CHEMICAL WEED CONTROL IN BROADCAST-SEEDED FLOODED TROPICAL RICE

Summary. Several new herbicides were tested for control of weeds in broadcast-seeded flooded tropical rice. Among the new herbicides, S-(2-methyl-l-piperidylcarbonyl-methyl)- O,O -di- n -propyl dithiophosphate (C-19490), S-(2-methyl-l-piperidylcarbonyl-methyl)- O,O -di- n -propyl dithiophosphate combined with 2-(1',2'-dimethylpropylamino)-4-ethylamino-6-methylmercapto- s -triazine [C-19490/C-18898 (C-288)], and N -secondary-butyl-4-tertiary-butyl-2,6-dinitroaniline (A-820) were highly selective in controlling Echinochloa crus-galli (barnyard grass) and other annual weeds under tropical conditions. S-(4-chlorobenzyl)- N,N -diethylthiol carbamate (benthiocarb) and N -(butoxymethyl)-2-chloro-2',6'-diethylacetanilide (butachlor) continued to look promising in our experiments. Only butachlor is widely used in Asia.
Désherbage chimique des cultures tropicales de riz inorndé, seméà la volée     

Flavonoids in Food and Their Health Benefits

There has been increasing interest in the research of flavonoids from dietary sources, due to growing evidence of the versatile health benefits of flavonoids through epidemiological studies. As occurrence of flavonoids is directly associated with human daily dietary intake of antioxidants, it is important to evaluate flavonoid sources in food. Fruits and vegetables are the main dietary sources of flavonoids for humans, along with tea and wine. However, there is still difficulty in accurately measuring the daily intake of flavonoids because of the complexity of existence of flavonoids from various food sources, the diversity of dietary culture, and the occurrence of a large amount of flavonoids itself in nature. Nevertheless, research on the health aspects of flavonoids for humans is expanding rapidly. Many flavonoids are shown to have antioxidative activity, free-radical scavenging capacity, coronary heart disease prevention, and anticancer activity, while some flavonoids exhibit potential for anti–human immunodeficiency virus functions. As such research progresses, further achievements will undoubtedly lead to a new era of flavonoids in either foods or pharmaceutical supplements. Accordingly, an appropriate model for a precise assessment of intake of flavonoids needs to be developed.Most recent research has focused on the health aspects of flavonoids from food sources for humans. This paper reviews the current advances in flavonoids in food, with emphasis on health aspects on the basis of the published literature, which may provide some guidance for researchers in further investigations and for industries in developing practical health agents.     

REGULATION OF ENZYME ACTIVITY BY SPECIFIC REVERSAL OF FEEDBACK INHIBITION

Studies with a photosynthetic bacterium have revealed a novel type of regulatory control of enzymes participating in amino acid biosyntheses. Feeback inhibition of enzyme activity can be specifically reversed by ultimate end products of a branched pathway.     

Influence of preceding crop and tillage system on forage yield and quality of selected summer grass and legume forage crops under arid conditions

Among the crop production factors, preceding crop and tillage management affect the sustainable use of soil resources and ultimately crop growth and productivity. This study aimed at investigating the impact of preceding winter crops (grass or legume) and different tillage systems on forage yield, quality and nutritive values of three summer grass (Sudan grass, pearl millet and teosinte) and two legume forage crops (cowpea and guar) under arid conditions. The results exhibited that growing forage crops after legumes (as berseem clover) produced the highest fresh and dry forage yields and quality attributes compared with grasses (as wheat) with the exception of crude fiber content, which was decreased. Moreover, tillage practices showed positive impact on forage yields and quality attributes. The maximum forage yields and quality parameters were recorded under conventional tillage (CT) practice compared with reduced tillage (RT) and no-tillage (NT) systems. Among the evaluated crops, the highest yields of fresh forage, dry forage, crude fiber, crude protein and total digestible nutrient were exhibited by grass forage crops (Sudan grass, pearl millet and teosinte), whereas the highest crude protein content and the digestible energy values were produced by legume forage crops (cowpea and guar). The maximum fresh forage, dry forage, crude fiber, crude protein, total digestible nutrient and digestible crude protein yields were produced by pearl millet followed by Sudan grass under CT and RT after berseem clover. The highest net return was recorded by sowing pearl millet after berseem clover and applying CT followed by RT practices, which could be recommended for the commercial production. Moreover, it could be assumed that the combination of growing grass forage crops after legume crops under CT or RT systems could enhance forage crop yield and quality with an improvement in soil properties for sustainable agriculture with low cost and the highest net income.     

