Eleusine Indica Research Articles

Chemical composition and digestibility of hays of three grasses ammonized with urea

<p class="Default">This study aimed to evaluate the effect of ammoniation with urea on the chemical composition and in vitro digestibility of <em>Rhynchelytrum repens</em>, <em>Aristida setifolia</em> and <em>Eleusine indica</em> grasses. The experimental design was completely randomized, with a 3×2 factorial treatment (hay of three species, treated with or without urea) and five replications. The contents of dry matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, mineral matter, lignin, total carbohydrates and digestibility were evaluated in the grass (R. repens, A. setifolia e E. indica). The treatment with urea affected (<em>p</em> < 0.05) most of the variables analyzed in grass hays. Hay treated with urea showed an increase in crude protein levels and the highest value was observed for the hay of Eleusine indica grass. Rhynchelytrum repens grass hay presented the highest fiber value in acid detergent, with and without urea. An increase in vitro dry matter digestibility was observed after the use of urea. It is concluded that ammonization with 5% urea improves the nutritional values of hay in Rhynchelytrum repens, Aristida setifolia and Eleusine indica grasses, increasing the levels of protein, minerals and digestibility.</p>

Challenging glyphosate resistance EPSPS P106S and TIPS mutations with soybean competition and glyphosate: implications for management.

Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn. (goosegrass) is a major weed in global cropping systems. It has evolved resistance to glyphosate due to single Pro-106-Ser (P106S) or double Thr-102-Ile + Pro-106-Ser (TIPS) EPSPS target site mutations. Here, experiments were conducted to evaluate the single effect of soybean competition and its combined effect with a glyphosate field dose (1080 g ae ha-1 ) on the growth and fitness of plants carrying these glyphosate resistance endowing target site mutations. TIPS E.indica plants are highly glyphosate-resistant but the double mutation endows a substantial fitness cost. The TIPS fitness penalty increased under the effect of soybean competition resulting in a cost of 95%, 95% and 96% in terms of, respectively, vegetative growth, seed mass and seed number investment. Glyphosate treatment of these glyphosate-resistant TIPS plants showed an increase in growth relative to those without glyphosate. Conversely, for the P106S moderate glyphosate resistance mutation, glyphosate treatment alone reduced survival rate, vegetative growth, aboveground biomass (34%), seed mass (48%) and number (52%) of P106S plants relative to the glyphosate nontreated plants. However, under the combined effects of both soybean competition and the field-recommended glyphosate dose, vegetative growth, aboveground biomass, seed mass and number of P106S and TIPS plants were substantially limited (by ≤99%). The ecological environment imposed by intense competition from a soybean crop sets a significant constraint for the landscape-level increase of both the E.indica single and double glyphosate resistance mutations in the agroecosystem and highlights the key role of crop competition in limiting the population growth of weeds, whether they are herbicide-resistant or susceptible. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Documentation of Phytotoxic Compounds Existing in Parthenium hysterophorus L. Leaf and Their Phytotoxicity on Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn. and Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop.

The utilization of the invasive weed, Parthenium hysterophorus L. for producing value-added products is novel research for sustaining our environment. Therefore, the current study aims to document the phytotoxic compounds contained in the leaf of parthenium and to examine the phytotoxic effects of all those phytochemicals on the seed sprouting and growth of Crabgrass Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop. and Goosegrass Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn. The phytotoxic substances of the methanol extract of the P. hysterophorus leaf were analyzed by LC-ESI-QTOF-MS=MS. From the LC-MS study, many compounds, such as terpenoids, flavonoids, amino acids, pseudo guaianolides, and carbohydrate and phenolic acids, were identified. Among them, seven potential phytotoxic compounds (i.e., caffeic acid, vanillic acid, ferulic acid, chlorogenic acid, quinic acid, anisic acid, and parthenin) were documented, those are responsible for plant growth inhibition. The concentration needed to reach 50% growth inhibition in respect to germination (ECg50), root length (ECr50), and shoot length (ECs50) was estimated and the severity of phytotoxicity of the biochemicals was determined by the pooled values (rank value) of three inhibition parameters. The highest growth inhibition was demarcated by caffeic acid, which was confirmed and indicated by cluster analysis and principal component analysis (PCA). In the case of D. sanguinalis, the germination was reduced by 60.02%, root length was reduced by 76.49%, and shoot length was reduced by 71.14% when the chemical was applied at 800 μM concentration, but in the case of E. indica, 100% reduction of seed germination, root length, and shoot length reduction occurred at the same concentration. The lowest rank value was observed from caffeic acids in both E. indica (rank value 684.7) and D. sanguinalis (909.5) caused by parthenin. It means that caffeic acid showed the highest phytotoxicity. As a result, there is a significant chance that the parthenium weed will be used to create bioherbicides in the future.

