Saltcedar (Tamarix pentandra Pall.) and Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia L.) invade moist pastures and rangeland and cause serious forage-production and soil-water losses. Our objective was to develop criteria for classifying sites relative to the likelihood of infestation by saltcedar and Russian olive, based on comparisons of soil and vegetation characteristics of infested and adjacent uninfested sites. Discriminant analyses indicated that Russian olive occurs on soils with low to medium concentrations of soluble salts (100–3500 ppm), whereas saltcedar occurs on soils with much higher soluble salt concentrations (700–15000 ppm). Characteristics of the herbaceous vegetation on sites infested with saltcedar or Russian olive differed distinctly from each other and from adjacent, uninfested sites. Frequency of occurrence of certain herbaceous understory species provided the most accurate basis for discrimination of infested and uninfested areas. Discriminant analysis may be of value in the development of infestation-proneness indices.

Genomics programs in the weed science community have not developed as rapidly as that of other crop, horticultural, forestry, and model plant systems. Development of genomic resources for selected model weeds are expected to enhance our understanding of weed biology, just as they have in other plant systems. In this report, we describe the development, characteristics, and information gained from an expressed sequence tag (EST) database for the perennial weed leafy spurge. ESTs were obtained using a normalized cDNA library prepared from a comprehensive collection of tissues. During the EST characterization process, redundancy was minimized by periodic subtractions of the normalized cDNA library. A sequencing success rate of 88% yielded 45,314 ESTs with an average read length of 671 nucleotides. Using bioinformatic analysis, the leafy spurge EST database was assembled into 23,472 unique sequences representing 19,015 unigenes (10,293 clusters and 8,722 singletons). Blast similarity searches to the GenBank nonredundant protein database identified 18,186 total matches, of which 14,205 were nonredundant. These data indicate that 77.4% of the 23,472 unique sequences and 74.7% of the 19,015 unigenes are similar to other known proteins. Further bioinformatics analysis indicated that 2,950, or 15.5%, of the unigenes have previously not been identified suggesting that some may be novel to leafy spurge. Functional classifications assigned to leafy spurge unique sequences using Munich Information Center for Protein or Gene Ontology were proportional to functional classifications for genes of arabidopsis, with the exception of unclassified or unknowns and transposable elements which were significantly reduced in leafy spurge. Although these EST resources have been developed for the purpose of constructing high-density leafy spurge microarrays, they are already providing valuable information related to sugar metabolism, cell cycle regulation, dormancy, terpenoid secondary metabolism, and flowering.

Concentrations of α,α,α-trifluoro-2,6-dinitro-N,N-dipropyl-p-toluidine (trifluralin) causing 50% growth reduction (hereinafter referred to as GR50) were determined in nutrient culture and 64 simulated soils using foxtail millet (Setaria italica (L.) Beau.) as an indicator species. The relative order of effectiveness of soil components in reducing trifluralin phytotoxicity was steamed organic matter ≫ organic matter ≫ steamed montomorillonite ≥ steamed kaolinite ≃ kaolinite ≃ montmorillonite. Steaming the organic matter more than doubled the anion exchange capacity. Anion exchange capacity was a better parameter than cation exchange capacity for assessing the potential of an adsorbent to reduce phytotoxicity. Surface area, cation exchange capacity, and adsorption of trifluralin from solution were less reliable indices. The effectiveness of organic matter in reducing phytotoxicity may be due to the exchange capacity and high surface area. Montomorillonite apparently interacted synergistically with other adsorbents to reduce phytotoxicity. Trifluralin did not adsorb on the internal surfaces of montmorillonite as judged by surface area comparisons and X-ray diffraction determinations. Increasing moisture content appeared to block the active sites of trifluralin adsorption. This may be concluded from greater vapor movement and decreased adsorption from a xylene solvent system for moist compared to air dry soils.

Vegetative propagules of an invasive riparian weed, giant reed, were collected monthly from two Southern California sites and planted in a greenhouse from August 1998 to July 1999. Rooting and emergence frequency of planted pieces and time to emergence, growth rate, and number of developing shoots were recorded; soluble carbohydrates were analyzed. Response variables were regressed against climatic, seasonal, and site effects using a stepwise model. Rhizomes established much more frequently than stems in all months. Time of year of collection was found to be the most important factor determining establishment of all propagule types. The interaction of maximum daily temperature and precipitation at the field sites had a lesser, but significant effect on rooting frequency. The lack of a consistent correlation between any of the response variables and climate or site may indicate broad environmental tolerance. Seasonal patterns in emergence, growth, and soluble carbohydrates suggest that control by shoot removal would be most effective in fall when rhizome carbohydrate reserves are the lowest, resulting in the greatest reduction in regrowth. Chemical control with phloem-mobile herbicides would be most effective in late summer or early fall, when carbohydrates are moving from leaves to belowground structures but prior to natural leaf senescence.

