Enhancement of thiazopyr bioefficacy by inhibitors of monooxygenases

The preceding paper described inhibition of thiazopyr metabolism in plant seedlings by inhibitors of cytochrome P450 monooxygenases, and the lack of inhibition by esterase inhibitors. We now describe greenhouse evaluation of the effects of these metabolic inhibitors on the bioefficacy of thiazopyr. Inhibitors of cytochrome P450 monooxygenases, piperonyl butoxide (PBO), 1-aminobenzotriazole (ABT), metyrapone (MET) and tetcyclacis (TET), all enhanced the bioefficacy of thiazopyr against pigweed and other plant species. In contrast, inhibitors of esterases, tributyl phosphate (TBP) and triphenyl phosphate (TPP), produced only slight enhancement of thiazopyr activity. The effect of PBO was dose-dependent and was demonstrated against barnyardgrass, grain sorghum, redroot pigweed, seedling johnsongrass, and giant foxtail. PBO demonstrated no enhancement of thiazopyr activity in velvetleaf, tall morningglory, cotton, or soybeans. Bioefficacy was most enhanced via exposure of seedling shoots to PBO and thiazopyr. The combination of results from the present and the preceding papers suggests that PBO enhances thiazopyr bioefficacy by effectively inhibiting thiazopyr metabolism in plants.     

Physiological effects of buthidazole on Zea mays L., Amaratithus retroflexus L., Medicago sativa L. and Agropyron repens(L.) Beauv.*

Buthidazole (3-[5-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-1,3.4-thiadiazol-2-yl]-4-hydroxy-l-methyl-2-imidazolidinone) at concentrations of 10^?6-10^?4M did not affect germination of corn (Zea mays L.,‘Pioneer 3780’), redroot pigweed (Amaranlhus retroflexus L.), alfalfa (Medicago saliva L., ‘Vernal’), and quackgrass (Agropyron repens(L.) Beauv.) seeds. Stressing the seeds obtained from mature corn plants treated either pre-emergence or pre- plant incorporated with buthidazole at several rates by accelerated ageing and cold treatments further indicated that this herbicide did not affect germination. Total photosynthesis and dark respiration of corn plants 12 days after pre-emergence application and of redroot pigweed, alfalfa, and quackgrass plants after postemergence application of buthidazole at several rates were measured with an infrared CO₂ analyser. The results suggested that buthidazole was a rapid inhibitor of photosynthesis of the sensitive redroot pigweed and quackgrass plants, with less effect on corn and alfalfa. Buthidazole did not affect respiration of the examined species except for a transitory increase in corn and alfalfa 12 days after pre-emergence or 4 h after postemergence treatment with buthidazole at 0.56 or 1.12 and 2.24 kg/ha, respectively. A long-term inhibition of quackgrass respiration 96 h after treatment with buthidazole at 1.12 and 224 kg/ha was also evident.     

Metabolism of 14C-buthidazole in corn (Zea mays L.) and redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus L.)*

The pattern of buthidazole {3-[5-(1,1-dimethyl ethyl)-1,3,4- thiadiazol -2-y1]-4-hydroxy-1-methyl-2-imidazolidinone} metabolism and its potential contribution to crop selectivity were studied in tolerant corn (Zea mays L., ‘Pioneer 3780’) and susceptible redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus L). Thin-Layer Chromatographic (TLC) analysis of methanol soluble extracts revealed that both corn and redroot pigweed seedlings metabolized buthidazole in a similar manner but at different rates. At comparable time periods redroot pigweed contained a greater percentage of unmetabolized ¹⁴C-buthidazole than did corn. A major unidentified metabolite with polar properties was formed faster in corn that in redroot pigweed and appeared to be important for the observed crop selectivity of buthidazole. Additional metabolites of buthidazole formed in both species had TLC properties similar to those of the amine, urea, and dihydroxy derivatives of buthidazole.     