ANALYSIS OF WEED VEGETATION ON PLANTATIONS KENAF (Hibiscus cannabinuS L.) IN DLIMAS, CEPER, KLATEN, CENTRAL JAVA

Weed vegetation analysis is very necessary in controlling weeds in kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) plantations because weeds can compete in taking nutrients, water, sunlight, air, and growing space. A study on the analysis of weed vegetation in kenaf plantations was carried out in March 2022 in Dlimas Village, Ceper District, Klaten Regency, Central Java. This study aims to obtain the diversity of weed species and structures which include species, density, frequency, and weed dominance as the basis for proper, effective, and efficient control. The research was conducted by random sampling technique using the square method of 0.5 m x 0.5 m plot size with 3 replications. Furthermore, weeds in the sample plots were taken and identified using plantnet software to be matched with references. The results showed that there were 8 species of grass weeds, 3 species of tekian weeds, and 6 species of broadleaf weeds. Weeds found in kenaf plantations were dominated by broadleaf species. The three dominant weeds were Lindernia dubia L. Pennel (SDR 25,80 %), Eleusine indica L. Gaertn (SDR 8,90 %), and Phyllanthus urinaria (SDR 7,90 %).

The Diversity and Dominance of Weeds in Various Population Proportions of Intercropping Soybeans With Corn

Soybean is an important food crop for Indonesia after rice and corn. Soybean productivity in Indonesia is still low because most farmers use monoculture cropping patterns which has many weaknesses. Intercropping is an alternative to increase soybean productivity because it has many advantages. Soybeans can be intercropped with corn because the two plants have different physical characteristics, physiology and growth patterns. This research aimed to obtain information about the diversity and abundance of weeds in soybean and corn intercropping. The study was conducted using a single factor treatment design which will be arranged in a single plot field design, using Grobogan variety soybean and Bisma variety corn. The treatment was the proportion of soybean and corn populations which consisted of 4 proportions, i.e. 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, and 5:1, and monoculture soybeans were also planted as a control. Observations on weeds were carried out at the age of 2, 8, and 12 weeks after planting (before harvest) with vegetation analysis. The size of each sample is 0.5 m x 0.5 m with 15 sample plots/plots. The results showed that based on the summed dominance ratio (SDR) in the research area, 16 species of weeds were dominated by broadleaf weeds, with the dominant types of weeds being Phyllanthus urinaria L., Eleusine indica L., and Oryza sativa L. The results showed that based on the Summed Dominance Ratio (SDR) in soybean there were 16 species of weeds that were dominated by broadleaf weeds, with the dominant types of weeds being Phyllanthus urinaria L., Eleusine indica L., and Oryza. sativa L. Weeds growing on soybean intercropping with corn and soybean monoculture have a medium diversity index (H').

