Stellaria Media Research Articles

Free range characteristics and use by chickens from two genetic lines

Abstract The free-range system improves chicken’s welfare and enriches their diet. There is little information about influence of chickens on the sward quality. The aim of the study was to identify differences in the chemical and botanical composition of the pasture sward used by chickens and to assess if frequency of chicken exits outdoors is associated with the botanical composition of the ranging areas. One hundred twenty non-beak trimmed mixed sex birds of Green-legged Partridge (GP) and Sasso line C44 (S) were used. Each pen had direct access to an individual outdoor range providing 10.5 m2 per chicken, video-recorded continuously. Vegetation coverage regarding botanical composition was determined based on botanical-weight analysis from three control plots, while range use was calculated from the video material. The data were analysed by ANOVA model in SAS software (v 9.4). Regarding chemical composition, fiber content was higher in dry matter from the control pastures. Significantly more Dactylis glomerata (L.) and Alopecurus pratensis (L.) were observed on ranges used by Sasso. The higher share (%) of weeds and grasses was at the ranges used by chickens (weeds: S:8.66 (1.42) and GP:7.61 (0.59) and grasses: S:10.36 (0.96) and GP:12.10 (0.65)) as compared to control plots (1.45 (1.34)) and 3.86 (2.97), respectively) in contrast to legumes ((S:0.01 (0.01) and GP:0.32(0.26)) and sedges (S:0.64 (0.48) and GP: 0.09 (0.06)) most present in the control plots (10.88 (1.55)). Positive association between range use frequency and proportion of Heracleum sphondylium (L.), Rumex acetosa (L.), Festuca rubra (L.), and Lolium perenne (L.) was observed for Sasso, while foe Green-legged Partridges with proportion of Armoracia rusticana (L.), Stellaria media (L.), Ranunculus repens (L.), Cirsium arvense (L.) and Rumex crispus (L.). Concluding, the sward quality of the ranging areas was affected by the presence of the chickens and it differed between genotypes. Unknown remain if birds used the pasture more frequently depending on its botanical composition or if the pasture composition depended on the frequency of its uses by the birds.

Soil nutrition management may preserve non-detrimental weed communities in rainfed winter wheat (T. aestivum)

Overuse of fertilizers has been associated with the selection of competitive and dominant weed communities and biodiversity loss. Considering that crop nutrient management is going through a continuous revisitation process to improve nutrient use efficiency and energy savings, we addressed the consequences of different nutritional levels (low, optimal, and surplus) on weed community composition and wheat growth, yield, and kernel quality. Weed density and biomass were evaluated on sampling areas at the heading stage, and the data obtained were subjected to a cluster analysis for the identification of different weed communities throughout the experimental plots. At harvest, plant growth, yield and quality traits of wheat and wheat kernels were evaluated and correlated with the presence of different weed communities. Out of the four weed communities identified under optimal and low nutrition, two communities did not significantly reduce wheat yield. Under surplus nutrition only one weed community was identified, which resulted to be detrimental for wheat production in terms of yield quantity and quality. The non-detrimental communities were characterized by a high presence of corn chamomile (Anthemis arvensis L.), birdeye speedwell (Veronica persica Poir.), and common chickweed (Stellaria media (L.) Vill). On the contrary, the detrimental communities, were characterized by a high density and aboveground biomass of burr medic (Medicago polymorpha L.). Finally, under surplus nutrition, species richness declined, and the density and aboveground biomass of annual ryegrass (Lolium rigidum Gaud.) increased compared to optimal and low nutrition. Our results showed that soil fertilization plays a crucial role in differentiating detrimental vs. non-detrimental weed communities, with excess fertilization reducing species richness and selecting for competitive and specialized weed species. Overall, an efficient management of soil nutrients may promote non-detrimental weed communities while reducing weed management intensity and thereby improving biodiversity and sustainability. Assessing the efficiency of soil fertilization management and understanding how different fertilization rates and forms may affect weed communities is crucial to advancing sustainable weed management.