Exposures of trifluralin, α. α, α-trifluoro-2,6-dinitro-N, N-dipropyl-p-toluidine, coated on glass and soil surfaces were made to sunlight and to artificial light from a mercury-vapor source having a wavelength range of 300–700 millimicrons. Ultraviolet absorption spectra of irradiated samples exhibited progressive change with time and intensity of exposure. Exposures on a glass surface to sunlight for four to six hours resulted in a decrease in the plant growth inhibitory activity of trifluralin. Exposures on soil surtaces also indicated that photodegradation occurs, but at a much reduced rate.

Volunteer corn (Zea mays L. # ZEAMX) is a troublesome weed in soybeans [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] grown in the Corn Belt. Field studies were conducted in 1983 and 1984 at Champaign, IL, to determine the soybean growth and yield parameters affected by volunteer corn interference. Soybean yield was inversely and linearly related to volunteer corn clump density, with yield losses reaching 25% at 5380 clumps/ha (10 plants/clump). Volunteer corn clumps of 1, 4, 7, and 10 plants reduced soybean yields by 6, 16, 21, and 22%, respectively, at a density of 5380 clumps/ha. Treatments of either the butyl ester of fluazifop {(±)-2-[4-[[5-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pyridinyl]oxy]phenoxy] propanoic acid} or glyphosate [N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine] were applied at various dates between 2 and 12 weeks after soybean emergence (WAE) to a volunteer corn infestation of 5380 clumps/ha (10 plants/clump). Volunteer corn caused soybean yield losses of 2, 6, 12, 19, and 27% when herbicides were applied at 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 WAE, respectively. Volunteer corn interference reduced soybean seed yield, plant dry weight, pod number, seed number, leaf fresh weight, and leaf area index, within 40 cm of a clump of 10 volunteer corn plants. A clump of 10 volunteer corn plants reduced soybean pod number/plant within a radius of 86 cm.

Purslane weed has long been used for animal feed in Thailand but has been underutilized, and no published data exist on the chemical and nutritional qualities of Thai wild purslane. In this study, we aimed to determine the microchemical components of purslane stem, leaf, and flower, including the phenolic acid, flavonoid, ascorbic acid, β-carotene, and fatty acid content. The water extract of the flower fraction contained the highest total phenolic acid content and had the highest O2-scavenging activities, whereas leaf contained the highest amount of total flavonoids and ascorbic acid. The β-carotene content was not significantly different in leaf and flower fractions but was significantly greater than that in stem (P < 0.05). The predominant phenolic acid was chlorogenic acid for all fractions. Rutin was the major flavonoid found in leaf, and myricetin was highest in flower and stem. Alpha linolenic acid (18:3n-3) content ranged from 16% (149 mg per 100-g sample) of total fatty acid in stem to 50% (523 mg per 100-g sample) in leaf. We suggest that Thai wild purslane could be considered a nutritional source for animal feed or an excellent vegetable in the human diet.

Irrigation laterals PL.15.LR and S2.15W, in the Yakima Valley of Washington and the Columbia River near Paterson, Washington, were sampled for weed seeds during 1970, 1971, and 1973–74, respectively. Weekly or biweekly screenings of the water in the three systems during the irrigation season yielded seeds of 137, 84, and 77 plant species, respectively. In the same order, the total number of seeds per 254 kl of water averaged 2,220, 682, and 292 for the season. Moreover, if the seeds were evenly distributed in the average amount of water used to irrigate the land during the season, the number of seeds disseminated would average 94,500, 10,400, and 14,100 per hectare. Weed control practiced by water users along certain sections of S2.15W markedly reduced both the kind and number of weed seeds found in the water when compared with PL.15.LR on which no weed control measures were used.

Velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti Medik. # ABUTH) seeds were bioassayed on 241 microbial isolates to assess their antimicrobial activity. Seeds placed on agar plates inoculated with test microorganisms released a diffusible substance(s) that inhibited the growth of 117 of 202 (58%) bacteria and all of the fungi tested. Antimicrobial activity of the seeds appeared to be nonselective as the extent of inhibition was not related to type of microorganism nor their origin. Hard, water-impermeable seeds had greater inhibitory activity than imbibed (soft) seeds. The intensity of inhibition was affected by prior leaching of seeds with various solvents and by the stage of seed development. Chemical analysis of diffusion zones from agar plates and seed leachates revealed the presence of phenolic compounds. The presence of antimicrobial substances in velvetleaf seeds may contribute to the persistence of viable seeds in soil by inhibiting potential seed-deteriorating microorganisms.