English

Grass constitutes the nutritional basis for most livestock, whether domesticated or wildlife. The present study evaluates the enhancement of the nutritional value of five different pasture grasses: Palisade grass (Urochloa brizantha), Biscuit grass (Paspalum vaginatum), Giant star grass (Cynodon plectostachyus), Goose grass (Eleusine indica), and Stubborn grass (Sida acuta) for use as animal feeds and xylanase production. The grasses received two different treatments:  Autoclaving and solid state fermentation. Analysis carried out on untreated, autoclaved and solid state fermented grasses showed an increase in pH for all autoclaved grasses and solid state fermented grasses when compared to the control. The total flavonoid content was significantly improved in the solid state fermented grasses (116.7 ±1.4 μg/ml for palisade grass). There was a significant increase (p<0.05) in soluble protein content from 21.86 ± 1.7 to 44.06 ± 1.3 mg g-1 of palisade grass fermented with Rhizopus oligosporus. Similarly, there was a substantial rise (p < 0.05) in glucose concentration of solid state fermented biscuit grass (54.6 ± 3.3 mg g-1) when compared to the control (32.4±1.6 mg g-1). The total flavonoid content was improved in the solid state fermented (73.53 ± 0.35 μg/ml for biscuit grass) compared to the control (64.6±3.35μg/ml). Biscuit grass subjected to solid state fermentation was more potentially active (62.4±1.3μg/ml) when compared to the control (42.2 ± 0.9 μg/ml). For xylanase production, solid state fermented goose grass showed the highest enzymatic activity. These results indicate that solid state fermentation enhanced the nutritional value and antioxidant profile of grasses, which can also be used in livestock feeding and as a substrate for the production of xylanase. Key words: Grasses, animal feeds, solid state fermentation, xylanase, autoclave.

Effect of cotton herbicide programs on weed population trajectories and frequency of glyphosate-resistant Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri)

AbstractThe adoption of dicamba-resistant cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) cultivars allows using dicamba to reduce weed populations across growing seasons. However, the overuse of this tool risks selecting new herbicide-resistant biotypes. The objectives of this research were to determine the population trajectories of several weed species and track the frequency of glyphosate-resistant (GR) Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri S. Watson) over 8 yr in dicamba-resistant cotton. An experiment was established in North Carolina in 2011, and during the first 4 yr, different herbicide programs were applied. These programs included postemergence applications of glyphosate, alone or with dicamba, with or without residual herbicides. During the last 4 yr, all programs received glyphosate plus dicamba. Biennial rotations of postemergence applications of glyphosate only and glyphosate plus dicamba postemergence with and without preemergence herbicides were also included. Sequential applications of glyphosate plus dicamba were applied to the entire test area for the final 4 yr of the study. No herbicide program was entirely successful in controlling the weed community. Weed population trajectories were different according to species and herbicide program, creating all possible outcomes; some increased, others decreased, and others remained stable. Density of resistant A. palmeri increased during the first 4 yr with glyphosate-only programs (up to 11,739 plants m−2) and decreased a 96% during the final 4 yr, when glyphosate plus dicamba was implemented. This species had a strong influence on population levels of other weed species in the community. Goosegrass [Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn.] was not affected by A. palmeri population levels and even increased its density in some herbicide programs, indicating that not only herbicide resistance but also reproductive rates and competitive dynamics are critical for determining weed population trajectories under intensive herbicide-based control programs. Frequency of glyphosate resistance reached a maximum of 62% after 4 yr, and those levels were maintained until the end of the experiment.

AN INVESTIGATION OF THE NOISE ABSORPTION POTENTIAL OF A SIX SELECTED GRASS SPECIES

Grass has a high leaf density and requires minimum space to grow. This experiment was designed to determine the sound absorption behaviour of six grass species (Zoysia matrella (L) Merr., Stenotaphrum dimidiatum(L.) Brongn, Panicum repens (L.), Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn., Axonopus compressus (Sw) P. Beauv, and Ischaemum sp.) for their possible use as noise screens. The sound absorption of each morphological leaf structure was studied. For Sound Absorption Coefficients (SAC) (α) studies, the reverberation room method under ISO 345:2003 standards was followed. A B&K dodecahedron Omni-directional speaker, power amplifier, and 2250L handheld analyser were used for reverberation time and RT60 measurements. Microscopic images of grass leaves were analysed using ImageJ software. This study revealed that grasses with the highest and lowest SAC for higher noise frequencies (> 1500 Hz) are S. dimidiatum Brongn and A. compressus, respectively. The SAC of S. dimidiatum Brongn positively correlated with noise frequency. In general, the correlation of SAC (α) with noise frequency (f) is in the form of log10α = a1log10f + b1 where a1 and b1 are grass type-dependent constants. The morphological parameters like total leaf area, total sample area, plant height, and sample dry weight strongly correlated with the SAC. But leaf thickness, length, width, surface area, and the weight of the sample poorly correlated with SAC in the frequency range.

