Weed Roots Research Articles

Plant-parasitic nematodes associated with weeds in subsistence agriculture in South Africa

Twenty-nine plant-parasitic nematode species belonging to 15 genera, as well as two fungus-feeding nematode genera and one species, were identified from soil and root samples of weeds collected from 67 localities situated in subsistence production regions of South Africa during a survey from 2005-2006. Of these, 16 nematode species from four genera were reported for the first time to infect or to be associated with weeds. The predominant endo- and semi-endoparasites identified both from soil and root samples were Meloidogyne species, Pratylenchus zeae, Helicotylenchus dihystera and Rotylenchus unisexus. Based on PCR technology, three Meloidogyne species, M. hapla, M. incognita and M. javanica, have been identified in roots of weeds sampled. Thirty weed species representing 26 genera were identified as hosts of Meloidogyne species, while 38 belonging to 35 genera were associated with various other plant-parasitic nematodes. Meloidogyne species were predominant in the roots of Chloris virgata, Cynodon dactylon and Amaranthus hybridus. The frequency of occurrence of Meloidogyne species, H. dihystera and R. unisexus was significantly and positively correlated with localities in terms of % clay and % silt. The same trend was evident for these three taxa in terms of rainfall, while the opposite was observed in terms of their frequency of occurrence and pH. Principal component analysis results substantiated the latter. It also suggested that all four predominant plant-parasitic nematode species tend to occur more frequently at localities where maize was mono-cropped as well as where maize and vegetables were planted in rotation. Cynodon dactylon, Cyperus rotundus, Datura stramonium, Tagetes minuta and Eleusine corocana had the highest frequency of occurrence of weeds sampled. Identification of weeds that maintain plant-parasitic nematodes, particularly Meloidogyne species, suggested that these pathogens can have a negative impact on crop production when not controlled timely and effectively.

Benzobicyclon 혼합제의 제형에 따른 제초활성 특성

Benzobicyclon은 HPPD활성을 억제하여 plastoquinone의 생합성을 저해하며 최종적으로 carotenoid 합성을 억제하고 대상잡초는 백화현상(bleaching)을 거쳐 고사하게 된다. 본 시험은 저항성잡초에 대한 benzobicyclon의 제형별, 증량제 종류별 제초활성을 비교하기 위하여 실시하였다. 폿트 시험에서 SU계 제초제 저항성 올챙이고랭이에 대한 benzobicyclon의 제형별 제초활성은 SC가 GR보다 높게 나타났고 이러한 결과는 시험포장에서도 동일하였는데, 이는 SC의 평균입경이 GR보다 작기 때문이다. 또한 평균입경이 동일한 benzobicyclon 혼합제의 DT와 GR간의 제초활성은 차이는 용출속도에 의해 차이가 나타났다. Benzobicyclon 혼합제 GR를 분쇄방법을 통해 유효성분의 평균입경을 각각 다르게 하여 제초활성을 비교시 습식분쇄를 거쳐 평균입경을 작게 한 GR-II의 제초활성이 높았다. 또한 건식분쇄를 거쳐 증량제를 talc와 bentonite로 사용한 GR-I보다 증량제를 <TEX>$CaCO_3$</TEX>와 kaolin을 사용한 GR-III의 제초활성이 10% 높았다. Benzobicyclon 성분을 습식분쇄하여 제형화한 GR의 제초활성이 높은 이유는 benzobicyclon 성분의 평균 입경이 작아 유효성분의 용출이 신속하게 이루어졌기 때문이고, 증량제의 종류에 따른 용출 차이는 benzobicyclon의 광물질의 종류에 따라 흡착(결합)력이 다르기 때문이다. Benzobicyclon 혼합제의 스크린 사이즈가 1mm인 GR-I와 0.7mm인 GR-IV간의 효과차이는 10% 이내이었다. Sulfonylurea herbicide-resistant weeds are spreading widely and distributed about 106,951 hectare in paddy rice fields in Korea. Morever all biotype of Scirpus juncoides which were collected at 69 spots all over paddy rice fields in 2008 were identified biotype of sulfonylurea herbicide-resistant. Benzobicyclon is a p-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD) inhibitor, which is absorbed through root and basal stem of weeds so cause bleaching of newly developing leaves. Benzobicyclon was very effective to control Scirpus juncoides, Monochoria vaginalis, sedges and broadleaves weeds, so it have been developed various formulation like a suspension concentrate (SC), a water dispersible granule (WG), a granule (GR) and a DT (tablet for Direct application). During recently 6 years, benzobicyclon-mixtures herbicides have been registered over than 54 products in paddy fields. Herbicidal efficacy by formulations of benzobicyclon and its mixture herbicides were highest in DT, followed by SC and GR. Herbicidal efficacy of the kaolin and <TEX>$CaCO_3$</TEX> carrier of GR was better and stable than that of talc and bentonite carrier. Growth and yield of rice were not affected much by formulations, application rates and rice cultivation methods.

