Cirsium Arvense Research Articles

WEED FLORA IN ALFAFLA CROPS

Alfalfa is a perennial crop that is grown several years on the same surface and because of this there are specificities in the composition and structure of the weed community. This leads to difficulties in suppresses and reduction of pests, diseases and weeds at the yield of alfalfa. The basic harmful effect of weeds is reflected through the competitiveness of water, nutrients and light. Weeds generally have low nutritional value, unpleasant smell and taste, and also affect the quality of alfalfa seeds. The most common types of economy effective perennial weed are Cirsium arvense (L), Sorghum halapense (L.), Convolvulus arvensis (L.) and Cuscuta genus. All agro-technical measures, which enable good soil, quality sowing, as well as plant protection later, are the basic measures for the protection of alfalfa from long-lasting weed species. This paper is based on analysis of weeds flora in alfalfa crops in the Nis district. The presence of the fifteen most important types of weed plants was found in all nine analyzed areas of alfalfa crops. Among the weeds, most common are Agropyrum repens(L.), Amaranthus retroflexus(L.), Chenopodium hybridum(L.), Cuscuta sp.(L.), Sorghum halapense(L.).

An urban wildlife habitat experiment: conservation implications of altering management regimes on animals and plants along urban and rural rights-of-way

Abstract Biodiversity along rights-of-way (ROWs) can decline due to local-scale management, including frequent urban mowing and spraying, or with increasing amount of urban infrastructure surrounding those grassy spaces. Distinguishing effects of mowing regime from effects of surrounding urban land are necessary to determine what management strategies effectively conserve wildlife in different landscapes, and to justify changes in management that could increase populations of weeds. We used a manipulative Before/After-Control/Impact (BACI) experiment in 17 transmission line ROWs during 2007–2009, along an urbanization gradient, to disentangle effects of mowing frequency and the amount of urban land (buildings, hard surfaces like concrete, asphalt) surrounding ROWs. In the BACI study, we halted mowing and spraying for 1 year in five urban ROWs, introduced two rounds of mowing per year in three rural ROWs, and compared vegetation and arthropods found within these manipulated ROWs and within three urban and six rural control ROWs. European skipper butterflies Thymelicus lineola, lepidopteran biomass in herbaceous vegetation, milkweeds (Asclepias spp.) and Canada thistle Cirsium arvense increased when mowing and spraying were halted for one year. Conversely, monarch butterflies Danaus plexippus, legume cover and dandelion Taraxacum officinale increased when mowing was introduced to rural ROWs. To increase taller butterfly resource plants while still controlling weeds within urban ROWs, we recommend reducing management frequency within the interior of ROWs while maintaining frequent management along ROW borders that are adjacent to infrastructure.

RECORDS OF ALIEN VASCULAR PLANTS IN THE YAMALO-NENETS AUTONOMOUS DISTRICT (RUSSIA)

The article contains information about the records of 43 species of alien vascular plants made in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous District. Field surveys were carried out in 2012-2016. The detected invasive species were growing on wasteland, abandoned and new lawns, in ditches and on roadsides. A majority of the reported species (Avena fatua, A. sativa, Barbarea vulgaris., Brassica rapa, Bunias orientalis, Cannabis sativa, Cirsium arvense, Crepis tectorum, Cyanus segetum, Dactylis glomerata, Erodium cicutarium, Fallopia convolvulus, Geum aleppicum, Glechoma hederacea, Helianthus lenticularis, Lappula squarrosa, Lathyrus pratensis, Lepidium ruderale, Lycopersicon esculentum, Medicago falcata, Plantago media, Potentilla norvegica, Raphanus raphanistrum, Rubus idaeus, Rumex pseudonatronatus, Scorzoneroides autumnalis, Secale cereale, Silene tatarica, Solanum tuberosum, Sonchus arvensis, Trifolium hybridum, T. medium, Triticum aestivum, Tussilago farfara, Typha latifolia, Urtica dioica) have been previously known from a few locations in the district. Onobrychis viciifolia Scop. and Echium vulgare L. are new for the regional flora. There is little information in the literature and in herbaria about Hordeum jubatum, Lepidotheca suaveolens, Senecio vulgaris, Melilotus albus and M. officinalis in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous District. However, these species are getting successfully naturalized, turning into common synanthropic plants in settlements of the district. Data from the herbarium label, information on the distribution in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous District and, if necessary, brief comments on the distribution in Siberia with specification for Western Siberia are provided for each species.

