Echinochloa Colona Research Articles

Phenotypic characterization of Echinochloa species in California rice

AbstractTwo independent greenhouse experiments were conducted in December 2020 and July 2021 in Davis, CA to characterize Echinochloa crus‐galli (L.) P. Beauv., Echinochloa colona (L.) Link, Echinochloa oryzicola (Vasinger) Vasinger and Echinochloa walteri (Pursh) A. Heller found in California rice systems based on their morphological traits. Phenotypic data was collected on 10 vegetative traits including plant height, number of tillers, flag leaf length, flag leaf width, flag leaf angle, the colour of leaf sheath, leaf blade colour, internode colour, node colour, growth habit and nine reproductive traits including number of days to heading, number of panicles, length of panicle, length of panicle branches, seeds per panicle, panicle weight, seed colour, awn length and awn pattern. High plasticity was observed in all species characterized in both experiments for both vegetative and reproductive traits, indicating potential inter‐specific hybridization. Awn length, days to heading, length of the panicle, length of the panicle branches, plant height, flag leaf angle, and growth habit were significantly higher in the fall experiment for all species indicating photoperiod could play a role in the expression of these traits. Also, high variation was observed for plant height, number of tillers, awn length, panicle weight, seeds/panicle, length of panicle branch, and number of panicles for all species in both experiments. The results from this study indicate morphological diversity currently present in Echinochloa species could contribute to their adaptation to selection pressure imposed by different management tools in California, emphasizing the need for a diversified management approach to effectively control this weed species.

Weed dynamics, energetic, yields and economics as influenced by sequential application of herbicides for weed management in direct seeded rice

This study quantifies the crop yield loss by weeds and management of hardy and prominent weeds. Uncontrolled weeds reduced grain yield of DSR by 68%. Pendimethalin 1.0 kg ha−1 pre-emergence (PE) followed by (fb) bispirbac-sodium 30 g ha−1 at 25 DAS fb fenoxaprop-p-ethyl 60 g ha−1 at 30 DAS, and pendimethalin 1.0 kg ha−1 (PE) fb azimsulfuron 25 g ha−1+fenoxaprop-p-ethyl 60 g ha−1 at 30 DAS significantly reduced weed density and weed dry matter, and recorded higher grain yield in DSR than other treatments. The pendimethalin 1.0 kg ha−1 (PE) fb bispyribac-sodium 30 g ha−1 at 30 DAS was statistically similar to stale seed-bed fb bispyribac-sodium 30 g ha−1 at 30 DAS and gave higher weed control efficiency and energy index compared to unweeded control and bispyribac-sodium 30 g ha−1 at 30 DAS. Pendimethalin 1.0 kg ha−1 (PE) fb bispyribac-sodium 30 g ha−1 at 25 DAS fb fenoxaprop-p-ethyl 60 g ha−1 30 DAS showed more promising in controlling tough weeds like L. chinensis and D. aegyptium and predominant weeds (Echinochloa colona, broad-leaved weeds and Cyperus species) in DSR.

Sole and sequential application of herbicides and botanicals for weed management in summer sesame

Weed infestation poses a significant challenge in sesame cultivation, leading to yield losses and decreased economic returns for farmers. The present study comprehensively analyses various weed control approaches, including allelopathic interaction with integrating herbicides and hand-weeding practices. The experiment was conducted at the Agriculture Farm, SOA, Odisha, during the summer of 2023 with 10 weed management treatments in RBD with 3 replications. The objective was to study different weed management practices, including the sole and sequential application of herbicides and botanicals, to control diverse weeds and enhance summer sesame growth, yield and profitability. The dominance of Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop., Echinochloa colona (L.) Link. and Poa annua L. among grassy weeds and Melochia corchorifolia L., Cleome viscosa L. and Cassia tora L. among the broadleaved weeds were evident in summer sesame. The execution of different treatments showed that integrated use of aqueous leaf extract of Parthenium hysterophorus at 5 % concentration, followed by quizalofop-p-ethyl at 50 g/ha, was found on par with hand-weeding and brought down the weed count and biomass, which in turn increased the growth of summer sesame. The maximum yield of (793 kg seed/ha and 3035 kg stalk/ha) was registered under twice hand weeding. It was comparable with the spraying of aqueous leaf extract of Parthenium hysterophorus at 5 % concentration followed by (fb) quizalofop-p-ethyl at 50 g/ha (772 kg seed/ ha and 2968 kg stalk/ha). Economic analysis of sesame revealed that the maximum return (Rs. 37454/- per ha) and return/rupee (2.28) were recorded with aqueous leaf extract of P. hysterophorus at 5 % concentration fb quizalofop-p-ethyl at 50 g/ha treatment.