13Carbon Isotope Discrimination in Roots and Shoots of Major Weed Species of Southern U.S. Rice Fields and Its Potential Use for Analysis of Rice–Weed Root Interactions

Assessing belowground plant interference in rice has been difficult in the past because intertwined weed and crop roots cannot be readily separated. A 13C discrimination method has been developed to assess distribution of intermixed roots of barnyardgrass and rice in field soils, but the suitability of this approach for other rice weeds is not known. 13C depletion levels in roots and leaves of rice were compared with those of 10 troublesome weed species grown in monoculture in the greenhouse or field. Included were C4 tropical grasses: barnyardgrass, bearded sprangletop, Amazon sprangletop, broadleaf signalgrass, fall panicum, and large crabgrass; C4 sedge, yellow nutsedge; and C3 species: red rice, gooseweed, and redstem. Rice root δ13C levels averaged ∼ −28‰, indicating that these roots are highly 13C-depleted. Root δ13C levels ranged from −12‰ to −17‰ among the tropical grasses, and were −10‰ in yellow nutsedge, indicating that these species were less 13C depleted than rice, and were C4 plants suitable for 13C discrimination studies with rice. Among the C4 species, bearded sprangletop and yellow nutsedge were most and least 13C depleted, respectively. δ13C levels in shoot and root tissue of pot-grown plants averaged 6% greater for C4 plants and 9% greater for rice in the field than in the greenhouse. In pots, shoots of rice typically were slightly more 13C depleted than roots. A reverse trend was seen in most C4 species, particularly for broadleaf signalgrass and plants sampled from field plots. Corrections derived from inputs including the total mass, carbon mass, carbon fraction, and δ13C levels of roots and soil increased greatly the accuracy of root mass estimates and increased slightly the accuracy of root δ13C estimates (∼ 0.6 to 0.9%) in samples containing soil. Similar corrective equations were derived for mixtures of rice and C4 weed roots and soil, and are proposed as a labor-saving option in 13C discrimination root studies.

Lack of arbuscular mycorrhizal colonisation in tea (Camellia sinensis L.) plants cultivated in Northern Iran

Soil and roots associated with different tea clones and nearby weeds (Veronica sp., Setaria sp., Salvia sp., Senecio sp. and Tripogon sp.) were sampled for arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in the tea gardens of Northern Iran. Spores were searched for in the soil and AMF colonisation determined microscopically and fatty acid signatures in roots was determined. Root samples from mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal clover were used as positive and negative controls. AMF spores were abundant in the tea garden soils; the genera Glomus and Acaulospora dominated. Microscopic observations of stained tea roots showed no sign of AMF. To confirm this, the roots were analysed for fatty acid signature compounds. The average level of PLFA 16:1ω5 as signature molecule for AMF in tea roots was 2 nmol g−1 dry root, while the NLFA 16:1ω5 was not detectable. In mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal clover roots, the PLFA 16:1ω5 was 141and 5.74 nmol g−1 dry root, respectively. In roots of weeds in tea plantations, the amount of PLFA 16:1ω5 was in the range 4.9 to 31.1 nmol g−1 dry root. Thus, there was no evidence for AMF association in tea roots and weeds are thought to be the source of the spores in the soils. Finally, no mycorrhizal colonisation was found when tea plant seedlings were inoculated with AMF in pot cultures.

