Application timing of asulam for torpedograss (Panicum repens L.) control in sugarcane in Okinawa island

Field and glasshouse experiments were conducted from 1995 through 1996 to evaluate application timing of asulam (methyl sulfanilylcarbamate) for torpedograss (Panicum repens L.) control in relation to plant age in sugarcane. Above‐ground shoots of torpedograss were completely controlled with asulam at 2–4 kg active ingredient (a.i.) ha^?1 applied 60 or 80 days after planting (DAP) in artificially infested pots. But some newly developed rhizome buds survived after asulam application resulting in 1–25 and 76–100% or more regrowth in 60 and 80 DAP‐applied pots, respectively. Whereas the herbicide at 2–4 kg a.i. ha^?1 applied within 60 DAP completely controlled above‐ground shoots, applied 80 DAP at 2 kg a.i. ha^?1 it did not completely control the weed in the artificially infested field. Regrowth levels were 1–25 and 76–100% or more in 60 and 80 DAP‐applied plots, respectively. Asulam at 2–3 kg a.i. ha^?1 applied 20, 40, 60 or 80 DAP in a naturally infested field completely controlled above‐ground shoots and regrowth levels were 76–100 or more, 51–75, 1–25 and 26–50% in these same DAP applied plots, respectively. The herbicide applied at 4 kg a.i. ha^?1 caused chlorosis on younger sugarcane leaves (one‐leaf stage), but when applied at 2–3 kg a.i. ha^?1, no injury symptoms were shown. The herbicide at 2–4 kg a.i. ha^?1 applied within 60 DAP resulted in remarkably higher yield and shoot biomass of sugarcane than that applied 80 DAP. This study suggested that asulam at 2–3 kg a.i. ha^?1 should be applied 60 days after planting for the maximum control of torpedograss regrowth and better yield of sugarcane. This study also indicated that torpedograss cannot be completely controlled with a single application of asulam in a naturally infested field because of rhizome fragmentation by cross plowing and distribution of rhizomes into different soil layers that require different times to emerge. The shoots emerging after asulam application could not be controlled. Another study is required to determine the interval between sequential applications of asulam for better control of torpedograss in a naturally infested field.     

Interference between triazine-resistant Brassica napus and Panicum miliaceum

Atrazine carryover often limits growers to production of atrazine-tolerant crops the year following application, and allows the increase of triazine-tolerant weed species such as Panicum miliaceum L. (wild proso millet). Tiriazine-resistant Brassica napus L. cv. ‘Triton’ (oilseed rape) was tested to characterize the nature of interspecific interference with P. miliaceum. In a greenhouse study, atrazine at 2.2 kg ha^?1 depressed oilseed rape fruit (siliqua) number and fruit dry weight, and delayed flowering, but did not significantly affect height or weight of shoots, Oilseed rape fruit weight was reduced at 200 P. miliaceum plants m^?2. fruit number and shoot weight were inhibited at 400 weeds m^?2. and height was reduced and flowering delayed at 600 weeds m^?2. Number and weight of fruits were reduced by one-third after 8 weeks of interference as compared to oilseed rape grown with the weed for 4 weeks. Oilseed rape height was reduced by 29% and shoot weight by 55% by 600 weeds m^?2 and 2–2 kg ha^?1 atrazine, while fruit number and weight were reduced by 72%. Oilseed rape shoot weight was reduced by 74% by 600 weeds m^?2 for 12 weeks of interference, while fruit number and weight were reduced by 85% and 82%. respectively. In a field study, fluazifop reduced early season P. miliaceum cover by 72%, but did not increase oilseed rape cover. Mid-season P. miliaceum shoot weight was decreased by 97% by fluazifop and oilseed rape shoot weight was increased by 34%. P. miliaceum control increased oilseed rape biomass by 38% at 89 days, but biomass of oilseed rape sown at 11.2 kg ha^?1 with 2.2 kg atrazine ha^?1 was not decreased by P. miliaceum interference at 89 days.     

Impact of Irrigation Timing and Weed Management Practices on Chlorophyll Content and Morphological Traits of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum Mill.)