Confirmation and control of glyphosate-resistant biotype of goosegrass (Eleusine indica L.). In Sumatran oil palm

Glyphosate has been used as the main tool for weed control in an oil palm plantation for about four decades. In the last five years, in an oil palm plantation of PTP Nusantara III, a population of Eleusine indica was reported to have been difficult to control using glyphosate. The objectives of this study were first, to confirm whether the population of E. indica in the oil palm plantation has evolved resistance to glyphosate. Secondly, to evaluate post-emergent alternative herbicides, premixed 39.5% MSMA + 7.8% diuron, glufosinate ammonium, topramezone and glyphosate as a comparison, which were all of them applied at field rates of 1975 g + 390 g, 450 g, 41,25 g, and 1080 g a.i. ha−1, respectively. While pre-emergent herbicides, indaziflam, diuron, and flumoxiazin were applied 75, 1500, and 160 g a.i ha−1, respectively. The results showed that the suspected glyphosate-resistant E. indica population has been confirmed to have developed resistance to glyphosate. The population is highly resistant with level of resistance 28-fold of the susceptible population. No resistant plant was killed at the rate of 4320 g. a.e. ha−1 glyphosate (four-fold field rate for E. indica control) whereas the susceptible plant was killed 77,5%. Alternative herbicides tested effectively suppressed glyphosate-resistant E. indica population when applied at field rate. The alternative herbicides could be used to overcome glyphosate-resistance in the oil palm plantation.

Effectiveness of napropamide herbicide controlling weeds on a golf course in Tropical Indonesia

Weeds existence interferes with the quality, aesthetics, and growth of golf course grass. Napropamide is a herbicide used to control broadleaf and grass weeds. Therefore, field experiments were employed during 2021 at Bandung Giri Gahana Golf Course, Jatinangor District, Sumedang Regency, West Java to determine effects of applying the herbicide in controlling weeds and on the growth of golf course grass. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design was used with six treatments, each of which was replicated four times. The treatments included manual hand weeding, a control, and different doses of Napropamide 50%, namely 6.75, 9, 11.25, and 13.5 kg/ha. The results showed that the herbicide Napropamide 50% with the dose of 6.75 kg/ha until 13.5 kg/ha were effectif to control grass weeds such as Eleusine indica, Panicum repens, Digitaria ciliaris and broad leaves weeds such as Cleome rutidosperma, Amaranthus viridis, Portulaca oleracea, up to 12 weeks after herbicide application without causing toxicity to golf course grass.

Weed composition and maize yield in a former tin-mining area: A case study in Malim Nawar, Malaysia

Abstract Weed species composition has been assessed for major crops such as rice, rubber, and oil palm but not for cash crops in Malaysia. In this study, we determine the associations between maize yields and weed species, weed density, mean temperature, and mean rainfall. Annual field surveys of weeds were conducted in maize (Zea mays L.) in a former tin-mining land in Malim Nawar, Perak, Malaysia, during June of 2017, 2018, and 2020 to determine the effects of weeds on maize yields. The field surveys in 2017, 2018, and 2020 involved 120 quadrats (0.5 m × 0.5 m) with 40 replicates. Fifteen species were observed, representing 14 genera and 9 families and consisted of 9 broadleaves, 3 grasses, and 1 sedge. Phytosociological characteristics, namely, frequency, relative frequency, density, relative density, abundance, and relative abundance, were used to analyze weed species composition at the study site. The species with the highest mean density and relative abundance were Cyperus sp., followed by Amaranthus viridis, Eleusine indica, Hedyotis corymbosa, and Phyllanthus amarus. These five species accounted for 65% of the total relative abundance. Individual broadleaf, sedge, and grass weed types were compared between paired years using a two-proportion z-test. The variation in number of individuals in each group was significant between 2017 and 2018, 2018 and 2020, and 2017 and 2020. The relationship between maize yield and mean rainfall, mean temperature, and weed species was analyzed using a general linear model, none of which affected maize yields. The results of this study provide a foundation for practical weed management in maize fields in Malaysia, thereby contributing to sustainable agriculture and food security.