Effectiveness of auxin-like herbicide halauxifen-methyl mixtures with other herbicides for canada thistle (Cirsium arvense) control in wheat crops

Effectiveness of auxin-like herbicide halauxifen-methyl mixtures with other herbicides for canada thistle (Cirsium arvense) control in wheat crops

WEEDS IN POTATO CULTURE AND THEIR OUTCOME IN SPREADING OF Alternaria spp.

The aim of this study was to determine whether the weeds accompanying potato crops can be a source of Alternaria spp. causing Alternaria leaf blight and to determine the genetic similarities of Alternaria alternata isolates infecting selected weeds: Chenopodium album, Cirsium arvense and tested potato cultivar. Three-year field experiment was conducted on the potato cultivar ‘Vineta N’. The isolates were classified into different species on the basis of macro- and microscopic features. In each year of the study, A. alternata dominated among the isolated fungi colonizing the leaves of potato plants and the selected weeds. The genetic similarities of A. alternata isolates was determined by the RAPD-PCR method. Tested genetic forms of A. alternata were closely related; only small differences in the pattern of the separated amplification products was evidenced. The dominance of A. alternata on the weeds accompanying potato crops suggests that if weed infestation is extensive, the pathogen is very likely to spread and its population to increase.

Slope exposure and forest stand type as crucial factors determining the decomposition rate of herbaceous litter on a reclaimed spoil heap

Chemical composition of plant litter, properties of the soil, and climatic conditions are the major factors determining rate of organic matter decomposition. Although the process of decomposition in degraded areas plays a significant role in accumulation of soil organic carbon (SOC), this issue is poorly studied. SOC content is a crucial factor determining the success of land restoration. We measured rates of decomposition of the grass Calamagrostis epigejos, the dicotyledonous N-fixer Medicago sativa, the dicotyledonous non-N-fixing Cirsium arvense and cellulose paper as a standard carrier in forest stands on a reclaimed spoil heap of the opencast lignite mine in Bełchatów (central Poland). We considered the 10 cm topsoil particle size distribution and pH as factors that can affect the rate of organic matter decomposition and soil organic carbon content. Rate of litter decomposition was slowest for the grass (mean half decay time 2.6 years), while the N-fixing litter was not decomposed faster than the dicotyledonous non-N-fixing litter (mean half decay time of both species 0.9 years). Cellulose was decomposed most quickly (mean half decay time 0.8 years). Decomposition rate was faster under the canopy of Robinia pseudoacacia (deciduous N-fixing tree species, mean half decay time 0.9 years), whereas the rate of decomposition under Pinus sylvestris (coniferous canopy) was not slower than under Betula pendula (deciduous non-N-fixing tree species, mean half decay time under both species 1.5 years). Irrespective of litter type, decomposition was faster on the northern slope (mean half decay time 0.9 years) than on the southern slope (1.6 years). The plots where decomposition was faster (under R. pseudoacacia and on the northern slope) were characterized by higher SOC content (1.95% and 1.96%, respectively) than the plots under B. pendula (1.15%), P. sylvestris (1.29%), and those located on the southern slope (0.97%).

Pre-harvest weed mapping of Cirsium arvense in wheat and barley with off-the-shelf UAVs

The paper describes a procedure to detect green weeds in pre-harvest cereals using images from off-the-shelf UAVs with RGB cameras. All images used to develop and test the detection procedure were from fields infested with Cirsium arvense and in consequence, the procedure is called Thistle Tool. Thistle tool, however, may also detect other green weeds and may also be useful in post-harvest stubble. C. arvense maps may be used for pre-harvest glyphosate spraying in countries allowing this practice or used post-harvest or in the following year because C. arvense patches are relatively stable from one year to the next. The detection procedure exclusively used colour analysis and discriminated green and senescent vegetation without the ability to discriminate between green plant species. Thistle Tool divides images into patches of 1 m2 irrespective of the flight altitude, and calculates a classifier called TopMaxExG used for visual threshold editing. Patches are classified into two categories: with or without green vegetation. When C. arvense was the main contributor to green vegetation in pre-harvest cereals, 92–97% patches were classified correctly under varying environmental conditions with different consumer-grade RGB cameras. With small consumer UAVs, such as Phantom 3 or 4, it is possible to map 10 ha in 20 min at 40 m flight altitude, which corresponds to the duration of one battery. This study has demonstrated that UAV imagery is practically manageable for C. arvense mapping. Barriers to reach the end user and pros-and-cons of using more advance weed detection algorithms are discussed.

