Amaranthus Deflexus Research Articles

From Tropical to Temperate: First Distribution Record of Amaranthus deflexus L. (Amaranthaceae) as an Alien Species to Kashmir Himalaya

From Tropical to Temperate: First Distribution Record of Amaranthus deflexus L. (Amaranthaceae) as an Alien Species to Kashmir Himalaya

Influence of herbicides and water stress levels on the initial establishment of Amaranthus deflexus

The objective was to evaluate the influence of water deficit on the growth and development of Amaranthus deflexus L. after the application of herbicides with different mechanisms of action. The experimental design used was completely randomized with a double factorial arrangement and split plots over time. Analysis of variance was performed using the mixed model methodology. For total dry mass, plant height, stem diameter, relative water content and chlorophyll content, weeds were subjected to three factors: products (water, glyphosate, diuron, nicosulfuron and 2.4-D), and water conditions (100, 60 and 30% of the tray capacity), applied in different times after the application of the product (0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 days) nested in the subplots. To evaluate the phytotoxicity scale, analyses were carried out from the second to the eighth day after herbicide application. At the end of the trial, there was a reduction in the magnitude of quantitative plant growth traits of A. deflexus L. due to the application of herbicides associated with water stress conditions. For the random variation resulting from the nested effect of time in the subplots, a decreasing trend was observed for the characters plant height, stem diameter, total dry mass, total chlorophyll content and relative water content, as well as an increase in plant phytotoxicity weeds until the eighth day after herbicide application, with an increase in the length of the evaluation subintervals.

The Electric Spatula: Killing Weeds with Pulsed Microshocks from a Flat-Plate Electrode

Seeking an easy-to-deploy, energy-efficient, non-herbicide weed control method, we tested a flat-plate electrode to apply pulsed electric microshocks (PMS) to a grass and four broadleaf weed species. The method can be deployed via a hand-held unit or as part of a fully automated system to control escape weeds in field crops. The effectiveness of the treatments and the relative energy discharges when applying similar electric doses to the plant leaves or to the plant when pressed to the soil with a flat-plate electrode were compared. The method killed only half of the treated Lolium multiflorum “Winter Star” plants, well below our target rate, but significantly reduced growth rates and indicated that effective treatment of <1.0 MJ ha−1 for treating five plants m−2 is possible. Polygonum aviculare L., Amaranthus powellii S. Wats., Amaranthus deflexus, and Solanum nitidibaccatum Bitter plants were successfully controlled, with the energy required to kill 100% of seedlings varying from 0.1 to 0.9 MJ ha−1, indicating that broadleaf weeds are more susceptible. This easily met our target effectiveness and efficiency goals. The discharged energy increased when the electrode pressed the plant to a dry soil surface rather than to the leaves only and increased further when the electrode pressed the plant to a wet soil surface.

Occurrence of Multiple Glyphosate-Resistant Weeds in Brazilian Citrus Orchards

Glyphosate is the most widely used herbicide for weed control in citrus orchards in Brazil; therefore, it is likely that several species have gained resistance to this herbicide and that more than one resistant species can be found in the same orchard. The objective was to identify weeds resistant to glyphosate in citrus orchards from different regions of the São Paulo State (SP) and determine how many resistant species are present within the same orchard. Seeds of Amaranthus deflexus, A. hybridus, Bidens pilosa, Chloris elata, Conyza bonariensis, Digitaria insularis, Solanum Americanum, and Tridax procumbens, which, as reported by growers, are suspected to be resistant to glyphosate, were collected from plants that survived the last application of this herbicide (>720 g of acid equivalent [ae] ha–1) in sweet orange and Tahiti acid lime orchards. Based on dose–response and shikimic acid accumulation assays, all populations of A. deflexus, A. hybridus, B. pilosa, and T. procumbens were sensitive to glyphosate. However, populations of B. pilosa from the Olimpia region (R-NS, R-PT and R-OdA) showed signs of resistance based on plant mortality rates by 50% within a population (LD50 = 355–460 g ae ha−1). All populations of C. bonariensis, C. elata, and D. insularis were resistant to glyphosate, presenting resistance ratios from 1.9 to 27.6 and low shikimate accumulation rates. Solanum americanum also showed resistance, with resistance ratios ranging from 4.3 to 25.4. Most of the citrus orchards sampled presented the occurrence of more than one species resistant to glyphosate: Nossa Senhora—one species; Olhos D’agua and Passatempo—two species; Araras—four species; and Cordeiropolis and Mogi-Mirim—up to five species. The results reported in this paper provide evidence of multiple species in citrus orchards from São Paulo that have exhibited resistance to glyphosate. This underscores the difficulties in managing glyphosate-resistant weeds which are prevalent throughout the country, such as C. bonariensis and D. insularis. The presence of these resistant species further complicates the control of susceptible species that may also develop resistance. In addition, the glyphosate resistance of S. americanum was identified for the first time.