Weeds are a major biotic constraint; compete with crop for the same resources and ultimately reduce productivity. This study evaluated the impact of irrigation intervals and weed management treatments on chlorophyll content and morphological growth of tomato to find an appropriate integrated weed management strategy. Two-year field experiments (2018/2019) were conducted at district Mardan (34°15′38″ N and 72°6′36″ E). Tomato F1 hybrid (Taj?3592) was transplanted during March. The experiments were laid out in a randomized complete-block design in split-plot arrangement with three replications. The main block comprised three irrigation intervals (3, 6, and 9 days) and the sub-block included weed management treatments: transparent polythene, black polythene, weeding except Orobanche, sole weeding of Orobanche, weeding of all weeds, copper oxychloride 1.5?kg a.i ha^?1 (single dose), copper oxychloride 1.5?kg a.i ha^?1 (split doses), copper oxychloride?+?humic acid 25?kg ha^?1 (single dose), copper oxychloride?+?humic acid 25?kg ha^?1 (split doses), copper sulphate 2?kg ha^?1 (single dose), copper sulphate 2?kg ha^?1 (split doses), ammonium sulphate 200?kg ha^?1 (single dose), ammonium sulphate 200?kg ha^?1 (split doses), pendimethalin 33 EC 1.44?kg a.i ha^?1, glyphosate 48 SL 1.5?kg a.i ha^?1, and weedy check. Lowest relative weed density (RWD) of O. cernua (2.23%) and highest RWD of O. cernua (38.01%) were recorded in the 3? and 9?day irrigation intervals, respectively. However, 3?day irrigation interval resulted in highest fresh weed biomass (5794?kg ha^?1). Moreover, the 6?day irrigation interval significantly increased chlorophyll content by 11 and 5%, leaf area by 23 and 6%, and number of branches plant^?1 by 30 and 22% compared to 9? and 3?day irrigation intervals, respectively. Among the weed management treatments, black polythene resulted in the highest weed control efficiency (96%), increasing chlorophyll content by 16%, leaf area by 33%, and number of branches plant^?1 by 64% vs. weedy check. Consequently, 6?day irrigation intervals?×?black polythene could be the best weed management strategy, followed by transparent polythene, weeding of all weeds, pendimethalin, glyphosate, and ammonium sulphate.

     

Evaluation of Water and Nitrogen Use Efficiency,Digestibility and Some Quantitative and Qualitative Characteristics of Forage Beet Cultivars Under Different Irrigation Methods and Nitrogen Levels

The aim of this study was to evaluate the water and nitrogen use efficiency and some quantitative and qualitative characteristics of forage beet cultivars under the influence of different irrigation methods and nitrogen levels in two cropping years, 2017–18 and 2018–19, at Agricultural Research Station in Karaj, Iran. Experimental factors included the first factor with four irrigation methods (normal leakage, alternate furrow irrigation, fixed furrow irrigation, type (drip-strip)), the second factor was the amount of nitrogen fertilizer with three levels (150, 200 and 250?kg N ha^?1) and the third factor included three forage beet cultivars (Sbsi052, Jamon and Kyros). Among irrigation treatments, alternate furrow irrigation and fixed furrow irrigation had the highest sugar content with 9.28% and 9.17%, respectively. The highest yield of digestible organic matter was obtained in leakage irrigation treatment, nitrogen fertilizer of 250?kg ha^?1 and in Kyros at the rate of 19.45?t ha^?1. The highest yield of root digestible dry matter, potassium, sodium and free nitrogen was observed in leakage irrigation treatment and consumption of 200?kg ha^?1 nitrogen was observed in foreign cultivars. The highest crude protein was observed in alternate furrow irrigation conditions with a consumption of 200?kg ha^?1 nitrogen in cultivar Sbsi052 at 13.08%. Leakage irrigation and type tape had the highest consumption efficiency and efficiency of nitrogen uptake with application of 150 and 200?kg ha^?1 N, and the highest water use efficiency was also observed in leakage irrigation and type tape with application of 250?kg ha^?1 N in domestic and foreign cultivars. The type irrigation method showed better quantitative and qualitative yield than the furrow irrigation methods.