Efficacy of Pre and Post Emergence Herbicides against Complex Weed Flora, Yield and Economics of Blackgram under High Hills Wet Temperate Zone of Himachal Pradesh

Background: Implementing integrated strategies for weed management is essential in maximizing blackgram yield. Unchecked weed proliferation leads to substantial decrease in crop productivity. Methods: The current field experiment was conducted at Salooni, Himachal Pradesh, to evaluate the efficacy of different integrated weed management practices during Kharif 2022 and 2023. Eleven treatments targeting weed control were evaluated both at pre and post - emergence stages. Result: The predominant weeds were Echinochloa colona, Galinsoga parviflora, Cyperus species and other broad leaf weeds were Plantago lanceolata, Trifolium repens, Trianthema species, Ageratum conyzoides. Data on weed dynamics revealed that; after weed-free treatment, the application of Imazethapyr 75 g/ha as PE fb HW at 30 DAS; Pendimethalin 1.0 kg/ha as PE fb HW at 30 DAS and Pendimethalin 1.0 kg/ha + imazethapyr 75 g/ha (PE) recorded a significantly lower total weed count as compared to other treatments. Parameters related to blackgram growth and yield, including plant height, number of branches per plant, pods per plant, grain yield and haulm yield were significantly higher with weed-free treatment followed by application of imazethapyr 75 g/ha as PE fb HW at 30 DAS, remaining at par with application of pendimethalin 1.0 kg/ha + imazethapyr 75 g/ha (PE) and pendimethalin 1.0 kg/ha as PE fb HW at 30 DAS. The most economically efficient weed control method was the combination of pendimethalin 1.0 kg/ha + imazethapyr 75 g/ha (PE), as it resulted in the highest net returns and marginal benefit-cost ratio.

The impact of leftover herbicide residue applied to okra on weeds and crops of subsequent blackgram

In the present study, the impact of residual herbicide was studied from previous applications on okra plants, explicitly concerning the growth of weeds and subsequent black gram crops. The relative density of different weed species was determined, revealing that Echinochloa colonum had the highest density at 16.56% and 12.88%, followed by Leptochloa chinensis at 13.01% and Acrachne racemosa at 10.82%. However, within the group of sedges, Cyperus rotundus and Cyperus haspan had a greater relative density of 13.01% and 9.79%, respectively. The weed-free control treatment achieved the highest seed output of black gram, followed by two manual weeding on the 20th and 40th DAS. The herbicide residue resulted from application of metribuzin 500 g ha-1 on 3rd DAS, followed by post-emergence (POE) application of quizalofopethyl 50g ha-1 on 20 DAS recorded higher plant height 5.7%, dry matter production 32.7%, clusters plants-1 33.3%, pods plant-1 79.6%, grain yield 41.0%, halum yield 44.7%, nitrogen uptake 54.3%, phosphorus uptake 117.5%, and potash uptake 81.8% as compared to the weedy check.

Prealighting and Postalighting Volatile Organic Compounds Emitted by Rice Influence the Behavior of Scirpophaga incertulas.

Yellow stem borer (YSB), Scirpophaga incertulas, is a major rice pest causing significant yield losses worldwide. We investigated how volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released by the rice variety TN1, both before and after infestation, as well as by its companion weeds, Echinochloa colona and Echinochloa crus-galli, influence the behavior of YSB in host selection, recognition, and establishment. Olfactometry bioassays showed that uninfested TN1 plant VOCs attracted YSB more than those from YSB-infested rice plants and weeds. Changes in the VOC profile of TN1 during 24-48 h post-YSB infestation revealed that these postalighting compounds may deter YSB oviposition. Xylene, cymene, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro naphthalene, dodecanol, and tetradecanol could be possible YSB attractants based on metabolomics, olfactometry, and GC-EAD studies. This work illuminates rice plant-YSB chemical interactions and VOCs dynamic function in attraction and defense processes. These findings provide a foundation for developing VOC-based pest management strategies to mitigate yield losses in rice farming.