Soil pH Mapping with an On-The-Go Sensor

Soil pH is a key parameter for crop productivity, therefore, its spatial variation should be adequately addressed to improve precision management decisions. Recently, the Veris pH Manager™, a sensor for high-resolution mapping of soil pH at the field scale, has been made commercially available in the US. While driving over the field, soil pH is measured on-the-go directly within the soil by ion selective antimony electrodes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the Veris pH Manager™ under farming conditions in Germany. Sensor readings were compared with data obtained by standard protocols of soil pH assessment. Experiments took place under different scenarios: (a) controlled tests in the lab, (b) semicontrolled test on transects in a stop-and-go mode, and (c) tests under practical conditions in the field with the sensor working in its typical on-the-go mode. Accuracy issues, problems, options, and potential benefits of the Veris pH Manager™ were addressed. The tests demonstrated a high degree of linearity between standard laboratory values and sensor readings. Under practical conditions in the field (scenario c), the measure of fit (r2) for the regression between the on-the-go measurements and the reference data was 0.71, 0.63, and 0.84, respectively. Field-specific calibration was necessary to reduce systematic errors. Accuracy of the on-the-go maps was considerably higher compared with the pH maps obtained by following the standard protocols, and the error in calculating lime requirements was reduced by about one half. However, the system showed some weaknesses due to blockage by residual straw and weed roots. If these problems were solved, the on-the-go sensor investigated here could be an efficient alternative to standard sampling protocols as a basis for liming in Germany.

Atividade alelopática de extratos brutos de três espécies de Copaifera (Leguminosae-Caesalpinioideae)

Nos últimos anos, atenção especial foi dada aos compostos químicos envolvidos na interação entre plantas, especialmente quando se sabe das possibilidades do seu uso em estratégia de manejo de plantas daninhas. A Amazônia, pela sua megabiodiversidade e abundância de espécies vegetais, pode oferecer excelente oportunidade para a descoberta de inovadoras moléculas químicas com potencial de uso na atividade agrícola. Dessa forma, neste trabalho analisou-se, comparativamente, a atividade potencialmente alelopática de três espécies de Copaifera, caracterizando-se as variações na intensidade dos efeitos alelopáticos em função da espécie doadora, da fração da planta e da polaridade dos constituintes químicos. Extratos hexânico e etanólico, preparados a 1,0% a partir de folhas, galhos e cascas de Copaifera duckei, C. martii e C. reticulata, foram testados sobre a germinação de sementes e o desenvolvimento da raiz das plantas daninhas malícia (Mimosa pudica) e mata-pasto (Senna obtusifolia). Observaram-se variações nas intensidades dos efeitos em função das variáveis estudadas. O extrato etanólico de folhas e o de galhos de C. martii e C. reticulata apresentaram alto potencial para inibir a germinação de sementes, sobretudo da espécie malícia. A espécie C. duckei evidenciou baixo potencial alelopático inibitório na germinação das duas espécies receptoras. Cascas, folhas e galhos de C. duckei apresentaram potencial inibitório mais expressivo sobre o desenvolvimento da raiz, com destaque para as folhas. Compostos químicos apolares e polares estão envolvidos na atividade alelopática da espécie C. duckei, com ênfase maior para os compostos apolares. Diferentemente, para C. martii e C. reticulata, compostos polares estão envolvidos, preferencialmente, na atividade inibitória evidenciada por essas espécies, notadamente aqueles localizados nas folhas e cascas. Comparativamente, a tendência observada foi de que a espécie receptora malícia demonstrou maior sensibilidade aos efeitos alelopáticos dos extratos, especialmente no bioensaio de germinação.

Herbicidal activity ofWithania somnifera againstPhalaris minor

Herbicidal activity of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal. was studied against Phalaris minor Retz., one of the most problematic weeds of wheat in Pakistan. In laboratory bioassays the aqueous, methanol and n-hexane extracts of 5, 10 and 15% w/v (fresh weight basis) of the roots and shoots of W. somnifera were applied. Extracts in the different solvents exhibited markedly variable herbicidal activities against germination and seedling growth of the target weed species. The methanol extracts showed the highest toxicity. Different concentrations of methanol shoot and root extracts declined the germination of P. minor by 21–71%, its shoot length by 40–72%, its root length by 50–99% and the plant biomass by 32–83%. The aqueous extracts proved to be comparatively less toxic than the methanol extracts, where generally the highest concentration of 15% exhibited pronounced toxicity against the target weed species. There was up to 48, 51, 99 and 55% suppression of the weed's germination, shoot length, root length and plant biomass, respectively, due to the 15% aqueous root and shoot extracts. Generally, the n-hexane extracts of both roots and shoots exhibited insignificant or stimulatory effects against weed shoot length and plant biomass. In a foliar spray bioassay, aqueous and methanol shoot extracts of 10% w/v (dry weight basis) concentration were sprayed on one- and two-week old pot grown P. minor seedlings. Two subsequent sprays were carried out at five day intervals each. The aqueous extract significantly reduced the shoot and root dry biomass of one-week old P. minor plants. In a residue incorporation bioassay, crushed shoots of W. somnifera were incorporated in the soil at 1, 2, … 5% w/w. Phalaris minor seeds were sown one week after residue incorporation and plants were harvested 45 days after sowing. The lower concentrations of 2 and 3% significantly reduced, while higher concentrations of 4 and 5% of residue incorporation completely arrested, the germination of P. minor. The present study concludes that both roots and shoots of W. somnifera contain herbicidal constituents against P. minor.

