-applied ring-labelled [¹⁴C]asulam [methyl (4-aminobenzenesulphonyl) carbamate] were carried out using glasshouse and field-grown bracken plants. Translocation of ¹⁴C from the treated frond was primarily according to a 'source to sink’pattern with intense accumulation of radioactivity in the metabolically active sinks viz. rhizome apices, frond buds, root tips and young frond tissue. In the case of field bracken, translocation and distribution of ¹⁴C was extensive in the rhizome system, accumulation occurring in the active as well as dormant buds situated on the non-frond-bearing and storage rhizome branches. Treatment of fully expanded fronds with 100μl of [¹⁴C]asulam (1 mg, 1.0–1.5 μCi) as 2 μl droplets resulted in a rapid initial uptake during the first week, followed by progressive entry and distribution with time. Basipetal translocation to the rhizome system was positively correlated with total uptake. High humidity (95%) and high temperature (30°C) stimulated uptake and subsequent basipetal translocation to a considerable degree. Uptake was greater through the stomatal-bearing abaxial than through the adaxial cuticle. Incorporation of a surfactant (Tergitol-7, 0.1%) increased penetration by up to 30%. Uptake declined markedly as the frond aged, while translocation was predominantly acropetal in young treated fronds, becoming exclusively basipetal when the fronds matured. Optimum uptake and maximum distribution of [¹⁴C]asulam in the rhizome and its associated buds was achieved when treatments were applied to almost fully expanded fronds. The translocated ¹⁴C (asulam and possibly some of its metabolites) showed a considerable degree of persistence in the rhizome system, 8% of the applied activity still remaining in the rhizome 40 weeks after treatment.     

Johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense) growth characteristics as related to rhizome length

Growth characteristics of johnsongrass [Sorghum halepence(L) Pers] grown in the field from rhizomes 2.5, 5, 10, 15, 20, or 25 cm long were studied in a sandy loam soil for 2 years. Plant height, number of leaves per plant, number of tillers per plant, and fresh weight of new rhizomes and shoots were significantly dependent on the length of the planted rhizome 20, 40, 60, or 80 days after planting. All growth characteristics increased significantly as the length of planted rhizome increased from 2.5 cm to 10 cm to 25 cm Growth characteristics of Johnsongrass plants grown on rhizomes of adjacent lengths (differing by 5 cm) generally were not significantly different. Longer rhizomes (15, 20, or 25 cm) initiated new rhizome growth much earlier (about 20–30 days) than shorter rhizomes (2.5, 5, or 10 cm) Although all rhizome lengths showed a parallel growth potential, the lunger rhizomes were capable of more and faster growth, especially early after planting. It is suggested that Johnsongrass plants associated with longer rhizomes in the field as a result of limited tillage, coupled with their faster growth rate, are expected to interfere with crop production earlier than plants on shorter rhizomes unless controlled.     

Regeneration of yarrow (Achillea millefolium L.) rhizome fragments of different length from various depths in the soil

The regenerative response of the rhizomes of Achillea millefolium L. to fragmentation and burial was studied in field experiments on three different soils. The percentage of buds producing shoots (estimated from surviving rhizome fragments) from 4 cm (1·6 nodes), 8 cm (3·8 nodes) and 16 cm (6·7 nodes) rhizome fragments was 63, 44 and 32 respectively averaged over all soils and depths of 5, 10 and 15 cm. The depth at which 50% of the fragments failed to produce an emerged shoot (LD₅₀ depth) was 9·3, 12·4 and 17·9 cm for 4-, 8- and 16-cm fragments respectively averaged over all soils. No fragments survived on the soil surface. The time of emergence of the first shoots was delayed and the rate of emergence and ultimate shoot population reduced with increasing depth of burial. Dry-matter production by aerial shoots and new rhizomes decreased linearly with depth of burial of the rhizome fragments. Soil type had no effect on the regeneration of the fragments. The significance of the results for the control of A. millefolium is discussed.     