Use of vegetation cover in the control of different species of the genus Amaranthus

Soil cover has a physical, chemical, and biological effect on weed suppression. Although it depends on factors such as location and weed pressure, vegetation cover can even eliminate the need for herbicide application. Considering that the weeds popularly known as pigweed (Amaranthus sp.) have been expanding in agricultural areas and the use of only one form of management is not recommended for their control, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of using cover crop phytomass to control species of the genus Amaranthus. Soil vegetation cover at different percentage levels was evaluated in the control of the following weed species: Amaranthus hybridus, Amaranthus deflexus, and Amaranthus viridis, previously sown. The experimental design was completely randomized in a factorial scheme (9x4), with four replications. The treatments resulted from the combination of nine cover crops with Crotalaria species (Crotalaria juncea, Crotalaria breviflora, and Crotalaria spectabilis), black oats (Avena strigosa), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), jack bean (Canavalia ensiformis), pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan), lablab bean (Dolichos lablab), and pencilflower (Stylosanthes macrocephala), and four percentage levels of phytomass (control – no phytomass; 50%, 100%, and 200% of the total mean production, identified as CONTROL, T50%, T100%, and T200%, respectively), with four replications. Black oats, pencilflower, and jack bean showed higher potential for controlling Amaranthus hybridus and Amaranthus deflexus, while sorghum and jack bean were more efficient in controlling Amaranthus viridis. Regarding the amount of green mass, the amounts T100% and T200% were the most promising in suppressing weeds.

Physicochemical analysis, antioxidant activity and research of saponins in fresh and blanched caruru (Amaranthus deflexus Linn) and ora-pro-nóbis (Pereskia aculeata Miller) leaves

Caruru and ora-pro-nóbis are unconventional food plants rich in proteins, essential amino acids, fibers, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds but contain antinutritional factors. Blanching is one of the recommended methods to eliminate antinutrients, but it can change the chemical composition of foods. Therefore, the study’s objective was to evaluate the physicochemical characteristics (pH and acidity), the proximate composition, the bioactive compounds (total phenolic compounds and vitamin C), the antioxidant activity and the presence of saponins in fresh caruru and ora-pro-nóbis leaves and subjected to blanching. The analyzed samples showed significant content of moisture, ash, protein, fiber, total phenolic compounds, vitamin C and antioxidant activity. In caruru, blanching increased pH, total solids, proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates while decreasing moisture, antioxidant activity and saponins. In ora-pro-nóbis, this processing increased pH, fiber, and total phenolic compounds and decreased vitamin C and saponins.

Amaranthus deflexus L. (Amaranthaceae), a new addition to Indian Flora

Few populations of Amaranthus deflexus L. were observed in Kerala region (SE-India), contributing the first record of this species to the national Flora. A morphological (macro and micro) description of the species, as well as ecological data are given. A note on the phenotypic plasticity exhibited by the taxon is also provided.

New floristic finds in the Forest-Steppe part of Zhytomyr Region

Results of the conducted botanical surveys in the Forest-Steppe part of Zhytomyr Region are provided. Nine alien taxa (mainly xenophytes) new for the flora of the Right Bank Forest-Steppe have been identified: Allium altissimum, Amaranthus deflexus, Aphanes arvensis, Artemisia umbrosa, Crataegus sanguinea, Epilobium pseudorubescens, Erigeron strigosus, Polygonum calcatum, and Silene coronaria. Localities of these species are described and botanical-geographical comments are provided for most of taxa. There are also 64 taxa newly reported for the Forest-Steppe part of Zhytomyr Region, of which 31 are native plants, 32 – alien plants, and 1 species of unidentified origin. Twelve taxa are rare and protected at different levels. Invasive plants in need of monitoring are identified among newly reported species. According to the new data, flora of the Forest-Steppe part of Zhytomyr Region includes more than 1320 taxa of vascular plants. An important result was the discovery at the border of Zhytomyr Polissya and the Right Bank Forest-Steppe of localities of five expanding species of the genus Rubus with predominantly Central European ranges: R. bertramii, R. gracilis, R. hirtus, R. montanus, and R. plicatus. Expansion of these species of blackberries in the eastern direction within the territory of Northern Ukraine is associated with natural migration and is probably caused by the gradual climate warming.