Imazaquin Spray Retention,Foliar Washoff and Runoff Losses under Simulated Rainfall

Spray retention and foliar washoff of imazaquin in smooth pigweed (Amaranthus hybridus L.) and sicklepod (Senna obtusifolia (L.) Irwin and Barneby) were investigated. Imazaquin (70 g AI ha⁻¹) was applied alone, with nonionic surfactant ‘X-77’ or organosilicone-based nonionic surfactant ‘Kinetic’ to plants at two- to five-leaf stage and subjected to 2·5 cm rainfall in 20 min either 1 or 24 h after application. Imazaquin spray retention was higher with adjuvants than without. Retention was similar between adjuvants in smooth pigweed but ‘Kinetic’ retained twice as much imazaquin as ‘X-77’ in sicklepod. Rainfall 1 h after application washed off three-quarters of foliar residues regardless of plant species or adjuvant. However, at 24 h after application, foliar washoff was lowest with ‘Kinetic’ followed by ‘X-77’ in both species. Imazaquin washoff ranged from 33 to 88% in the two species at 24 h after application. Overall, imazaquin activity was similar with either adjuvant in smooth pigweed but ‘Kinetic’ was more effective than ‘X-77’ in sicklepod. Runoff losses from the surface of a Bosket sandy loam (Mollic Hapludalfs) soil in runoff trays (1·2% slope) were also studied. Imazaquin was applied as above to trays with and without smooth pigweed canopy. A 2·5-cm rainfall was applied in 20 min at 24 h after application. Runoff samples collected in one-litre fractions were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Sediment (but not water) in runoff was greatly reduced (56%) by pigweed cover as compared to bare trays. Imazaquin in the first litre of runoff was higher than in subsequent runoff fractions regardless of pigweed cover. Total imazaquin lost in runoff was higher in pigweed cover (23%) than bare trays (16% of applied). Imazaquin concentration in 10–20 cm soil depth in pigweed cover trays was higher than in bare trays. These results suggest that imazaquin is vulnerable to foliar washoff and the herbicide washed off could move in the aqueous phase due to shorter contact time with soil for sorption.     

Effect of monooxygenase inhibitors on bentazon uptake and metabolism in maize cell suspension cultures

Maize “black Mexican sweet” (BMS) cell suspension cultures were used to study the effects of various cytochrome P450 monooxygenase inhibitors on the uptake and metabolism of the herbicide bentazon. Maize cells rapidly absorbed bentazon and metabolized it via aryl hydroxylation and glycosylation to a glycosyl conjugate of 6-hydroxybentazon. BMS cells accumulated bentazon to levels approximately 20-fold greater than those in the external medium. When BMS cells were incubated in an external medium containing 25 μM bentazon, the formation of the glycosyl conjugate (ca. 2 nmol/min/g fresh wt) was rate-limited by aryl hydroxylation. Tetcyclacis, a plant growth retardant, phenylhydrazine, a mechanism-based cytochrome P450 inhibitor, and piperonyl butoxide, an insecticide synergist, inhibited bentazon metabolism with I₅₀ values of approximately 0.1, 1.0, and 1.0 μM, respectively. Other mechanism-based cytochrome P450 inhibitors, 3(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)-1-propyne and aminobenzotriazole, also inhibited bentazon metabolism but were less effective. The results obtained with selected inhibitors are consistent with the hypothesis that aryl hydroxylation of bentazon is catalyzed by a cytochrome P450 monooxygenase.     

