Research

13 pages, 745 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Late-Autumn Ramet Sprouting of Three Arable Creeping Perennial Weed Species

by Kirsten S. Tørresen and Bärbel Gerowitt

Agronomy 2022, 12(9), 2175; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12092175 - 13 Sep 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1402

Elymus repens (L.) Gould), Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop. and Sonchus arvensis L. are important arable creeping perennial weeds in Europe. These are clonal plants with subterranean reproductive organs (E. repens, rhizomes, the two dicots, horizontal creeping roots) sprouting from ramets. We [...] Read more.

Elymus repens (L.) Gould), Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop. and Sonchus arvensis L. are important arable creeping perennial weeds in Europe. These are clonal plants with subterranean reproductive organs (E. repens, rhizomes, the two dicots, horizontal creeping roots) sprouting from ramets. We tested the sprouting ability and early growth of ramet sprouts at temperatures typical for Nordic autumn climate and with different preconditions of the mother plant (time in autumn, mother plant age, climate change experiences of the mother plants (two experiments)). The species reacted differently, with S. arvensis not sprouting at all, and C. arvense ramets sprouting at higher temperatures than those of E. repens, which sprouted at all tested temperatures. Plant age affected only the ramet sprout biomass of E. repens. Climate change during mother plant growth only affected C. arvense, with the highest above-ground biomass of the sprouted ramets at an elevated temperature and ambient CO₂. Testing earlier in autumn showed more sprouting and biomass for C. arvense and E. repens than testing later in the season. The observed temperature responses confirmed more and bigger sprouts with higher autumn temperatures. Controlling the sprouted ramets in autumn is easier for E. repens than for C. arvensis. Due to their low/no sprouting ability in autumn, the ramets of S. arvensis cannot be controlled in autumn. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Expanding the Knowledge on Weed Germination and Early Growth to Design Sustainable Management Strategies)

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16 pages, 5630 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Potential Allelopathic Interference of Abutilon theophrasti Medik. Powder/Extract on Seed Germination, Seedling Growth and Root System Activity of Maize, Wheat and Soybean

by Mengfei Tian, Qianqian Li, Wenyan Zhao, Bin Qiao, Sen Shi, Meiting Yu, Xin Li, Chunying Li and Chunjian Zhao

Agronomy 2022, 12(4), 844; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12040844 - 29 Mar 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2158

Abstract

The velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti Medik.) is a strong and competitive weed in fields that inhibits the growth of crops. Reports have suggested that allelopathy is one of the reasons for this inhibition; however, the mechanism of this allelopathy remains unclear. In this [...] Read more.

The velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti Medik.) is a strong and competitive weed in fields that inhibits the growth of crops. Reports have suggested that allelopathy is one of the reasons for this inhibition; however, the mechanism of this allelopathy remains unclear. In this study, velvetleaf powder/extracts were shown to inhibit seed germination, growth and yield in maize, wheat and soybean through petri dish, pot and field control experiments. We observed a concentration-dependent inhibition of the seed germination rate for all three crops. The root tip structure changed significantly and the embryo even died when irrigated with a high concentration of the extract (10 mg·mL⁻¹). After adding velvetleaf powder, the malondialdehyde (MDA) content in crop seedlings was dose-dependent, and the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity of maize, wheat and soybean showed the maximum values under treatment with 1.25, 5 and 5 mg·cm⁻³, respectively. The activity of peroxidase (POD) showed the highest value under the 5 mg·cm⁻³ treatment in maize and wheat seedlings and under 10 mg·cm⁻³ treatment in soybean seedlings. However, sugar, protein content and root activity in all three crops was the lowest under the 10 mg·cm⁻³ treatment. Therefore, velvetleaf may decrease the productivity of three crops by changing the antioxidant enzyme activities, root system activities and root tip structures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Expanding the Knowledge on Weed Germination and Early Growth to Design Sustainable Management Strategies)

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13 pages, 1218 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Predicting the Emergence of Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) P. Beauv. in Maize Crop in Croatia with Hydrothermal Model

by Valentina Šoštarčić, Roberta Masin, Donato Loddo, Zlatko Svečnjak, Vedran Rubinić and Maja Šćepanović

Agronomy 2021, 11(10), 2072; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11102072 - 15 Oct 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1843

Abstract

Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) P. Beauv. is the most common monocotyledonous weed in maize crops in Croatia. Crop–weed interference is influenced by weed emergence patterns, and knowledge of the timing of weed emergence is crucial for the development of an efficient integrated weed-management program. [...] Read more.

Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) P. Beauv. is the most common monocotyledonous weed in maize crops in Croatia. Crop–weed interference is influenced by weed emergence patterns, and knowledge of the timing of weed emergence is crucial for the development of an efficient integrated weed-management program. Therefore, two-year field experiments were conducted in a maize crop sown in early May in continental Croatia to determine the emergence pattern of E. crus-galli from natural seedbank. In laboratory studies, the estimated base temperature and base water potential for the Croatian ecotype of E. crus-galli were 10.8 °C and −0.97 MPa, respectively. Then, the estimated germination parameters were compared with the values embedded in the AlertInf model from Italy (Veneto) to calibrate this hydrothermal model. The estimated hydrothermal units were around 28 for the onset (10%) and 93 for the middle (50%) emergence of E. crus-galli. Our findings showed that the AlertInf model satisfactorily simulated the emergence of E. crus-galli in maize crop in Croatia (EF = 0.97 in 2019 and 0.98 in 2020), indicating its potential use in other geographical areas Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Expanding the Knowledge on Weed Germination and Early Growth to Design Sustainable Management Strategies)

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14 pages, 1814 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of Environmental Factors on Seed Germination of Polygonum perfoliatum L.: Implications for Management

by Shahid Farooq, Huseyin Onen, Sonnur Tad, Cumali Ozaslan, Samy F. Mahmoud, Marian Brestic, Marek Zivcak, Milan Skalicky and Ahmed M. El-Shehawi

Agronomy 2021, 11(6), 1123; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11061123 - 31 May 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3444

Abstract

Polygonum perfoliatum L. is an aggressive vine, currently invading the Black Sea region, Turkey. However, information about the seed germination biology of this species is scanty. The objective of the current study was to determine the seed germination biology of three naturalized populations [...] Read more.

Polygonum perfoliatum L. is an aggressive vine, currently invading the Black Sea region, Turkey. However, information about the seed germination biology of this species is scanty. The objective of the current study was to determine the seed germination biology of three naturalized populations of this species. Chemical scarification with 98% sulfuric acid for 30 min followed by cold-wet stratification at 4 °C for 4 weeks effectively released seed dormancy in tested populations. Seeds of all populations required a 12 h photoperiod for the highest germination, while germination under continuous dark and light remained similar. The seeds were able to germinate under a wide range of constant (5–40 °C) and alternating temperatures, pH (3–11), osmotic potential (0 to −1.4 MPa) and salinity (0–500 mM NaCl). However, the peak germination was observed under 20 °C constant and 20/15 °C alternating day/night temperature, and pH 6.8. Seeds of all populations were able to withstand 200 mM salinity and −0.6 MPa osmotic potential. Increasing seed burial depth initially stimulated seedling emergence and then a sharp decline was observed for the seeds buried below >2 cm depth. More than 90% of the seeds were unable to emerge when buried >6 cm depth. Polygonum perfoliatum has a large potential for range expansion; therefore, immediate management of the naturalized populations is warranted. This weed species in agricultural fields can be managed by burying the seeds in deeper soil layers (6 cm), while post-emergence management strategies need to be developed for roadside populations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Expanding the Knowledge on Weed Germination and Early Growth to Design Sustainable Management Strategies)

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16 pages, 3131 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Predicting Seedling Emergence of Three Canarygrass (Phalaris) Species under Semi-Arid Conditions Using Parametric and Non-Parametric Models

by Carlos Sousa-Ortega, Aritz Royo-Esnal and José María Urbano

Agronomy 2021, 11(5), 893; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11050893 - 01 May 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2014

Abstract

The Phalaris genus includes annual weed species such as short-spiked canarygrass (Phalaris brachystachys Link.), little-seed canarygrass (Phalaris minor Retz.) and hood canarygrass (Phalaris paradoxa L.), which are especially problematic in Spain; as such, there is a need to develop models to [...] Read more.

The Phalaris genus includes annual weed species such as short-spiked canarygrass (Phalaris brachystachys Link.), little-seed canarygrass (Phalaris minor Retz.) and hood canarygrass (Phalaris paradoxa L.), which are especially problematic in Spain; as such, there is a need to develop models to predict the timing of their emergence. Field experiments were conducted at two different locations during two (2006/07 and 2007/08) and three (from 2005/06 to 2007/08) growing seasons. In both locations, 500 seeds of each Phalaris species were sown each growing season, simulating rain-fed cereal field conditions. In addition, the models were validated with three, four and eight independent experiments for P. brachystachys, P. minor and P. paradoxa, respectively. The emergence period of the three Phalaris species lasted between 31 and 48 days after sowing (DAS), showing two main flushes. The three cardinal points for parametric and non-parametric models were established to be between −1 °C and 1 °C for base temperature, between 9.8 °C and 11.8 °C for optimal temperature and between 21.2 °C and 23.4 °C for ceiling temperature; base water potential was estimated to be between −1 and −1.1 MPa. Both parametric and non-parametric models obtained similar results and were successfully validated in 12 out of 15 independent experiments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Expanding the Knowledge on Weed Germination and Early Growth to Design Sustainable Management Strategies)

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13 pages, 2192 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Germination Parameters of Selected Summer Weeds: Transferring of the AlertInf Model to Other Geographical Regions

by Valentina Šoštarčić, Roberta Masin, Donato Loddo, Ema Brijačak and Maja Šćepanović

Agronomy 2021, 11(2), 292; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11020292 - 05 Feb 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2834

Abstract

Effective weed management depends on correct control timing, which depends on seedling emergence dynamics. Since soil temperature and soil moisture are the two main factors that determine weed germination, the hydrothermal time model can be used to predict their emergence. The aim of [...] Read more.