Growth of Elymus repens (L.) Gould and Agrostis gigantea Roth. at different light intensities

Elymus repens (L.) Gould and Agrostis gigantea Roth. raised from rhizomes both responded to reduced light intensity by increased stem length, while the number of aerial shoots was reduced. The weight of the aerial parts was not influenced by a 50% reduction of the daylight intensity, but a further reduction of light caused a significant decrease in weight. The production of new rhizomes was more influenced by shading than were the aerial shoots. The consequence was an increase in the shoot/rhizome ratio. The food reserve per bud measured as inter-node weight in E. repens and A. gigantea was reduced only with intensive shading, and the vitality of the rhizomes appeared independent of light intensity. Intensive shading in early as compared to late summer caused a reduction in the number and weight of aerial shoots, but not in the weight of new rhizomes. Light intensities equal to those found in a spring wheat crop allowed more E. repens growth than light intensities equal to those in a spring oat crop. E. repens raised from seeds and grown at light intensities equal to those found in a cereal crop, showed insignificant rhizome production.     

The biology of African feather grass (Pennisetum macrourum Trin.) in Tasmania, II. Rhizome biology

The rhizome biology of Pennisetum macrourum was studied in a series of field and glasshouse experiments. The total available carbohydrate content of rhizomes remained between 15 and 22% of dry weight throughout the year, with fluctuations, related to the seasonal growth pattern. The percentage regeneration or rhizome fragments of one, two and four nodes buried at 15 cm was 13, 33 and 57, respectively. Thirty percent of 4-node rhizome fragments regenerated from a depth of 25 cm. In 11 desiecation experiment, regeneration of 3-node rhizome fragments occurred until rhizome moisture content was reduced to 14%, The time taken to reach this moisture content varied from 4 to 10 days depending on the temperature. The significance of these results for the control of P. macrourum is discussed.     

Regenerative capacity of rhizomes and tubers from two populations of Helianthus tuberosus L. (Jerusalem artichoke)

The regenerative responses of rhizomes and tubers from two populations of Helianthus tuberosus L. to burial and fragmentation were studied in field experiments. The regeneration of both populations varied with planting depth and stage of growth at which fragmentation occurred. Shoots of both populations emerged from rhizomes or tubers planted to depths of 30 cm. The percentage of tubers that regenerated was higher than that of rhizomes, particularly from deeper planting depths. The regeneration from rhizomes and tubers of a riverbank population was greater than that of a‘weedy’population. Rhizomes and tubers from both populations that had failed to produce shoots I year after planting were found to have decomposed completely. The significance of these results in relation to the distribution and control of H. tuberosus is discussed.     

Some Factors Affecting the Germination of Alang - Alang (Imperata cylindrica) Rhizome Buds

Abstract

The germination of alang-alang rhizome buds was found to be affected by the colour of the buds, the length of the rhizome sections, and the orientation of the sections in the cultural medium.

The position of the buds on the sections did not affect the germination of the buds, nor did the differences in diameter of the rhizomes.

Subsequent growth of the buds was positively affected by increasing the lengths of the sections.     

DEVELOPMENT OF CYNODON DACTYLON (L.) PERS.*

Summary. Early development of Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers, was studied on one-node rhizome fragments planted at successive dates over a year. Aerial growth followed the changes in external temperature; in the cool season tops grew very slowly but remained alive. New rhizomes were formed only at temperatures exceeding 15–20°C. Flowering occurred in the warm season from May onwards. No relationship was found between flowering and rhizome formation. The age of plants forming new rhizomes decreased from 5 months for the January planting to less than 2 months for the May-September plantings. Rhizome bud germination was maximal between 23 and 35°C, slow below 20°C and inhibited at 10°C. The weight ratio of tops to subterranean parts of established plants was near 1 in winter, declined in March-April and remained at 0·5–0·6 from May onwards. An established sward of C. dactylon was sampled from September to November of the following year. Dry weight was lowest from January to mid-April, rose in spring and decreased in late summer. Almost no rhizomes were found deeper than 45 cm. Underground parts from the 0–15, 15–30 and 30–45 cm horizons constituted 62, 26 and 12% of the total weight, respectively; rhizomes formed more than 90% of the total underground dry weight. In the warm season the dry weight of the subterranean organs amounted to 2, 0·7 and 0·4 kg/m³ of soil in the three horizons, respectively. Percent dry matter in tops and subterranean parts was about 35–45% in the winter and 50–65% in the warm season. Up to 2% reducing sugars was found in various parts of the plants. The water-soluble sugar content of rhizomes was high in November-December, decreased in late winter, rose again in spring, and decreased in late summer. Percent germination of rhizome buds fluctuated greatly during the year, but complete dormancy was never recorded. Newly-formed rhizomes showed a high germinative capacity. Similar germination percentages were found on fragments with one node and those with several nodes. Développement du Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.     