In four tests conducted in 2 years, Alternaria cassiae Jurair and Khan effectively controlled sicklepod (Cassia obtusifolia L. ♯ CASOB) as indicated by stand counts of the weed and by soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] yields. The number of sicklepod seedlings was reduced more than 90% within 14 days after foliar applications of A. cassiae conidia were banded (46 cm) at rates of 4.2 and 2.1 kg/ha (9.4 and 4.7 kg/ha broadcast, respectively). One banded application of 0.04 or 0.4 kg/ha (0.09 or 0.9 kg/ha broadcast, respectively) did not satisfactorily control sicklepod. These results indicate that sicklepod control may be enhanced by multiple applications of A. cassiae.

Detoxication of 3,6-dichloro-o-anisic acid (dicamba) in incubated soils was greater in heavier soil types and soils with higher moisture contents and higher temperatures. Dicamba phytotoxicity was less at 21 C than at 27 or 32 C. Over a pH range of 4.1 to 9.4, dicamba had a net negative charge. Dicamba showed considerable adsorption onto a kaolinite clay but little adsorption onto other clays and soils studied. Dicamba-1-C14 mixed with autoclaved Sharpsburg silty clay loam soil and incubated at 0, 33, 75, and 100% relative humidity and 35 C sustained very little volatilization loss over an 8-week period. However, nearly one-half of the radioactivity of dicamba-1-C14 on bare planchets at 0 and 100% relative humidity and 35 C was lost during an 11-week incubation period.

Plant model systems have contributed greatly to the dramatic progress in understanding the fundamental aspects of plant biology. Using model weeds will also help facilitate focused funding and research in the weed science community. Criteria for developing model weeds require attention to weedy characteristics that impart economic losses and a wide geographic distribution, attributes that present the potential for political and scientific support. Expressed sequence tag (EST) databases for model weeds are the most practical approach to identifying new genes and obtaining data on the gene expression underlying weedy characteristics. Weeds such as Canada thistle, eastern black nightshade, johnsongrass, jointed goatgrass, leafy spurge, waterhemp, and weedy rice are proposed as model systems.

The competitive effects of hemp sesbania [Sesbania exaltata (Raf.) Cory] on soybeans [Glycine max (L.) Merr. ‘Forrest’] were studied on Sharkey clay for 2 yr. In full-season competition, hemp sesbania populations of 1,600, 3,200, 3,900, and 5,500 plants/ha did not reduce adjusted soybean yields, but populations of 8,100 to 129,200 plants/ha reduced yields 10 to 80%. Competition by hemp sesbania at 68,000 plants/ha for 1 to 4 weeks after soybean emergence reduced soybean yields 8% or less, whereas competition by the same population for 6, 8, and 10 weeks after soybean emergence reduced adjusted yields 18, 27, and 43%, respectively. Hemp sesbania populations of 3,200 plants/ha or more reduced the grade of harvested soybeans and populations of 5,500 plants/ha increased the level of foreign material found in seed samples taken at harvest. Hemp sesbania populations above 10,700 plants/ha increased the levels of damaged kernels and moisture in harvested soybean seed. Early-season control was required for highest soybean yields and total returns. The most critical period for control was 4 to 10 weeks after emergence of soybeans.

The effects of Pennsylvania smartweed (Polygonum pensylvanicum L.) interference in soybeans [Glycine max (L.) Merr. ‘Pickett 71’] were studied in the field under a naturally occurring weed population. Soybean seed yield was reduced an average of 13% by a density of eight Pennsylvania smartweed plants per 10 m of row. Greater yield reductions of 21, 37, and 62% resulted from full-season interference by densities of 16, 32, and 240 weeds per 10 m of row, respectively. Fewer than five weeds per 10 m of row did not significantly reduce crop yield. A natural population of 240 weeds per 10 m of row did not reduce soybean yield if the period of interference was limited to 6 weeks or less after crop emergence. However, more than 6 weeks of weed interference resulted in significant yield reduction. Conversely, if the crop was kept weed-free for a period of 4 weeks or more after emergence, seed yield was not reduced. No allelopathic interaction between the two species was observed in greenhouse studies using a recirculating nutrient solution and alternate pots of soybeans and Pennsylvania smartweed.

Selected clones of field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis L.) differing in susceptibility to foliage applications of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) were used in testing some of the various mechanisms proposed for the selective action of this chemical. The differences found in external morphology, such as degree of pubescence and number of stomata, showed no relationship to the selective action of 2,4-D. Entry of the chemical into the plant and translocation within the stem also were not critical factors.

The most pronounced physiological differences between resistant and susceptible clones of bindweed occurred at the cellular level. When incubated in a nutrient agar containing 2,4-D, excised stem sections of both clones produced callus tissue, but the callus of the susceptible clone, as compared to the resistant, was approximately double in volume, dry weight, and degree of hydration. With increasing age, stem sections of the susceptible clone became even more responsive to 2,4-D; the reverse was true for the resistant. The differential response of the two clones was less pronounced when 2,4-D was applied to the roots than when it was applied to the foliage.