Evaluation of phytotoxic potential in Asteraceae plant extracts for biological control of Echinochloa crus-galli and Echinochloa colona.

This study evaluates the phytotoxic potential of methanolic extracts from six Asteraceae species: Wedelia chinensis, Helianthus annuus, Cosmos bipinnatus, Tagetes erecta, Tithonia diversifolia, and Zinnia elegans. The extracts were tested at concentrations of 0.03, 0.1, 0.3, and 1.0 g/mL to assess their inhibitory effects on the radicle and hypocotyl lengths of Echinochloa crus-galli and Echinochloa colona. The two most potent species, C. bipinnatus and T. diversifolia, were further evaluated using extracts from their roots, stems, and leaves. Among these, C. bipinnatus leaf extracts showed the most significant phytotoxicity and were tested at 20, 40, and 60 days of plant age. At 0.03 g/mL, C. bipinnatus extract inhibited the hypocotyl and radicle lengths of E. colona by 23.01% and 56.45%, and E. crus-galli by 8.5% and 36.35%, respectively. At 1.0 g/mL, the extract inhibited the hypocotyl lengths of E. colona and E. crus-galli by 97.54% and 88.15%, and the radicle lengths by 93.52% and 99.99%, respectively. The 60-day-old C. bipinnatus leaf extract exhibited the highest inhibitory effect, correlating with the identification of key allelochemicals such as cinnamic acid, caffeic acid, coumaric acid, ferulic acid, 2-4 dimethohydroxy benzoic acid, and salicylic acid. These findings suggest that the 60-day-old C. bipinnatus leaf extracts have strong potential for use in the biological control of these weed species, offering a promising avenue for the development of natural herbicides.

Volatolomics to Decrypt the Monophagous Nature of a Rice Pest, Scirpophaga Incertulas (Walker).

Scirpophaga incertulas Walker (Lepidoptera: Crambidae, yellow stem borer, YSB) is a monophagous insect pest that causes significant yield loss in rice (Oryza staiva L.). Semiochemical based pest management is being sought as an alternate to chemical pesticides to reduce pesticide footprints. We hypothesized differential release of volatiles from host rice and two companion non-host weeds, Echinochloa colona and Echinochloa crus-galli could be responsible for oviposition and biology of YSB and these chemicals could be used for YSB management. Number of eggs laid, and number of larvae hatched were significantly higher in rice plant as compared to weeds. YSB could only form dead hearts in rice plants. YSB significantly preferred host-plant volatiles compared to the non-host plants both in choice and no-choice tests in an Y-tube olfactometer. 2-Hexenal, hexanal, 2,4-hexadienal, benzaldehyde, nonanal, methyl salicylate and decanal were found in the leaf volatolomes of both the host and non-host plants in HS-SPME-GC-MS (Headspace-Solid phase micro extraction-Gas chromatography-Mass spectrometer). Pentene-3-one, 2-pentyl furan, 2,4-heptadienal, 2-octenal, 2-octenol and menthol were present only in the non-host plants. Fourteen rice unique compounds were also detected. The built-in PCA (Principal Component Analysis) and PLS-DA (Partial least squares-discriminant analysis) analysis in the MS-DIAL tool showed that the volatiles emitted from TN1 formed a cluster distinct from Echinochloa spp. and 2-octenal was identified as a unique compound. Olfactometer bioassays using synthetic compounds showed that rice unique compounds, like xylene, hexanal served as attractants whereas non-host unique compounds, like 2-pentylfuran, 2-octenal acted as repellent. The results indicate that the rice unique compounds xylene, hexanal along with other volatile compounds could be responsible for higher preference of YSB towards rice plants. Similarly, the non-host unique compounds 2-pentylfuran, 2-octenal could possibly be responsible for lower preference and defence against YSB. These compounds could be utilised for devising traps for YSB monitoring and management.