SPATIAL GROWTH OF CYNODON DACTYLON (L.) PERS.*

Summary. Small sprigs of Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers., were planted and grown without competition from weeds and crops for 2 1/2 years. The plant spread by means of above-ground creeping stolons and subterranean rhizomes which could also emerge as aerial shoots, producing in their turn new stolons and rhizomes. Initially there was linear extension of stolons and rhizomes, following which gaps in the sod were filled by stolon branching and new shoots. There was no preferential direction of stolon elongation and established sods developed an approximately circular shape and expanded concentrically. The rate of increase in sod area was similar in both years of observation but radial extension was smaller in the second year than in young plants. The mean sod area was 25 m² after 2½ years of growth, and mean monthly area increment was 0·9 m². Growth almost stopped in the cold season and exceeded 2 m² per month in the summer. The plants had extended up to 3·9 m from the plant centre after 2 1/2 years. The number of flowering culms per sod, produced only in the warm season, was directly proportional to sod area; seeds were infertile in the Newe Ya'ar area. After 2½ years of growth about 70% of the rhizome dry weight was present in the upper 20 cm of soil. Few rhizomes penetrated deeper than 40 cm. More than 60% of the rhizomes were present within 1 m radius of the plant centre and 90% were present within 2 m radius. Croissance spatiale de Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.     

Rhizome dynamics in Calystegia japonica Choisy and Calystegia hederacea Wall. in relation to overwintering

Calystegia japonica Choisy and Calystegia hederacea Wall., common perennial weeds throughout cropped and uncropped land in Japan, are known to regenerate mostly by rhizomes. The rhizome dynamics of the two species were investigated, focusing on their overwintering characteristics. The dry weight of rhizomes continued to increase for 6–7 weeks after the decrease in weight of the aerial parts began, then it decreased in winter because of the partial death and consequent fragmentation of the rhizomes. Overwintering as naturally fragmented rhizomes is a unique characteristic of the two Calystegia spp. as it is not observed in other rhizomatous weeds that maintain systematic connections at least during the following regeneration in spring. In C. japonica , rhizome degradation was more pronounced and more systematic than in C. hederacea , where thicker fragments that included apices remained. Qualitative changes in C. japonica rhizomes, such as increases in dry matter accumulation and starch, and a temporary decrease in sprouting ability, seem to relate to this specialized survival mechanism. Calystegia hederacea did not show either specialization or preparation for overwintering in its rhizome. The adaptability of Calystegia weeds to annual crop fields can be attributed to their capacity to regenerate from naturally fragmented rhizomes.     

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.     

Effects of temperature, light and certain growth regulating substances on sprouting, rooting and growth of single-node rhizome and shoot segments of Paspalum distichum L.

The rate of sprouting, rooting and early growth of both single-node stem and rhizome segments of Paspalum distichum L. increased as incubation temperatures increase to about 30°C and then declined at 40°C. There was little growth at 10°C. Single-node shoots remained viable at cooler temperatures after 1 days’incubation at 45°C, and 35% remained viable after 2 days’incubation at 45°C. Both shoot and rhizome segments sprouted and rooted at alternating temperatures of 45°C/28°C and 45°C/22°C. Generally sprouting and rooting of shoot segments were faster than in rhizome segments, but the response to temperature was similar for both sprouting and rooting of single-node shoot and rhizome segments. Single-node shoot segments sprouted faster in 16-h day lengths than in the dark. Rooting was better in the dark at 10°C, unaffected by light at 22 and 28°C, and faster in the light at 35 and 40°C. Sprouting, rooting and early growth were enhanced by gibberellin A₃, kinetin and indole-3-acetic acid. Shoots collected at different seasons differed in their sprouting and rooting responses at various incubation temperatures. These patterns varying in response to seasonal temperature fluctuations may provide a survival mechanism for P. distichum.     