Allelopathic sorghum aqueous root extracts inhibit germination and seedling growth of crops and weeds

Allelopathic sorghum aqueous extracts can be used as sprays against weeds of arable lands. Water-soluble allelochemicals in the aqueous extracts may also negatively affect crops. Root aqueous extracts from the South African landrace sorghum IS9456 and the Botswanan commercial variety Mahube, with high (584.69 µg mg-1 root fresh weight) and low (17.38 µg mg-1 root fresh weight) sorgoleone contents respectively, were tested on germination, radicle length, plumule length and dry weight of goosegrass [Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn], blackjack [Bidens pilosa (L.)], maize [Zea mays (L.)], soya bean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] and wheat [Triticum aestivum (L.)]. Factors in five glasshouse experiments were the two sorghum varieties and four root extract solutions (0%, 5%, 10% and 20%) (w/v) arranged in a randomised complete block design with six replications. There was no significant effect (P>0.05) of variety and root aqueous extract on germination, radicle length, plumule length and dry weight of maize and on germination of wheat and goosegrass. The sorghum accession IS9456 significantly (P<0.05) reduced plumule length and dry weight of wheat and goosegrass and germination, plumule length and dry weight of soya bean and blackjack compared to Mahube. Increasing strength of root aqueous extract solution significantly (P<0.001) reduced plumule length and dry weight of wheat and goosegrass as well as germination and dry weight of soya bean and blackjack. Extracts from IS9456 had greater inhibitory effects on crop and weed germination and growth compared to those from Mahube. Due to its low sorgoleone content and weak weed suppression from its root aqueous extracts, Mahube may have low potential for use in allelopathic weed control. The sorghum accession IS9456, which also produces very high sorgoleone content, may be used in integrated weed management exploiting allelopathy from both sorgoleone and water-soluble allelochemicals, although farmers will have to be careful in terms of crop rotations since the aqueous extracts also inhibit germination and growth of some crops. Field studies may be required to further confirm allelopathic effects of root aqueous extracts from IS9456. Key words: sorghum allelopathy, aqueous extracts, germination, growth, maize, soya bean, goose grass, blackjack

High-throughput metabolomics reveals dysregulation of hydrophobic metabolomes in cancer cell lines by Eleusine indica

Eleusine indica, which is used in traditional medicine, exhibits antiproliferative activity against several cancer cell lines. However, metabolomic studies to evaluate the metabolite changes induced by E. indica in cancer cells are still lacking. The present study investigated the anticancer effects of a root fraction of E. indica (R-S5-C1-H1) on H1299, MCF-7, and SK-HEP-1 cell lines and analyzed metabolic changes in the treated cancer cells using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS). Cell metabolic activity assays demonstrated that the cell viability of the three cancer cell lines was significantly reduced following treatment with R-S5-C1-H1, with half-maximal inhibitory concentrations values of 12.95 µg/mL, 15.99 µg/mL, and 13.69 µg/mL at 72 h, respectively. Microscopy analysis using Hoechst 33342 and Annexin V fluorescent dyes revealed that cells treated with R-S5-C1-H1 underwent apoptotic cell death, while chemometric analysis suggested that apoptosis was triggered 48 h after treatment with R-S5-C1-H1. Deconvoluted cellular metabolomics revealed that hydrophobic metabolites were significantly altered, including triacylglycerols, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, sphingomyelin, and ceramide, suggesting that apoptosis induction by R-S5-C1-H1 potentially occurred through modulation of phospholipid synthesis and sphingolipid metabolism. These metabolomic profiling results provide new insights into the anticancer mechanisms of E. indica and facilitate the overall understanding of molecular events following therapeutic interventions.

