Assessing seed longevity of the Invasive Weed Navua Sedge (Cyperus aromaticus), by artificial ageing
- Chadha, Aakansha, Florentine, Singarayer, Dhileepan, Kunjithapatham, Turville, Christopher
- Authors: Chadha, Aakansha , Florentine, Singarayer , Dhileepan, Kunjithapatham , Turville, Christopher
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Plants Vol. 11, no. 24 (2022), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Navua sedge (Cyperus aromaticus (Ridley) Mattf. & Kukenth) is a significant agricultural and environmental weed found in tropical island countries including north Queensland, Australia. It is a prolific seed producer and consequently forms a high-density seedbank, and therefore understanding the longevity and persistence of the seeds can provide critical information required for the management of this species. A laboratory-controlled artificial ageing experiment was conducted where the seeds were exposed to a temperature of 45 °C and 60% relative humidity for 125 days. Seeds were removed at various times (1, 2, 5, 9, 20, 30, 50, 75, 100 and 125 days) and their viability determined through standard germination tests. It took 20 days in the artificial ageing environment for the seeds to decline to 50% viability which indicates that Navua sedge has relatively short-lived persistent seeds. These findings will assist in developing a better understanding of the seedbank dynamics of this invasive species, allowing managers to tactically implement control strategies and prepare budgets for ongoing treatments, and have implications for the duration and success of management programs. © 2022 by the authors.
Assessing seed longevity of the Invasive Weed Navua Sedge (Cyperus aromaticus), by artificial ageing
- Authors: Chadha, Aakansha , Florentine, Singarayer , Dhileepan, Kunjithapatham , Turville, Christopher
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Plants Vol. 11, no. 24 (2022), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Navua sedge (Cyperus aromaticus (Ridley) Mattf. & Kukenth) is a significant agricultural and environmental weed found in tropical island countries including north Queensland, Australia. It is a prolific seed producer and consequently forms a high-density seedbank, and therefore understanding the longevity and persistence of the seeds can provide critical information required for the management of this species. A laboratory-controlled artificial ageing experiment was conducted where the seeds were exposed to a temperature of 45 °C and 60% relative humidity for 125 days. Seeds were removed at various times (1, 2, 5, 9, 20, 30, 50, 75, 100 and 125 days) and their viability determined through standard germination tests. It took 20 days in the artificial ageing environment for the seeds to decline to 50% viability which indicates that Navua sedge has relatively short-lived persistent seeds. These findings will assist in developing a better understanding of the seedbank dynamics of this invasive species, allowing managers to tactically implement control strategies and prepare budgets for ongoing treatments, and have implications for the duration and success of management programs. © 2022 by the authors.
Effect of Rhizome Fragment Length and Burial Depth on the emergence of a tropical invasive Weed Cyperus aromaticus (Navua Sedge)
- Chadha, Aakansha, Florentine, Singarayer, Dhileepan, Kunjithapatham, Turville, Christopher
- Authors: Chadha, Aakansha , Florentine, Singarayer , Dhileepan, Kunjithapatham , Turville, Christopher
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Plants Vol. 11, no. 23 (2022), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Cyperus aromaticus (Navua sedge) is a problematic perennial weed in pastures and crops including sugarcane, banana, rice, and fruits and vegetables in tropical climates. It reproduces both via rhizomes and seeds. As a regenerative and storage organ, these rhizomes play an important part in the invasion, establishment, and persistence of this weed. To eliminate their regenerative ability, it is important to understand the regrowth potential with respect to rhizome fragment size and burial depth. This study evaluated the emergence of C. aromaticus from rhizomes in a controlled condition. Three different sizes of rhizome fragments were buried at seven depths of up to 20 cm in two soil types. The experimental measurements included (i) the time for tillers to emerge, (ii) the cumulative emergence of tillers, recorded weekly, and (iii) the number of underground emerging tillers. The cumulative shoot emergence and the number of underground tillers produced were found to be positively correlated with the initial length of the rhizome fragments and negatively correlated with the burial depth. The time for the emergence of the tillers was negatively correlated with the burial depth, and soil type had no significant effect on any of the parameters recorded. There was no emergence recorded from rhizomes buried at 15 cm depth and deeper, irrespective of their size. Our results indicate that the combination of the fragmentation of rhizomes into small pieces and a deep burial, below 15 cm, is an important aspect to control the regeneration of C. aromaticus from rhizomes, if tillage is carried out, and can therefore form a part of an integrated weed management strategy for this troublesome weed. © 2022 by the authors.