Folivory impact of the biocontrol beetle, Cassida rubiginosa, on population growth of Cirsium arvense

The folivorous beetle, Cassida rubiginosa Muller (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), was released in New Zealand in 2007 as a biocontrol agent against the pasture weed, Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop. The impact of the beetle on shoot population density and spread was assessed over two years on isolated experimental plots within an established population of the weed. Four folivory treatments were imposed by applying 0, 5, 10 or 20 larvae per shoot. Folivory in the 10 and 20 larvae per shoot treatments caused C. arvense population declines of 29% and 75%, respectively, although this effect was not consistent between the two years. Shoot spread was reduced in both years where 10 or 20 larvae per shoot were applied. This study represents the first post-release assessment of this biocontrol agent in New Zealand, and indicates that average densities of ≥ ten larvae per shoot can reduce population density and spread of C. arvense.

Curvulin and Phaeosphaeride A from Paraphoma sp. VIZR 1.46 Isolated from Cirsium arvense as Potential Herbicides.

Phoma-like fungi are known as producers of diverse spectrum of secondary metabolites, including phytotoxins. Our bioassays had shown that extracts of Paraphoma sp. VIZR 1.46, a pathogen of Cirsium arvense, are phytotoxic. In this study, two phytotoxically active metabolites were isolated from Paraphoma sp. VIZR 1.46 liquid and solid cultures and identified as curvulin and phaeosphaeride A, respectively. The latter is reported also for the first time as a fungal phytotoxic product with potential herbicidal activity. Both metabolites were assayed for phytotoxic, antimicrobial and zootoxic activities. Curvulin and phaeosphaeride A were tested on weedy and agrarian plants, fungi, Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and on paramecia. Curvulin was shown to be weakly phytotoxic, while phaeosphaeride A caused severe necrotic lesions on all the tested plants. To evaluate phaeosphaeride A’s herbicidal efficacy, the phytotoxic activity of this compound in combination with five different adjuvants was studied. Hasten at 0.1% (v/v) was found to be the most potent and compatible adjuvant, and its combination with 0.5% (v/v) semi-purified extract of Paraphoma sp. VIZR 1.46 solid culture exhibited maximum damage to C. arvense plants. These findings may offer significant importance for further investigation of herbicidal potential of phaeosphaeride A and possibly in devising new herbicide of natural origin.

Growth and development of Cirsium arvense in relation to herbicide dose, timing of herbicide application and crop presence

ABSTRACTThe aim of this study is to assess control effects of 2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid (MCPA) dosage, application timing and crop presence on the weed Cirsium arvense. Swedish farmers are recommended to control C. arvense chemically when most shoots are 10-20 cm tall, and mechanically at the compensation point (CP). Recent studies have shown that the CP occurs before shoots reach the three-leaf stage. We hypothesised that (i) herbicide application near the three-leaf stage gives the strongest control, (ii) crop presence increases herbicide effects, and (iii) a 50% herbicide dose gives the same effect as 100%. Treatments of the pot experiment consisted of MCPA 750; 0%, 50% and 100% of the recommended dose applied at leaf stages 3-8, with and without barley. The strongest control was obtained at four leaves and a maximum shoot height of 13 cm, using the recommended dose and with spring barley. In a field population, a maximum shoot height of 13 cm corresponded to a medium height of 6 cm. The 50% dose gave poorer control. Spraying with the recommended dose at the four-leaf stage reduced the development of C. arvense most effectively. Based on this, we recommend that herbicide spraying should be performed at earlier leaf stages/median heights than previously recommended.