Analysis Distribution of Biomass Carbon of Grasslands, Shrubs, and Rainfed Rice Fields on Dry Land in the Aceh Besar District Indonesia

Abstract This research was conducted to determine plant biomass, carbon potential, and CO2 reserve potential in understory vegetation in general, namely grasslands, shrubs, and rainfed rice fields. The sampling of the research was carried out randomly and intentionally, and was limited to the vegetation of reeds, shrubs and rainfed land bushes in the Aceh Besar District of Indonesia. The sample was taken based on a digitized map obtained from overlaying the land use map, slope map, soil type map, and Aceh Besar government map. Measurement of biomass in the vegetation of Imperata, shrubs, and rainfed rice fields is in accordance with procedures from the Indonesian National Standard (2011) and the World Agroforestry Center. The area of bush vegetation is larger than that of rainfed rice fields and grasslands. In general, the plants found in bush vegetation are Acacia leucoeplhoea, Mimosa pudica, Cyperus rotundus, and Eleusine indica. Grassland vegetation has one plant only, namely, Pennisetum purpureum. The vegetation of rainfed rice fields consists of the Oryza sativa type of plant. Plant biomass, carbon [C] content, and carbon potential in bush vegetation are greater than that of grassland and rainfed rice fields, as well as plant biomass reserves, plant biomass carbon and total CO2 reserves. Shrubs and woody plants render the potential for biomass, carbon, and CO2 absorption greater than that of grassland and rainfed rice fields. This is in accordance with the research that the increase in biomass is followed by an increase in potential carbon storage. Parameters that affect biomass indirectly will also affect carbon storage in a biomass and in an ecosystem, namely, individual density, stem diameter, tree species diversity, and soil. The density of trees in an area will affect the increase in carbon stocks through an increase in biomass. This is because the vegetation of shrubs does not only consist of undergrowth, but also of woody stems such as Acacia leucoeploea, making carbon stock potential in bush vegetation greater than that of grassland and rainfed rice fields, as shrubs cover an area of 96,962.2 ha, hence larger than that of grasslands and rainfed rice fields.

Genome Re-Sequencing Reveals the Host-Specific Origin of Genetic Variation in Magnaporthe Species.

Rice blast is caused by Magnaporthe oryzae (M. oryzae), which is considered one of the most serious pathogens of rice around the globe. It causes severe losses owing to its proven capability to disrupt the host resistance. Recently, its invasion of new hosts like the Musa species or banana plants has been noticed. To understand the possible level of genetic variation, we sequenced the genomes of eight different isolates of the Magnaporthe species infecting rice, Digitaria (a weed), finger millet, Elusine indica, and banana plants. Comparative genomic analysis of these eight isolates with the previously well-characterized laboratory strain M. oryzae 70-15 was made. The infectivity of the newly isolated strain from Musa species suggested that there is no resistance level in the host plants. The sequence analysis revealed that despite genome similarities, both the banana and Digitaria isolates have relatively larger genome sizes (∼38.2 and 51.1 Mb, respectively) compared to those of the laboratory reference strain M. oryzae 70-15 (∼37 Mb). The gene contraction, expansion, and InDel analysis revealed that during evolution, a higher number of gene insertions and deletions occurred in the blast fungus infecting Digitaria and banana. Furthermore, each genome shared thousands of genes, which suggest their common evolution. Overall, our analysis indicates that higher levels of genes insertion or deletions and gain in the total genome size are important factors in disrupting the host immunity and change in host selection.