Prospects for using minimum and zero tillage in tropical lowland rice

Four field experiments were conducted at The International Rice Research Institute during the 1975 and 1976 crop seasons to develop minimum and zero tillage techniques for transplanted rice (Oryza sativa L.). High rates of glyphosate followed by a lower rate of paraquat effectively controlled Paspalum distichum L., but not Fimbristylis littoralis L. The tenminimum tillage treatments based on different combinations and sequences of pre-plant herbicide application, tillage and flooding, gave a similar grain yield to conventional tillage, and significantly higher grain yield than zero tillage treatments. Conventional, minimum and zero tillage were compared over four successive crops. After two crops with zero tillage, the plots were dominated by the perennials, P. distichum and Scirpus maritimus L., but with minimum or conventional tillage, weed control and grain yield were satisfactory. Efficiency of nitrogen fertilizer usage by the crop was the same with minimum as with conventional tillage but higher than with zero tillage and was increased by placement at 10 cm depth. The studies indicate that minimum tillage systems are a dependable alternative to conventional tillage for lowland rice production.     

Implications of different degrees of arytenoid cartilage abduction on equine upper airway characteristics

Reason for performing study: The necessary degree of arytenoid cartilage abduction (ACA) to restore airway patency at maximal exercise has not been determined. Objectives: Use computational fluid dynamics modelling to measure the effects of different degrees of ACA on upper airway characteristics of horses during exercise. Hypothesis: Maximal ACA by laryngoplasty is necessary to restore normal peak airflow and pressure in Thoroughbred racehorses with laryngeal hemiplegia. Methods: The upper airway was modeled with the left arytenoid in 3 different positions: maximal abduction; 88% cross‐sectional area of the rima glottis; and 75% cross‐sectional area of the rima glottis. The right arytenoid cartilage was maximally abducted. Two models were assumed: Model 1: no compensation of airway pressures; and Model 2: airway pressure compensation occurs to maintain peak airflow. The cross‐sectional pressure and velocity distributions for turbulent flow were studied at peak flow and at different positions along the airway. Results: Model 1: In the absence of a change in driving pressure, 12 and 25% reductions in cross‐sectional area of the larynx resulted in 4.11 and 5.65% reductions in peak airflow and 3.68 and 5.64% in tidal volume, respectively, with mild changes in wall pressure. Model 2: To maintain peak flow, a 6.27% increase in driving tracheal pressure was required to compensate for a cross‐sectional reduction of 12% and a 13.63% increase in driving tracheal pressure was needed for a cross‐sectional area reduction of 25%. This increase in negative driving pressure resulted in regions with low intraluminal and wall pressures, depending on the degree of airway diameter reduction. Conclusion: Assuming no increase in driving pressure, the decrease in left ACA reduced airflow and tidal volume. With increasing driving pressure, a decrease in left ACA changed the wall pressure profile, subjecting the submaximally abducted arytenoid cartilage and adjacent areas to airway collapse. Clinical relevance: The surgical target of ACA resulting in 88% of maximal cross‐sectional area seems to be appropriate.     

Physiological response of rice and weeds to low light intensity at different growth stages