- Authors: Chadha, Aakansha , Florentine, Singarayer , Dhileepan, Kunjithapatham , Turville, Christopher
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Plants Vol. 11, no. 23 (2022), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Cyperus aromaticus (Navua sedge) is a problematic perennial weed in pastures and crops including sugarcane, banana, rice, and fruits and vegetables in tropical climates. It reproduces both via rhizomes and seeds. As a regenerative and storage organ, these rhizomes play an important part in the invasion, establishment, and persistence of this weed. To eliminate their regenerative ability, it is important to understand the regrowth potential with respect to rhizome fragment size and burial depth. This study evaluated the emergence of C. aromaticus from rhizomes in a controlled condition. Three different sizes of rhizome fragments were buried at seven depths of up to 20 cm in two soil types. The experimental measurements included (i) the time for tillers to emerge, (ii) the cumulative emergence of tillers, recorded weekly, and (iii) the number of underground emerging tillers. The cumulative shoot emergence and the number of underground tillers produced were found to be positively correlated with the initial length of the rhizome fragments and negatively correlated with the burial depth. The time for the emergence of the tillers was negatively correlated with the burial depth, and soil type had no significant effect on any of the parameters recorded. There was no emergence recorded from rhizomes buried at 15 cm depth and deeper, irrespective of their size. Our results indicate that the combination of the fragmentation of rhizomes into small pieces and a deep burial, below 15 cm, is an important aspect to control the regeneration of C. aromaticus from rhizomes, if tillage is carried out, and can therefore form a part of an integrated weed management strategy for this troublesome weed. © 2022 by the authors.
Evaluation of Florpyrauxifen-Benzyl for the control of Cyperus aromaticus (Navua sedge)
- Chadha, Aakansha, Florentine, Singarayer, Dhileepan, Kunjithapatham, Turville, Chris, Dowling, Kim
- Authors: Chadha, Aakansha , Florentine, Singarayer , Dhileepan, Kunjithapatham , Turville, Chris , Dowling, Kim
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Advances in Weed Science Vol. 40, no. (2022), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: Cyperus aromaticus (Navua sedge) is a creeping perennial sedge common to tropical environments, currently threatening many agroecosystems and ecosystems in Pacific Island countries and northern Queensland in Australia. Objective: A glasshouse study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of florpyrauxifen-benzyl on C. aromaticus plants with and without established rhizomes. Methods: The plants with established rhizomes were treated at three application times being mowed, pre-flowering and flowering growth stages and plants without established rhizomes were treated at seedling, pre-flowering and flowering growth stages. At each application time, plants were treated with four rates of florpyrauxifen-benzyl: 0, 15, 30 and 60 g a.i. ha-1 and control. Results: There was no mortality in the plants with established rhizomes. Reduction in the number of tillers was observed at four weeks after treatment (WAT) in plants treated with 30 and 60 g a.i. ha-1 of herbicide, however, there was new growth from the rhizomes and the number of tillers increased at 8 WAT. Conversely, florpyrauxifen-benzyl provided above 95% control in plants without established rhizomes. Conclusions: These results indicate florpyrauxifen-benzyl can help manage a new C. aromaticus infestation prior to the establishment of rhizomes. However, it has little to no impact on C. aromaticus plants with established rhizomes, and other management options should be employed to control them. © 2022, Sociedade Brasileira da Ciencia das Plantas Daninha. All rights reserved.