Floral diversity and nutritional value of forages in Pulikulam cattle breeding tract

Documenting the floral diversity in the Pulikulam cattle breeding tract (Sivaganga, Madurai and Virudhunagar districts in Tamil Nadu) and the nutrient content of predominant forages were important for maintaining Pulikulam cattle under zero input grazing system of management. Hence, a study was carried out to document the forage biomass, botanical composition, and nutritional profile of the forages present in the Pulikulam cattle breeding tract. The number of edible forage species other than shrubs and trees documented in the grazing tract at Sivaganga, Madurai and Virudhunagar districts was 10, 8 and 9, respectively. Pennisetum clandestinum recorded significantly (p <0.05) highest biomass (133.25, 148.25 and 115 g/m2) and botanical composition (31.32, 34.99, and 26.31%) in all the districts. Variability was observed in proximate principles, fiber fractions and mineral contents between forages. Zinc was not detectable in Aristida setacea and both zinc and copper were not in detectable levels in Echinochloa colona.

Weeds in the cotton growing areas in the Southeastern Anatolia Region

The Southeast Anatolia Region plays an important role, as it accounts for around sixty percent of Türkiye's cotton production. One of the most important factors limiting cotton cultivation is weeds. The aim of this study was to determine the weed species, their frequency and population density in the cotton growing areas of the Southeast Anatolia region. For this purpose, surveys were conducted in 152 cotton growing areas in Diyarbakır, Mardin and Şanlıurfa provinces in 2020 and 2021. The surveys were conducted using the segmented sampling method. As a result of the studies, 43 weed species belonging to 16 families were identified. When the weed species found in cotton are evaluated by family, the Poaceae family ranks first with 7 species, followed by Asteraceae with 6 species, Euphorbiaceae and Amaranthaceae with 5 species. redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus L.), field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis L.), purple nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus L.), jungle rice (Echinochloa colonum (L.) Link), ground cherry (Physalis spp.), common purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.), black night shade (Solanum nigrum L.), johnson grass [Sorghum halepense (L.). Pers] and common cocklebur (Xanthium strumarium L.) were identified as the most common weed species. These weeds are widespread in many summer crops, especially in cotton. The development of effective management methods against these weeds in cotton will contribute to higher yields.

Identification of phytoplasmas associated with Bunchy Top disease of papaya in Colima, Mexico

Phytoplasmas, rickettsiae and viruses have been detected in papaya plants with Bunchy Top disease (BT). In 2019, papaya plants with BT-like symptoms were observed in agroecosystems of Colima, Mexico. In order to determine the BT-associated phytoplasmas species or subgroups, asymptomatic and symptomatic plants were collected from papaya agroecosystems in four papaya producer municipalities, as well as papaya-associated weeds and insects. Phytoplasma detection and identification was conducted by PCR, sequencing and phylogenetics of translocase subunit SecA (secA) and 16S ribosomal RNA (16Sr) genes, and PCR-RFLPs in vitro and in silico for 16Sr gene. In papaya, phytoplasma groups 16SrI (subgroup AF), 16SrX, and 16SrXIII were identified in 2.08% (4 out of 192) symptomatic samples. The results of RFLPs in silico analysis showing the presence of 16SrX and 16SrXIII (sub)groups. In papaya-associated weeds and insects, phytoplasmas of group 16SrI (subgroups AF and B) were identified in 1.7% (3 out of 174) and 1.1% (2 out of 185) evaluated samples, respectively. Phytoplasma-carrying weeds were Amaranthus palmeri and Echinochloa colona; positive insects were Micrutalis calva and Balclutha mexicana. It is the first time that phytoplasmas 16SrI-AF, 16SrX y 16SrXIII are associated with Bunchy Top disease of papaya in agroecosystems from Colima, Mexico. Phytoplasmas 16SrX y 16SrXIII are first reported in papaya plants at the world level and in Mexico, respectively. Phytoplasma-carrying weeds and insects are new records as natural reservoirs and potential vectors.

Growth and productivity of maize (Zea mays) as influenced by sequential and combined application of tank mix herbicides