Amaranthus deflexus (Perennial Pigweed)

This datasheet on Amaranthus deflexus covers Identity, Distribution, Hosts/Species Affected, Biology & Ecology, Further Information.

Crop management and its effects on weed occurrences

The objective was to evaluate weed phytosociology and similarities between crop management systems in the Chapadões region. The experiment was conducted at in agricultural area located in the municipality of Chapadão do Sul, MS, during the 2016/17 harvest. Three crop managements strategies were used: (1) cotton/soybean/Urochloa, (2) millet/soybean/millet and (3) millet/soybean/crotalaria. A phytosociological survey of weeds was carried out during soybean cultivation and cover crops growth, in succession. The evaluation area for each management strategy was 0.5 ha. Soybean surveys were carried out in October and January, while the cover crop surveys were performed in February and May. The relative frequency (RF), relative density (RD), relative abundance (AR), and relative importance (RI) of weeds, Venn diagram, and Jaccard and Sorenson similarity indices were evaluated. The management area represented by the cotton/soybean/Urochloa rotation had fewer weed species than others. The species Cenchrus echinatus, Digitaria insularis, Digitaria sanguinalis, Eleusine indica and Commelina benghalensis had the highest phytosociological indeces among the monocotyledons. Attention is required for managing the dicotyledons Amaranthus deflexus, Conyza canadensis and Senna obtusifolia despite their low indices because of herbicide resistant cases. The highest indeces of similarity were found between managements areas 2 and 3, which did not rely on cotton cultivation prior to soybeans.

Survey of the citrus leprosis vector (Brevipalpus yothersi) and phytoseiids in spontaneous plants of an organic citrus orchard.

Citrus leprosis (CL) is one of the most important viral diseases in sweet orange orchards in Latin America. It is caused by members of at least five species of the so-called Brevipalpus-transmitted viruses (BTV), and the prevalent is Citrus leprosis virus C (CiLV-C). This virus has the broadest host range amongst all CL-associated viruses and is transmitted by Brevipalpus yothersi, a polyphagous mite that can colonize a large variety of host plants, including some spontaneous ground cover plants. But if, on one hand, spontaneous plants can host CL virus and vector, on the other hand, they can offer alternative food for predators, equally common in organic citrus orchards. Brevipalpus yothersi and predator mites were surveyed in 33 spontaneous plants of a Westin sweet orange orchard conducted under organic production system in Brazil, from June 2010 to April 2011. Predatory mites were identified as phytoseiids, and Iphiseiodes zuluagai was the prevalent species, representing 58% of all predators. Other phytoseiids were considered accidental species in the area. Ageratum conyzoides and Alternanthera tenella were the most represented plant host species to predators, comprising 28 and 10% of the total surveyed plants, respectively. Brevipalpus yothersi specimens were detected on various spontaneous species: A. conyzoides, A. tenella, Amaranthus deflexus, Bidens pilosa, Ipomoea quamoclit, I. cairica, Merremia cissoides, Solanum americanum, Panicum maximum, and, predominantly, Commelina benghalensis. The latter has been previously reported as host of CiLV-C as well and, therefore, it is recommended to eliminate this species from citrus orchards.

Chemical Characterization, Antioxidant Activity and Cytotoxicity of the Unconventional Food Plants: Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.) Leaf, Major Gomes (Talinum paniculatum (Jacq.) Gaertn.) and Caruru (Amaranthus deflexus L.)