- Authors: Chadha, Aakansha , Florentine, Singarayer , Dhileepan, Kunjithapatham , Turville, Chris , Dowling, Kim
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Advances in Weed Science Vol. 40, no. (2022), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: Cyperus aromaticus (Navua sedge) is a creeping perennial sedge common to tropical environments, currently threatening many agroecosystems and ecosystems in Pacific Island countries and northern Queensland in Australia. Objective: A glasshouse study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of florpyrauxifen-benzyl on C. aromaticus plants with and without established rhizomes. Methods: The plants with established rhizomes were treated at three application times being mowed, pre-flowering and flowering growth stages and plants without established rhizomes were treated at seedling, pre-flowering and flowering growth stages. At each application time, plants were treated with four rates of florpyrauxifen-benzyl: 0, 15, 30 and 60 g a.i. ha-1 and control. Results: There was no mortality in the plants with established rhizomes. Reduction in the number of tillers was observed at four weeks after treatment (WAT) in plants treated with 30 and 60 g a.i. ha-1 of herbicide, however, there was new growth from the rhizomes and the number of tillers increased at 8 WAT. Conversely, florpyrauxifen-benzyl provided above 95% control in plants without established rhizomes. Conclusions: These results indicate florpyrauxifen-benzyl can help manage a new C. aromaticus infestation prior to the establishment of rhizomes. However, it has little to no impact on C. aromaticus plants with established rhizomes, and other management options should be employed to control them. © 2022, Sociedade Brasileira da Ciencia das Plantas Daninha. All rights reserved.
Soil seed bank dynamics of pastures invaded by navua sedge (cyperus aromaticus) in tropical north Queensland
- Chadha, Aakansha, Osunkoya, Olusegun, Shi, Boyang, Florentine, Singarayer, Dhileepan, Kunjithapatham
- Authors: Chadha, Aakansha , Osunkoya, Olusegun , Shi, Boyang , Florentine, Singarayer , Dhileepan, Kunjithapatham
- Date: 2022
- Type: Journal article
- Relation: Frontiers in agronomy Vol. 4, no. (2022), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Navua sedge (Cyperus aromaticus) is threatening crops, pasture species and natural ecosystems in Pacific Island countries and northern Queensland, Australia. To aid future management efforts of this exotic invasive weed, research was conducted to understand the soil seed bank dynamics of pastures invaded by Navua sedge. Six grazing properties were chosen across two landscapes, coastal and inland/upland, with areas that had Navua sedge infestations in Queensland, Australia. At each site, soil was collected from two soil depths, 0-5 and 5-10 cm, and from plots with high and low infestation levels of Navua sedge. It was observed that the soil seed bank dynamics varied significantly between these study sites. Navua sedge was the dominant species in the soil seed bank at all the sites contributing between 62% to 95% of the total seed bank, while pasture seeds occupied only 3% to 24%. Broadleaf seeds were even lower in abundance, showing between 2% to 13% of the total seed count. The abundance of Navua sedge seed present in the soil was significantly correlated with the aboveground biomass of Navua sedge (r=0.53, p=0.006), but no correlation was found with the infestation age of Navua sedge. Based on this work, it is clear that the seed bank of Navua sedge is very large and concentrated within the top 0-5 cm of the soil, with, 83% of total Navua sedge seeds being in this layer. It was also noted that, although, high infestation plots had significantly higher number of seeds than low infestation plots, more than 18,000 Navua sedge seeds/m 2 were still found in the 0-5 cm soil layer of plots regarded as low infestation. We suggest that insights achieved from our soil seed bank study may be used to devise management strategies to minimise the impact of Navua sedge weed in critical grazing and agricultural areas.
