Spread of proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) in Ontario, Canada. I. Rate of spread and crop susceptibility

The infestations of two biotypes of Panicum miliaceum L. were monitored over a 5-year period (1981–1985) as they occurred in two townships in southwestern Ontario, Canada. On average, 16·5% of the cultivated fields in Hullett township were infested with the black-seeded biotype while 12·9% of the fields in North Norwich township were infested with the golden-seeded biotype. Neither population showed clear signs of increasing. The two biotypes were similar in their ability to persist as adult infestations. The black-seeded biotype showed a greater potential for colonizing uninfested fields. The crops grown in this region showed different susceptibilities to infestation by P. miliaceum. Corn (maize) fields were susceptible while most grain fields were resistant to infestation. White beans were susceptible to infestation by the black-seeded biotype. Wheat and oat crops were more resistant to infestation by the golden-seeded biotype than to those of the black-seeded biotype.