13C Discrimination: A Stable Isotope Method to Quantify Root Interactions between C3 Rice (Oryza sativa) and C4 Barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crus-galli) in Flooded Fields

Assessing belowground plant competition is complex because it is very difficult to separate weed and crop roots from each other by physical methods. Alternative techniques for separating crop and weed roots from each other are needed. This article introduces a stable isotope method that can quantify the amounts of roots of rice and barnyardgrass intermixed in flooded field soils. It relies on the biological principle that rice, a C3 (photosynthetic pathway) species, discriminates more effectively than barnyardgrass, a C4 species, against a relatively rare isotopic form (13C) of CO2. This results in different 13C: 12C isotope ratios (expressed as δ13C) in root tissues of the two species. δ13C values for monoculture barnyardgrass and rice grown in a standard flood-irrigated system were highly stable over 4 crop-years, averaging −13.12 ± 0.80 (SD) and −28.5 ± 0.11 (SD)‰, respectively, based on analysis by an isotope ratio mass spectrometer. Standard concentration curves relating measured δ13C values to set proportions of rice:barnyardgrass root biomass were described by linear regressions, typically with r2 values of 0.96 or greater. Quantities of intermixed rice and barnyardgrass roots sampled 0 to 5 cm deep from soil between rice rows were estimated by extrapolation from standard curves based on δ13C values. About 50% more barnyardgrass root tissue was detected in plots of Lemont long-grain rice than in weed-suppressive PI 312777 indica rice, demonstrating the feasibility of using this stable carbon isotope method in flooded rice systems.

A PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT OF MOSAIC REBURIALS IN TUNISIA

The reburial of mosaics has been advocated as a method for the protection and preservation of mosaics for decades, but there is little published about the results of mosaic reburial over time, and it is still carried out in only a limited fashion in many Mediterranean countries. A survey of reburied mosaics in Tunisia has been carried out to learn from the different examples and materials and techniques used recently. Due to the lack of sufficiently detailed pre-reburial documentation, it was difficult to draw conclusions about the change of mosaic condition over time, yet there was no evidence of reburials worsening the condition of mosaics. The survey indicated that the long-term reburial of mosaics relaid on reinforced concrete should be avoided, as should the use of most separation membranes in contact with the mosaic. Weed root growth into the mosaic is the largest threat to reburied mosaics, but the choice of fill materials and their depth can limit such growth, as will the careful removal of soil and roots from the mosaic surface and its surroundings, and the use of stabilization treatments before reburial.

Survival Of The Yam Nematode, Scutellonema bradys In Soil And Roots Of Some Weed Hosts Between The Yam Growing Seasons

The ability of Scutellonema bradys to survive between yam growing seasons on roots of weeds and in soil was evaluated. S. bradys-infected yam setts were planted in an infested field (Plot A), healthy setts wereplanted in an infested field (Plot B) and an uninfested field (Plot C). Monthly soil samples were collected from each field for six months. Seeds from five weeds associated with yams were planted in sterilized soilin pots. The plants, including a “no-weed” control were inoculated with 1000 nematodes; the control was not inoculated. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with four replications. The number of nematodes in roots and soil was taken and total number of nematodes and reproductive factor (RF) were computed. S. bradys was observed in soil collected from all the plots. Nematode populations in Plot C was significantly less than in Plot A and B. Commelina. benghalensis root and soil had a high (P≤0.05) nematode population and RF of 3.5, compared to Chromolaena odorata (0.7) and the other weeds including the no weed treatment (0.1). Weeds such as C. benghalaensis that multiply S.bradys, and C. odorata that maintain low populations should be excluded in fields in which yams are to be planted. Populations of S. bradys can build up in rrots of some weed hosts in the absence of yams. S. bradys can also survive in low populations in soil even in the absence of its hosts, which can serve as inoculum for the next yam crop.