     

Fate and persistence of residues on wheat used to explain efficacy differences between deltamethrin suspension concentrate and emulsifiable concentrate formulations

To help explain the increased residual activity of a deltamethrin suspension concentrate (SC) formulation against grasshoppers, the persistence, location and nature of residues from the SC and an emulsifiable concentrate (EC) formulation have been compared. Wheat plants were sprayed in a cabinet sprayer at 7.6 g ha^?1 for the EC and 5.6 g ha^?1 for the SC, then weathered outdoors for 16 days. With the SC formulation, residues were more persistent, more residues were located on the exterior of the leaves, and less deltamethrin was converted to inactive isomers. Eight days after spraying, the exterior deltamethrin residues were 0.13 μg plant^?1 from the SC versus 0.06 μg plant^?1 from the EC. Thus, more residual deltamethrin is available to grasshoppers with the SC formulation.     

Low doses of glyphosate change the responses of soyabean to subsequent glyphosate treatments

Many herbicides promote plant growth at doses well below the recommended application rate (hormesis). The objectives of this study were to evaluate glyphosate‐induced hormesis in soyabean (Glycine max) and determine whether pre‐treating soyabean seedlings with low doses of glyphosate would affect their response to subsequent glyphosate treatments. Seven doses (1.8–720 g a.e. ha^?1) of glyphosate were applied to 3‐week‐old seedlings, and the effects on the electron transport rate (ETR), metabolite (shikimate, benzoate, salicylate, AMPA, phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan) levels and dry weight were determined. The lowest dose stimulated ETR and increased biomass the most. Benzoate levels increased 203% with 3.6 g a.e. ha^?1 glyphosate. Salicylate content and tyrosine content were unaffected, whereas phenylalanine and tryptophan levels were increased by 60 and 80%, respectively, at 7.2 g a.e. ha^?1. Dose–response curves for these three amino acids were typical for hormesis. In another experiment that was replicated twice, soyabean plants were pre‐treated with low doses of glyphosate (1.8, 3.6 or 7.2 g a.e. ha^?1) and treated with a second application of glyphosate (1.8, 3.6, 7.2, 36, 180 or 720 g a.e. ha^?1) 14 days later. For total seedling dry weight, a 3.6 and 7.2 g a.e. ha^?1 glyphosate dose preconditioned the soyabean seedlings to have greater growth stimulation by a later glyphosate treatment than plants with no preconditioning glyphosate exposure. Optimal hormetic doses were generally higher with pre‐treated plants than plants that had not been exposed to glyphosate. Thus, pre‐exposure to low doses of glyphosate can change the hormetic response to later low‐dose exposures.     

Management of cardamom borer,Conogethes punctiferalis Guenee and thrips,Sciothrips cardamomi Ramk using diafenthiuron and its residues in fresh and cured cardamom capsules

Cardamom is an important spice crops used all over the world as a flavoring agent of food materials. The productivity is limited by insect pests and thus effective insecticide which does not leave residues in the produce is the need of the hour. Diafenthiuron 50 WP @ 300 g a.i ha^?1 was found effective in managing both the cardamom shoot and capsule borer, Conogethes punctiferalis Guenee and thrips, Sciothrips cardamomi Ramk and thus can be recommended for pest management. Cardamom capsules were collected from the plants that were sprayed with diafenthiuron at the recommended dose of 200 g a.i ha^?1 and double the dose (400 g a.i ha^?1), which were then analyzed under HPLC with a normal phase column. The diafenthiuron residue was below the detectable levels of 0.05 µg g^?1 in the harvested produce (both fresh and cured) after twelve and fourteen days of spray. So, capsules can be harvested safely without any risk of insecticide residues 12 days after spraying of diafenthiuron and thus can be recommended for usage in cardamom plantations.     