Weed infestations of winter wheat depend on the forecrop and the tillage system

In-crop weed infestation is affected by both habitat conditions and agronomic practices, including the forecrop and tillage treatments used. This study evaluated the effect of the forecrop and the tillage system on species composition, number and dry weight of weeds in a winter wheat ‘Astoria’. A field study was carried out over the period 2014–2017 at the Uhrusk Experimental Farm (SE Poland), on a mixed rendzina soil with a grain-size distribution of sandy loam. Wheat was grown in a four-course crop rotation: soybean – winter wheat – rapeseed – winter wheat. The experimental factors were as follows: a forecrop of winter wheat (soybean and winter rapeseed) and a tillage system (ploughing and no-tillage). <em>Avena fatua</em> was the most frequently occurring weed in the wheat crop sown after soybean, whereas after winter rapeseed it was <em>Viola arvensis</em>. <em>Viola arvensis</em> was the dominant weed under both tillage systems. In all experimental treatments, the species <em>Viola arvensis</em> and <em>Cirsium arvense</em> were characterized by the highest constancy (Constancy Class V and IV), and also <em>Veronica arvensis</em> after the previous winter rapeseed crop. In the wheat crop sown after winter rapeseed, the number of weeds was found to be higher by 62.1% and the weed dry weight higher by 27.3% compared to these parameters after the previous soybean crop. A richer floristic composition of weeds was also observed in the stand after winter rapeseed. Under conventional tillage conditions, compared to no-tillage, the number of weeds was found to be lower by 39.7% and their dry weight by 50.0%. An increase in the numbers of the dominant weed species was also noted in the untilled plots.

Contamination of the guttation liquid of two common weeds with neonicotinoids from coated maize seeds planted in close proximity

Neonicotinoid uptake by maize plants emerged from coated seeds and by two common weeds grown in close proximity to coated seeds has been studied. Uptake of thiamethoxam (TMX) and clothianidin (CLO) have been characterized via guttation liquid measurements. The creeping thistle (Cirsium arvense), a well-known maize weed, as well as red poppy or Flanders poppy (Papaver rhoeas) were chosen as model species. The results confirmed that cross-contamination may occur by uptake of the neonicotinoid AIs through soil from neighbouring plants that emerged from coated seeds. Although the levels of these neonicotinoids were substantially lower in the guttation liquid of the weeds than in that of maize plants emerged from coated seeds, the compounds were detected up to 36th day after planting of the maize seeds. The highest peak concentrations of TMX were around 150 and 21 mg L−1, while similar data for CLO were around 70 and 21 mg L−1 for maize and creeping thistle, respectively. Mostly due to its higher guttation intensity significantly lower values were determined for red poppy (0.740 mg L−1).

Success of aphid parasitoids and their hosts varies with ant attendance: A field study

AbstractAphid–ant associations are often described as mutually beneficial interactions in which honeydew is traded for protection from predators and parasitoids. The aim of the present study was to determine parasitization avoidance in ant‐tended aphid colonies. Field experiments were carried out on two host plants: hoary cress Lepidium draba (Brassicaceae) and Canadian teasel Cirsium arvense (Asteraceae). Lepidium was host to Acyrthosiphon gossypii (Aphididae) tended by the ant Lasius turcicus (Formicidae) and attacked by two parasitoids, Trioxys asiaticus (Braconidae) and Lysiphlebus fabarum (Braconidae). Cirsium was host to Brachycaudus cardui tended by Crematogaster sordidula and attacked by L. fabarum and Aphidius colemani (Braconidae). The per capita population growth rate of A. gossypii was significantly higher in the presence of ants, while B. cardui was negatively affected, albeit non‐significantly. The parasitism rate of A. gossypii decreased significantly when tended by Lasius turcicus, but the presence of Crematogaster sordidula in colonies of B. cardui significantly increased parasitism. Our results indicate that the effects of ant attendance vary between different aphid–ant interactions. Moreover, parasitoids can benefit from the presence of ants under some conditions.