Protoporphyrinogen oxidase-inhibiting activity of the new,wheat-selective isoindoldione herbicide,cinidon-ethyl

Cinidon-ethyl (BAS 615H) is a new herbicide of isoindoldione structure which selectively controls a wide spectrum of broadleaf weeds in cereals. The uptake, translocation, metabolism and mode of action of cinidon-ethyl were investigated in Galium aparine L, Solanum nigrum L and the tolerant crop species wheat (Triticum aestivum L). When plants at the second-leaf stage were foliarly treated with cinidon-ethyl equivalent to a field rate of 50 g ha⁻¹ for 48 h, the light requirement for phytotoxicity and the symptoms of plant damage in the weed species, including rapid chlorophyll bleaching, desiccation and necrosis of the green tissues, were identical to those of inhibitors of porphyrin synthesis, such as acifluorfen-methyl. The selectivity of cinidon-ethyl between wheat and the weed species has been quantified as approximately 500-fold. Cinidon-ethyl strongly inhibited protoporphyrinogen oxidase (Protox) activity in vitro, with I₅₀ values of approximately 1 nM for the enzyme isolated from the weed species and from wheat. However, subsequent effects of herbicide action, with accumulation of protoporphyrin IX, light-dependent formation of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid-derived ethylene, ethane evolution and desiccation of the green tissue, were induced by cinidon-ethyl only in the weed species. After foliar application of [¹⁴C] cinidon-ethyl, the herbicide, due to its lipophilic nature, was rapidly adsorbed by the epicuticular wax layer of the leaf surface before it penetrated into the leaf tissue more slowly. No significant differences between foliar and root absorption and translocation of the herbicide by S nigrum, G aparine and wheat were found. After foliar or root application of [¹⁴C]- cinidon-ethyl, translocation of ¹⁴C into untreated plant parts was minimal, as demonstrated by combustion analysis and autoradiography. Metabolism of [¹⁴C]cinidon-ethyl via its E-isomer and acid to further metabolites was more rapid in wheat than in S nigrum and G aparine. After 32 h of foliar treatment with 50 g ha⁻¹ of the [¹⁴C]-herbicide, approximately 47%, 36%, and 12% of the absorbed radioactivity, respectively, were found as unchanged parent or its biologically low active E-isomer and acid in the leaf tissue of G aparine, S nigrum and wheat. In conclusion, cinidon-ethyl is a Protox-inhibiting, peroxidizing herbicide which is effective through contact action in the green tissue of sensitive weed species. It is suggested that a more rapid metabolism, coupled with moderate leaf absorption, contribute to the tolerance of wheat to cinidon-ethyl. © 1999 Society of Chemical Industry     

Testing of an integrated regime for effective and sustainable control of invasive Crofton weed (Ageratina adenophora) comprising the use of natural inhibitor species,activated charcoal,and fungicide

Crofton weed is a major invasive species in China. It exhibits superior growth characteristics and can outcompete with native species via allolepathic effects and modulation of the soil fungal microbiome. The simple removal of invading plants will not ensure restoration of the habitat due to the persistence of allelochemicals and viable seeds in the surrounding soil. An orthogonal experimental design was employed to evaluate the effects of three control factors (A, powdered natural inhibitor species to retard growth; B, activated charcoal to absorb allelochemicals; and C, fungicide to reduce fungal modulation effects), applied at three levels, on the growth and competitive ability of Crofton weed against two native species, in a pot‐culture experiment. All treatments reduced all measured growth parameters (P < 0.05) except for a specific leaf area, when compared with control plants. Furthermore, the competitive capacity of Crofton weed was decreased in the treatments while that of the native species was improved. Application to soil of the powdered natural inhibitor species and of activated charcoal significantly inhibited plant growth and competitive ability of Crofton weed (P < 0.05). Application of fungicide was less effective, but significantly reduced the specific leaf area of Crofton weed plants (P < 0.05). The specific combination of factors producing the greatest decrease in plant growth and competitive ability (compared with the control) included the addition of Delavaya toxocarpa powder (37.5 g per kg soil), addition of activated charcoal to soil at a ratio of 1:3 (v/v) (62.5 g per kg soil), and application of fungicide (Thiophanate‐Methyl) (0.28 g per kg soil).     

