Growth and seed production of glyphosate-resistant giant ragweed (Ambrosia trifida L.) in response to water stress

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of degree and duration of water stress on growth and seed production of glyphosate-resistant (GR) giant ragweed. The degree of water stress included giant ragweed response to 100%, 75%, 50%, 25%, and 12.5% of field capacity. The highest growth index (588 cm3) was achieved at 75% of field capacity with plants typically ≥125 cm tall and ≥57 leaves plant−1. Giant ragweed seed production was ≥55, 35, 20, and 5 seeds plant−1 at ≥75%, 50%, 25%, and 12.5% of field capacity, respectively. The study of duration of water stress included the response of giant ragweed to withholding water for 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 d following 100% of field capacity. Water stress of 4 d or longer reduced giant ragweed plant height ≥20%, root and shoot biomass ≥66%, number of leaves ≥36%, growth index ≥54%, and seed production by 36% compared with 2 d of water stress. Results from this study indicate that giant ragweed can survive and produce seeds at 12.5% of field capacity or 10 d of water stress.