The response of upland rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars Kinandang Patong and UPLRi-7, and the C₄ weeds Echinochloa colonum (L.) Link, Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn., and Rottboellia cochinchinensis (Lour.) W.D. Clayton to low light intensity of 150, 250, and 400 μmol m^{?2 s-1} photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) at different development stages was studied in a combined growth chamber and glasshouse experiment. The weed species had higher net CO₂ exchange rates (CER) than rice at all light intensities and growth phases. The response of CER to light intensity was greatest at the early vegetative stage and became less pronounced at later stages in all species. Low light intensity reduced CER and growth rates at an early vegetative phase, particularly in rice, while Rottboellia maintained the highest CER. Differences in low-light-induced growth reduction between the species became less marked with plant age. Although prolonged exposure to low light intensity increased CER for all species, it was least for Eleusine, indicating acclimation of the photosynthetic system. All three weed species had a lower leaf conductance, low transpiration rate, and higher water use efficiency than rice. Both rice and weeds recovered from low-light treatment, particularly if the latter was imposed early. Continuous exposure to 150 (μmol m^?2 s^?1 PAR strongly inhibited growth of Eleusine and Echinochloa, had an intermediate effect on rice, and affected Rottboellia least. It is concluded that Rottboellia has superior growth and assimilation compared to rice under both low and high intensity light, whereas Echinochloa and, to an even greater extent, Eleusine, are more susceptible to shading. Possible physiological causes of these differences are discussed. Réponse physiologique du riz et des adventices à une faible intensité lumineuse à différents stades de croissance La réponse du riz hautes terres (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars Kinandang Patong et UPLRi-7, et des adventices C₄ (Echinochloa colonum (L.) Link, Elsine indica (L.) Gaertn, et Rottboelliacochinchinensis (Lour.) W.D. Clayton, a de faibles intensité lumineuses de radiation photo-synthétiquement active (PAR) de 150, 250 et 400 (μmol m^?2 s^?1à différents stades de croissance a étéétudié dans une expérimentation combinée en chambre climatique et en serre. Les espéces adventices avaient des taux nets d'échange en CO₂ (CER) plus élevés que le riz a toutes les intensités lumineuses et phases de croissance. La réponse du CER à 1'intensité lumineuse était la plus élevée aux stades végé-tatifs précoces et devenait moins é1evée aux stades plus tardifs pour toutes les espéces. La faible intensité lumineuse a réduit le CER et les taux de croissance à un stade végétatif précoce, particuliérement chez le riz, tandis que Rottboellia maintenait le CER élevé. Les diffe'rences dans la réduction de croissance induite par faible lumiére entre les espéces devenaient moins marquées avec 1'âge des plantes. Bien qu'une exposition à une faible intensité lumineuse ait augmenté le CER pour toutes les espèces, cela était moindre pour Eleusine, démontrant une acclimatation du systéme photosynthétique. Les 3 espèces d'adventices avaient une conductance foliaire plus faible, un taux de transpiration plus faible et une efficacité de l'utilisation d'eau plus élevé que le riz. Le riz et les adventices se remettaient du traitement de faible lumière surtout s'il était imposé tôt. Une exposition continue à 150 μmol m^?2 s^?1 a fortement inhibé la croissance d'Eleusine et d'Echinochloa, a moyennement affecté le riz de façon et de moinde façon, le Rottboeillia. II est conclu que Rottboellia a une croissance et une assimilation supérieures au riz à la fois sous faible et sous forte in tensité lumineuse, tandis qu'Echinochloa et même encore plus Eleusine sont plus sensibles à l'ombrage. Les causes physiologiques possibles de ces différences sont discutées. Die physiologische Reaktion von Reis und Unkräutem in verschiedenen Entwicklungsstadien auf geringe Lichtintensität Die Reaktion von Bergreissorten (Oryza sativa L. ‘Kinandang Patong’ und ‘UPLRi-7’) und der C₄-Unkräuter Echinochloa colonum (L.) Link, Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn. und Rottboellia cochinchinensis (Lour.) W.D. Clayton in verscbiedenen Entwicklungsstadien auf geringe Lichtintensität von 150, 250 und 400 μmol m^?2 s^?1 wurde in Pflanzenwuchskammer- und Gewächshausversuchen untersucht. Die Unkrautarten hatten bei alien Lichtintensitäten und in alien Entwicklungsstadien höhere Netto-CO₂-Austauschraten (CER) als der Reis. Die CER-Reaktion auf die Lichtintensität war in den frühen Entwicklungsstadien am größten und danach bei allen Arten immer weniger deutlich. Niedrige Lichtintensität verringerte die CER und die Wachstumsraten in frühen Entwicklungsphasen, besonders bei Reis, während Rottboellia die höchste CER beibehielt. Unterschiede in der durch geringes Licht hervorgerufenen Wachstumsreduktion unter den Arten wurden mit zunehmendem Alter weniger deutlich. Obwohl durch eine längere Exposition bei geringer Lichtintensität die CER bei alien Arten zunahm, war dies bei Eleusine am geringsten, worin sich die Akklimation des Photosynthesesystems zeigte. Alle 3 Unkrautarten hatten ein geringeres Blattleitungsvermögen, geringere Transpirationsraten und eine höhere Assimilationsleistung als Reis. Sowohl Reis als auch die Unkräuter erholten sich von der Dunkellichtzeit, besonders wenn sie ihm früh ausgesetzt worden waren. Ständige Exposition auf eine Lichtintensität von 150 μmo m^?2 s^?1 unterdrückte das Wachstum von Eleusine und Echinochloa erheblich, den Reis weniger und Rottboellia am wenigsten. Daraus wurde geschlossen, daßRottboellia sowohl bei niedriger als auch hoher Lichtintensität im Vergleich zum Reis über stärkeren Wucbs und bessere Assimilation verfügt, während Echinochloa und, mehr noch, Eleusine gegen Beschattung empfindlicher sind. Die möglichen physiologischen Gründe für diese Unterschiede wurden diskutiert.     