黄花蒿叶醇提取物除草活性物质的分离及结构鉴定

为明确黄花蒿除草活性及活性物质的成分,本研究采用室内生测法测定了黄花蒿叶醇提物对4种杂草的活性;采用系统溶剂分离、硅胶柱层析分离及气质联用色谱法对提取物进行了分离和结构鉴定.结果 表明:5.0 mg/mL的黄花蒿叶醇提物对供试杂草发芽率、发芽势和发芽指数均有一定的抑制作用,抑制作用从大到小的顺序为反枝苋,苘麻,狗尾草,...     

用胚挽救法创建甘蓝×大白菜抗根肿病新材料

为改良甘蓝Brassica oleracea L.var.capitata的根肿病抗性,以2个甘蓝品种D2、B1为母本和2个抗根肿病大白菜品种CR-英雄、CR-春美杂交,比较4个远缘杂交组合的亲和性,运用胚挽救技术获得试管苗并对远缘杂交种进行真假杂种鉴定、育性研究以及根肿病抗性鉴定来创建和筛选根肿病抗性新种质。结果表明,杂交组合D2×CR-春美的结荚率为86.08%,高于其它组合,而成活的幼胚数/授粉花蕾数和试管苗数/授粉花蕾数以组合D2×CR-英雄最高,分别达15.96%和8.16%,4个组合D2×CR-英雄、D2×CR-春美、B1×CR-英雄、B1×CR-春美分别获得23、8、2、2株试管苗。细胞学鉴定发现杂种茎尖的染色体是19条,结合形态学鉴定确定为真杂种。组合D2×CR-英雄获得的试管苗只有1个株系有花粉,花粉萌发率为0.90%,极显著低于母本对照的40.58%;对该组合的试管苗进行苗期抗根肿病鉴定,有8个株系抗11号生理小种,3个株系抗4号生理小种。表明通过胚挽救技术可筛选到杂交效率较高的远缘杂交组合以及抗根肿病材料。     

Tumbleweeds in the Western Australian cropping system: seed dispersal characteristics of Salsola australis

Salsola australis, like other agricultural weed species of the Salsola genus, produces a mobile seedbank. Aspects of this mobile seedbank were investigated in three field trials, including total seed production, rate of seed shedding, rate at which seeds lose germinability and the distance and directionality of plant movement. Total seed production was highly variable (ranging from 138 to 7734 seeds per plant), but was directly related to aboveground plant biomass at maturity. Following senescence, mature plants broke free of their root system and the wind driven plants moved considerable distances (1.6–1247.2 m). Half of the mobile plants moved <100 m, as they became entangled with other S. australis plants within the stand. Seed shedding commenced before the plants became mobile and increased with movement, but was also related to the aging and weathering processes experienced by stationary or mobile plants. All plants retained a proportion of their seed in spite of movement, weathering and ageing of the plants, although germinability of retained seed dropped to <2% after 2 months. Salsola australis engages in broad scale seed dispersal similar to that observed in other species of the Salsola genus, allowing this species to maintain a high rate of invasion and range expansion.     

Bacterial DNA activates immunity in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Arabidopsis thaliana</Emphasis>

To initiate defense responses against invasion of pathogenic organisms, animals and plants must recognize microbe-associated molecular patterns (MAMPs). In this study, the elicitor activity of bacterial DNA on the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana was examined. EcoRI-digested plasmid DNA induced defense responses such as generation of reactive oxygen species and deposition of callose, whereas SmaI- and HapII-digested plasmid DNA and EcoRI-digested herring DNA did not remarkably induce these responses. Further, methylation of the CpG sequence of plasmid DNA and Escherichia coli DNA reduced the level of the defense responses. The endocytosis inhibitors wortmannin and amantadine significantly inhibited DNA-induced defense responses. These results suggest that non-methylated CpG DNA, as a MAMP, induced defense responses in Arabidopsis and that non-methylated DNA seems to be translocated into the cytoplasm by endocytosis.     