THE INCIDENCE OF DORMANCY IN TWO-NODE STEM AND RHIZOME FRAGMENTS OF POLYGONUM AMPHIBIUM L.

Summary. Monthly samples of field-grown rhizomes and aerial stems of Polygonum amphibium were tested for innate dormancy during parts of 2 years in England and during 5 months of a third year in southern Germany. All stems and rhizomes were cut into two-node fragments, planted in soil in a warm glasshouse, and the new shoots counted after 3 weeks. Dormancy per month for different categories of stems varied from 0 to 23%, averaging 4–3% for all fragments tested but only 1–3% for mature buds. No evidence of a dormant period was found in either country.
Incidence de la darmance dans une tige à deux noeuds et des fragments de rhizome de Polygonum amphibium L.     

Can the riparian invader,Arundo donax,benefit from clonal integration?

Resource sharing through rhizomes of clonal plants supplements locally available nutrients to enhance recruitment and growth in resource‐limited environments. We investigated whether Arundo donax, an invasive clonal plant, can benefit from clonal integration. Sharing resources between ramets can facilitate resprouting from mowing, fire and herbicide treatments, but it is unknown whether clonal integration contributes to A. donax invasion success. Our first objective was to determine whether A. donax rhizomes transported water between ramets. Hydrogen isotopic–enriched water was applied on three 1 m diameter areas, and rhizome and soil samples were collected beyond the watering zone after 5, 24 and 48 h of the last watering. Logistic modelling indicated that water was able to move laterally at least 3.5 m. The second objective was to determine whether clonal integration enhanced growth and survival of A. donax ramets. We compared growth‐related responses in paired 1 m² plots with severed and intact rhizomes. In the first 19 days, rhizome severing nearly doubled ramet density, while by 77 days, the intact rhizomes produced 67% taller stems with 49% greater diameter and showed higher survival rate after flooding. This study provides initial evidence that physiological integration could be an important mechanism in A. donax, which can enhance its competitive abilities, accelerate rates of encroachment and strengthen its capability to recolonise disturbed areas. Our results highlight an important consideration of clonal invasive species in weed management.     

Some aspects of the physiology of the rhizomes of Poa pratensis L.

The rhizome tips of Poa pratensis L. are inherently negatively geotropic but grow horizontally under the dominance of the apices of their parent tillers. This dominance is rapidly lost when the rhizome tips are exposed to light. The dominance, which is also associated with the lack of cataphyll development, was increased by defoliation and when light was excluded from the parent tiller, was reduced by addition of nitrogen, but was unaffected by orientation of the rhizome apex. The axillary buds on the rhizome may abort, remain dormant, grow into rhizomes or produce aerial shoots. They are primarily under the apical dominance of the rhizome apex, but their dormancy was broken by light. In the intact plant, buds distal to the rhizome apex lost dormancy earliest but removal of the rhizome apex caused buds proximal to the cut stump to grow most rapidly. These results are discussed and comparisons are made with other rhizomatous species. Quelques aspects de la physiologie des rhizomes de Poa pratensis L. Les extrémités des rhizomes de Poa pratensis L. sont, par nature, négativement géotropiques mais poussent horizontalement sous la dominance des apex de leurs talles apparentées. Cette dominance disparait rapidement lorsque les extré-mités des rhizomes sont exposés à la lumiére. La dominance, qui est aussi associée avec le manque de developpement de la cataphylle a été augmentée par la defoliation et lorsque les talles apparentées ont été soustraites à Faction de la lumiére; elle a été réduite par apport d'azote mais n'a pas été influence par l'orientation de l'apex du rhizome. Les bourgeons axillaires sur le rhizome peuvent avorter, rester dormants, se développer en rhizomes ou produire des tiges aériennes. Ils sont tout d'abord sous la dominance apicale de l'apex du rhizome, mais leur dormance a été rompue par la lumiére. Dans la plante intacte, les bourgeons en position distale par rapport k l'apex du rhizome rompent leur dormance plus tot mais l'enlévement de l'apex du rhizome provoque, chez les bourgeons en position proximale par rapport à l'extrémité coupée, une croissance beaucoup plus rapide. Ces résultats sont discutés et des comparaisons sont faites avec d'autres espéces rhizomateuses. Einige Gesichtspunkte zur Physiologie der Rhizome von Poa pratensis L. Bei Poa pratensis L. verhalten sich die Rhizomspitzen von Natur aus negativ geotrop, aber durch Dominanz, die von den Sproβspitzen der Mutterpflanzen ausgeht, wachsen sie horizontal. Diese Dominanz wird rasch aufgehoben, wenn die Rhizomspitzen dem Licht ausgesetzt werden. Die Dominanz, die ferner mit einer fehlenden Entwicklung von Niederblättern an den Rhizomen einhergeht, wurde durch Entfernen der Blätter verstärkt, ebenso, wenn den Mutters-prossen das Licht entzogen wurde. Die Dominanz wurde durch Zugabe von Stickstoff gemindert; die Ausrichtung der Rhizomspitzen spielte jedoch keine Rolle. Die Axillarknospen an den Rhizomen konnen verkümmern, dormant bleiben, als Rhizome austreiben oder oberirdische Sprosse bilden. Sie stehen in erster Linie unter apikaler Dominanz der Rhizomspitzen, aber ihre Dormanz wird durch Licht gebrochen. Bei intakten Pflanzen verloren die im Hinblick auf die Rhizomspitze distalen Knospen ihre Dormanz am fruhesten, aber ein Entfernen der Rhizomspitze veranlasste die zum Schnittende hin proximal gelegenen Knospen am schnellsten zum Austreiben. Diese Ergebnisse werden diskutiert und Vergleiche mit anderen rhizombildenden Arten angestellt.     

