REGENERATIVE CAPACITY OF ROOT FRAGMENTS OF CIRSIUM ARVENSE (L.) SCOP.

Summary. Root fragments less than 5 mm long were unable to form shoots. However, shoots were produced by fragments 10 mm long and 1 mm in diameter, unless originating from immature apical regions. The number of shoots per unit length of root was greater if the root was cut into many small pieces than into a few long ones. The ability to produce shoots was apparently unrelated to the presence or absence of visible buds.
Root fragments showed polarity; most of the shoots originated from the basal (proximal) end and the roots from the apical (distal) end. Soil moisture content had relatively little effect upon growth from a fragment unless the soil was waterlogged or very dry for prolonged periods. Growth from fragments was prevented by temperatures below 5°C; optimum growth occurred at 15°G. Shoots from fragments 25 mm long emerged successfully from depths of 50 cm.
Capacité de régenération de fragments de racines de Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop.     

Absorption and fate of imazapyr in leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula)

Imazapyr absorption, translocation, root release and metabolism were examined in leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula L.). Leafy spurge plants were propagated from root cuttings and [¹⁴C]imazapyr was applied to growth-chambergrown plants in a water + 28% urea ammonium nitrate + nonionic surfactant solution (98.75 + 1 + 0.25 by volume). Plants were harvested two and eight days after herbicide treatment (DAT) and divided into: treated leaf, stem and leaves above treated leaf, stem and leaves below the treated leaf, crown, root, dormant and elongated adventitious shoot buds. Imazapyr absorption increased from 62.5% 2 DAT to 80.0% 8 DAT. Herbicide translocation out of the treated leaf and accumulation in roots and adventitious shoot buds was apparent 2 DAT. By the end of the eight-day translocation period only 14% of applied ¹⁴C remained in the treated leaf, while 17% had translocated into the root system. Elongated and dormant adventitious shoot buds accumulated 3.2- and 1.8-fold more ¹⁴C, respectively, 8 DAT than did root tissue based on Bq g^?1 dry weight. Root release of ¹⁴C was evident 2 DAT, and by 8 DAT 19.4% of the ¹⁴C reaching the root system was released into the rooting medium. There was no metabolism of imazapyr in crown, root or adventitious shoot buds 2 DAT; however, imazapyr metabolism was evident in the treated leaf 2 and 8 DAT. Imazapyr phytotoxicity to leafy spurge appears to result from high imazapyr absorption, translocation to underground meristematic areas (roots and adventitious shoot buds), and a slow rate of metabolism.     

Modelling the sprouting capacity from underground buds of the perennial weed Sonchus arvensis

Sonchus arvensis is a problematic perennial weed species causing problems in many crops. Control measures often rely on soil tillage or mowing; both methods are used to exhaust the root system. This approach fails during periods of restrictions in sprouting capacity or shoot regrowth. The aim of this study was to develop a simulation model for prediction of shoot sprouting capacity in underground buds of S. arvensis. We hypothesised restricted regrowth to be induced as a function of photoperiod and temperature sum and released as a function of cold temperature sum. The model was parameterised and calibrated against observations of shoot regrowth from an experiment on intact roots of S. arvensis. Subsequently, it was validated against observations of regrowth from another experiment on intact roots and sprouting from fragmented roots from a third experiment. Restriction in regrowth was attributed to reduction in the photoperiod, observed when the day length decreased below a threshold of 16.5 h, but also to a daily mean temperature below 16.8°C. Resumed regrowth occurred in late autumn at a daily mean temperature threshold of 4.7°C. The pattern of changes over time in shoot regrowth from an intact root system was well predicted by the model. The temporal change in sprouting capacity from buds on fragmented roots followed the same pattern, but with a quantitative difference between the model prediction and the observed sprouting capacity. We conclude that the model can be used to predict the pattern over time of sprouting capacity in intact roots of S. arvensis.     