Microbial toxicity and impacts on soil enzyme activities of pesticides used in potato cultivation

In the conventional cultivation of potatoes, weed control and the control of potato late blight caused by Phytophthora infestans are carried out by the application of herbicides and fungicides. We investigated the impacts of the herbicides metribuzin and linuron and the fungicide fluazinam on soil microbiota in microcosms, in mesocosms and in the field. The toxicity of each pesticide in solution was assessed using the luminescent bacteria test and in soil by a solid phase modification. In microcosm tests, the microbial activity and biomass were estimated by measuring several soil enzyme activities together with soil ATP content. In the mesocosm tests, the separate addition of each pesticide and the simultaneous use of all the pesticides were investigated. We monitored the impacts on ten different soil enzyme activities and measured soil toxicity with the luminescent bacteria test separately in the 5 cm top layer and in the layer from 5 to about 20 cm below the surface. During one season, the impact of the use of pesticides was monitored in the field in plots receiving pesticides for the third consecutive year and in control plots cultivated without the use of pesticides for the 3 preceding years. The pesticide concentrations were monitored in each experiment. The luminescent bacteria toxicity test revealed a strong inhibition by fluazinam. In microcosms the herbicides increased several enzyme activities but metribuzin inhibited luminescence in the bacterial test. Fluazinam was highly toxic in microcosms. In the mesocosm with combined use of pesticides, decreased activities of some enzymes were observed first in the surface soil and at harvesting also deeper in the soil. In the mesocosm experiment with separate use of pesticides, less impacts were observed. In the field experiment the pesticides decreased seven enzyme activities, when calculated per soil fresh weight but activities of four enzyme decreases if calculated per soil organic matter. Controlling weeds by herbicides decreased weed growth and the decreases in enzyme activities were interpreted to be due to the lack of the stimulating impact of weed roots. A strong inhibition in the soil toxicity test and continuing bioavailability of fluazinam were detected throughout the experiments even after winter in the field.

Destino ambiental dos herbicidas do grupo das imidazolinonas: revisão

Os herbicidas do grupo das imidazolinonas controlam um amplo espectro de plantas daninhas, sendo absorvidos pelas raízes e folhas e translocados pelo floema e xilema, acumulando-se nos pontos de crescimento. Esse grupo de herbicidas atua inibindo a enzima acetolactato sintetase (ALS), essencial no processo de síntese de aminoácidos de cadeia ramificada em plantas. Quando aplicados nas lavouras, uma proporção significativa deles atinge o solo, onde são passíveis de serem absorvidos pelas raízes das plantas, sorvidos aos coloides do solo ou dissolvidos na sua solução, podendo sofrer fotólise, hidrólise, degradação microbiana ou lixiviação. A sorção das imidazolinonas é rápida e regula os outros processos. Altos conteúdos de argila e matéria orgânica e pH menor que 6,0 em solos aumentam a sorção e a persistência das imidazolinonas no solo. Condições que favoreçam o desenvolvimento de microrganismos aumentam a degradação das imidazolinonas, por ser essa a principal via de sua degradação.

Role of root-mediated interactions in phytotoxic interference of Ageratum conyzoides with rice ( Oryza sativa)

Ageratum conyzoides L. (billy goat weed; Asteraceae) is an annual invasive weed native of tropical America and has now naturalized worldwide, particularly in Southeast Asia. The present study investigated the nature and potential of root-mediated allelopathic interference of A. conyzoides against rice ( Oryza sativa). Root and shoot length and biomass accumulation of rice were significantly reduced (by 18–30%) when grown in the rhizosphere soil of the weed indicating the release of putative allelochemicals from the weed into the soil. The growth of rice was also progressively reduced in the soil amended with increasing amounts of root residues (5, 10 and 20 g kg −1 soil) of A. conyzoides. The addition of activated charcoal, an inert material with high affinity for organic biomolecules, partly ameliorated the negative effects of root residues amended in the soil. Further, there was no negative effect on the availability of soil nutrients in the root-amended soils. These were rather nutrient rich with greater electrical conductivity, and higher amount of organic matter, thus indicating no role in observed growth reduction. The reduction in allelopathic effects of root residue upon charcoal addition further indicated that putative phytotoxins released from the weed roots are water-soluble phenolic compounds. A significant amount of water-soluble phenolics were present in rhizosphere (∼6-times higher) and root-amended soils (∼5–10-fold higher) and their content was reduced (to ∼3.6–7.0-fold higher) when charcoal was added. The observed growth reduction in Ageratum rhizospheric or root-amended soils was concomitant with the amount of phenolic compounds. Upon HPLC analyses, these were identified as p-coumaric acid, gallic acid, ferulic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid and anisic acid. Under laboratory conditions, these phenolic acids reduced the root length and seedling weight of rice individually as well as in equimolar mixture, though no synergistic effect was noticed. The study concludes that root exudates and residues of A. conyzoides suppress the growth of rice by releasing phenolic allelochemicals into the soil rhizosphere and not through alteration of soil nutrients, and allelopathy plays a significant role in root-mediated negative interference of A. conyzoides.

