Recent advances in molecular methods and statistical analyses provide weed scientists with powerful tools for examining the genetic structure of weedy plant populations. The value of these studies depends on effective sampling protocols; however, there is little consensus on how to sample plant populations for genetic diversity analyses. In this review, we draw on published literature that incorporates sampling theory and spatial statistics in population genetic analyses to identify key factors to consider when designing a sampling strategy. We discuss how sampling design is affected by research objectives, biology of the study species, population structure, marker choice, and the genetic parameters to be investigated, and we offer suggestions on defining sampling units and developing sampling protocols.

Metolachlor [2-chloro-N-(2-ethyl-6-methylphenyl)-N-(2-methoxy-1-methylethyl)acetamide] toxicity, absorption, translocation, and metabolism were investigated in corn (Zea mays L.) and yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus L.). Metolachlor did not inhibit seed germination in corn or tuber germination in yellow nutsedge. It did not kill yellow nutsedge tubers that were exposed to 4 ppmw for 9 weeks. Metolachlor (10 ppmw) applied in soil above the seed significantly reduced corn shoot growth, but the same concentration around or below the seed had no effect. A soil mixture with metolachlor (1 ppmw) placed above or around yellow nutsedge tubers significantly reduced shoot growth, but placement around the tuber was the most toxic; placement below the tuber had no effect on shoot growth. The concentration of metolachlor that resulted in 50% reduction of shoot growth of 4-day-old seedlings in solution culture was > 10−4 M for corn and <10−6M for yellow nutsedge. Root-applied 14C-metolachlor was acropetally translocated to shoots of both species following a 7- to 13-day absorption period, with yellow nutsedge translocating the highest portion of the absorbed material to shoots. In 2-day-old seedlings with roots exposed to 14C-metolachlor for up to 48 h, both species absorbed and translocated the radioactivity to shoots, but corn absorbed much more than yellow nutsedge. When the 14C-metolachlor was applied to shoots of both species, the radioactivity was translocated basipetally into roots. Yellow nutsedge exuded appreciable 14C-metolachlor out of the roots and absorbed more 14C-metolachlor through shoot tissues than corn. Both corn and yellow nutsedge seedlings readily converted the 14C-metolachlor to metabolites, but corn was able to metabolize the 14C-metolachlor at a faster rate than yellow nutsedge and also produced more metabolites.

Stem flow is the water from precipitation that is intercepted by plant canopies and conveyed down the outside of stems to wet the soil at the base of the plant. For western juniper (Juniperus occidentalis Hook.) trees, stem flow was only a small fraction of the precipitation intercepted by the canopy. However, this moisture may be important in the nutrient flux of the trees. The first stem flow in the fall after the summer drought was enriched in nitrate-nitrogen although the quantity of nitrogen per unit area was small. The combination of favorable moisture and temperature conditions at the base of the tree leads to litter decay and nitrification. The root system of the trees had many fine roots in the area that received stem flow. Canopy interception and stem flow should be taken into consideration in application of soil active herbicides for control of western juniper.

Field experiments were conducted to determine the effect of large crabgrass densities of 0.5 to 8 plants m−1 of row and emergence time on snap bean yield. Large crabgrass was planted either along with snap beans (early) or when the first trifoliate leaf of snap beans was opening (late). Observed yield loss ranged from 46 to 50%, and predicted yield loss ranged from 53 ± 29.3% to 63 ± 18.3%. Relative leaf area was correlated to snap bean yield (r 2 = 0.88 to 0.92). The relative damage coefficient (q), an indication of the competitiveness of large crabgrass with snap bean, was 1.65 ± 1.03 and 1.26 ± 0.72 for early- and late-emerging large crabgrass, respectively. Early-emerging large crabgrass reduced snap bean biomass 10 to 28% and snap bean pod numbers 44 to 60%, depending on the density. Because of intraspecies competition, leaf area index and number of seed for large crabgrass were reduced with increasing density. Emergence of > 2 plants m−1 of large crabgrass with snap beans should be controlled to avoid significant yield loss.