The experiment was conducted during 2021–22 at Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand to evaluate the impact of sequential and tank mix application of pre- and post-emergence herbicide on weed dynamics and maize productivity. The study was comprised of 9 treatments viz. Weedy (T1 ); Weed free (T2 ); Pre-emergence (PE) application of Atrazine -1 kg a.i./ha fb hand weeding (T3 ); PE application of Atrazine - 0.75 kg a.i./ha fb Post Emergence (Post E) application of Topramezone - 25.2 g a.i./ha (T4 ); PE application of Atrazine - 0.75 kg a.i./ha fb Post E application of Tembotrione - 120 g a.i./ha (T5 ); PE application of Atrazine - 1.0 kg a.i./ha fb Post E application of Topramezone - 25.2 g a.i./ha (T6 ); PE application of Atrazine - 1.0 kg a.i./ha fb Post E application of Tembotrione - 120 g a.i./ha (T7 ); Early Post E application of Topramezone - 25.2 g a.i./ha + Atrazine - 0.75 kg a.i./ha (T8 ) and Early Post E application of Tembotrione - 120 g a.i./ha + Atrazine - 0.75 kg a.i./ha (T9 ). Eleusine indica, Echinochloa colona, Digitaria sanguinalis and Eragrostis japonica were dominant among grassy weeds whereas broad leaf weeds included Cucumis melo, Phyllanthus niruri, Cleome viscosa and Commelina benghalensis. Cyperus rotundus was dominant among sedges. Topramezone - 25.2 g a.i./ha + Atrazine - 0.75 kg a.i./ha Early Post E resulted significantly lower total weed density and was similar to other herbicidal treatments. The highest grain yield (7.2 t/ha) was recorded in a weed-free crop that was similar to all herbicidetreated crops and significantly higher than the weedy crop. Tank mix application of atrazine - 0.75 kg a.i./ha with tembotrione 120 g a.i./ha or topramezone 25.2 g a.i./ha at 15 DAS can be suggested owing to higher grain yield and profits for farmers while lowering the dose and expenses involved in manual weeding and spraying atrazine separately.

Association between weeds and plant growthpromoting rhizobacteria in the phytoremediation of lead-contaminated soil

Lead is a persistent heavy metal in the soil that can accumulate in edible plants, so non-polluting strategies are required for its removal. In this study, the efficiency of weeds with associated rhizobacteria in phytoremediation of soil contaminated with lead (800 ppm) was investigated. Weeds with lead tolerance were selected, as well as rhizobacteria that promote plant growth in vitro. Several bacterial consortia (BC) were applied on three weed species, and the weight of the aboveground biomass of the weeds, the phytotoxicity of the soil after phytoremediation, as well as the parameters of the phytoremediation of lead in the soil with lower phytotoxicity, were evaluated. As a result, 20% of the weeds analyzed were tolerant to lead with indices of 0.80 (Echinochloa colona (L.) Link), 0.76 (Cyperus corymbosus Rottb.), and 0.72 (Sorghum halepense). BC solubilized phosphates, produced indole acetic acid, and increased the fresh biomass of plants (4.14-14.32%). Furthermore, the lowest level of phytotoxicity in the soil was detected in the treatment of E. colona (L.) Link with Pseudomonas spp. and Acinetobacter spp. (BC1), as well as a bioaccumulation factor of 0.1650 in the foliage, 1.0250 in the roots, and a translocation factor of 0.1611. Finally, 78.83% lead removal was determined in E. colona (L.) Link with rhizobacteria, compared to the 57.58% obtained with E. colona (L.) Link without rhizobacteria. The efficiency of the association of weeds and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria in the phytoremediation of soils contaminated with lead was demonstrated.

Comparison of Straw Mulching and Herbicide Levels for Control of Various Weed Species in Maize (Zea mays L.)

Weed management in maize is one of biggest concerns for growers. To reduce dependence on chemicals and chances of herbicide resistant weeds, and to improve soil status, thus straw mulching was added as cultural component with chemicals for improving weed management in maize. Field experiments were conducted at two locations (Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, and Regional Research Station, Gurdaspur) during kharif season to find out the influence of different paddy straw mulch and herbicides for control of various weeds species in maize. The results showed that application of paddy straw mulch 6.25 t/ha effectively controlled Eleusine indica, Cynodon dactylon, Commelina benghalensis, Eragrostis tenella, Digitaria sanguinalis, Echinochloa colona, Trianthema portulacastrum, Portulaca oleracea, Phyllanthus niruri, Euphorbia hirta, Conyza stricta and Cyperus compressus over no mulching. In addition to above weed species, paddy straw mulch 9.0 t/ha also effectively reduced density of Dactyloctenium aegyptium, Acrachne racemosa, Digera arvensis, Mollugo nudicaulis, Alternanthera philoxeroides, Amaranthus viridis and Veronica agrestis and Cyperus rotundus as compared to 6.25 t/ha and no mulch treatment. Atrazine pre emergence at 1.0 kg/ha controlled Eleusine indica, Echinochloa crusgalli, Eragrostis tenella, Digitaria sanguinalis, Echinochloa colona, Trianthema portulacastrum, Mollugo nudicaulis, Alternanthera philoxeroides, Digera arvensis, Amaranthus viridis and Cyperus compressus compared to its lower dose (0.8 kg/ha) and control at all stages. Post emergence application of tembotrione reduced the density of all weed species compared to atrazine and unweeded control.