Amicarbazone is a new triazolinone herbicide with a broad spectrum of weed control. The phenotypic responses of sensitive plants exposed to amicarbazone include chlorosis, stunted growth, tissue necrosis, and death. Its efficacy as both a foliar- and root-applied herbicide suggests that absorption and translocation of this compound is very rapid. This new herbicide is a potent inhibitor of photosynthetic electron transport, inducing chlorophyll fluorescence and interrupting oxygen evolution ostensibly via binding to the QB domain of photosystem II (PSII) in a manner similar to the triazines and the triazinones classes of herbicides. As a result, its efficacy is susceptible to the most common form of resistance to PSII inhibitors. Nonetheless, amicarbazone has a good selectivity profile and is a more potent herbicide than atrazine, which enables its use at lower rates than those of traditional photosynthetic inhibitors.

Diclofop-methyl {methyl 2-[4-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)phenoxy] propanoate} loses part of its activity on wild oats (Avena fatua L.) when it is applied in combination with ester or amine formulations of MCPA {[4-chloro-o-tolyl)oxy] acetic acid.} Uptake of diclofop-methyl is reduced in the presence of commercial formulations of MCPA, particularly amine formulations, which are only partly compatible with the diclofop-methyl formulation. With added MCPA, regardless of formulation, hydrolysis of diclofop-methyl to the acid diclofop is slowed down, both in intact wild oat plants and in a crude leaf extract. At the same time, conversion of any acid formed to inactive conjugates is accelerated in the presence of MCPA. It is concluded that the loss of activity of diclofop-methyl by MCPA can be accounted for by the effects of MCPA on uptake and metabolic conversion of diclofop-methyl.

Canada thistle [Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop. # CIRAR] root samples were collected at monthly intervals over a 2-yr period from two locations to determine seasonal fluctuations in the presence and growth potential of root buds. Root bud growth was highest during late fall and winter months following death of the aerial shoots. Root fragments incubated at a constant 15 C for 2 weeks in continuous light consistently had more buds than nonincubated roots, which indicated active bud differentiation during the incubation period. Incubated roots produced 3 to 9 cm of new shoot length/cm root length. There were no obvious seasonal patterns in the presence of root buds or their ability to elongate at different times of the year. Carbohydrate reserves were stored preferentially in roots rather than in developing root buds or the bases of shoots. These reserves ranged from as low as 3% of root fresh weight during spring months to as high as 26% in late fall months, although the levels did not increase consistently during summer months over the locations and years of this study.

Emergence periodicity of common purslane, hemp sesbania, horse purslane, prickly sida, spurred anoda, and velvetleaf was determined from March to October during 5 yr at Stoneville, MS, in the absence of reseeding. In early March of each year prior to emergence determinations, plots were not tilled or tilled to depths of 0, 5, 10, or 15 cm. Yearly emergence periodicity of the six weed species was not affected by tillage. In each year, weeds of all species emerged in identifiable flushes and very few emerged at other times during the growing season. Velvetleaf emerged mainly during the early growing season from March through May. Peak periods of emergence for the other species varied slightly over the 5 yr, but conformed generally to the early or the midseason peak period (June, July, and August) or both. In most years, common purslane, horse purslane, hemp sesbania, prickly sida, and spurred anoda emerged during the midseason period. Annual patterns of temperature fluctuations were similar during the 5 yr, but relatively warm soil temperatures during the early growing season of 1977 may have caused earlier emergence of velvetleaf, prickly sida, and hemp sesbania. Weekly water balance (rainfall minus open-pan evaporation) varied during March through May of each year but was negative during each June, July, and August. Apparently the main effect of a positive water balance during most of the year was to cause merger of the early and midseason peak emergence periods in 1979. Early and midseason emergence peaks were possibly due to different populations of seeds able to germinate in cooler soil temperatures of the early season and warmer soil temperatures of the midseason, respectively.

Studies were conducted to evaluate absorption, translocation, and metabolism of 14C-CGA 362622 when foliar applied to cotton, peanut, jimsonweed, and sicklepod. Differential metabolism is the basis for tolerance in cotton and jimsonweed. In addition, cotton absorbs less herbicide compared with the other three species, thus aiding in tolerance. Only jimsonweed translocated appreciable herbicide (25%) out of treated leaves and acropetally to the meristematic tissue where the herbicide was quickly metabolized. No plant species translocated over 2% of applied radioactivity below the treated leaves. Most of the metabolites formed by the four species were more polar than CGA 362622 and averaged 51, 48, 30, and 25% of the radioactivity detected in the treated leaves of cotton, jimsonweed, peanut, and sicklepod, respectively. The half-life of CGA 362622 was estimated to be 0.8, 1.9, 4, and 6 d in treated leaves of cotton, jimsonweed, sicklepod, and peanut, respectively.