Glyphosate effects on Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense) roots, root buds, and shoots

Glyphosate ? ? Mention of irademark or proprietary product does not constitute a gtiarantee or warranty oC the product by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and does nut imply its approval to the exclusion of other products thai may also be suitable.
was sprayed at 0009–1·12 kg a.i. ha^?1 on the foliage of large potted glasshouse-grown Canada thistle [Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop.], which had extensive, well-developed roots. Increasing the glyphosate rate progressively reduced the total number of visible adventitious root buds plus emerged secondary shoots per plant proportionately more than root biomass, 10 days after treatment. Cortical tissue of thickened propagative roots became soft, water-soaked, darkened, and some regions decomposed, exposing strands of vascular tissue. Lateral roots completely decomposed. When thickened roots were segmented to stimulate secondary shoot emergence from root buds 10 days after foliar treatment, Fewer secondary shoots emerged than expected from the number of visible adventitious root buds present on both control and herbicide-treated plants. Increasing the rate of glyphosate also reduced the regrowth potential of root buds proportionately more than root biomass. Regrowth potential was measured as the number of emerged secondary shoots 35 days after segmenting unearthed roots from plants that had been sprayed 10 days earlier. When foliar-applied at 0·28 kg ha^?1, glyphosate decreased the regrowth potential of root buds to zero in 2 and 3 days, as measured by secondary shoot dry weight and number, respectively, even though root fresh weight was unchanged 3 days after foliar treatment. These dose-response and time-course experiments demonstrate that glyphosate did not reduce root biomass as much as it decreased root bud numbers and secondary shoot regrowth potential from root buds.     

SITE OF UPTAKE OF SOIL-APPLIED HERBICIDES*

Summary. We conducted studies to determine the effects on corn (Zea mays L, var. Indiana 654) and pea (Pisum sativum L. var. Alaska) of localizing various herbicides in the soil, using a double plastic pot technique which ensured separate exposure of the root and shoot zones of the plants to treated soil. Effects on corn and pea were similar in relation to site of uptake. 2,4-D-amine, naptalam, simazine, diuron and dalapon-sodium entered primarily through the roots. Some shoot entry and also severe inhibition of roots occurred in soil treated with 2,4-D and naptalam; these were noticed only to a slight extent with the other three herbicides. EPTC, chlorpropham and trifluraiin were most effective when applied to the shoot zone. Little effect on foliage growth was evident when the root zone alone was treated. However, roots in treated soil were severely inhibited by these three herbicides. Dinoseb displayed a contact type of action, injuring both shoots and roots. Treatment of both zones had an additive effect. Entry of chlorthal-methyl which was tested on a susceptible species, sorghum (Sorghum vulgare Pers.) was mainly through the shoot, with only a slight effect on top growth when roots alone were treated. Roots in treated soil were slightly inhibited. Localisation de l'absorption des herbicides appliqués sur le sol     

SELECTIVE ACTION OF DIPHENAMID AND NAPROPAMIDE IN PEPPER (GAPSICUM ANNUUM L.) AND WEEDS

Summary. A comparison was made between diphenamid and napropamide with regard to phytotoxicity to pepper and weeds under glasshouse and field conditions. Diphenamid was considerably less phytotoxic than napropamide in inhibiting root elongation and shoot growth of pepper seedlings. Plant growth was reduced when the roots were exposed to either one of the herbicides, but growth of the shoot through treated soil was not adversely affected. Since diphenamid was found to be more leachable into soil, it might become more available to the roots and damage the crop plants. Graminaceous weeds were very sensitive to both herbicides, whereas several dicotyledonous weeds were more susceptible to napropamide. Selectivity of both herbicides at a late pre-emergence application to direct-seeded pepper was found satisfactory in two field experiments on different soil types.
Action sélective de la diphénamide et de la napropamide sur le piment et les mauvaises herbes     