The effects of natural and manipulated density regimes on Alliaria petiolata survival, growth and reproduction

Knowledge of the ecology of Alliaria petiolata, an alien invasive species in the USA, is essential to predict the efficacy of introduced biological control agents. Accordingly, we examined the growth and reproduction of second‐year A. petiolata rosettes under natural and manipulated density regimes. Plant survival was also studied under natural conditions. Similar survivorship patterns were observed for high‐ and low‐density populations, although survival in the low‐density populations was c. 10% higher. Under natural conditions, low‐density plants were larger and more fecund, on average, than high‐density plants; however, on a per‐area basis, high‐density populations were much more productive. When plant density was experimentally reduced, average seed production and plant size increased with thinning intensity, suggesting that thinning released plants from intra‐specific competition. Additionally, plants in thinned plots were able to recover from past competition and could approach production of the plants in un‐thinned lower density plots that had not experienced prior competition. However, seed production per unit area was lower in thinned versus un‐thinned plots of the same initial density. Results suggest herbivore‐induced plant mortality late in the life cycle, as might occur following the introduction of biological control agents, may reduce the contribution to the A. petiolata seedbank.     

Competitive effects of redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus) on the growth indices and yield of corn

The mutual effects of redroot pigweed ( Amaranthus retroflexus ) on corn ( Zea mays ) were evaluated in an experiment conducted in 2005 at the Iranian Plant Protection Research Institute at Qazvin, considering the different densities of redroot pigweed against four different corn densities. Redroot pigweed, at 0, 35, 50, 65, and 80 plants m⁻¹ row⁻¹, was arranged factorially with corn at four, five, six, and seven plants m⁻¹ row⁻¹ in a randomized complete block design. Crop–weed competition resulted in a reduction in the total dry matter, Leaf Area Index, and crop growth rate of corn. Furthermore, an increasing weed density ≤65 plants m⁻¹ row⁻¹ reduced the corn grain yield and biological yield. Overall, six corn plants m⁻¹ row⁻¹ was suggested as the optimum density of this crop in competition with redroot pigweed.     

生防菌Alternaria amaranthi-3对反枝苋的防治效果

反枝苋Amaranthus retroflexus是一种世界性恶性杂草。为了确定微生物除草剂候选菌Alternaria amaranthi-3防除反枝苋的潜力,通过盆栽试验研究了接种浓度、露期和水乳剂型对A.ama-ranthi-3菌株致病力的影响。结果显示,接种浓度显著影响菌株的致病力,在48h露期条件下,接种孢子浓度为105个/mL时,菌株水剂对反枝苋幼苗生长抑制率为35.55%;浓度为107个/mL时,生长抑制率达到75.25%。露期对该菌株的致病力也有较大影响,在不保湿条件下,菌株水剂对反枝苋的生长抑制率为26.43%,而保湿48h处理的生长抑制率达到77.96%。Span80∶Tween80=1∶3的复配乳化剂和大豆油制备的水乳剂可显著降低露期对菌株防效的影响和提高菌株的致病力,无露期时,菌株水乳剂对反枝苋的生长抑制率达到88.35%,显著高于水剂;48h露期条件下,菌株水乳剂处理的生长抑制率为90.59%,而菌株水剂处理为77.96%。表明通过剂型的改进菌株Alternaria amaranthi-3能有效防除反枝苋。     

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal association in Asteraceae plants growing in the arid lands of Saudi Arabia