Effective weed management depends on correct control timing, which depends on seedling emergence dynamics. Since soil temperature and soil moisture are the two main factors that determine weed germination, the hydrothermal time model can be used to predict their emergence. The aim of this study was to estimate the base temperature (T_b) and base water potential (Ψ_b) for the germination of Chenopodium album, Amaranthus retroflexus, Setaria pumila, and Panicum capillare collected from fields in continental Croatia and then to compare these values with those of Italian populations embedded in the AlertInf model. Germination tests were performed at seven constant temperatures (ranging from 4 to 27 °C) and eight water potentials (0.00–1.00 MPa). The estimated T_b and Ψ_b were 3.4 °C and −1.38 MPa for C. album, 13.9 °C and −0.36 MPa for A. retroflexus, 6.6 °C and −0.71 MPa for S. pumila, and 11.0 °C and −0.87 MPa for P. capillare, respectively. According to the criterion of overlap of the 95% confidence intervals, only the T_b of C. album and the Ψ_b of A. retroflexus of the Croatian and Italian populations were similar. Further field experiments should be conducted to monitor the weed emergence patterns of C. album and calibrate the AlerInf equation parameters. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Expanding the Knowledge on Weed Germination and Early Growth to Design Sustainable Management Strategies)

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14 pages, 3103 KiB

Open AccessArticle

“Active” Weed Seed Bank: Soil Texture and Seed Weight as Key Factors of Burial-Depth Inhibition

by Stefano Benvenuti and Marco Mazzoncini

Agronomy 2021, 11(2), 210; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11020210 - 22 Jan 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3113

Abstract

The ability of weeds to survive over time is highly dependent on an ecological strategy that ensures a high level of viable seed remains in the soil. Seed bank persistence occurs because of the specific characteristics of seed dormancy and longevity and the [...] Read more.

The ability of weeds to survive over time is highly dependent on an ecological strategy that ensures a high level of viable seed remains in the soil. Seed bank persistence occurs because of the specific characteristics of seed dormancy and longevity and the hypoxic microenvironment, which surrounds the buried seeds. These experiments investigate the role of soil texture, burial depth, and seed weight in seed bank dynamics. Seeds of twelve weed species are sown at increasing depths in various soil textures, and emergence data are used to detect the burial depth at which 50% and 95% inhibition is induced, using appropriate regressions. Clay soil is found to increase the depth-mediated inhibition, while it is reduced by sandy particles. In each soil texture, the highest level of inhibition is found for the smallest seeds. Seed weight is found to be closely related to the maximum hypocotyl elongation measured in vitro, and consequently, the seedlings are unable to reach the soil surface beyond a certain depth threshold. However, the threshold of emergence depth is always lower than the potential hypocotyl elongation. The depth-mediated inhibition of buried seeds is even more pronounced in clay soil, highlighting that the small size of clay particles constitutes a greater obstacle during pre-emergence growth. Finally, the role of soil texture and weed seed size are discussed not only in terms of evaluating the layer of “active” seed bank (soil surface thickness capable of giving rise to germination and emergence), but also in terms of developing a consistent and persistent seed bank. Finally, the role of soil texture and weed seed size are discussed, and the layer of “active” seed bank (the soil surface thickness that enables germination and emergence) is assessed with the aim of developing a consistent and persistent seed bank. Assessing seed bank performance when buried under different soil textures can help increase the reliability of the forecast models of emergence dynamics, thus ensuring more rational and sustainable weed management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Expanding the Knowledge on Weed Germination and Early Growth to Design Sustainable Management Strategies)

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20 pages, 4720 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Crop Residues on Weed Emergence

by Nebojša Nikolić, Donato Loddo and Roberta Masin

Agronomy 2021, 11(1), 163; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11010163 - 16 Jan 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3220

Abstract

Weed behaviour in crop fields has been extensively studied; nevertheless, limited knowledge is available for particular cropping systems, such as no-till systems. Improving weed management under no-till conditions requires an understanding of the interaction between crop residues and the seedling emergence process. This [...] Read more.

Weed behaviour in crop fields has been extensively studied; nevertheless, limited knowledge is available for particular cropping systems, such as no-till systems. Improving weed management under no-till conditions requires an understanding of the interaction between crop residues and the seedling emergence process. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of maize and wheat residues, applied in three different quantities (1, the field quantity, 0.5, and 1.5-fold amounts of the field quantity), on the emergence of eight weed species: Abutilon theophrasti, Amaranthus retroflexus, Chenopodium album, Digitaria sanguinalis, Echinochloa crus-galli, Setaria pumila, Sonchus oleraceus, and Sorghum halepense. The experiment was conducted over two consecutive years. The results showed that the quantities 1 and 1.5 could suppress seedling emergence by 20 and 44%, respectively, while the quantity 0.5 seems to promote emergence by 22% compared with the control without residues. Weed species showed different responses to crop residues, from C. album showing 56% less emergence to S. halepense showing a 44% higher emergence than the control without residues. Different meteorological conditions in the two-year experiment also exhibited a significant influence on weed species emergence. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Expanding the Knowledge on Weed Germination and Early Growth to Design Sustainable Management Strategies)

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