Common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) dry matter allocation and partitioning under different nitrogen and density levels

Dry matter partitioning and allocation is a major determinant of plant growth and its competitiveness. Common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) is a troublesome agronomic weed species and it is also a major health concern in Europe and many other countries because of its rapid spreading and production of allergenic pollen. A field experiment was conducted in 2009 to determine the effect of nitrogen fertilizer levels (0, 100, and 200 kg ha^?1) and plant density levels (1.3, 6.6, and 13.2 plants per m²) on the leaf, stem dry matter partitioning, and dry matter allocation of ragweed. With an increasing density, the stem partitioning coefficient increased, whereas the leaf partitioning coefficient decreased. The addition of nitrogen had a limited effect on the leaf and stem dry matter partitioning. The root dry matter production decreased with an increasing density and was not influenced by the addition of nitrogen. Under intraspecific competition, ragweed exhibited a stronger above‐ground competition intensity than below the ground, which resulted in a greater root : shoot ratio, compared to the low‐density stands. The level of nitrogen influenced the vertical leaf, stem, and total dry matter distribution, with a greater allocation to the top stratum of the plants, thus increasing their competition for light. The biomass allocation of ragweed to the roots in response to the nitrogen supply exhibited a low plasticity, compared to the shoots, which displayed a high plasticity. The results of this study suggested that, under intraspecific conditions and with an increasing nitrogen supply, ragweed would be more competitive in above‐ground resource acquisition.     

Efficacy of five different formulations of clopyralid on Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop, and Polygonum convolvulus L

Experiments were conducted in a controlled environment growth room to compare the phytotoxicity of five formulations of clopyralid and to determine the effect of post-treatment simulated rainfall applications on the efficacy of these formulations. Clopyralid, formulated as the acid, monoethanolamine salt, potassium salt, 2-ethylhexyl ester or 1-decyl ester was applied to Cirsium arvense or Polygonum convolvulus at the 8–10 and 4–6 leaf stage of development, respectively. Based on the shoot and root dry weight data from both species, the 2-ethylhexyl ester was consistently less phytotoxic than the other four formulations. With respect to Cirsium arvense shoot and root dry weight, there was no difference in efficacy between the acid, monoethanolamine salt, potassium salt and 1-decyl ester. Root dry weight changes of Polygonum convolvulus did not correlate well with an increase in dose of the five formulations. Maximum increase in stem diameter of Polygonum convolvulus occurred after application of 100 g a.e. ha^?1 of the acid, monoethanolamine salt, potassium salt and 1-decyl ester whereas with the 2-ethylhexyl ester, the maximum increase occurred after application of 200 g a.e. ha^?1. Simulated rainfall was applied 3, 6, 9 or 12 h after application of 200 g a.e. ha^?1 of the five clopyralid formulations to both species. Rainfall reduced the efficacy of clopyralid, regardless of the formulation or species. The 2-ethylhexyl ester was less efficacious than the other four formulations, irrespective of the timing of simulated rainfall.     

Methyl isothiocyanate volatilization from fields treated with metam‐sodium

Emission of methyl isothiocyanate (MITC) from fields treated with metam‐sodium (sodium N‐methyldithiocarbamate) is a potential environmental and human safety hazard. Concentrations of MITC at three heights above four arable fields were measured following the application of metam‐sodium at a rate of 480 litre ha⁻¹ (166 kg AI ha⁻¹). Two of these fields were treated by injection into a center‐pivot irrigation system (chemigation), while in the other two fields the fumigant was applied through injection directly into the soil. Generally, higher MITC air concentrations were observed above chemigated than above injected fields. Maximum MITC air concentrations were 11.2 and 7.4 µg m⁻³ recorded 10 cm above ground 6–8 h following application and the minimum concentrations were 0.7 and 0.2 µg m⁻³ observed at 200 cm 30–35 h after application above chemigated and injected fields, respectively. The estimated MITC respiratory exposure a worker might encounter during the re‐entry period ranged between 1.37 and 0.03 mg day⁻¹ in chemigated fields and between 0.35 and 0.02 mg day⁻¹ in the injected fields. These results suggest that application of the fumigant through injection reduced MITC volatilization losses in comparison with the chemigation method, thus posing a relatively lower risk of exposure to MITC emissions. © 2000 Society of Chemical Industry     

Response of wild barley (Hordeum spontaneum) and winter wheat (Triticum aestivum) to sulfosulfuron: The role of degradation