Prediksi Kehilangan Hasil Jagung (Zea mays L.) Akibat Kompetisi Gulma Poaceae di Lahan Kering

This research aims to determine the Poaceae weed species that have a significant effect on corn yield loss in dry land. The research method was descriptive and data collection using survey techniques in 10 sample plots measuring 1 m2 which were placed using random sampling. Observation parameters include the number of species and populations of weeds, the population of corn plants in plot-1 and the dry biomass weight of weeds and corn in plot-1. Quantitative data analysis by calculating relative density, relative frequency and relative dominance values ​​to calculate the importance value index and Summe Diminance Ratio (SDR). The results showed that the diversity, evenness, dominance and abundance of Poaceae weeds in corn plants in dry land was high. So it was found that seven species of weeds were dominant and continued to exist while the corn was growing, namely Paspalum vasginatum Sw., Leersia hexandra Sw., Digitaria longiflora (Retz.) Koel., Digitaria ciliaris (Retz.) Koel., Cynodon dactylon L., Eleusine indica Gaertn., and Panicum repens L. The competitiveness and ability to reduce corn yields of the weeds Paspalum vasginatum, Leersia hexandra and Digitaria longiflora are higher than other weeds, so that corn yield losses due to competition reach 16.45%, 7.48% and 4.40%. The weeds Brachiaria reptans, Axonopus compressus and Echinochloa colonum do not need to be controlled in corn after the plants are 45 DAT, because their competitiveness and ability to eliminate crop yields is very low.

Impact of Different Doses of Herbicides on Weed Density and Weed Control Efficiency in Maize

A field experiment was conducted at Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur during Kharif season of 2021. To evaluate the effect of different doses of Mesotrione 2.27% w/w + Atrazine 22.7% w/w SC on growth and yield of maize (Zea mays L.). The experiment was laid down in the Randomized block design with ten treatments which was replicated three times. Experimental Field was infested with Echinochloa colona, Digitaria sanguinalis, Dactyloctenium aegyptium, Commelina benghalensis, Trianthema and Cyperus rotundus. Ready-mix herbicide, Mesotrione 2.27% w/w + Atrazine 22.7% w/w SC (Calaris Xtra) manufactured by Syngenta was used in the experiment. Among the herbicidal treatments, the application of Mesotrione 2.27% w/w + Atrazine 22.7% w/w SC @ 1.750 kg a.i. ha-1 recorded the lowest weed density and highest weed control efficiency (approx. 90%) at every growth stage of maize. However, among herbicidal treatments, grain yield of maize was maximum with the application of Mesotrione 2.27% w/w + Atrazine 22.7% w/w SC @ 1.0 kg a.i. ha-1(T4) which might be due do toxicity effect of herbicide.

Physiological Efficiency of Weeds in Rice Fallow Fields

Photosynthetic rate, Transpiration rate and Stomatal Conductance is measured in different weeds during July’2020 in rice fallows using IRGA- Photosynthesis system model Lci- T. We have chosen all the weeds at flowering to maturity phase and observed the data. Among the weeds analysed Parthenium hysterophorus has recorded very high Photosynthetic rate (µ molm-2 Sec-1)and there was difference with stage also, Flowering stage (165.28) has recorded a higher photosynthetic rate followed by vegetative (123.2) and maturity phase (118.72) and found that transpiration rate also followed the same trend. Even this has recorded more than the C4 crop photosynthetic rate for example Trianthema portulacastrum which has recorded a photosynthetic rate of 21.98, which was the next highest photosynthetic rate among the weeds recorded and as well as over C4 crops too. Among the grasses Paspalum sp., Echinochloa colona (7.81µ molm-2 Sec-1)) and Cynodon dactylon (4.2µ molm-2 Sec-1)) has recorded higher photosynthetic rate. Cyperus and Cyanodonhas recorded with lesser stomatal conductance and transpiration rate but has recorded higher photosynthetic rate which can thrive better in rainfeds also. Echinochloa has more transpiration rate and stomatal conductance among grasses and this might be due to their water loving nature. Boerhavia diffusa, Euphorbia hirta and Ruella tuberosa are recorded with lesser stomatal conductance. On critically analysing the weeds, it was observed that some weeds like Parthenium are reported with higher photosynthetic rate with lesser transpiration rate and stomatal conductance over better photosynthetic efficiency crop like maize and also this has resulted in the better withstanding ability to the water stress. Correlation analysis showed that photosynthesis and Transpiration rate are positively correlated but weak (r=0.28) and the regression equation is (Y=4.98+4.32(x)), photosynthetic rate and stomatal conductance are also positively correlated but weak (r=0.20) and the regression equation is Y= 20.36+17.04(X). Transpiration and Stomatal Conductance is positively and strongly correlated (r=0.57) and regression equation is Y=3.92+2.51(x).