The present research was undertaken to explor the possibility of arbuscular mycorrhizal(AM) association with Asteraceae plants in the arid lands of Saudi Arabia(Al-Ghat, Buraydah, Thumamah and Huraymila). AM fungal colonization in the roots, spore numbers in the rhizosphere soil, fungal species diversity and correlation between AM properties and soil properties were determined. The highest colonization was in Conyza bonariensis(65%) from Al-Ghat, Anthemis cotula(52%) from Buraydah and C. bonariensis(53%) from Thumamah. The lowest was in Vernonia schimperi(41%) from Al-Ghat, Pulicaria undulata(25%) from Buraydah, Acanthospermum hispidum(34%) from Thumamah, Asteriscus graveolens(22%) and V. schimperi(22%) from Huraymila. Vesicular and arbuscular colonization were also presented in all plant species examined. The number of spores were 112–207 in Al-Ghat, 113–133 in Buraydah, 87–148 in Thumamah and 107–158 in Huraymila. Funneliformis mosseae, Glomus etunicatum, G. fasciculatum and G. aggregatum were identified. Relative frequency of AM fungal species varied widely and was irrespective of location and plant species. Diversity index varied with the rhizosphere soils of different plant species at various locations. Soil properties varied with locations and no distinct correlations were observed among the soil properties, root colonization and the number of spores. The results of the present study specified the association of AM fungi in different plants of Asteraceae and its significance in the ecological functioning of annual plants in the punitive environments of the rangelands in Saudi Arabia.     

Chalcone suppresses lignin biosynthesis in illuminated soybean cells

Lignin and its related metabolites play critical roles in plant growth and development. Thus, lignin biosynthesis has attracted interest as a novel target site of plant growth inhibitors. Chalcone has been shown to not only inhibit lignin biosynthesis in plants, but also to suppress the growth of many annual plant species. In order to know the direct effect of chalcone on plant metabolism, the effects of chalcone on the activities of key enzymes in lignin biosynthesis and on the related metabolites were clarified with a time‐course study by using light‐induced suspension cultures of soybean cells. The fresh weight and packed cell volume of the soybean cells were inhibited after 8 h of chalcone treatment. The activities of phenylalanine ammonia lyase (EC 4.3.1.24) and 4‐coumarate: coenzyme A ligase (4CL; EC 6.2.1.12) were largely inhibited 4 h after the treatment with 0.15 mmol L^?1 chalcone. Unlike these two enzymes, the activity of cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.195) was not inhibited until 16 h after the chalcone treatment. The content of the 4CL substrates and lignin in the soybean cells became relatively lower than the control under the light condition within 4 h and 8 h after the chalcone treatment, respectively. These results suggest that the growth suppression of soybean cells is positively associated with the inhibition of lignin biosynthesis by exogenous chalcone.     

Variability in resistance-related enzyme activities in field populations of the tarnished plant bug, Lygus lineolaris

Widespread use of Bt crops for control of lepidopterous pests has reduced insecticide use and provided the tarnished plant bug the opportunity to become a serious pest on mid-South cotton. Organophosphate insecticides have predominantly been used against plant bugs in recent years due to the reduced efficacy of other insecticides. In this study, a biochemical approach was developed to survey enzymatic levels associated with organophosphate resistance levels in field populations of the tarnished plant bug. Forty-three populations were collected from the delta areas of Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Three esterase substrates and one substrate each of glutathione S-transferase (GST) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) were used to determine corresponding detoxification enzyme activities in different populations. Compared to a laboratory susceptible colony, increases up to 5.29-fold for esterase, 1.96-fold for GST, and 1.97-fold for AChE activities were detected in the field populations. In addition to the survey of enzyme activities among the populations, we also examined the susceptibility of major detoxification enzymes to several inhibitors which could be used in formulations to synergize insecticide toxicity against the target pests. As much as 52-76% of esterase, 72-98% of GST, and 93% of AChE activities were inhibited in vitro. Revealing variable esterase and GST activities among field populations may lead to a better understanding of resistance mechanisms in the tarnished plant bug. This study also reports effective suppression of detoxification enzymes which may be useful in future insecticide resistance management program for the tarnished plant bug and other Heteropteran pests on Bt crops.     