Wild barley (Hordeum spontaneum) is one of the most troublesome weed species in winter wheat (Triticum aestivum) in Iran. Two bioassay experiments were conducted in order to study the response of wild barley and wheat to different herbicides and to study the efficacy of pre‐emergence (PRE), postemergence (POST), and PRE followed by POST applications of sulfosulfuron on wild barely. Moreover, the degradation of sulfosulfuron was studied by liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS). The results showed that wild barley was highly tolerant to clodinafop‐propargyl and its dry weight was reduced by only 15%, compared to the control, at the recommended dose (64 g ai ha^?1). Sulfosulfuron reduced the wild barley biomass by ≤50% at the highest dose (90 g ai ha^?1) in the first bioassay but by not more than 20% and 12% at the recommended dose (22 g ai ha^?1) in the first and second bioassay, respectively. Significant differences were found among the application methods of sulfosulfuron, with the POST application being the least effective method. In contrast to the POST application, wild barley was severely injured by the PRE application of sulfosulfuron, with an ED₅₀ dose of 7.3 g ai ha^?1. The degradation study showed that wild barley can metabolize sulfosulfuron that is applied POST, but at a lower rate than wheat. By 4 h after application, wild barley had metabolized 26% of the sulfosulfuron, compared to 46% by wheat. In conclusion, wild barley can metabolize the recommended dose of sulfosulfuron that is applied POST; thus, the PRE application of sulfosulfuron or other integrated methods should be considered for the effective control of wild barley in wheat.     

Pre-emergence herbicides for the control of broomrape (Orobanche cernua Loefl.) in sunflower (Helianthus annus L.)

Field experiments were conducted from 1989 to 1992 to determine the effects of pre-emergence herbicides in sunflower (Helianthus armuus L.) on: (1) the control of Orobanche cemua Loefl. (broomrape) and (2) crop damage and crop yield. Herbicides tested belong to the imidazolinone, sulfonylurea and substituted amide families. Imazethapy r (20–40 g ha^?1), imazapy r (12.5–25 gha^?1) and chlorsulfuron (4–6 gha^?1) controlled broomrape efficiently without crop injury. With good O. cernua control and good crop tolerance, sunflower seed yield from these treatments were generally similar to the non-infested checks and higher than the infestedchecks. Imazaquin (20–40 gha^?1), triasulfuron(4gha^?1), pdmisulfuron(3g ha^?1), acetochlor (4–4 kg ha^?1) and metazachlor (2 kg ha^?1) were less effective. Imazamethabenz (200–600 g ha^?1) and metolachlor (3–3 kg ha^?1) were ineffective. Wetconditions aftercropsowing considerably decreased O. cemua control with pre-emergence herbicides probably caused by enhanced degrädation. Des herbicides de prelevee pour la lutte contre Vorobanche (Orobanche cemua Loefl.) dans le toumesol (Helianthus annuus L.) Des expérimentations au champ ont été conduites de 1989 á 1992 pour determiner les effets d'herbicides de pré1evée du toumesol sun (a) la destruction de l'orobanche (Orobanche cernua Loefl.) et (b) la phytotoxcité sur la culture. Les herbicides testés appartenaient aux imidazolinones, aux sulfonylurdes et aux amides substituées. L'imazethapyr (20 á 40 gha^?1), l'imazapyr (12,5 á25gha^?1)et le chlorsulfuron (4 á 6 gha^?1) détruisaient efficacement l'orobanche sans occasionner de phytotoxidt6 sur la culture. Dans ces conditions, les rendements étaient généralement semblables à ceux des témoins non infestés et supérieurs à ceux des témoins infestés. L'imazaquin (20 à 40 g ha^?1), le triasulfuron (4 gha^?1), le primisulfuron (3 g ha^?1), lacétolachlor (4,4 kg ha^?1) et le métazachlor (2 kg ha^?1) étaient moins efficaces. L'imazaméthabenz (200 á 600 g ha^?1) et le métolachlor (3,3 kg ha^?1) etaient inefficaces. Des conditions humides aprfes le semis diminuaient considérablement la destruction de O. cemua par les herbicides de prélevée, probablement à cause d'une dégradation plus élevée. Vorauflaufherbigide zur Bekdmpfung der Sommerwurz Orobanche cemua Loefl. in Sonnenblume (Helianthus annuus L.) Zwischen 1989 und 1992 wurden in Sonnenblume Feldversuche zur Wirkung von Vorauflaufherbiziden aus den Gruppen der Imidazolinone, Sulfonylharnstoffe und substitutierten Amide auf die Sommerwurz Orobanche cernua und auf Kulturpflanzenschaden sowie den Ertrag durchgefuhrt. Mit Imazethapyr (20 bis 40 g ha^?1), Imazapyr (12,5 bis 25 g ha^?1) und Chlorsulfuron (4 bis 6 g ha^?1) lieβ sich die Sommerwurz wirksam bekampfen, ohne daβ Schaden an der Sonnenblume auftraten, und die Ertrage waren allgemein ahnlich oder hoher als bei der nichtparasitierten Kontrolle. Imazaquin (20 bis 40 ha^?1), Triasulfuron (4 g ha^?1).Primisulfuron (3 g ha ^?1). Acetochlor (4,4 kg ha ^?1 und Metazachlor (2 kg ha ^?1) waren weniger wirksam. Imazamethabenz (200 bis 600 g ha^?1) und Metolachlor (3,3 kg ha^?1) hatten keine Wirkung. Bei Niederschlagen nach der Saat der Sonnenblume war die Bekampfung der Sommerwurz mit Vorauflaufherbiziden vermutlich wegen verstärkten Abbaus erheblich schwächer.     