A Cornfield in Cuba

A Cornfield in Cuba B. V. Olguín (bio) We work wet fingertips deep into silky mud searching for roots of weeds that must be pulled for the corn to grow like it should. Each of us has a row of our own running up the Sierra Maestra. We are all new to this type of work. Except Ezequiel from Oxnard. He picked strawberries for 5 cents a pound before he knew how to spell his name. He’ll never eat another strawberry, he says, if the price is too low. And it is always too low because the pay is, too. That is why he has come to Cuba, to work for free so people can eat for free. Ezequiel is the only one to join the party, even though we all call ourselves communists back home. How could we not be ashamed of getting stuck in chocolate mud that hugs like a desperate lover? The leathered Cuban compañero with teeth like maize doesn’t care about this and just keeps saying es un honor trabajar con ustedes.1 He’s got his own row but helps others so he can ask questions in between the one we keep asking about what it was like to fight alongside Che. [End Page 217] We pull weeds with each word of praise from this man, arms like a bazooka and smile like a Caribbean sun that has broken free of storm clouds. It took the whole day of digging side by side before we realized he really meant what he said. He, too, is an internationalist: for his forty-fifth birthday he faced down South African nuclear bombs in the battle of Cuito Canavale. We pull weeds as best we could, ashamed at our slow pace and fatigue we can’t hide. But he knew what our meager work meant, and what it could lead to after each row is done. B. V. Olguín B. V. Olguín, an associate professor of literature and creative writing at the University of Texas (San Antonio), is author of two collections of poems, Red Leather Gloves and At the Risk of Seeming Ridiculous: Poems from Cuba Libre. In 2007, Arte Público Press published his co-translation (with Omar Vasquez Barbosa) Cantos de Adolescencia / Songs of Youth by Américo Peredes. Olguín’s La Pinta: Chicana and Chicano Prisoner Culture and Politics will be published by the University of Texas Press in 2009. Footnotes 1. It’s an honor working with you all. [End Page 218] Copyright © 2009 Charles H. Rowell

Detection of race 1 strains of Ralstonia solanacearum in field samples in Taiwan using a BIO-PCR method

Bacterial wilt caused by race 1 strains of Ralstonia solanacearum is endemic on tomato produced in diverse agro-ecosystems in Taiwan. Using a new BIO-PCR protocol developed in this study, R. solanacearum was detected in soil, weed, and water samples collected from eight fields with different disease histories and cropping systems located in major tomato production areas. The sensitivity of the BIO-PCR was 1.9 CFU ml−1 and 17 CFU g−1 of soil for pure suspension and infested soil, respectively. The positive detection frequency of the BIO-PCR method was 66.6, 39.6, 23.1, and 31.8% for all tested samples of soil, weed rhizosphere soil, weed root, and water, respectively, and was higher than plating on MSM-1 medium. Detection of R. solanacearum from field soil indicated that spatial distribution of the pathogen in the field was not even regardless of the presence or absence of the disease and the different agro-ecosystems where the sampled fields were located, and the degree of unevenness was higher when tomato was absent from the field. Weed rhizosphere soils could be good sampling targets to monitor the pathogen in the field, because a higher positive detection proportion and population of R. solanacearum were found in the rhizosphere rather than the root of the collected weed samples. Symptomless weeds and contaminated irrigation, standing, or drainage waters were found to be important for the over-season survival and dissemination of R. solanacearum.