Phytochemical Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles and Their Antimicrobial Investigation on Cotton and Wool Textiles.

The use of bio-based reagents for silver nanoparticle (AgNP) production has gained much attention among researchers as it has paved the way for environmentally friendly approaches at low cost for synthesizing nanomaterials while maintaining their properties. In this study, Stellaria media aqueous extract was used for silver nanoparticle phyto-synthesis, and the resulting treatment was applied to textile fabrics to test its antimicrobial properties against bacteria and fungi strains. The chromatic effect was also established by determining the L*a*b* parameters. For optimizing the synthesis, different ratios of extract to silver precursor were tested using UV-Vis spectroscopy to observe the SPR-specific band. Moreover, the AgNP dispersions were tested for their antioxidant properties using chemiluminescence and TEAC methods, and the phenolic content was evaluated by the Folin-Ciocâlteu method. For the optimal ratio, values of average size, 50.11 ± 3.25 nm, zeta potential, -27.10 ± 2.16 mV, and polydispersity index, 0.209, were obtained via the DLS technique and zeta potential measurements. AgNPs were further characterized by EDX and XRD techniques to confirm their formation and by microscopic techniques to evaluate their morphology. TEM measurements revealed cvasi-spherical particles with sizes in the range of 10-30 nm, while SEM images confirmed their uniform distribution on the textile fiber surface.

Multifunctional living mulches for weeds control in organic apple orchards

A trial assessing the suitability of multifunctional living mulch to maintain the soil and reduce weed infestation was carried out in an organic apple orchard in the years of 2019-2020. Perennial plants (Alchemilla vulgaris, Fragaria vesca, Mentha piperita) and annual crops (Tropaeolum majus and Cucurbita maxima) were grown in the in the rows of the apple trees. The weeds number and soil weeds coverage in tree rows were assessed. Regardless of the living mulch species utilized, the soil resulted to be mostly covered by perennial weed species such as: Equisetum arvense and Taraxacum officinale and annual species such as: Lamium purpureum, Stellaria media, Galinsoga parviflora, Capsella bursa-pastoris and Poa annua, which were the most common species also for the natural cover used as control. However, all living mulch species limited weed infestation and M. piperita, F. vesca and T. majus most strongly limited weeds growth. It is concluded that living mulch species can be a feasible practice to manage the soil on the tree rows in organic orchards.

Phenology and Diversity of Weeds in the Agriculture and Horticulture Cropping Systems of Indian Western Himalayas: Understanding Implications for Agro-Ecosystems.

Weeds are a major threat to agriculture and horticulture cropping systems that reduce yield. Weeds have a better ability to compete for resources compared to the main crops of various agro-ecosystems and act as a major impediment in reducing overall yield. They often act as energy drains in the managed agroecosystems. We studied weed infestation for five different agro-ecosystems in the part of Indian Western Himalayas represented by paddy, maize, mustard, apple and vegetable orchards. Systematic random sampling was done to record flowering phenology and diversity of weeds during the assessment period 2015-2020. We recorded 59 weed species, taxonomically distributed among 50 genera in 24 families. The Asteraceae family has the most species (15% species), followed by Poaceae (14% species), and Brassicaceae (12% species). The Therophytes were the dominant life form followed by Hemicryptophytes. The majority of the weeds were shown to be at their most blooming in the summer (predominantly from June to July). The Shannon index based diversity of weeds ranged from 2.307-3.325 for the different agro-ecosystems. The highest number of weeds was in the horticulture systems (apple > vegetable) followed by agriculture fields (maize > paddy > mustard). Agriculture and horticulture cropping systems were distinguished using indicator species analysis, which was supported by high and significant indicator values for a number of species. Persicaria hydropiper, Cynodon dactylon, Poa annua, Stellaria media, and Rorippa palustris had the highest indicator value in agriculture cropping systems, while Trifolium repens, Phleum pratense, and Trifolium pratense had the highest indicator value in horticulture cropping systems. We found that eleven weed species were unique to apple gardens followed by nine in maize, four in vegetables, two in mustard and one in paddy fields. Spatial turnover (βsim) and nestedness-resultant components (βsne) of species dissimilarity revealed dissimilarity lower than 50% among the five cropping systems. The study is expected to assist in formulating an appropriate management strategy for the control of weed infestation in the study region.