Pre-treatment environmental effects on the uptake, translocation, metabolism and performance of fluazifop-butyl in Elymus repens

The performance of fluazifop-butyl against Elymus repens (L.) Gould was significantly influenced by the environmental conditions in which the plants had grown prior to treatment as follows: soil moisture deficit (greatest reduction of herbicide performance) > cool temperatures > low light intensity. The level of control under conditions in which none of these factors was reduced (so-called ‘standard’ conditions) was similar to that observed for‘low light’regime plants. Significant effects of environment on spray retention, foliar uptake and amounts of herbicide translocated to the roots and rhizomes were observed. The lowest rates of herbicide uptake were found with plants grown under cool conditions, the greatest amount of basipetal herbicide translocation being associated with low light intensities. Rates of herbicide de-esterification were much lower in plants grown under low light intensities, cool temperatures, or soil moisture deficits than in those plants grown under the ‘standard’ conditions. This result was confirmed by studies of herbicide deesterification using cell-free leaf homogenates.     

Effects of ethephon pre-treatment on the response of Elymus repens to fluazifop-butyl

Growth inhibition of pot-grown Elymus repens (L.) Gould by fluazifop-butyl was occasionally enhanced by pre-treatment with ethephon. Studies with ¹⁴C-labelled fluazifop-butyl showed that ethephon increased the accumulation of ¹⁴C in basal buds and proximal parts of the rhizome system. This potential modification in the distribution of fluazifop-butyl within E. repens rhizomes may have reduced regeneration and recovery of the E. repens, particularly from the basal buds, although there was no increase in the proportion of ¹⁴C translocated into the rhizome. Also, ethephon not only activated the sinks in the rhizome but in the foliage of E. repens as well, and could initiate buds without sinks. The effects of ethephon on fluazifop-butyl phototoxicity were irregular in their occurrence and degree, and possible reasons for this are discussed. Effets depré-traitements à I'étéphon sur la réponse de Elymus repens au fluazifop-butyl Lors d'expériences en pots, des pré-traitements & 1'étéphon augmentaient occasionnellement 1'inhibition de croissance d'Elymus repens (L.) Gould traité au fluazifop-butyl. Des etudes avec du fluazifop-butyl marqué au ¹⁴C ont montré que l'éléphon augmentait l'accumulation de ¹⁴Cdans les bourgeons de la base et dans les parties proximales des rhizomes. Bien que la proportion de ¹⁴C transportée dans le rhizome ne soit pas accrue, cette modification de la distribution du fluazifop-butyl à l'intérieur des rhizomes d'E. repens pourrait limiter la régénération et la reprise de croissance, en particulier à partir des bourgeons de la base. En outre, l'étéphon activait des puits métaboliques non seulement dans le rhizome mais aussi dans le feuillage d'E. repens et pouvait initier des bourgeons qui ne se comportaient pas comme des puits métaboliques. Tant 1'existence que 1'intensité des effets de 1'étéphon sur la phytotoxicité du fluazifop-butyl étaient irréguliers et les raisons possibles en sont discutées. Wirkung einer Vorbehandlung mit Ethephon auf die Reaktion von Elymus repens (L.) Gould auf Fluazifop-butyl In