Weeds as alternative hosts for BSBV, BNYVV, and the vector Polymyxa betae (German isolate)

When grown in contaminated soil, several weed species proved to be alternative hosts for the Beet necrotic yellow vein virus (BNYVV), the Beet soil-borne virus (BSBV), and their common vector Polymyxa betae. The monocotyledonous plants Alopecurus myosuroides, Lolium multiflorum, Sorghum vulgare, Sorghum halepense and dicotyledonous plants Calystegia sepium, Capsella bursa-pastoris, Centaurea cyanus, Convolvulus arvensis, Galinsorga parviflora, Matricaria inodora, Stellaria media were positively tested, whereas Chenopodium album was shown to be a host for P. betae, but couldn’t be verified in ELISA to be a host for the viruses. The status of the weeds as alternative hosts was confirmed by positive re-transmission of the viruses by their vector from infected weed roots to susceptible sugar beet plants. ITS sequence and northern blot analysis proved P. betae but not P. graminis to be the vector for the virus transmission from weeds.

Study of the Role of Common Weeds in Survival of Verticillium dahliae the Causal Agent of Cotton Wilt Disease

This study was carried out to investigate the roles of common weeds in the survival of Verticillium dahliae and the incidence of cotton wilt disease in Moghan and Neishabour area of Iran during 2003-2005 cropping seasons. The design of the experiment was Randomized Complete Blocks (RCB) with ten treatments (No. of weeds) and four replications (No. of cotton fields). Populations of V. dahliae in the roots of weeds and their surrounding soil was determined every year and were compared in different treatments. The cotton wilt disease index was also evaluated in different fields in each experimental site. Results indicated that the fungal population was variable depending on weed species, experimental site and the year of study. In general, Pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus), Nightshde (Solanum nigrum), Spiny cockleburr (Xanthium spinosum) and common purslane (Portulaca oleraceea) showed the highest fungal populations in their roots and surrounding soil. Disease index in Moghan cotton fields in different years varied and were higher than Neishabour fields.

Phylogeny of nodulation genes and symbiotic properties of Genista tinctoria bradyrhizobia

Pairwise comparisons of Genista tinctoria (dyer's weed) rhizobium nodA, nodC, and nodZ gene sequences to those available in databanks revealed their highest sequence identities to nodulation loci of Bradyrhizobium sp. (Lupinus) strains and rhizobia from other genistoid legumes. On phylogenetic trees, genistoid microsymbionts were grouped together in monophyletic clusters, which suggested that their nodulation genes evolved from a common ancestor. G. tinctoria nodulators formed symbioses not only with the native host, but also with other plants of Genisteae tribe such as: Lupinus luteus, Sarothamnus scoparius, and Chamaecytisus ratisbonensis, and they were classified as the genistoid cross-inoculation group. The dyer's weed root nodules were designated as indeterminate with apical meristem consisting of infected and uninfected cells.

Characterization of Phytophthora capsici Associated with Roots of Weeds on Florida Vegetable Farms.

Weeds were sampled in commercial vegetable fields in Palm Beach County, FL in August 2001, December 2001, and March 2002 for the presence of Phytophthora capsici. Fields sampled had a recent history of this plant pathogen. P. capsici was successfully isolated from the roots of six of 42 Carolina geranium (Geranium carolinianum) plants, four of 28 American black nightshade (Solanum americanum) plants, and two of 130 common purslane (Portulaca oleracea) plants. All but one of the 12 isolates were of the A1 mating type. All 12 isolates were resistant to mefenoxam, although at different levels. All but one isolate were strongly pathogenic on pepper seedlings. When two or three isolates recovered from each weed were inoculated onto the roots of their weed host of origin, P. capsici was recovered from the roots. Isolates of P. capsici were tested on four other solanaceous weeds of importance or potential importance to agricultural fields in Florida: Solanum nigrum, S. ptycanthum, S. carolinense, and S. capsicoides. Recovery of P. capsici from roots varied with weed species and isolate tested. P. capsici caused disease mortality on S. nigrum, and no reisolation of P. capsici was possible with S. capsicoides. This is the first report of S. americanum and G. carolinianum being alternative hosts for P. capsici under field conditions. This study also validated P. oleracea as an alternative host. In Florida, and perhaps elsewhere, weeds may contribute to pathogen survival in the absence of a host crop or when propagules may not readily survive in soil or plant debris.

Larval feeding of the western corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgiferaleconte) on roots of several weeds and its effect on crop rotation

Larval feeding of the western corn rootworm (<i>Diabrotica virgifera virgifera</i>leconte) on roots of several weeds and its effect on crop rotation