Phyto-ecological distribution patterns and identification of alien invasive indicator species in relation to edaphic factors from semi-arid region

The evaluation of alien invasive plants (AIPs) environmental and ecological distribution patterns can provide important data as well as a theoretical approach for management methods such as invasion prevention, eradication, and control of established AIPs, and recognition of ecosystems at high threat of invasion. Twenty 100 m2 transects were randomly established at each of the ten sample sites to collect data on the impact of edaphic properties on the spread of alien species in the semi-arid region. After computing the Important Value Index for each recorded species, ordination and indicator species analyses were carried out. In the study area, 104 alien plants from 30 families and 72 genera were found. Poaceae was the largest family, with 18 taxa (17%), followed by Fabaceae (14 taxa; 13%) and Asteraceae (11 taxa; 10%). Herbs made up 51% of these species, grasses 17%, and shrubs 12%. In terms of life form, Therophytes (56%) were dominant, followed by Chamaephytes (12%). The leaf size spectrum of alien plants was dominated by microphylls (48%), followed by mesophylls (23%), and nanophylls (20%). The CCA ordination analysis clearly showed that environmental variables like pH, moisture and soil texture (silt, sand, and clay) significantly (p ≤ 0.002) influenced how species are distributed in the region. In total, twenty indicator alien species were detected across five different semi-arid ecosystems. Parthenium hysterophorus recorded from all ecotypes except wetland with highest IVI from agroecosystem. Prosopis juliflora was observed in urban ecosystems, while Stellaria media was in both agroecosystems and forests, and Lantana camara was only observed in forests. Our findings reveal patterns and processes of alien invasive plant in different ecotypes, but only remediation and continuous monitoring might affect the situation in the near future. In this regard, the baseline data gathered during the current study would be significant in guiding future scientific monitoring of such ecological changes, as well as in landscape ecology management and planning.

Dose-response of pests to ethanedinitrile dose-response of weed seeds, soil borne pathogens, and plant-parasitic nematodes to ethanedinitrile

Ethanedinitrile is a chemical soil fumigant with promising efficacy against several key pests including weeds, nematodes, and soil-borne pathogens. The efficacy of 12 concentrations of ethanedinitrile, ranging from 8.7 to 1,751 mg kg− 1 soil, to control seeds and tubers of five weed species (Cyperus esculentus, C. rotundus, Malva parviflora, Portulaca oleracea, and Stellaria media), two nematode species (Globodera rostochiennsis and Tylenchulus semipenetrans), and four pathogenic fungal species (Fusarium oxysporum, Macrophomina phaseolina, Pythium ultimum, and Verticillium dahlia) were evaluated in acidic sand (pH: 5.6) and alkaline sandy loam (pH: 7.5–7.6), under controlled laboratory conditions. These pathogens and weeds are common in strawberry and vegetable fields and have been targeted by soil fumigants. Ethanedinitrile was injected into microcosms for 24 h. Lower doses of ethanedinitrile controlled fungal pathogens and nematodes better in acidic sand than in alkaline sandy loam. However, the reverse tended to be true for weed control as higher doses of ethanedinitrile in the acidic sand were required to control weeds than in the alkaline sandy loam. Results showed that ethanedinitrile can provide excellent control of soil-borne nematodes, pathogenic fungi, and key weed species in acidic sand and alkaline sandy loam.