SHOOT ZONE UPTAKE OF SOIL-APPLIED HERBICIDES*

Summary. Studies were conducted to determine the effects of herbicide placement at different zones of maize (Zea mays L.) and pea (Pisum sativwm L.) shoots below the soil surface after emergence. Soil was removed from around the shoots and replaced with herbicide-treated soil. A wax barrier ensured separate exposure of the zones to treated soil. EPTC, chlorpropham, propham and sulfallate did not affect pea shoot growth, but in maize the shoot zone adjacent to the crown root node was extremely sensitive. Treatment in this area markedly reduced growth and severely inhibited the crown roots. The difference in susceptibility between these species may he due to the location of the growing point relative to the treated soil. Shoots of maize and pea were sensitive to diuron. In maize the shoot adjacent to the crown root node and the tissue of the first internode were the most susceptible. In pea the- uppermost shoot (beneath the soil surface) was the most sensitive. Trifluralin did not affect growth of maize and pea when placed in the shoot zone after emergence, although the crown roots of maize were severely inhibited. Naptalam, dalapon and 2,4-D did not affect growth of maize under similar conditions, and of these only 2,4-D reduced growth of pea. Zone d'abiorption des tiges pour les herbicides appliqués sur h sol     

Uptake and phytotoxicity of chlorsulfuron in Zea mays L. in the presence of 1,8-naphthalic anhydride

The sites of uptake of chlorsulfuron in maize (Zea mays L.) were investigated at three different growth stages. Exposure of seedling roots, or shoots separately, to herbicide-treated sand over 4 days resulted in inhibition of both roots and shoots. Exposure of seedling roots to chlorsulfuron-treated soil over 21 days severely inhibited both roots and foliage, while separate shoot exposure also reduced both foliage and root growth. After plant emergence, exposure of the crown root node, growing point and lower stem to treated soil reduced foliage and root growth, but exposure of the shoot above the growing point caused only slight inhibition of foliage and had no effect on roots. The herbicide safener 1,8-naphthalic anhydride (NA) applied as a dust (10 g kg^?1 seed weight), or as a 50 mg 1^?1 suspension in water to maize seeds, reduced the root inhibition by chlorsulfuron in 4-day-old seedlings. NA completely prevented both foliage and root injury when chlorsulfuron was placed in soil in the shoot zone before emergence, or in the shoot zone below the soil surface after plant emergence. NA slightly decreased injury to foliage, but not to roots when chlorsulfuron was placed in soil in the root zone before emergence. NA seed treatment protected both roots and foliage against injury from foliarly applied chlorsulfuron. Plants were also protected when a suspension of NA in water was sprayed on the foliage seven days before chlorsulfuron. When a mixture of NA and chlorsulfuron was applied to foliage, root injury was reduced more than foliage injury.     

Optimal root system strategies for desert phreatophytic seedlings in the search for groundwater

Desert phreatophytes are greatly dependent on groundwater, but how their root systems adapt to different groundwater depths is poorly understood. In the present study, shoot and root growths of Alhagi sparsifolia Shap. seedlings were studied across a gradient of groundwater depths. Leaves, stems and roots of different orders were measured after 120 days of different groundwater treatments. Results indicated that the depth of soil wetting front and the vertical distribution of soil water contents were highly controlled by groundwater depths. The shoot growth and biomass of A. sparsifolia decreased, but the root growth and rooting depth increased under deeper groundwater conditions. The higher ratios of root biomass, root/shoot and root length/leaf area under deeper groundwater conditions implied that seedlings of A. sparsifolia economized carbon cost on their shoot growths. The roots of A. sparsifolia distributed evenly around the soil wetting fronts under deeper groundwater conditions. Root diameters and root lengths of all orders were correlated with soil water availabilities both within and among treatments. Seedlings of A. sparsifolia produced finer first- and second-order roots but larger third- and fourth-order roots in dry soils. The results demonstrated that the root systems of desert phreatophytes can be optimized to acquire groundwater resources and maximize seedling growth by balancing the costs of carbon gain.     