Unconventional food plants (UFPs), many of them popularly known as "weeds", are edible species with nutritional and socioeconomic potential that need to be rescued from intensive farming. The aims of this study were: to accomplish an ethnobotanical survey of UFPs consumed on Mem de Sa Island, Sergipe, Brazil and then to characterize the three most commonly used UFPs. The physicochemical parameters and bioactive compounds were assessed, and the in vitro antioxidant activity of the aqueous extracts of the plants was evaluated using DPPH radical assay, ABTS radical cation, and the β-carotene/linoleic acid cooxidation method. The cytotoxicity of the compounds was also analyzed using MTT assay in L929 fibroblasts. The survey identified 31 species of UFPs distributed in 22 families, and revealed that knowledge about the plants was concentrated in older individuals. The three most commonly used were Talinum paniculatum (Jacq.) Gaertn. (29.03%), Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam. (purple and white) leaf (25.81%) and Amaranthus deflexus L. (16.13%). Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam. had the highest total carbohydrate content, the purple variety the highest protein and total carotenoids content, and the white variety the highest copper (Cu), while its aqueous extract had the highest phenolic compounds and total flavonoids; Talinum paniculatum (Jacq.) Gaertn. had the highest iron (Fe) content, and, with Amaranthus deflexus L., the highest calcium (Ca); and Amaranthus deflexus L. had the highest vitamin C. The extracts of the analyzed plants showed antioxidant potential. Therefore, these UFPs are alternative nutritional sources for food diversification in modern society.

Efeito da adubação silicatada em hortaliças não convencionais

Objetivou-se com esse trabalho verificar a capacidade de hortaliças não convencionais em acumular silício, bem como a resposta destas à adubação silicatada. O experimento foi conduzido em casa de vegetação em 2016. Foram avaliados duas doses de adubação silicatada (0 e 50 mg dm-3 de Si), e nove espécies de hortaliças não convencionais (Maranta arundinacea L., Rumex acetosa L., Amaranthus spinosus L., Amaranthus viridis L., Amaranthus retroflexus L., Amaranthus deflexus L., Amaranthus hybridus L., Stachys byzantina K. Koch e Sonchus oleraceus L.), dispostos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial 2 x 9, com quatro repetições. Foram determinadas a massas fresca e seca, assim como o teor de Si em todas as plantas. As espécies avaliadas possuem potencial para acumular silício mediante adubação com o elemento. A aplicação de 50 mg dm-3 de Si proporcionou maior teor de Si nas espécies estudadas. A adubação com Si, de modo geral, não influencia na biomassa dessas plantas.

Conhecimento de plantas alimentícias não convencionais em assentamentos rurais

Plantas alimentícias não convencionais (PANC) refere-se a todas as plantas que possuem uma ou mais partes comestíveis para humanos, sendo espontâneas ou cultivadas, nativas ou exóticas, que não estão incluídas em nosso cardápio cotidiano. Agricultores familiares, ao terem consciência do potencial dessas plantas alimentícias, podem diversificar sua alimentação habitual e cultivá-las aproveitando áreas improdutivas ou de baixa fertilidade. Com isso, objetivou-se avaliar o nível de conhecimento de agricultores moradores em assentamentos rurais sobre as PANC, identificando as espécies presentes nos locais estudados. A pesquisa foi realizada entre março e junho de 2019 em três assentamentos da reforma agrária de Santana do Livramento, Rio Grade do Sul, com 15 informantes-chave, utilizando como metodologia a amostragem tipo bola de neve. Perguntas pré-elaboradas foram respondidas pelos agricultores assentados durante o método da turnê guiada. Como resultados, foram identificadas 20 espécies de PANC pertencendo a 12 famílias botânicas, sendo a maioria da família Astereaceae (38,8%), localizadas principalmente em pastagens naturais (50%). As espécies de maior ocorrência nos assentamentos foram a carqueja (Baccharis trimera), a buva (Conyza bonariensis), o picão preto (Bidens pilosa), a beldroega (Portulaca oleracea), as folhas da abóbora moranga (Curcubita maxima) e o caruru (Amaranthus deflexus). Observou-se que o conhecimento dos agricultores acerca das PANC é reduzido e baseado em crenças individuais e valores ancestrais, o que refletiu na ausência do consumo das espécies vegetais. Considera-se necessária a correta identificação botânica das PANC antes da coleta e consumo como alimento, afim de evitar ingerir espécies equivocadas ou tóxicas

Weed hosts of Meloidogyne spp. and the effect of aqueous weed extracts on egg hatching