Gewächshausversuchen war die Wuchshem-mung von Elymus repens durch Fluazifop-butyl gelegentlich durch eine Vorbehandlung mil Ethephon verstärkt. Untersuchungen mil ¹⁴C-Fluazifop-butyl ergaben, daß Ethephon die Ak-kumulation von ¹⁴C in basalen Knospen und proximalen Teilen des Rhizoms förderte. Die so mögliche Veränderung der Verteilung von Fluazifop-butyl in den Quecke-Rhizomen kann zu der reduzierten Regeneration der Pflanzen geführt haben, vor allem aus den basalen Knospen, obwohl insgesamt keine groBere ¹⁴C-Menge im Rhizom gefunden wurde. Ethephon aktivierte nicht nur die Sinks im Rhizom, son-dern auch in den oberirdischen Teilen und kon-nte zur Ausbildung von Knospen ohne Sinks führen. Die Wirkungen des Ethephons auf die herbizide Wirkung des Fluazifop-butyls war unregelmaßig, und die moglichen Grunde dafiir werden diskutiert.     

EFFECTS OF DESICCATION AND TEMPERATURE ON SURVIVAL OF CYPERUS ESCULENTUS TUBERS AND CYNODON DACTYLON RHIZOMES

Summary. The effects of all combinations of five desiccation treatments, two temperatures and three durations of desiccation on the survival of Cyperus esculentus tubers and two-node Cynodon dactylon rhizome fragments were examined in laboratory and glasshouse experiments.
Cyperus esculentus tuber survival was greater at 22°C than at 4°C. Duration of desiccation did not influence tuber survival, except at the lower temperature.
Survival of Cynodon dactylon rhizome fragments was greatly influenced by desiccation treatment, duration of desiccation and the interaction of these two factors. No buds survived when rhizomes reached 50% of their original weight, indicating good tolerance of desiccation since the original dry-matter content of rhizomes in this experiment was 41·2%.     

Studies on the mode of action of asulam in bracken (Pteridium aquilinum L. Kuhn) II. Biochemical activity in the rhizome buds

The effect of asulam (methyl (4-aminobenzenesulphonyl) carbamate) on the synthesis of RNA and protein was investigated in bracken sporeling plants and excised rhizome bud tissue. Foliage application of asulam (4.4 kg/ha) reduced the RNA levels in frond buds and young fronds within 3 days, while protein levels were significantly reduced after 14 days. A significant reduction in respiratory activity of buds was observed after 2 weeks, the level of inhibition being 54% after 8 weeks. During a 3-h incubation period, O₂ uptake by excised bud issue was stimulated by 5 and 10 ppm asulam and inhibited by higher concentrations; ₃₂P uptake was inhibited at all concentrations. Asulam (5 ppm and above) inhibited bud growth and reduced RNA and protein levels in incubated buds (20 h at 30°C), and the incorporation of [₁₄C]orotic acid into RNA and [₁₄C]leucine into protein. Reduction of RNA levels and inhibition of [₁₄C]ladenine incorporation into RNA in buds occurred entirely in the ribosomal and supernatant fractions of the cellular extract. Inhibition of RNA synthesis by asulam (50 ppm) as measured by [₁₄C] orotic acid incorporation into RNA was completely antagonized by CEPA (3-chloroethylphosphonic acid) (50 ppm) and partially by 2,4-D (2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid) (50 ppm) and GA (Gibberellic acid) (50 ppm). These results suggest that the interference of asulam with RNA and protein synthesis at the metabolically active sinks (rhizome buds) could be one of its major mechanisms of action in bracken.