- Authors: Chadha, Aakansha , Osunkoya, Olusegun , Shi, Boyang , Florentine, Singarayer , Dhileepan, Kunjithapatham
- Date: 2022
- Type: Journal article
- Relation: Frontiers in agronomy Vol. 4, no. (2022), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Navua sedge (Cyperus aromaticus) is threatening crops, pasture species and natural ecosystems in Pacific Island countries and northern Queensland, Australia. To aid future management efforts of this exotic invasive weed, research was conducted to understand the soil seed bank dynamics of pastures invaded by Navua sedge. Six grazing properties were chosen across two landscapes, coastal and inland/upland, with areas that had Navua sedge infestations in Queensland, Australia. At each site, soil was collected from two soil depths, 0-5 and 5-10 cm, and from plots with high and low infestation levels of Navua sedge. It was observed that the soil seed bank dynamics varied significantly between these study sites. Navua sedge was the dominant species in the soil seed bank at all the sites contributing between 62% to 95% of the total seed bank, while pasture seeds occupied only 3% to 24%. Broadleaf seeds were even lower in abundance, showing between 2% to 13% of the total seed count. The abundance of Navua sedge seed present in the soil was significantly correlated with the aboveground biomass of Navua sedge (r=0.53, p=0.006), but no correlation was found with the infestation age of Navua sedge. Based on this work, it is clear that the seed bank of Navua sedge is very large and concentrated within the top 0-5 cm of the soil, with, 83% of total Navua sedge seeds being in this layer. It was also noted that, although, high infestation plots had significantly higher number of seeds than low infestation plots, more than 18,000 Navua sedge seeds/m 2 were still found in the 0-5 cm soil layer of plots regarded as low infestation. We suggest that insights achieved from our soil seed bank study may be used to devise management strategies to minimise the impact of Navua sedge weed in critical grazing and agricultural areas.
Amaranthus retroflexus L (redroot pigweed) : effects of elevated CO2 and soil moisture on growth and biomass and the effect of radiant heat on seed germination
- Weller, Sandra, Florentine, Singarayer, Welgama, Amali, Chadha, Aakansha, Turville, Christopher
- Authors: Weller, Sandra , Florentine, Singarayer , Welgama, Amali , Chadha, Aakansha , Turville, Christopher
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Agronomy Vol. 11, no. 4 (2021), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Amaranthus retroflexus L. (Amaranthaceae), Redroot pigweed, is native to North America, but has become a weed of agriculture worldwide. Previous research into competition with food crops found it significantly reduces yields. Additionally, taxonomy, biomass allocation, physiological responses to light intensity, water stress, elevated CO2, and herbicide resistance have been inves-tigated. To extend other research findings, we investigated growth and biomass yield in response to (i) soil moisture stress, and (ii) drought and elevated CO2. Additionally, we investigated seed germination rates following exposure to three elevated temperatures for two different time periods. Overall, moisture stress reduced plant height, stem diameter, and number of leaves. Elevated CO2 (700 ppm) appeared to reduce negative impacts of drought on biomass productivity. Heating seeds at 120◦C and above for either 180 or 300 s significantly reduced germination rate. These results inform an understanding of potential responses of A. retroflexus to future climate change and will be used to predict future occurrence of this weed. The finding that exposing seeds to high temperatures retards germination suggests fire could be used to prevent seed germination from soil seed banks, particularly in no-till situations, and therefore may be used to address infestations or prevent further spread of this weed. © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. **Please note that there are multiple authors for this article therefore only the name of the first 5 including Federation University Australia affiliates “Sandra Weller, Singarayer Florentine, Amali Welgama, Aakansha Chadha, Chrisopher Turville" are provided in this record**
- Authors: Weller, Sandra , Florentine, Singarayer , Welgama, Amali , Chadha, Aakansha , Turville, Christopher