Wpływ kwasu krotonowego na skuteczność działania i fitotoksyczność diflufenikanu stosowanego w obniżonych dawkach

The subject of the research was the evaluation of the effect that crotonic acid applied at four doses has on diflufenican activity (at the recommended dose and doses reduced by 50 and 75%) against certain weed species. Three series of experiments were performed in glasshouse conditions. Phytotoxicity of the mixtures of both components was also evaluated against two cultivars of winter wheat. The addition of crotonic acid did not markedly affect the activity of diflufenican against Viola arvensis, Descurainia sophia and Thlaspi arvense. Mixtures of crotonic acid in the tested doses and diflufenican at a 50% reduced dose destroyed Apera spica-venti even more effectively than the recommended dose of the herbicide. At the highest rate (5.4 kg/ha) crotonic acid significantly improved the efficacy of diflufenican at the reduced by 50% dose in destroying Papaver rhoeas and Stellaria media. Crotonic acid, diflufenican and the mixtures of these compounds were safe for winter wheat cultivars KWS Dakotana and RGT Bilanz.

Uticaj različitih vrsta višegodišnjeg malča na banku semena korova u voćnjaku

Mulching is an agrotechnical measure often used in orchards and it means covering the soil with the organic or inorganic material in order to prevent the germination of the weeds. The other positive effects imply: the improvement of the physical and chemical soil characteristics, decrease of soil erosion and water loss, the prevention of the soil crusting, etc. The research of the weed seed bank under the different types of mulch was conducted during the growing season of 2021. in a plum orchard located at Rimski Šančevi. The black and white agrotextile and white mulch film, unlike the other mulches, left the surfaces clean, without the weeds. The analysis of the weed seed bank revealed the seeds of 20 weed species, of which 12 were not found to be present in the orchard during the experimental year. The overall germination rate of the obtained weed seeds is low because in the three-year experiment with mulches, there was no influx of new weed seeds for several years, while the old ones lost their germination. The highest germination percentage was noted for the seeds of the following species: Amaranthus retroflexus, Stellaria media and Solanum nigrum, due to their ability to retain germination for a long period of time. The highest number of the seeds per m2 was found in the inter-row space due to the large influx of the seeds during the growing season. The highest germination rate was observed in case of the seeds found under the sawdust mulch. None of the ungerminated seeds showed the viability, as determined by the Crush test.

Efikasnost herbicida u suzbijanju korova u lucerki

Alfalfa is one of the most important perennial fodder crops, and it is also the most economical. Alfalfa provides first class fodder that is suitable for feeding all livestock, especially ruminants. Grass and broadleaf weeds are a serious threat to the quality and viability of alfalfa stands. Weeds can reduce the nutritional value of the crop and cause significant reductions in yield, as they compete aggressively for water, nutrients, sunlight, and space. In this study, herbicides (Butoxone DB, Agil, Basagran, Corum, Fusilade forte, Pulsar and Focus ultra) were used for controlling weeds in alfalfa. The presence of annual and perennial weeds, typical of alfalfa plantations: Capsella bursa-pastoris, Stellaria media, Lamium amplexicaule, Viola arvensis, Amaranthus retroflexus, Setaria spp., Sorghum halepense, Cirsium arvense, Plantago lanceolate, Rumex crispus and others, was observed on the tested surfaces. Our research has shown that the most effective herbicides are Basagran, Butoxone DB and Corum, which are intended to suppress broadleaf weeds. Meanwhile, herbicides Fusilade forte and Pulsar proved to be very effective in controlling grass weeds. A very good reaction was also observed with the combinations of herbicides Pulsar + Fusilade forte and Pulsar + Basagran, as these combinations expand the spectrum of activity to the grass and broadleaf weeds. The aim of this paper was to determine which herbicide is most effective in controlling weeds in alfalfa.