Folk Knowledge and Perceptions about the Use of Wild Fruits and Vegetables-Cross-Cultural Knowledge in the Pipli Pahar Reserved Forest of Okara, Pakistan.

Wild fruits and vegetables (WFVs) have been vital to local communities for centuries and make an important contribution to daily life and income. However, traditional knowledge of the use of wild fruits is at risk of being lost due to inadequate documentation. This study aimed to secure this knowledge through intermittent field visits and a semi-structured questionnaire. Using various ethnobotanical data analysis tools and SPSS (IBM 25), this study identified 65 WFV species (52 genera and 29 families). These species, mostly consumed as vegetables (49%) or fruits (43%), were predominantly herbaceous (48%) in wild and semi-wild habitats (67%). 20 WFVs were known to local communities (highest RFC), Phoenix sylvestris stood out as the most utilized species (highest UV). Surprisingly, only 23% of the WFVs were sold at markets. The survey identified 21 unique WFVs that are rarely documented for human consumption in Pakistan (e.g., Ehretia obtusifolia, Euploca strigosa, Brassica juncea, Cleome brachycarpa, Gymnosporia royleana, Cucumis maderaspatanus, Croton bonplandianus, Euphorbia prostrata, Vachellia nilotica, Pongamia pinnata, Grewia asiatica, Malvastrum coromandelianum, Morus serrata, Argemone mexicana, Bambusa vulgaris, Echinochloa colonum, Solanum virginianum, Physalis angulata, Withania somnifera, Zygophyllum creticum, and Peganum harmala), as well as 14 novel uses and five novel edible parts. Despite their ecological importance, the use of WFVs has declined because local people are unaware of their cultural and economic value. Preservation of traditional knowledge through education on conservation and utilization could boost economies and livelihoods in this and similar areas worldwide.

Seed production potential of Echinochloa colona exposed to sublethal doses of four commonly-used rice herbicides and high-temperature stress

Seed production potential of Echinochloa colona exposed to sublethal doses of four commonly-used rice herbicides and high-temperature stress

Effect of planting geometry and weed-management practices on yield of scented rice (Oryza sativa) varieties

A field experiment was conducted at the Shaheed Gundadhur College of Agriculture and Research Station, of the Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidhyalaya, Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh during rainy season (Kharif) of 2019, to evaluate the effect of planting geometry and weed-management practices in transplanted scented rice varieties. Treatments consisting combination of 2 varieties, 2 planting geometry and 4 weed management practices were replicated thrice in a split-split plot design. The dominant weeds in transplanted rice were: Ludwigia peploides (Kunth) P.H. Raven., Spilanthes acmella (L.) C.B. Clarke ex Hook. f., Echinochloa colona L., Cyperus difformis L., Cyperus iria L., Commelina benghalensis L. and Fimbristylis miliacea (L.) Vahl. Significantly lowest population of different weed species, and the highest grain and straw yields, and harvest index were found with variety, ‘Tarunbhog Selection 1’ while the maximum test weight was observed with ‘Dubraj Selection 1’. The planting geometry of 20 cm × 20 cm recorded the minimum weed population and the highest yield and benefit cost ratio. Application of pyrazosulfuron ethyl 10% WP @ 20 g/ha at 3 Days after transplanting (DAT) + 1 hand weeding (HW) at 25 DAT was found the most effective for broad-spectrum weed control and increased the rice grain yield. The highest net returns and benefit cost were recorded with the pre-emergence application of pyrazosulfuron ethyl 10 % WP @ 20 g/ha.