Effects of nitrogen application on growth, nitrogen use efficiency and rice-weed interaction

Responses of upland rice (Oryza saliva L.) and the weeds Amaranthus spinosus L., Cyperus rotundus L., Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn., and Rottboellia cochinchinensis (Lour.) W. D. Clayton to nitrogen (N) and time of N application were studied in the glasshouse both in monoculture and in mixture. The N response of two rice cultivais and R. cochinchinensis in monoculture levelled off between 69 and 103 mg N kg^?1 air-dried soil, whereas the other weed species continued to respond beyond 103 mg N kg^?1 air-dried soil. At high N application rates. N uptake by weeds was higher than that by rice; weeds used N more efficiently. Weeds, which had high dry matter production at high N application rates in monoculture, were most competitive at low N and least sensitive to low applied N. Nitrogen application levels sub-optimal to rice reduced the competitive ability of rice when in mixture with E. indica, R. cochinchinensis, and A spinosus, but not with C. rotundus. Although N response of a plant species generally declined with age, interspecific differences were observed. Timing of N application can be exploited in rice-weed management. Les effets d'applications d'azote sur la croissance, l'efficacité de l'utilisation de l'azote et l'interaction riz-mauvaises herbes Les réponses du riz pluvial (Oryza sativa L.) et des mauvaises herbes Amaranthus spinosus L., Cyperus rotundus L., Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn., et Rottboellia cochinchinensis (Lour.) W. D. Clayton à des applications d'azote, et à la période de ces applications, ont étéétudiées en serre, en cultures pures et en associations. Les réponses à l'azote de deux variétés de riz et de R. cochinchinensis en culture pure montrent un plateau entre 69 et 103 mg N kg^?1 de sol séchéà l'air, alors que les autres mauvaises herbes continuaient de répondre au delà da cette dernière dose. Aux doses élevées d'azote, les mauvaises herbes prélevaient davantage d'azote que le riz et elles l'utilisaient plus efficacement. Les mauvaises herbes qui, en culture pure, montraient une forte production de matière sèche aux doses d'azote élevées, étaient les plus compétitives à faibles doses d'azote et les moins affectées par les faibles doses. Les doses d'azote sub-optimales pour le riz réduisaient son aptitude à la concurrence quand il était associéà A. spinosus, E. indica et R. cochinchinensis, mais non àC. rotundus. Bien que chez toutes les espèces la réponse à l'azote déclinait généralement avec l'âge des plantes, des différences interspécifiques ont été observées. La période d'application de l'azote pourrait être exploitée dans la maîtrise des mauvaises herbes du riz. Wirkung der Stickstoffdüngung auf das Wachstum, die Stickstoff-Assimilation und die Konkurrenz zwischen Unkraut und Reis Die Wirkung von Stickstoff (N) und des Zeitpunkts der Stickstoffdüngung auf Hochlandreis (Oryzasativa L.) und die Unkrautarten Amaran thus spinosus L., Cyperus rotundus L., Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn. und Rottboellia cochinchinensis (Lour.) W. D. Clayton in Rein- sowie Mischbeständen wurde im Gewächschaus untersuchte. Die Reaktion auf die Stickstoffgaben begann bei 2 Reissorten und Rottboellia co-chinchinensis bei 69 und 103 mg N kg^?1 lufttrockenen Boden, während die anderen Unkrautarten bei mehr als 103 mg N kg^?1 lufttrockenen Boden reagierten. Bie hohen N-Gaben war die N-Auf-nahme der Unkräuter stärker als beim Reis, und die Unkräuter setzten den Stickstoff besser um. Unkräuter mit hoher Trockenmasseproduktion in Reinkulture bei hohen N-Gaben waren bei niedrigen N-Gaben am konkurrenzstärksten. Suboptimale N-Gaben verminderten die Konkurrenzkraft des Reises in Mischbeständen mit Eleusine indica, Rottboellia cochinchinensis, Amaranthus spinosus, aber nicht mit Cyperus rotundus. Obwohl die N-Wirkung bei den Pflanzenarten allgemein mit dem Alter abnahm, lieβen sich zwischen den Arten Unterschiede beobachten. Der Zeitpunkt der N-Düngung kann für die Steuerung der Konkurrenz der Unkräuter mit Reis genutzt werden.     

The effect of chemical and heat treatments on germination of Commelina benghalensis L. aerial seeds

The effects of concentrated sulphuric acid, dry heat, hot water and NaOCl treatments on the germinability of dormant large and small aerial Commelina benghalensis L. seeds were evaluated. Concentrated sulphuric acid and NaOCl treatments were more effective than the dry heat and hot water treatments in breaking the dormancy of C. benghalensis aerial seeds. Treatments increased germination of both seed types due to its effect on the seed coat integrity. A scanning electron microscope revealed that changes as a result of scarification occurred in the hilum region of the seed and in the seed coat surface. The large aerial seeds were affected by all treatments more than the small aerial seeds. Difference in germinability between the two seed types was related to the difference in their seed vigour.     

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.