Characterization in Terms of Phytochemical Content and Medicinal Potential of the Stellaria media Plant Extract

Characterization in Terms of Phytochemical Content and Medicinal Potential of the Stellaria media Plant Extract

Autumn Application of Synthetic Auxin Herbicide for Weed Control in Cereals in Poland and Germany

The biological efficacy of herbicides MCPA+tribenuron-methyl (code name: MT-565 SG) and diflufenican+chlorotoluron (Legato Pro 425 SC) was estimated in eighteen field experiments on winter cereals in Poland and Germany to control broadleaf weeds. Postemergence application of tribenuron-methyl in combination with MCPA, applied at the 3-leaf stage to 3 tillers detectable in autumn in winter cereals, resulted in the majority of weed species occurring in autumn being effectively eliminated with MCPA+tribenuron-methyl applied at 1.0 kg∙ha–1. It also provided an acceptable (82.4–94.1%) and comparable level of control to commonly occurring weeds Brassica napus, Capsella bursa-pastoris, Centaurea cyanus, Lamium purpureum, Tripleurospermum inodorum, Stellaria media, and Thlaspi arvense. A satisfactory level of control of 66.3 to 88.3% was confirmed for Veronica persica, Viola arvensis, and Galium aparine. According to these results, the formulation of tribenuron-methyl combined with MCPA can be recommended for application in winter cereals in the autumn as an alternative to commonly available herbicides.

Organic oat production (Avena sativa L.) in the conditions of Northeastern Bulgaria

Abstract. The study took place in the period 2018 - 2020 in the village of Milanovo, Shumen region. In the period March 23 - 30, in accordance with the climatic factors of each year, the spring oat variety Scorpion was sown at a sowing rate of 3000 - 4000 germinating seeds per ha. Oats were sown after a predecessor crop of nettle. The aim of the present study is to prove that the oat variety Scorpio is suitable for organic production and it gives a quality product for direct consumption. The cultivation method and the finished product processing are also described in the study. The soil is gray-brown forest soil (Luvisols, Lessive - FAO UNESCO). Oats were grown following the requirements for field crop organic cultivation. In the period of vegetation, the crop was watered twice at a rate of 0.4 - 0.6 mᶾ /ha. The crop was harvested for green mass, at the maturity stage, as mowing was done in late June in two stages with a herb mower. The harvested area was 1.23 ha, and the green mass yield obtained was 10 t, on average for the period. The green mass followed a drying process in the sun, as a result of which 2470 kg of dry oat stalks were obtained. After that, we could prepare bundles measuring the length of 20 - 25 cm, packed in nylon and also aligned at the rear end. Each bundle weight varied from 100 to 300 g. After the dedusting process of bundles we were able to obtain a product for direct consumption showing fiber length of 0.4 - 3 mm. The sown area was identified as having the following groups of weeds: winter-spring (Chamomilla recutita Rauchert, Consolida regalis SPGray, Centaurea cyanus L. and Papaver rhoeas L.), early spring (Sinapis arvensis L., Bifora radians MB, Polygonum convolvulus L., Galium tricorne With, Avena fatua L.), ephemeral (Veronica hederifolia L., Stellaria media (L.), Holosteum umbelatum toothed swan) and root-shoot (Cirsium arvense Scop., Convolvulus arvense L. Cardaria draba L.). We could not detect any fungal disease attacks by: Puccinia coronata, Ustilago avenae, Ustilago hordei, Fusarium sp. Powdery mildew (Erysiphe graminis De Candole f. Sp. Avenae) and striped leaf spots (Pyrenospora avenae) had a weak effect on the crop (up to 25%). The study period showed the average content in the crop as follows: protein - 10.56%, starch - 43.62%, ash - 4.24%, and fiber - 13.47%.