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.     

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.     

A TECHNIQUE FOR STUDYING THE RATE OF ROOT GROWTH OF INTACT SEEDLINGS IN A HERBICIDE MEDIUM

Summary. Time-lapse cine photography was used to record intact seedling root growth of pea and barley during separate exposure of root, shoot + seed, or entire needling to herbicides. The shoot + seed and the root zones were isolated in two square Petri dishes fixed edge to edge, and separately treated with moistened herbicide-treated sand. The seated dishes were placed at an angle of 30° in a photographic chamber. Photographs of roots were automatically recorded at 10-min intervals on 16 mm high speed reversal film over 72 h. Root length images on film were measured using an ocular micrometer. Root growth of pea and barley seedlings was normal when the shoot + seed zone was treated with 2,4-D at 1 and 10 ppm, respectively. In similar treatment of roots growth inhibition occurred after approximately 20 h in both plants, and root growth ceased alter 32 h in peas, and 57 h in barley. These results indicate the inherent tolerance of barley roots to 2,4-D.
Technique pour l'étude du taux de croissance des racines intactes de plantules dans un milieu herbicide     

Effects of flooding on rooting and sprouting of isolated stem segments and on plant growth of Paspalum distichum L.

Summary. Bud sprouting, shoot height, and fresh and dry weights of plants arising from single-node stem segments of Paspalum distichum L. decreased as the depth of burial in the soil increased. Sprouting, rooting and shoot growth of single-node segments submerged in 5–15 cm of water were reduced significantly in the dark. Light alleviated this water-induced reduction in 1-, 3- and 7-node segments. Submergence actually promoted sprouting of the proximal bud and shoot growth from the distal bud in 3-node segments, and shoot growth of the first two buds from the distal end in 7-node segments, Flooding the roots of 3-week -old plants for one month had no effect, but markedly reduced tiller production and dry weights after 2 and 3 months. Treatment at 100% relative humidity promoted new shoot production in 4-month old plants only if all shoots were decapitated (clipped) but not in plants with 6 shoots left intact. Submergence of the whole plant in water drastically reduced new shoot production regardless of clipping treatment. Effects of flooding varied with its duration. It is concluded that though P. distichum , a wetland perennial weed, survives root flooding and submergence conditions, these conditions do not support maximum growth of the plants.     

Colonization of the vegetative stage of rice plants by the false smut fungus Villosiclava virens,as revealed by a combination of species‐specific detection methods

Rice false smut disease caused by the ascomycete fungus Villosiclava virens (Clavicipitaceae) reduces rice yield worldwide. It invades rice panicles and forms dark‐green false smut balls composed of thick‐walled conidia. Although the infection process during the booting stage is well studied, its infection route before this is unclear. It was hypothesized that the thick‐walled conidia in soil penetrate rice roots, and the fungus latently colonizes roots and tiller buds at the vegetative stage. This hypothesis was tested using species‐specific detection methods. First, real‐time PCR with species‐specific primers and probe was used to estimate thick‐walled conidial number in the paddy field soil. Secondly, nested PCR with species‐specific primers showed that fungal DNA was detected in roots and shoot apices of rice plants in the vegetative stage. Thirdly, colourimetric in situ hybridization with a species‐specific oligonucleotide probe targeting 18S rRNA suggested that sparse mycelia or tightly condensed mycelia were present on the external surface of tiller buds enveloped by juvenile leaf sheaths at the vegetative stage. Thin hyphae were found around leaf axils at the surface of elongated stems at the heading stage, and the fungal hyphae grew in the rice root tissues. In addition, it was demonstrated that eGFP‐tagged transformants of the fungus invaded rice roots and colonized the surface of roots and leaf sheaths under artificial conditions.     