Reduced rates of residual and post-emergence herbicides for weed control in vineyards

In 1997 and 1998, five field studies were conducted at four Portuguese wine‐growing regions in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the chemical control of vineyard weeds under Mediterranean conditions using either reduced doses of residual herbicides or only foliar herbicides. Amitrole (3440 g a.i. ha^?1), amitrole + glyphosate mono‐ammonium salt (1720 + 900 g a.i. ha^?1), amitrole (3400 g a.i. ha^?1), amitrole + diuron (2580 + 1500 g a.i. ha^?1), amitrole + simazine (2580 + 1500 g a.i. ha^?1), amitrole + terbuthylazine (2580 + 1500 g a.i. ha^?1) and amitrole + diuron + simazine (2580 + 1300 + 1400 g a.i. ha^?1) were assayed and compared with the following reference herbicides: glyphosate isopropylamine salt (1800 g a.i. ha^?1), amitrole + diuron (2520 + 1680 g a.i. ha^?1), diuron + glyphosate + terbuthylazine (1275 + 900 + 1425 g a.i. ha^?1), amitrole + simazine (1900 + 3900 g a.i. ha^?1) and glyphosate + simazine (800 + 2200 g a.i. ha^?1). The herbicides were applied during late winter. The results indicated that good control was achieved by the application of foliar herbicides alone or of reduced rates of a mixture of residual herbicides with foliar herbicides for at least 2 months. Three months after application, the efficacy of post‐emergence herbicides and lower rates of residual herbicides decreased significantly in clay soils and under heavy rainfall conditions. Convolvulus arvensis– a weed that is becoming increasingly significant in Portuguese vineyards – was poorly controlled, even when glyphosate was used. Despite this, it can be assumed that in those regions in which the trials were conducted, it is possible to employ weed control strategies that entail the elimination or a reduction in the rate of residual herbicides.     

Real‐time variable‐rate herbicide application for weed control in carrots

A camera sensor for precision weed control in arable fields has been developed at the Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering. For herbicide spraying in carrots, the sensor was positioned at the front three‐point linkage of a tractor and was operated between carrot rows. In field trials in 2 years, real‐time (online) technology in which sensing and spraying were performed in one step was evaluated in comparison with a conventional uniform spraying application. The spray volume was linearly adjusted to the camera‐detected weed coverage level from a minimum of 200 L ha^?1 if no weeds were present to a maximum of 400 L ha^?1. The herbicide savings were 30% in 2007 and 34%, 43% and 36% for each of three applications in 2010. There were no significant differences between the camera‐based and conventional spraying approaches with regard to yield parameters, total carrot weight and weight of marketable carrots. Regarding the weed control efficiency of the camera‐based spraying procedure in the 2010 experiment, no trend was observed between the weed coverage and the application rate of the previous spraying.     