Species and quantitative composition of weeds in wheat agrophytocenosis in the conditions of the forest-steppe zone of the Trans-Urals

The article analyzes the species and quantitative composition of weeds in wheat agrophytocenosis. From 16 species of weeds in different years prevailed: from perennial – Cirsium arvense, Glechoma hederacea, Convolvulus arvensis, Sonchus arvensis, from juvenile wintering – Erodium cicutarium, Matricaria perforata, Viola arvensis, Thlaspi arvense. From spring juveniles – Amaranthus retroflexus, Spergula arvensis, Galeopsis speciosa, Chenopodium album, Fumaria officinalis, Galium aparine, Stellaria media. Field observations in 2017-2020 made it possible to establish some features in the change in the composition and abundance of different biological groups of weeds during the growing season. It is necessary to study the species composition of weeds in order to control, predict and regulate their abundance. In the tillering phase, the number of weeds in different years of research varied from 15.3 to 16.1 pcs/m2, which, according to the scale of determining the degree of clogging of fields, corresponds to a weak degree of clogging of 2.55-13.4%. Before cleaning, the degree of clogging increased by 0.2% in 2018, by 0.15% in 2019, and in 2017 and 2020, the degree of clogging remained at the same level – 3.4%, which was also characterized by a weak degree. Comparison of the contamination over different years allows us to identify the dynamics of the quantitative and specific composition of weeds in crops and adjust the system of measures to combat them.

THE FORMATION OF THE BOTANICAL COMPOSITION OF WINTER RYE CROPS DEPENDS ON THE INFLUENCE OF DIFFERENT PREDECESSORS

The article highlights the influence of different predecessors on the cultivation of winter rye. The expediency of cultivation is proved and the importance and features of this crop as a food and fodder crop are indicated. The role of weeds and their impact on winter rye crops is also outlined. Winter rye belongs to high-yielding cereals. Advanced farms harvest 40-50 c/ha and more of grain. The experience of these farms is highlighted in the analysis of scientific literature sources, which indicates the presence of reserves for increasing the yield of rye in Ukraine. It is grown mainly for grain, as well as for green fodder (often in mixtures with winter vetch, winter rape). Rye bread has high nutritional and taste qualities due to its high content of proteins, vitamins (A, B, E) and high energy value. Rye grain is of great importance as a concentrated feed for farm animals. Rye flour is used for feeding pigs, and bran - for cattle. In a mixture with winter vetch and winter rape, rye in spring gives the earliest green fodder for animals. It is noted that weeds are most often present in crops of field crops from the groups of rhizome perennial weeds and root-sprouting weeds. Quite often there are pink thistle (Crisium arvense L.), field bindweed (Convolulus arvensis L.), creeping wheatgrass (Elytriga repens L.), horsetail (Equisetum arvense L.), creeping bitterweed (Acroptilon repens L.) and others. Among the most aggressive species are representatives of winter and biennial dicotyledonous wintering weeds. The most commonly found in winter rye crops are the following representatives: wild poppy (Papaver rhoeas L.), wild violet (Viola arvensis.), odorless chamomile (Matricaria perforate), wild poppy (Papaver rhoeas L.), common bindweed (Capsella bursa-pastoris), Sophia's curlyleaf (Descurainia sophia L. ), clinging feverfew (Galium aparine.), field axes (Consolida regalis S.), Sophia's curlyleaf (Descurainia sophia L.), medium starwort (Stellaria media), white pupal (Melandrium album), Sophia's descurainia (Descurainia Sophia), field thalassa (Thlaspi arvense). It was found that the correct selection of the predecessor for the cereal crop of winter rye will be able to satisfy high grain productivity, which will allow maintaining the agrophytocenosis in proper condition in relation to the negative impact of weed infestation and will help to reduce the overall number and species composition of segetal vegetation in winter rye crops.