Reduced atrazine doses combined with sorghum aqueous extracts inhibit emergence and growth of weeds

Combining low doses of herbicides with allelopathic plant extracts subject weeds to different mechanisms of action, which reduces herbicide resistance. The effects of reduced atrazine doses combined with sorghum aqueous extracts (sorgaab) from sorghum accessions IS9456, IS22320 and Mahube on emergence and growth of Bidens pilosa and Eleusine indica were evaluated in a greenhouse experiment at the University of Zimbabwe in 2017. Two experiments were set up as a 3 ˟ 5 factorial arrangement in a completely randomized design testing sorghum varieties as sources of sorgaab, and five atrazine-sorgaab mixtures (100% sorgaab, 10% of the label recommended dosage (LRD) of atrazine for maize + 90% sorgaab, 30% LRD atrazine + 70% sorgaab, 100% LRD atrazine, and untreated check). Percent emergence, height, and total chlorophyll content in leaves significantly decreased (P<0.001) as influenced by sorghum variety in the order IS22320>Mahube>IS9456, for B. pilosa and E. indica. Sorghum variety significantly (P<0.001) affected dry weight of B. pilosa similarly to other parameters but did not significantly (P>0.05) affect dry weight of E. indica. Percent emergence, height, total chlorophyll content and plant dry weight significantly (P<0.001) decreased in the order untreated control>100% sorgaab>10% LRD atrazine + 90% sorgaab>30% LRD atrazine + 70% sorgaab>100% LRD atrazine. There were significant (P<0.05) effects of sorghum variety as source of sorgaab ˟ atrazine-sorgaab mixture interactions on B. pilosa emergence and height and E. indica height. There is potential to exploit sorghum allelopathy using aqueous extracts alone, and in mixture with reduced doses of atrazine in controlling certain weeds. However, the allelopathic efficacy of sorgaab was dependent on sorghum variety. The sorghum variety IS9456 possibly produces high amounts of water soluble allelochemicals, making it a suitable candidate for use in integrated weed management. Key words: Herbicides, reduced dose, sorghum, allelopathy, Eleusine indica, Bidens

Allelopathic potential of summer weeds on germination and growth performance of wheat and chickpea

The biochemical interference between weed-crop for the available resources is one of the most crucial and burning issues for this modern and technologically blessed farming community. Because-of, the early adaptative nature, rapid growth, and fast distribution of weed make it able to inhibit the desired crop growth and reduce the final estimated yields. Thus, our interest was raised in examining the bio-efficacy of some winter weeds against two main agronomic crop germination and seedling growth, and weeds were collected from two different districts D.I. Khan and Peshawar. Wheat variety (Atta Habib) and Chickpea variety (Karak-1) varieties were used in the trial. The experiment was conducted in (2020) in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with a factorial arrangement having three replications. We used the following weeds extracts; Trianthema portulacastrum L., Cyperus rotundus L., Plantago lenceolata L., Xanthium strumarium L., Oxalis corniculata L., Eleusine indica L. and distilled water as a control in this study, and introduced them to chickpea and wheat seeds. Our results show that weeds collected from district Dera Ismail Khan were more phytotoxic as compared to Peshawar and greatly inhibited the overall seed germination of wheat and chickpea respectively i.e., 44.53%, and 37.97%. In the case of weeds extract inhibitory effect, the T. portulacastrum was declared more repressive for both crops in terms of germination inhibition and seedling growth retardation. Taken together, the T. portulacastrum weed extract of D.I Khan was highly phytotoxic to inhibit the germination and germination of both crops, therefore, eco-friendly and proper weed management tactics require from the farming community in the early stages or before crop sowing.

Astragalus sinicus Incorporated as Green Manure for Weed Control in Corn.