Growth and regenerative capacity of plants of Cirsium arvense

The undisturbed growth and regenerative capacity of the root system of Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop, were studied in one glasshouse and one field experiment. In the glasshouse experiment, two lengths of root fragment from the same clone, previously grown at two nitrogen levels, were planted in boxes. Plants that developed from these fragments were inspected on eight occasions to assess their undisturbed development and growth, above and below ground, and their regenerative capacity after disturbance by burial at different points of development. The initial nitrogen content of the roots had no effect on growth measurements, but longer root fragments produced greater masses of primary shoots, new roots and shoots from the new roots than did shorter ones. After disturbance at early stages (4-7 leaves with a minimum length of 5 cm), plants originating from shorter root fragments did not regrow at all. Plants originating from longer root fragments exhibited a minimum regenerative capacity when disturbed at the eight-leaf stage. In the field experiment, root fragments of length 12 cm. from the same clone, were planted in October 1991 at 5 cm or 20 cm depth. Plants that developed from these fragments were studied on 12 occasions, from April to July 1992. Plants emerging from a depth of 20 cm reached a point of positive net assimilation 28 days (380 day degrees) later than those developing from a depth of 5 em. The plants exhibited a minimum regenerative capacity when their primary shoots had. on average. 10 (plants from 5-cm root fragments) or seven (plants from 20-cm root fragments) expanded leaves.     

STUDIES OF THE RESPONSE OF PLANTS TO ROOT-APPLIED HERBICIDES

Summary. Applications of several herbicides -were made to roots and to the bases of shoots of peas, cucumber, mustard and barley grown in soil, sand or water culture.
Localized applications (variation horizontal) of atratone and MCPA to roots of peas and barley in soil produced effects similar to those observed in water euluire, described in Pan I. Airatone killed the plants whether available to the whole or to only a portion of the root system whereas MCPA affected only the roots with which it was in direct contact, and growth continued when a portion of the root system was in herbicide-free environment.
In water culture, MCPA was more effective when applied to the lower (younger) roots with the upper (older) roots kept dry than when twice the concentration was applied evenly to the whole root system in water. When all the roots were kept wet the effect of application to the upper roots was greater than the effect of application to the lower roots. The response of plants to atratone was not appreciably altered whether applications were made to the upper or lower parts of the root system in water culture. Variations in water level had little effect.
Even when the herbicide solution was confined to the stem or hypocotyl, atratone and DNOC were little, if any, less effective than when applied to roots. MCPA, both as ester and sodium salt, was significantly less effective.
Partial replacement of solution in the root zone by sand and air did not reduce the activity of atratone at a given concentration. Similar replacement in the zone of the stem or hypocotyl greatly reduced the effectiveness of all herbicides. When sand of low water content was used, atratone and MCPA-sodium became quite ineffective via the stem, but DNOC and MCPA-ethyl ester remained active.
Études sur les réactions de certaines plantes á des herbicides appliqués aux racines II. Observations nouvelles sur l'effet de l'application localisée.     

Sprouting capacity from intact root systems of Cirsium arvense and Sonchus arvensis decrease in autumn

Perennial weeds are often controlled by mechanical means, which aim at stimulating axillary and adventitious buds to sprout. This happens when the apical dominance of the main shoot is removed by defoliation or when the underground system is fragmented. By repeating the measures, the result is a depletion of storage compounds, which weakens the plants and reduces their capacity to grow and reproduce. However, timing is critical. Earlier research has indicated that emergence from fragments of Sonchus arvensis cease during a period in autumn, while the seasonal pattern of sprouting in Cirsium arvense appears to be inconsistent. We studied the emergence pattern of defoliated plants with undisturbed root systems, from late summer to early spring. Potted plants grown outdoors were exhumed at regular intervals, put under forcing conditions for 4 weeks, after which shoots above and below soil level were counted and weighed together with the remaining root systems. In both species, the number and weight of emerged shoots decreased during a period in the autumn. In C. arvense, underground shoots were constantly produced during the same period, while fewer underground shoots were present in S. arvensis. For the latter species, apical dominance does not fully explain the effect; thus, endodormancy might be involved. Root weight increased until withering and did not explain the lack of emergence. Our results suggest an impaired sprouting capacity of undisturbed root systems of C. arvense and S. arvensis during September–October, which has implications for the timing and method of control of these species.     