Ecology and management of invasive plants in the sub-Antarctic and Antarctic regions: evidence and synthesis from Macquarie Island

ABSTRACT Background The Antarctic is an extreme environment for plants. Several invasive plant species, however, have invaded the sub-Antarctic Southern Ocean islands and increasingly threaten the vulnerability of maritime and continental Antarctica, particularly with changes in climate. Aims We provide an overview of issues to consider with regard to the impact, ecology and management of non-native plants in the Antarctic, focusing on knowledge gained and recent research results from the sub-Antarctic with possible application to Antarctica. Methods We provide a brief review of literature and bring together experience and previously unpublished research with Poa annua and Stellaria media on Macquarie Island. Results While no one set of biological characteristics predicts plant invasiveness in the sub-Antarctic, all are adapted to survive extreme cold conditions and persistence is enabled through large and long-lived soil seed banks. Ecological drivers for invasion include accidental human introductions and continuing movement, along with animal and other disturbance to soil. Conclusion The invasive cold-tolerant plant species now prevalent on sub-Antarctic islands also pose a threat to Antarctica due to a warming climate and so efforts should continue to prevent further spread, while developing effective, low-impact control and eradication options to protect these high-value extreme ecosystems.

Weed Hosts Represent an Important Reservoir of Turnip Yellows Virus and a Possible Source of Virus Introduction into Oilseed Rape Crop.

Turnip yellows virus (TuYV) is one of the most important pathogens of oilseed rape worldwide. The virus has a large host range including many crop species (e.g., oilseed rape, pea, chickpea) and weeds from more than twenty plant families. Other than oilseed rape, we detected TuYV in many commonly grown weed species that share the fields and vegetation period together with canola crops in Czech and Slovak Republics. TuYV was detected by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in at least 26 species including main crop hosts (oilseed rape), intercrops and weeds such as Amaranthus retroflexus, Atriplex patula (Amaranthaceae), Arctium lappa, Lactuca serriola, Taraxacum officinale, Tripleurospermum inodorum (Asteraceae), Phacelia tanacetifolia (Boraginaceae), Brassica napus, Capsella bursa-pastoris, Descurainia Sophia, Raphanus raphanistrum, Sinapis alba, Sisymbrium officinale, Thlaspi arvense (Brassicaceae), Silene alba, Stellaria media (Caryophyllaceae), Euphorbia helioscopia (Euphorbiaceae), Geranium rotundifolium (Geraniaceae), Lamium purpureum (Lamiaceae), Fumaria officinalis, Papaver rhoeas (Papaveraceae), Veronica persica (Plantaginaceae syn. Scrophulariaceae), Fallopia convolvulus (Polygonaceae), Solanum nigrum (Solanaceae), Urtica dioica (Urticaceae) and Viola arvensis (Violaceae). The detection of TuYV was further confirmed by RT-qPCR as well as Sanger sequencing of the PCR fragments. We discovered four new weed species as hosts of TuYV such as T. inodorum, S. alba, G. rotundifolium and E. helioscopia, representing their three respective plant families. The readthrough domain (RTD) gene sequence analysis of the Czech and Slovak TuYV isolates from oilseed rape and weed species showed similar within-group nucleotide divergence (7.1% and 5.6%, respectively) and the absence of geographical- or host-based phylogenetic clustering. The high-throughput sequencing of the P. rhoeas sample enabled the obtention of a nearly complete genome of TuYV and revealed the mixed infection of TuYV with turnip mosaic virus and cucumber mosaic virus. Our results thus show that weed species are an important TuYV reservoir and play a significant role in the spread and incidence of the disease in field crops such as oilseed rape.