Modelling the effects of sub-lethal doses of herbicide and nitrogen fertilizer on crop–weed competition

The effects of sub‐lethal dose of herbicide and nitrogen fertilizer on crop–weed competition were investigated. Biomass increases of winter wheat and a model weed, Brassica napus, at no‐herbicide treatment with increasing nitrogen were successfully described by the inverse quadratic model and the linear model respectively. Increases in weed competitivity (β₀) of the rectangular hyperbola and parameter B in the dose–response curve for weed biomass, with increasing nitrogen were also successfully described by the exponential model. New models were developed by incorporating inverse quadratic and exponential models into the combined rectangular hyperbola with the standard dose–response curve for winter wheat biomass yield and the combined standard dose—response model with the rectangular hyperbola for weed biomass, to describe the complex effects of herbicide and nitrogen on crop–weed competition. The models developed were used to predict crop yield and weed biomass and to estimate the herbicide doses required to restrict crop yield loss caused by weeds and weed biomass production to an acceptable level at a range of nitrogen levels. The model for crop yield was further modified to estimate the herbicide dose and nitrogen level to achieve a target crop biomass yield. For the target crop biomass yield of 1200 g m^?2 with an infestation of 100 B. napus plants m^?2, the model recommended various options for nitrogen and herbicide combinations: 140 and 2.9, 180 and 0.9 and 360 kg ha^?1 and 1.7 g a.i. ha^?1 of nitrogen and metsulfuron‐methyl respectively.     

Nitrogen fertilization and yield losses of tea to red crevice mite (Brevipalpus phoenicis geijskes) in the Eastern Highlands of Kenya

A field trial using a mite-susceptible clone 11/4 of tea whose yield potential is over 3 t ha^-1 year^-1 was conducted to determine how yield losses due to infestation by red crevice mite (Brevipalpus phoenicis Geijskes) relate to nitrogen nutrition. This was done over a 3 year period in plots either receiving 0, 100, or 200 kg N ha^-1 year^-1. For determining the losses due to mites, an acaricide check method of yield loss assessment was used. Mites were controlled in the plots by spraying flucythrinate. The yield varied considerably between seasons with mean yields in the 3 year period ranging from 2.0 to 2.4 t ha ^-1 without fertilizer and 2.4 to 2.6 t ha^-1 year^-1 at 100 kg N and 2.5 to 2.7 t ha^-1 year^-1 at 200 kg N. Application of the acaricide decreased the mite population by 60-74%. Yield loss between sprayed and unsprayed treatments was 12-22% without fertilizer but this was reduced to 5-6% when fertilizer was supplied at 100-200 kg N ha^-1. The reduction in yield losses in fertilized plots indicate the beneficial effects of nitrogen in inducing tolerance to mites and possibly increasing plant vigour. Protecting the tea from mite attack resulted in yield advantage and a net benefit of $US 0.3, 0.2 and 0.2 per kg made tea at 0, 100 and 200 kg N ha^-1 respectively. Application of 100 kg N ha^-1 had higher net cost benefit than the 200 kg N application rate. The strategy for control of mites would be to integrate spraying with use of fertilizer.     

Inheritance of sulfonylurea resistance in Monochoria vaginalis

The inheritance of sulfonylurea (SU) resistance in Monochoria vaginalis was investigated based on the bensulfuron‐methyl response phenotypes of F₁ plants between SU‐resistant (R) and ‐susceptible (S) and segregation analysis in F₂ progenies. Differences of SU resistance between SU‐R biotypes and F₁ plants at the recommended field dose were also investigated by comparing shoot dry weight. All F₁ plants survived the treatment with 25 g a.i. ha^?1 bensulfuron‐methyl, one‐third of the recommended field dose, and showed similar responses to SU‐R plants. Conversely, all F₁ plants died or showed extreme necrosis at 225 g a.i. ha^?1, three times the recommended field dose, as SU‐S plants. F₂ plants were classified as either R or S phenotype. Segregation for resistance to bensulfuron‐methyl in F₂ families did not differ from the expected 3:1 (R:S) ratio at 25 g a.i. ha^?1. At 225 g a.i. ha^?1, the F₂ families segregated in a 1:3 (R:S) ratio. These results suggest that SU resistance in M. vaginalis is controlled by a single nuclear allele with resistance being dominant at low dose and susceptibility dominant at high dose. Moreover, F₁ plants died or were extremely injured after application of bensulfuron‐methyl at the recommended field dose, although SU‐R biotypes grew normally.     