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Agronomy Vol. 11, no. 4 (2021), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Amaranthus retroflexus L. (Amaranthaceae), Redroot pigweed, is native to North America, but has become a weed of agriculture worldwide. Previous research into competition with food crops found it significantly reduces yields. Additionally, taxonomy, biomass allocation, physiological responses to light intensity, water stress, elevated CO2, and herbicide resistance have been inves-tigated. To extend other research findings, we investigated growth and biomass yield in response to (i) soil moisture stress, and (ii) drought and elevated CO2. Additionally, we investigated seed germination rates following exposure to three elevated temperatures for two different time periods. Overall, moisture stress reduced plant height, stem diameter, and number of leaves. Elevated CO2 (700 ppm) appeared to reduce negative impacts of drought on biomass productivity. Heating seeds at 120◦C and above for either 180 or 300 s significantly reduced germination rate. These results inform an understanding of potential responses of A. retroflexus to future climate change and will be used to predict future occurrence of this weed. The finding that exposing seeds to high temperatures retards germination suggests fire could be used to prevent seed germination from soil seed banks, particularly in no-till situations, and therefore may be used to address infestations or prevent further spread of this weed. © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. **Please note that there are multiple authors for this article therefore only the name of the first 5 including Federation University Australia affiliates “Sandra Weller, Singarayer Florentine, Amali Welgama, Aakansha Chadha, Chrisopher Turville" are provided in this record**
Biology, ecology and management of the invasive navua sedge (cyperus aromaticus) : a global review
- Shi, Boyang, Osunkoya, Olusegun, Chadha, Aakansha, Florentine, Singarayer, Dhileepan, Kunjithapatham
- Authors: Shi, Boyang , Osunkoya, Olusegun , Chadha, Aakansha , Florentine, Singarayer , Dhileepan, Kunjithapatham
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Plants Vol. 10, no. 9 (2021), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Navua sedge (Cyperus aromaticus (Ridley) Mattf. & Kukenth) is an invasive perennial sedge, native to tropical Africa, which is threatening many natural ecosystems and agroecosystems, especially in northern Queensland, Australia. Crop and pasture production have been impacted by Navua sedge and it is also directly causing reductions in dairy and beef production in affected regions. This review documents the biology, ecology and potential management options to minimise the spread and impact of Navua sedge. The weed reproduces both sexually (seeds) and vegetatively (via underground rhizomes). Its tiny seeds can be spread easily via wind, water, vehicles, farm machinery and animals, whilst the rhizomes assist with establishment of dense stands. The CLIMEX model (which uses distribution and climate data in native and novel ranges) indicates that in Australia, Navua sedge has the potential to spread further within Queensland and into the Northern Territory, New South Wales and Victoria. Several management strategies, including mechanical, chemical and agronomic methods, and their integration will have to be used to minimise agricultural production losses caused by Navua sedge, but most of these methods are currently either ineffective or uneconomical when used alone. Other management approaches, including biological control and mycoherbicides, are currently being explored. We conclude that a better understanding of the interaction of its physiological processes, ecological patterns and genetic diversity across a range of conditions found in the invaded and native habitats will help to contribute to and provide more effective integrated management approaches for Navua sedge. © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
- Authors: Shi, Boyang , Osunkoya, Olusegun , Chadha, Aakansha , Florentine, Singarayer , Dhileepan, Kunjithapatham
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Plants Vol. 10, no. 9 (2021), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Navua sedge (Cyperus aromaticus (Ridley) Mattf. & Kukenth) is an invasive perennial sedge, native to tropical Africa, which is threatening many natural ecosystems and agroecosystems, especially in northern Queensland, Australia. Crop and pasture production have been impacted by Navua sedge and it is also directly causing reductions in dairy and beef production in affected regions. This review documents the biology, ecology and potential management options to minimise the spread and impact of Navua sedge. The weed reproduces both sexually (seeds) and vegetatively (via underground rhizomes). Its tiny seeds can be spread easily via wind, water, vehicles, farm machinery and animals, whilst the rhizomes assist with establishment of dense stands. The CLIMEX model (which uses distribution and climate data in native and novel ranges) indicates that in Australia, Navua sedge has the potential to spread further within Queensland and into the Northern Territory, New South Wales and Victoria. Several management strategies, including mechanical, chemical and agronomic methods, and their integration will have to be used to minimise agricultural production losses caused by Navua sedge, but most of these methods are currently either ineffective or uneconomical when used alone. Other management approaches, including biological control and mycoherbicides, are currently being explored. We conclude that a better understanding of the interaction of its physiological processes, ecological patterns and genetic diversity across a range of conditions found in the invaded and native habitats will help to contribute to and provide more effective integrated management approaches for Navua sedge. © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