Heavy Metals (Cr, Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn) Uptake by Cirsium arvense and Agropyron repens

The purpose of this study was to monitor the heavy metal soil contamination and also to accomplish a comparative study on Cirsium arvense and Agropyron repens heavy metals uptake. The samples were collected from seven different sites situated at various distances from the polluted area Tarnaveni, Romania. Near the chemical wastes spontaneous vegetation is predominant. In this vegetation formed on fallow land, Agropyron repens (monocotyledonate perennial weed) and Cirsium arvense (dicotyledonate perennial weed) are dominant species. The metal (Cr, Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn) concentrations were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The data were statistically analyzed using Main Component Analysis and Generalized Linear Model. Based on our research, we can conclude that Cirsium arvense is accumulating more chromium compared to Agropyron repens and is recommended to be used as an indicator for chromium contamination. The present study highlights that animals consuming spontaneous vegetation grown in this area ingest significant amounts of chromium and zinc.

Dynamics of leaf beetles density (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae) in grain crops agrocoenoses of the Samara Region

The author studied winter and spring wheat (Trticum) development dynamics in the Volga Region left-bank forest-steppe zone during 19742010 in natural conditions and gardens on the Samara Region cereal crops fields, as well as generation cycles of 6 local species of leaf beetles, with 1-year development, 5 of which do a lot of harm to wheat (Oulema melanopus L., Phyllotreta vittula Redt., Chaetocnema aridula Gyll., Chaetocnema hortensis Geoffr., Hispella atra L.) and 1 (Cassida rubiginosa Mll.) is the consumer of a weed plant Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop.). The author also studied leaf beetles density dynamics and their localization on grain crops of different age. The author studied cereal crops agrocoenoses microclimate under different weather conditions, different plants vegetation intensity at different times of the day. The author also studied major stages of beetles harmful species generation and the timing of their implementation. The paper contains an analysis of the extent and timing of different harmfulness of leaf beetles; the economic value of their separate types. The author surveyed the conditions preferred by the pests of wheat as well as the factors depressing their larval stage and considered the cases of beetles and larvae massive aggregations formation and beetles migration into more comfortable areas. The author comes to the conclusion of the extraordinary plasticity and adaptability of the leaf to the microclimatic conditions of the habitat.

Impact of the biocontrol beetle, Cassida rubiginosa, on the secondary weed target, marsh thistle (Cirsium palustre)

The folivorous beetle Cassida rubiginosa was introduced to New Zealand to control the weed, Californian thistle (Cirsium arvense). Although Californian thistle is the primary host, many other thistles are accepted hosts. The objective of this study was to test if the beetle can reduce the fitness of marsh thistle (Cirsium palustre). A potted plant experiment was established with four treatments (0, 50, 100, and 200 larvae/plant). Plant growth (width, height, and number of branches) and reproductive performance (number of flowers, seeds, seed weight and percent germination) parameters were measured. No significant differences were found for any of the measured parameters, except percent germination. Higher larval densities (100 and 200) resulted in approximately 10% less germination compared with lower densities (0 and 50). Under these experimental conditions, C. rubiginosa had minimal impact on the performance of marsh thistle. For the beetle to have an impact, it would likely need to attack smaller, non-bolting rosettes, or be combined with additional stressors that might be encountered in a natural field population.

Assessment of the compensation point ofCirsium arvenseand effects of competition, root weight and burial depth on below‐ground dry weight – leaf stage trajectories

SummaryFarmers are recommended to employ mechanical control whenCirsium arvenseis most sensitive to disturbance. Earlier studies suggest that this occurs at a stage of minimum below‐ground dry weight, coinciding with three to seven or seven to ten leaves per shoot, depending on the definition of below‐ground dry weight. However, some farmers notice better effects when mechanical control is performed at earlier leaf stages. To estimate the compensation point (CP), defined as the minimum weight of the entire below‐ground structure ofC. arvenseand to further understand links between initial root weight, planting depth and crop competition, three outdoor pot experiments were performed in Sweden in 2013‐2014. We hypothesised that (i)CPlikely occurs beforeC. arvensehas developed three leaves, (ii) relative depletion of the below‐ground system atCPis less at lower initial root weight compared with higher weight, and (iii) methodological variations inCPestimations have minor impact on the results. We found that theCPforC. arvensein all treatments occurred before shoots had developed three leaves and that treatment effects were minor (<0.5 leaf stages). Leaf and leaf stage definitions, choice of leaf range and model also had minor effects onCPestimates. Depletion of planted root fragments ceased around leaf stages 3‐4, and their partial replenishment also constitutes evidence for aCPat early leaf stages. For agronomy, our results imply that mechanical control ofC. arvenseshould be performed earlier than previously recommended, probably before reaching an average of three to four leaves per shoot.