Effects of Sowing Dates and Seeding Rates on Nitrogen and Water Use Efficiency of Facultative Wheat

In this study, effects of different sowing dates and seeding rates on N uptake efficiency (NUE), N translocation efficiency (NTE), agronomic efficiency (AE), physiological efficiency (PE), water use efficiency for grain yield (WUE_g) and water use efficiency for biomass (WUE_b) of facultative wheat were investigated. As the average of cropping year, sowing dates and seeding rates, N uptake efficiency (NUE), N translocation efficiency (NTE), agronomic efficiency (AE), physiological efficiency (PE), water use efficiency for grain yield (WUE_g) and water use efficiency for biomass (WUE_b) values were respectively obtained as 1.17?kg N_uptake/kg N_applied, 68.5%, 36.9?kg grain/kg N_applied, 31.2?kg grain/kg N_uptake, 5.19?kg ha^?1 mm^?1 and 18.04?kg ha^?1 mm^?1.

Nitrogen and water use efficiencies decreased with delayed sowing dates and increased with increasing seeding rates. It is possible to maintain a high wheat yield, nitrogen and water use efficiency by increasing plant density through winter sowing. It was concluded based on present findings that sowing date and seeding rates had significant effects on nitrogen and water use efficiencies and winter sowing should be practiced as not to cause yield losses and high seeding rates (575 seeds m^?2) yielded greater nitrogen-water use efficiencies.

     

Competitive interactions between weedy rice and cultivated rice as a function of added nitrogen and the level of competition

The competitive outcomes between weedy rice from Malaysia (MWR), the Philippines (PWR), and Vietnam (VWR) and cultivated rice (IR64) grown in pots were evaluated in a replacement series experiment with added N (0, 50, 100, and 150 kg N ha^?1) and competition with IR64 plants (no competition, eight weedy rice plants : 0 IR64 plants; low competition, six weedy rice plants : two IR64 plants; and high competition, two weedy rice plants : six IR64 plants). The growth observations were taken at 10 weeks after sowing. When grown in a monoculture (no competition with IR64 plants), the PWR plants had a lower shoot biomass across N rates than did the MWR and VWR plants. The leaf area and shoot biomass of weedy rice across populations significantly increased with an increase in the N application rate. Each weedy rice population and the IR64 population showed linear responses of the leaf area and shoot biomass to the N rate at all levels of competition. The weedy rice and IR64 plants, when grown without competition, had a similar rate of response in the shoot biomass to the N rate. However, when grown in competition, the response to the added N varied among the weedy rice populations. The MWR plants under competition produced a similar amount of shoot biomass to the IR64 plants per unit addition of N. In contrast, the PWR and VWR populations under competition produced a greater amount of shoot biomass with each additional unit of N, compared to the IR64 population. The results illustrate that N fertilizer management might affect the outcome of weedy rice competition. This information could be incorporated into weedy rice management strategies.     

Influence of picloram on Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop, control with glyphosate

Low rates of picloram in mixture with glyphosate provided a rapid enhancement of the onset of injury to the shoots of Cirsium arvense (Canada thistle or creeping thistle) under field (0.07+1.0 and 0.07+1.5 kg ha^?1) and greenhouse (0.035+0.42 and 0.07+0.84 kg ha^?1) conditions. Picloram slightly reduced the amount of ¹⁴C-glyphosate absorbed at 24 and 48 but not 72 h after treatment. Movement of ¹⁴C-glyphosate from the treated leaves to the shoot apex, remainder of the shoot and roots was reduced in the presence of picloram. Necrosis of the treated leaves above the treated spots was evident, presumably indicating acropetal movement of either or both herbicides. With the picloram + glyphosate mixtures there was increased shoot regrowth over glyphosate alone at 1 year after treatment under field, and with certain mixtures at 18 days and 4 weeks after treatment under greenhouse conditions. Following application of the mixtures, accumulation of glyphosate in the shoots may be responsible for the enhanced onset of shoot injury while failure of enough glyphosate to translocate to, and cause death of, the roots may be responsible for the increased shoot regrowth over glyphosate alone.