RESIDUAL ACTIVITY OF PARAQUAT IN SOILS I. FACTORS AFFECTING PERSISTENCE

Summary. Phytotoxic residues were recorded on soil surfaces sprayed with paraquat (1,1'-dimethyl-4,4'-bipyridylium-2 A ) at 1 and 2 Ib/ac a.i. Phytotoxicity was greater on organic than on mineral soils though on both the residues persisted unchanged for at least 14 days and were greater with the higher dose.
Germination of Brassica napus L. was only slightly affected and most seedlings did not show phytotoxic symptoms until after cotyledon expansion. The cotyledons of Trifolium repens L. showed symptoms on emergence from the testa. By contrast, grains of Lolium perenne L. either failed to germinate on paraquat-treated soils or showed reduced germination.
Seedlings of T. repens were susceptible; both root and shoot systems were affected as they grew through layers of soil previously treated with paraquat. Ground limestone appeared to reduce the phytotoxicity of paraquat under some circumstances. Phytotoxic residues were not reduced by surface irrigation but disappeared if the soil surface was disturbed mechanically.     

THE INFLUENCE OF SIMAZINE ON SHOOT AND ROOT GROWTH OF APPLES AND PLUMS

Summary. In loamy soil with a low humus content (0·8% organic carbon) simazine at a concentration of 2'5 ppm reduced growth of shoots, roots and trunk diameter in 1-year-old scions of five apple varieties on M IX rootstock. The most susceptible was Cox's Orange Pippin; 5 ppm was lethal for this variety only. In experiments with vertically divided pots, where one part of the root system developed in soil with simazine (2–5 ppm and 5–0 ppm for apple and 5·0 ppm for plum) and the other part in simazine-free soil, there was less effect on shoot growth and less leaf damage than where all the soil contained simazine. Growth of that part of the root system in soil containing simazine was stimulated.     

THE MOVEMENT AND METABOLISM OF PYRAZON IN TOLERANT AND SUSCEPTIBLE SPECIES*

Summary. Pyrazon (5-amino-4-chIoro-2-phenyl-3(2H)-pyridazinonc) labelled with tritium in the phenyl ring, was applied to both the root and shoot of seedlings of red beet (Beta vulgaris L., cultivar Detroit Dark Red I, German millet (Setatra italica J.), and tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill., cultivar Heinz 1350). Of these species, red best is tolerant, millet is moderately tolerant, and tomato is susceptible to pyrazon. When the roots were exposed to 1–325 ppm ³H-pyrazon in the nutrient solution, the greatest root absorption and transiocation to the shoot was observed in tomato and the least in red beet, while millet was intermediate. Applications to the first true leaf indicated that pyrazon was absorbed by the foliage of all three but that it was not transported basipetally. The absorption and translocation studies indicated that pyrazon mi transported primarily in the xylem. A radioactive metabolite of ³H-pyrazon was detected in the shoots of red beet, but there was no evidence for its presence in the shoots of the other two species. Since this metabolite is radioactive, its structure must contain at least some altered form of the phenyl ring which contained the tritium in the parent molecule. This differentiates it from 5-amino-4-chloro-pyridazinone, the previously proposed degradation product of pyrazon, since this compound lacks the phenyl ring. On the bash of these results, it is hypothesized that pyrazon will be phytotoxic if a suffic inn mm entration of the unaltered chemical reaches the site of herbicidal action in the shoot. Migration et métabolisme de la pyrazone dans les espéces rislstantes et sensibles