Biology, ecology, distribution and control of the invasive weed, lactuca serriola l. (wild lettuce) : a global review
- Chadha, Aakansha, Florentine, Singarayer
- Authors: Chadha, Aakansha , Florentine, Singarayer
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Plants Vol. 10, no. 10 (2021), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Lactuca serriola L. (wild lettuce) is a highly invasive C3 weed in many countries, including Australia, Canada, and the USA. This weed is a severe threat to agricultural systems, especially in crops grown with reduced or no‐tillage approaches, which commonly include wheat, cereals and pulses. Owing to the vertical orientation of its leaves in the north‐south plane and its root architec-ture, L. serriola can maintain high water use efficiency under drought conditions, giving it the ability to expand its range under a drying climate. Each plant can produce up to 100,000 seeds which have no primary dormancy and form a short‐term seedbank lasting up to three years. Most seedlings emerge in autumn and overwinter as a rosette, with a small flush of emergence in spring depicting staggered germination. Research into control methods for this weed has been performed, and these methods include chemical herbicides applied alone and in combination, the establishment of plant competition, tillage, mowing and bioherbicide. Herbicides can provide effective control when applied in the seedling or rosette stage; however, spring germination is difficult to control, as it skips the rosette stage. Some biotypes are now resistant to ALS inhibitor and synthetic auxins, causing concern regarding using herbicides. A dedicated integrated management plan for 3–4 years is recommended for the control of this troublesome species. This review will explore the biology, ecology, distribution, current control techniques and previous research on this weed, allowing us to make recommendations for its future research and management. © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
- Authors: Chadha, Aakansha , Florentine, Singarayer
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Plants Vol. 10, no. 10 (2021), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Lactuca serriola L. (wild lettuce) is a highly invasive C3 weed in many countries, including Australia, Canada, and the USA. This weed is a severe threat to agricultural systems, especially in crops grown with reduced or no‐tillage approaches, which commonly include wheat, cereals and pulses. Owing to the vertical orientation of its leaves in the north‐south plane and its root architec-ture, L. serriola can maintain high water use efficiency under drought conditions, giving it the ability to expand its range under a drying climate. Each plant can produce up to 100,000 seeds which have no primary dormancy and form a short‐term seedbank lasting up to three years. Most seedlings emerge in autumn and overwinter as a rosette, with a small flush of emergence in spring depicting staggered germination. Research into control methods for this weed has been performed, and these methods include chemical herbicides applied alone and in combination, the establishment of plant competition, tillage, mowing and bioherbicide. Herbicides can provide effective control when applied in the seedling or rosette stage; however, spring germination is difficult to control, as it skips the rosette stage. Some biotypes are now resistant to ALS inhibitor and synthetic auxins, causing concern regarding using herbicides. A dedicated integrated management plan for 3–4 years is recommended for the control of this troublesome species. This review will explore the biology, ecology, distribution, current control techniques and previous research on this weed, allowing us to make recommendations for its future research and management. © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
Influence of soil moisture regimes on growth, photosynthetic capacity, leaf biochemistry and reproductive capabilities of the invasive agronomic weed; Lactuca serriola
- Chadha, Aakansha, Florentine, Singarayer, Chauhan, Bhagirath, Long, Benjamin, Jayasundera, Mithila
- Authors: Chadha, Aakansha , Florentine, Singarayer , Chauhan, Bhagirath , Long, Benjamin , Jayasundera, Mithila
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: PLoS ONE Vol. 14, no. 6 (2019), p. 1-17