Resistance of Amaranthus hybridus to atrazine

Resistance of weeds to triazine herbicides has been recorded in many countries. The extent of the problem in South Africa is uncertain. In a pilot study, the atrazine resistance of Amaranthus hybridus L. (smooth pigweed) was investigated. Suspected resistant (R) and susceptible (S) biotypes were treated with commercially formulated atrazine. After post-and pre-emergence applications under tunnel conditions, it was found that the suspected R biotype plants were not affected at herbicide dosages of belween 1.25 and 25.0 kg a.i. ha^-1, i.e. up to 20 times gieater than the lowest recommended dosage. However, the S biotype plants were killed by the lowest dosage. In the fieid, mortalities in the R biolype were not observed after post-emergence applications of 1.25-10.00 kg a.i. ha^-1. In contrast, all S biotype plants were killed. In tunnel experiments, the R biotype was also found to be resistant to cyanazine and cyanazine+atrazine, while slight tolerance to linuron was observed. All these treatments resulted in 100% mortality of the S biotype. Although S biotype seeds oi A. hybridus were found to germinate slightly sooner under controlled conditions than R biotype seeds, preliminary results suggest that there are no major differences. Indications are that, although the growth of the S biotype may be greater than that of the R biotype, the competitive effect of the two biotypes on crop seedlings may well be similar.     

Progress towards avermectins and milbemycins

Triapenthenol is the proposed common name for a new plant growth regulator (E)-l-cyclohexyl-4, 4-dimethyl-2-(1, 2, 4-triazol-l-yl)-l-penten-3-01. Its main influence upon plants is an inhibition of shoot growth. Root growth is not inhibited at normal dosages. Growth inhibition in dicotyledons is achieved by either foliar or root uptake, while in monocotyledons, root uptake is necessary and foliar treatment fails to produce growth inhibition. Mainly acropetal transport of the compound is assumed to be responsible for this behaviour. Apart from growth inhibition, a marked influence upon water relations in plants was observed. In barley, water consumption was reduced for whole plants. Calculations also revealed a reduction of transpiration per unit leaf area. In rape only an initial reduction of water consumption was observed. The fresh weight/dry weight ratio of plants was increased by the compound. The total nitrogen content per plant was unchanged but increased when calculated on a dry weight basis. The compound exerted retardant effects by interfering with gibberellin biosynthesis, but the shape of the dose-response curves with increasing gibberellin concentrations in the presence and in the absence of triapenthenol suggests that this may not be the only effect of the compound on the plant metabolism.     

Cropping systems modify soil biota effects on wheat (Triticum aestivum) growth and competitive ability

Plants alter soil biota which subsequently modifies plant growth, plant–plant interactions and plant community dynamics. While much research has been conducted on the magnitude and importance of soil biota effects (SBEs) in natural systems, little is known in agro‐ecosystems. We investigated whether agricultural management systems could affect SBEs impacts on crop growth and crop–weed competition. Utilising soil collected from eight paired farms, we evaluated the extent to which SBEs differed between conventional and organic farming systems. Soils were conditioned by growing two common annual weeds: Amaranthus retroflexus (redroot pigweed) or Avena fatua (wild oat). Soil biota effects were measured in wheat (Triticum aestivum) growth and crop–weed competition, with SBEs calculated as the natural log of plant biomass in pots inoculated with living soil divided by the plant biomass in pots inoculated with sterilised soil. SBEs were generally more positive when soil inoculum was collected from organic farms compared with conventional farms, suggesting that cropping systems modify the relative abundance of mutualistic and pathogenic organisms responsible for the observed SBEs. Also, as feedbacks became more positive, crop–weed competition decreased and facilitation increased. In annual cropping systems, SBEs can alter plant growth and crop–weed competition. By identifying the management practices that promote positive SBEs, producers can minimise the impacts of crop–weed competition and decrease their reliance on off‐farm chemical and mechanical inputs to control weeds, enhancing agroecosystem sustainability.