SummaryWeeds have a great economic impact on agricultural production because they compete with crops for resources and are alternative hosts for pests, microbial pathogens and plant‐parasitic nematodes. This study aimed to investigate the susceptibility of weeds to the root‐knot nematodes Meloidogyne javanica and Meloidogyne incognita and assess the effect of aqueous weed extracts on M. javanica egg hatching. Four experiments were conducted, two for each nematode species. Weeds were inoculated with 2000 nematode eggs and grown for 60 days under greenhouse conditions. Soyabean cv. Monsoy 7110 was used as control. The weeds Ipomoea grandifolia, Solanum americanum, Digitaria horizontalis, Amaranthus deflexus, Sorghum halepense and Commelina benghalensis were susceptible to M. javanica and M. incognita in at least one experiment (reproduction factor, RF >1). Crotalaria juncea and Eleusine indica were susceptible to M. incognita in one experiment, and Digitaria insularis, Sida rhombifolia, Bidens pilosa, Urochloa decumbens, Crotalaria breviflora, Cenchrus echinatus, Crotalaria ochroleuca and Crotalaria spectabilis were immune or resistant (RF <1 or RF = 0). Alternanthera tenella, C. juncea, S. rhombifolia, C. ochroleuca, C. spectabilis, C. breviflora, B. pilosa, E. indica, U. decumbens and C. echinatus were resistant or immune to M. javanica (RF <1 or RF = 0). Compared with the control (water), all weed extracts reduced M. javanica egg hatch. Our results highlight the importance of weed control in agricultural systems, as nematodes can survive and multiply in weed roots during the off‐season. Weed leaves and shoots, however, may be an interesting source of compounds with nematicidal activity.

Host weed species range of Meloidogyne ethiopica whitehead (Tylenchida: Meloidogynidae) found in Brazil

Meloidogyne ethiopica is considered to be one of the most economically important emerging nematode species, reported to cause crop losses to several hosts worldwide. The significance of this species is due to its high virulence and degree of polyphagia, in addition to persisting on weed hosts within agricultural fields. This study evaluated the host status of 36 different weed species, confirming the polyphagia habit of M. ethiopica and indicating which plant species may be alternative hosts for this plant nematode. Weed species were inoculated with 5000 eggs and second-stage juveniles (J2) of M. ethiopica, with gall index (GI), nematode/g root (Nem/g), and reproduction factor (RF) value determined following 60 days post inoculation. The data obtained indicate that many weed species may be excellent hosts for M. ethiopica. Plants deemed susceptible (RF ≥ 1.0) were: Acanthospermum australe, Amaranthus deflexus, A. hybridus, A. spinosus, A. viridis, Bidens pilosa, B. subalternans, Cardiospermum halicacabum, Commelina benghalensis, Cynodon dactylon, Euphorbia heterophylla, Galinsoga parviflora, Ipomoea grandifolia, I. nil, I. purpurea, Leonurus sibiricus, Nicandra physaloides, Oxalis corniculata, Portulaca oleracea, Raphanus raphanistrum, Sida rhombifolia, Solanum americanum, S. pseudocapsicum, S. sisymbriifolium, Sonchus oleraceus and Talinum paniculatum, representing 72.2% of the species assessed. The species Conyza bonariensis, Cyperus rotundus, Digitaria horizontalis, D. insularis, Echinochloa colonum, Eleusine indica, Lolium multiflorum, Polygonum hydropiperoides, Rhynchelytrum repens and Senecio brasiliensis were resistant to M. ethiopica (RF < 1.0). Based on the new host records presented, it is vital that control of weed species within agricultural fields are considered as part of effective management of M. ethiopica.

CONTROLE DE Amaranthus deflexus, Ipomoea hederifolia E Cyperus rotundus COM DIFERENTES ASSOCIAÇÕES DE HERBICIDAS APLICADOS SOBRE PALHA DE CANA-DE-AÇÚCAR

Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar o controle de Amaranthus deflexus, Ipomoea hederifolia e Cyperus rotundus por meio de associações de herbicidas aplicados sobre palhada de cana-de-açúcar da cultivar RB966928. O experimento foi instalado em área comercial na região de Tarumã – SP, em blocos casualizados, com 7 tratamentos e três repetições. As parcelas foram compostas de cinco linhas de cana-de-açúcar espaçadas de 1,50 m com 5m de comprimento (37,5 m2), sendo a infestação presente natural da área. Os tratamentos foram constituídos por associações de mais de um herbicida em tanque agitador, sendo: tebutiuron+diclosulan (900+123 g i.a. ha-1); tebutiuron+flumioxazina (900+150 g i.a. ha-1); isoxaflutole+imazapique (120+112 g i.a. ha-1); tebutiuron+sulfentrazona (900+900 g i.a. ha-1); tebutiuron+amicarbazona (900+910 g i.a. ha-1); isoxaflutole+hexazinona (120+224 g i.a. ha-1); diuron+hexazinona+sulfometurom metílico (1387+391+33,35 g i.a. ha-1), testemunha no mato e testemunha no limpo. A aplicação foi realizada de forma tratorizada com pressão e volume de caldas constantes de 150 L ha-1, em pré-emergência das plantas daninhas. As avaliações de eficácia de controle foram realizadas aos 30, 60, 90 e 120 dias após o tratamento (DAT). As misturas herbicidas tebutiuron+sulfentrazona (900+900 g i.a. ha-1); tebutiuron+amicarbazona (900+910 g i.a. ha-1); isoxaflutole+hexazinona (120+224 g i.a. ha-1) obtiveram controles satisfatórios das três plantas daninhas simultaneamente em todos períodos de avaliação. A associação de tebutiuron+sulfentrazona (900+900 g i.a. ha-1) foi o único tratamento que atingiu 100% de eficiência de controle para o trio de invasoras aos 120DAT.