Does local isolation allow an invasive thistle to escape enemy pressure?

Enemy release often is invoked to explain the success of invasive plants: an invader benefits from reduced attack as it escapes specialized enemies through the invasion process. Enemy release typically is thought of as occurring at large geographic scales, but local-scale interactions may also be important for invader establishment and success. Furthermore, most tests of local enemy release have been conducted over a single year even though release may be a transient phenomenon, especially at small scales. In this study, we used a multi-year field experiment to investigate whether locally isolated populations of the noxious non-native weed Cirsium arvense benefit from reduced levels of aboveground damage, and whether any initial advantage is lost over subsequent growing seasons. Populations of C. arvense were grown in plots at set distances from established source populations for 4years. In the first year of the experiment, folivory significantly declined with host isolation, but damage from specialist stem gallers and seed predators did not. However, in subsequent years of observation, folivores began colonizing isolated C. arvense populations while stem gallers exhibited very slow colonization of more isolated plots; seed predation showed no pattern with distance in any year. Local enemy escape did not result in increased plant performance, which instead negatively correlated with degree of isolation. Nonetheless, our results stress the importance of multi-year observations in tests of enemy release, since the herbivory patterns initially observed often changed within subsequent years depending on the dispersal ability and biology of the causal organism involved.

The Economic Cost of Noxious Weeds on Montana Grazing Lands

AbstractWe distributed a 16-question survey concerning noxious weed abundance, impacts, and management to livestock producers grazing on privately owned or leased grazing lands in Montana. The noxious weeds most commonly reported as being present on respondents’ grazing units were Canada thistle [Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop.] (64% of grazing units) and leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula L.) (45% of grazing units), and these species also reportedly caused the greatest reductions in livestock forage. Houndstongue (Cynoglossum officinale L.) was more prevalent than either spotted knapweed (Centaurea stoebe L.) or diffuse knapweed (Centaurea diffusa Lam.) (39% vs. 32% and 10%, respectively, of grazing units), but collectively C. stoebe and C. diffusa were reported to cause greater forage reductions than C. officinale. The top three strategies used to manage noxious weeds were chemical control, grazing, and biological control. Combining survey responses with forage-loss models derived from field data for C. stoebe and E. esula, we estimated the combined cost of noxious weed management and forage losses on privately owned rangeland to be $3.54 ha−1 yr−1, or $7,243 annually for an average size grazing unit (i.e., 2,046 ha [5,055 ac]). Our estimates of economic losses are lower than many estimates from previous studies, possibly because we focused only on direct costs related to private grazing land, while other studies often consider indirect impacts. Nonetheless, our estimates are substantial; for example, our estimated loss equates to 24% of the average per-hectare lease rate for Montana grazing land.

Multi-Temporal Site-Specific Weed Control of Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop. and Rumex crispus L. in Maize and Sugar Beet Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Based Mapping

Sensor-based weed mapping in arable fields is a key element for site-specific herbicide management strategies. In this study, we investigated the generation of application maps based on Unmanned Aerial Vehicle imagery and present a site-specific herbicide application using those maps. Field trials for site-specific herbicide applications and multi-temporal image flights were carried out in maize (Zea mays L.) and sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) in southern Germany. Real-time kinematic Global Positioning System precision planting information provided the input for determining plant rows in the geocoded aerial images. Vegetation indices combined with generated plant height data were used to detect the patches containing creeping thistle (Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop.) and curled dock (Rumex crispus L.). The computed weed maps showed the presence or absence of the aforementioned weeds on the fields, clustered to 9 m × 9 m grid cells. The precision of the correct classification varied from 96% in maize to 80% in the last sugar beet treatment. The computational underestimation of manual mapped C. arvense and R. cripus patches varied from 1% to 10% respectively. Overall, the developed algorithm performed well, identifying tall perennial weeds for the computation of large-scale herbicide application maps.