Моніторинг забур’яненості посівів сої у короткоротаційній сівозміні

Goal. To monitor the species and quantity composition of weeds in soy sowings of short crop rotation. Methods. Field, laboratory, calculation, and comparison. Results. The research was carried out in 2016–2021 in a stationary 2-factor field experiment on typical chornozem in a short crop rotation (spring barley — sunflower — soy — winter wheat), which includes 3 tillage systems (shelf, shallow disk, and no-till technology), and 3 fertilizer systems (without fertilizers, resource-saving minimized, intensive). The given data indicated that in the agrocenosis of soy, the main type of weediness was mixed, and consisted of small-year monocotyledonous-dicotyledonous, and accompanying rhizomes. It was established that late spring species had the largest share (45–55%). The share of early spring weeds was 18–26%, winter and winter weeds — 7.0–24%, and perennial species — 8–18% of the total amount. The lowest number of weeds in soy crops was fixed for shelf tillage. Conclusions. In the conditions of the zone of unstable moisture of the Left Bank Forest Steppe in short crop rotation with the long-term use of various systems of main tillage on typical shallow low-humus chornozem, for growing soy, it was established that the system of main tillage, which was based on shelf tillage, had significant advantages in terms of reducing weediness of soy sowings over the shelf-less cultivation system with disc tools and no-till technology. It was found that under an intensive fertilizer system, Amaranthus retroflexus L. and Echinochloa crusgalli (L.) Roem. et Schult. develop more intensively. Stellaria media (L.) Vill. and Polygonum scabrum Moench. spread in the background without the use of fertilizers, while under the resource-saving minimized fertilizer system, their number decreases due to the increase in the competitiveness of the culture. The use of shelf cultivation leads to the spread of dicotyledonous weed species in soy agrocenosis. The number of young monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous weed species increases during tillage.

Stellaria media Linn.: A comprehensive review highlights the nutritional, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activities

Stellaria media Linn., a member of the family Caryophyllaceae, is generally known by the name of Chickweed. This plant is extensively cultivated globally and is inherent to Africa, Asia, China, Europe, and North America. It is a well-known medicinal plant with immense therapeutic uses. Nutritional studies have revealed the presence of protein, especially 16 amino acids, vitamins, and minerals such as calcium, iron, phosphorus, and zinc. Phytochemicals, mainly flavonoids, isoflavonoids, saponins, tannins, alkaloids, phenolic acids, triterpenoids, phenolic compounds, and anthraquinone are present in chickweed. It has multiple therapeutic potentials like anti-obesity, anti-diabetic, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-leishmanial, anti-anxiety, and toxicity profiles. The crude extracts and their metabolites did not show any toxicity in the experimental animal. This review summarizes the nutritional, phytochemical, pharmacological, and toxicity studies on this plant concerning its future use in pharmacological drugs.

Improving Weed Management Based on the Timing of Emergence Peaks: A Case Study of Problematic Weeds in Northeast USA

We reviewed the timing of the peak rate of emergence for 15 problematic weed species as well as ways to use this knowledge to improve control. Much of the previous literature modeled emergence based on growing-degree-days. For these models, we input average temperature data from several zones of Northeast USA. Within species, model-predicted peak emergence in the warmest and coolest zones differed by an average of 39 days. Also within species, there was some variation between models, likely reflecting different conditions in study locations and population-level differences that will need to be addressed in future modelling efforts. Summarizing both observed and modelled results, emergence typically peaked early-season for barnyardgrass, Canada thistle, common lambsquarters, common ragweed, giant foxtail, large crabgrass, perennial sowthistle, and smooth crabgrass. Emergence typically peaked mid-season for hairy galinsoga, mouseear chickweed, and red sorrel. Emergence typically peaked late-season for annual bluegrass. Several species emerged in a protracted manner, including common chickweed, quackgrass, and redroot pigweed. With this improved knowledge, farmers may target key problematic species of a particular field in several ways. Weed seedling control efforts can be timed at the highest densities or most vulnerable phenological stage. Residual herbicides and suppressive mulches can be timed to maximize effectiveness prior to their breakdown. And if management flexibility allows, crop selection and associated planting dates may be adjusted to improve crop competition or facilitate seedbank depletion through timely bare fallow periods. Such improvements to weed management based on timing of emergence will likely become even more impactful as predictive model reliability continues to improve.