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Global temperatures are predicted to increase by 1.5–5.9C during this century, and this change is likely to impact average rainfall, with predictions that water deficit will perhaps be the most severe threat to sustainable agriculture. In this respect, invasive weeds, which have traits better adapted to drought stress than crops, add to concerns regarding crop sustainability. Lactuca serriola, an aggressive agronomic weed is thought to be a successful weed because of its ability to maintain high water use efficiency under drought conditions. In this study, experiments were conducted to examine the influence of different soil moisture regimes (100%, 75%, 50% and 25% water holding capacity (WHC)) on growth, photosynthetic capacity, leaf biochemistry and reproduction of this species. Soil moisture significantly affected plant’s height, stem diameter, number of leaves and biomass. The highest plant height (115.14 cm ± 11.64), shoot diameter (9.4 mm ± 0.18), leaf area (1206.5 mm2 ± 73.29), plant fresh weight (83.1 ± 3.98) and dry weight (22.38 ± 1.24) were recorded at 75% soil moisture content. A fundamental adaptation to drought was observed as plants in the 25% WHC treatment had the highest root: shoot ratio. Soluble sugars and total phenolic content were highest in the 25% WHC treatment and significantly different to 100% WHC which was a response to soil moisture stress to ameliorate the damaging effects of reactive oxygen species produced under stress conditions. Results also indicate that L. serriola can survive and produce seeds under water stress as more than 6000 seeds were produced per plant in all WHC treatments. In this study, there was no significant difference in the seed weight, number of seeds produced and their germination ability. This can have a huge impact on agricultural systems as the species can survive both under low and high soil moisture conditions. We therefore suggest that the demonstrated ability of L. serriola to complete its life cycle and produce biomass and seeds under water stressed conditions leads to the introduction of strategies that minimize weed survival while maximizing irrigation efficiency for the crop. A clear understanding of the ecological and biological characteristics of this weed will help land managers take appropriate control measures to mitigate the effect of this species on economic crop productivity.
- Authors: Chadha, Aakansha , Florentine, Singarayer , Chauhan, Bhagirath , Long, Benjamin , Jayasundera, Mithila
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: PLoS ONE Vol. 14, no. 6 (2019), p. 1-17
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Global temperatures are predicted to increase by 1.5–5.9C during this century, and this change is likely to impact average rainfall, with predictions that water deficit will perhaps be the most severe threat to sustainable agriculture. In this respect, invasive weeds, which have traits better adapted to drought stress than crops, add to concerns regarding crop sustainability. Lactuca serriola, an aggressive agronomic weed is thought to be a successful weed because of its ability to maintain high water use efficiency under drought conditions. In this study, experiments were conducted to examine the influence of different soil moisture regimes (100%, 75%, 50% and 25% water holding capacity (WHC)) on growth, photosynthetic capacity, leaf biochemistry and reproduction of this species. Soil moisture significantly affected plant’s height, stem diameter, number of leaves and biomass. The highest plant height (115.14 cm ± 11.64), shoot diameter (9.4 mm ± 0.18), leaf area (1206.5 mm2 ± 73.29), plant fresh weight (83.1 ± 3.98) and dry weight (22.38 ± 1.24) were recorded at 75% soil moisture content. A fundamental adaptation to drought was observed as plants in the 25% WHC treatment had the highest root: shoot ratio. Soluble sugars and total phenolic content were highest in the 25% WHC treatment and significantly different to 100% WHC which was a response to soil moisture stress to ameliorate the damaging effects of reactive oxygen species produced under stress conditions. Results also indicate that L. serriola can survive and produce seeds under water stress as more than 6000 seeds were produced per plant in all WHC treatments. In this study, there was no significant difference in the seed weight, number of seeds produced and their germination ability. This can have a huge impact on agricultural systems as the species can survive both under low and high soil moisture conditions. We therefore suggest that the demonstrated ability of L. serriola to complete its life cycle and produce biomass and seeds under water stressed conditions leads to the introduction of strategies that minimize weed survival while maximizing irrigation efficiency for the crop. A clear understanding of the ecological and biological characteristics of this weed will help land managers take appropriate control measures to mitigate the effect of this species on economic crop productivity.
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