Astragalus sinicus L. (milk vetch), one of the most widespread green manure species, is widely planted in the temperate zone. Eleusine indica L. (goosegrass), a serious annual weed in the world, has evolved resistance to some non-selective herbicides. The use of milk vetch as green manure for weed control in paddy fields was proposed. Aqueous extracts of milk vetch are known to exert a different level of phytotoxicity on weeds and crops. Phytotoxic substances contained in green manure were released into the soil by leaching at the initial stage and decomposition at the later stage after the return of green manure. Considering the need for searching new sustainable strategies for weed control, a question arises: “if milk vetch could be applied in goosegrass control, which stage is the most important to control goosegrass after milk vetch returned to the field, and at the same time, will the subsequent crop, corn (Zea mays L.), be affected by the side effects from milk vetch phytotoxicity?” In this study, the potential of milk vetch for goosegrass control was approached by repeated laboratory experiments, which include the aqueous extract experiment, decomposed experiment, and pot experiment. The effects of milk vetch returning to the field on maize were simulated by a pot experiment. The extract of milk vetch could significantly inhibit the germination of goosegrass at 2% concentration, and the inhibition enhanced with the increase of concentration. In the decomposed liquid experiment, decay time within 15 days, with the increase of decay days or concentration, goosegrass inhibition effect of decomposed liquid was enhanced. When decay time was more than 15 days, the inhibition ability of the decomposed liquid to goosegrass decreased. According to the RI accumulated value, aqueous extract and decomposed liquid have a “hormesis effect” on the germination and growth of goosegrass. Pot experiment proved that the addition of 1–10% (w/w) of milk vetch significantly reduced the germination and growth of goosegrass. On the contrary, the comprehensive analysis showed that the participation of milk vetch was conducive to the growth of corn. Our results constitute evidence that the incorporation of milk vetch into the soil could be a feasible practice to reduce weed infarctions in the corn-based cropping system.

Survey of weed flora and weed management practices in Florida strawberry fields

AbstractA survey of weed flora and basic weed management practices was conducted in commercial strawberry [Fragaria × ananassa (Weston) Duchesne ex Rozier ssp. ananassa] fields in central Florida during the 2019 to 2020 field season. Forty-one fields on 14 farms were surveyed, which represents a total of 907 ha or 23% of the acreage planted to strawberries in Florida. All conventional fields were fumigated, and combinations of chloropicrin and 1,3-dichloropropene were used on 72% of the fumigated acreage. Preemergence or postemergence herbicides were used in row middles on 100% of the conventional acreage, but preemergence herbicides applied under the plastic mulch were only used on 12% of the acreage. A total of 47 weed species were identified during the survey. The five weed species with the highest frequency were goosegrass [Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn.], cutleaf evening primrose (Oenothera laciniata Hill), Carolina geranium (Geranium carolinianum L.), common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.), and eclipta [Eclipta prostrata (L.) L.] which occurred in 83%, 63%, 58%, 58%, and 46% of all fields surveyed, respectively. The five species with the highest overall relative abundance were E. indica, O. lanciniata, G. carolinium, A. artemisiifolia, and Brazil pusley (Richardia brasiliensis Gomes). The frequency and distribution of E. indica is of particular concern, because populations in strawberry fields are thought to be resistant to paraquat, which is the primary herbicide used for crop termination. Weed density tended to be low overall, which suggests the integrated weed management (IWM) programs adopted by most growers are effective. Mean weed density tended to be similar on conventional and organic fields and unaffected by fumigant applied the year of the survey or the number of years strawberries had been grown consecutively in a field. Weed management research moving forward should focus on the development of IWM programs for E. indica, O. lanciniata, G. carolinium, and A. artemisiifolia.

First record of Sida rhombifolia L. (Malvaceae) for Italian flora

Sida rhombifolia L. (Malvaceae) has been reported for the first time in Italy. This species with a Paleotropics geographic origin represents a new invasive alien species in the flora of Italy. It was already reported in several European countries as invasive species, but this plant is also known for its medicinal properties in many areas of the world. The species was found in the anthropic environments of Sicily. In particular, the study area is localized in the Peloritani Mounts (NE Sicily) where the species was discovered in five stands. Our new discovery confirmed the role of anthropic activities have had in the alien species invasion in Italy. Diagnostic features, ecological and geographic data are provided. From a phytosociological viewpoint, this plant characterizes a plant community that includes various nitrophilous species such as Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop., Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn. and Sorghum halepense (L.) Pers. Moreover, invasiveness and impacts associated to this species were assessed by using EPPO prioritization protocol. The specimens were deposited in the herbaria of Catania and Messina University.