Recovery and germinative response of Amaranthus deflexus L. seeds under different levels of water stress and luminosities

The objective of this work was to evaluate, in two experiments, the effect of water stress and luminosity on the germinative behavior and vigor of Amaranthus deflexus L seeds. The seeds were sown in Petri dishes containing two sheets of filter paper moistened with distilled water, in the control treatment. Using this treatment-control configuration, as a standard of comparison, two assays were performed using subsamples from the same A. deflexus seed population. In the first experiment (experiment 1), solutions of polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG 6000) were used, providing osmotic potentials of -0.3; -0.6; -0.9; -1.2 and -1.5 MPa; however, in the second trial (experiment 2) osmotic potentials of -0.1; -0.2; -0.3; -0.4 and -0.5 MPa were used. At the end of the test, the ungerminated seeds for each treatment were washed and germinated on a filter paper moistened with water. The germination and vigor of the seeds were evaluated through the first germination count, germination test, germination speed index and average germination time. The experimental design was completely randomized, in a 2 x 6 factorial scheme, totaling twelve treatments, with four replicates of 50 seeds each, in both trials. Water stress negatively affects the performance of A. deflexus seeds, reducing germination and vigor from -0.1 MPa. Seed germination was compromised by the absence of light, regardless of the applied stress levels. There was an increase in seed germination after application of the same at higher levels of water stress.

Suppression effect of Crotalaria ochroleuca cover crop on Amaranthus deflexus emergence and development

The weed infestation suppression by chemicals released by plants can occur due to crop residues left on the soil surface or through the incorporated straw in the soil. The aim of this study was to evaluate the suppression of Amaranthus deflexus as a result of cover crops and residue amounts of Crotalaria ochroleuca. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse from May to August, 2014. The experimental design was a randomized block with four repetitions. The treatments were arranged in a factorial scheme (3 x 5) + 1, with the following factors : (A)-management of the cover crops (incorporated, incorporated + surface and soil surface) ; (B)-straw levels (3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 t ha -1 ) and a control treatment without the use of cover crop (control - 0 t ha -1 ). The evaluated variables were: total number of emerged plants, emergence speed index, dry mass, leaf area, root dry mass and root volume. The management of different straw amounts was efficient, mainly when the incorporate+surface and surface in suppressing of A. deflexus forms were used.

European Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur diet composition in Southern Spain: the role of wild seeds in Mediterranean forest areas

ABSTRACTCapsule: The diet of European Turtle Doves Streptopelia turtur in Mediterranean forest contained a large volume of wild plant seed but from a small number of key species.Aims: To determine which seed species are consumed by Turtle Doves in Mediterranean forest areas.Methods: Digestive tract contents were identified and evaluated for 222 Turtle Doves shot by hunters during three consecutive years.Results: Thirty seed species were identified in the diet, but only a few species represented most of the volume and frequency. Wild plant seeds appeared in 65.8% of digestive tracts and showed significant variation between years. Although the main wild seed species consumed each year varied annually, certain species were found in the diet every year in high volume and frequency. Adults showed a more diverse and numerous consumption of wild seeds than did juveniles. Plastic granules were also found in 3.8% of individuals.Conclusion: A greater number of wild seed species was found in the diet in contrast to previous studies performed in farmland. Echium plantagineum and Amaranthus deflexus could be important seed sources for Turtle Doves in Mediterranean forest. Additionally, the herbaceous species found in the diet whose seeds ripen earlier in the season might play an important role in Turtle Dove reproductive performance, since they are frequently the only available food in the first half of the breeding season.