Soil samples were collected from 107 locations following the commercial application of α,α,α-trifluoro-2,6-dinitro-N,N-dipropyl-p-toluidine (trifluralin) for 1, 2, 3, or 4 consecutive years. Analyses of soil samples indicated that trifluralin does not accumulate with repeated annual application and that a steady and continuous decline in the level of trifluralin present in the soil occurred with time.

Spotted spurge, a C4 species, is a summer annual weed, introduced to the Golestan province of Iran in 2006. A series of laboratory experiments were conducted at the Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran, to evaluate the influence of environmental factors on seed germination of spotted spurge. Seeds germinated over a constant temperature range of 25 to 45 C with a 14-h photoperiod and at 30 to 50 C in continuous darkness. Seeds germinated at alternating day/night temperature regimes of 25/15 to 45/35 C, with maximum germination (> 80%) at alternating day/night temperatures of 35/25, 40/30, and 45/35C. Germination increased from 23.5 to 98% as water potential increased from −0.6 to 0 MPa (control). Germination was > 85% at sodium chloride (NaCl) concentrations up to 80 mM, with no germination at 160 mM NaCl. Germination was not affected by pH, and it was > more than 95% at pH ranging from 4 to 9. The germination of seeds submerged in water for a period less than 3 wk was > 60%, whereas no germination was observed after 9 wk of submergence in water. The results of our study could help to develop effective management strategies for this species. The results also suggest that spotted spurge could invade most tropical regions of Iran.

Biotypes of common lambsquarters with tolerance to glyphosate have been identified in a number of states, but little is known about their fitness characteristics. Field and greenhouse studies were conducted to characterize the response of selected glyphosate-tolerant common lambsquarters biotypes to glyphosate, and also their biological and reproductive characteristics. In a greenhouse dose-response study, GR50 and GR90 values for four tolerant biotypes ranged from 1.48 to 3.22 and 8.73 to 18.7 kg ae ha−1, respectively, compared to 0.57 and 2.39 kg ae ha−1, respectively, for a glyphosate-sensitive biotype. In a field dose-response study, the GR50 and GR90 values were 0.06 and 0.48 kg ae ha−1, respectively, for a tolerant biotype, compared to 0.036 and 0.19 kg ae ha−1, respectively, for the sensitive biotype. The growth rate, time until flowering, and seed production of eight tolerant and two sensitive biotypes was evaluated in a field study. The tolerant biotypes grew taller, amassed more leaf area and dry weight, and advanced through growth stages more rapidly than sensitive biotypes during the early portion of the growing season. The tolerant biotypes were taller than sensitive biotypes at 6 and 10 wk after transplanting, but had lower dry weight at maturity. Tolerant biotypes initiated flower primordia approximately 6 to 8 wk after transplanting, whereas sensitive biotypes required 12 wk. However, no apparent fitness penalties were observed in glyphosate-tolerant biotypes based on seed-production estimates.

Spotted knapweed (Centaurea maculosa Lam. # CENMA) communities were sampled to determine the relationship between age and the number of root rings, and the population age structure. Spotted knapweed taproots add one ring of secondary xylem annually. In 1984, populations were expanding with high densities of individuals in the early age classes, followed by a steady decline in the older classes. In 1985, the majority of the individuals in knapweed populations were in the older age classes. This change in the population age structure was attributed to high mortality among the young age classes due to a drought in 1985. The maximum age class at the sites ranged from 5 to 9 yr. The percentage of plants with floral stalks increased with age to a peak of 75% in the fifth year in 1984 and in the seventh year in 1985.

Studies were conducted to determine the effect on photosynthesis, the absorption, and the metabolism of simazine [2-chloro-4,6-bis(ethylamino)-s-triazine] in two biotypes of common groundsel (Senecio vulgaris L.). Simazine inhibited photosynthesis in the susceptible (S) plants, but resistant (R) plants were unaffected. When the herbicide was removed from the S biotype after 24 hr, photosynthesis resumed. Both biotypes absorbed the herbicide equally well and were unable to metabolize simazine during 96 hr. The greatest concentration of 14C activity (80 to 90%) was located in the chloroform-soluble fraction of the foliage of each biotype and was identified as simazine. Small amounts of radioactivity (10 to 15%) occurred in the water-soluble fraction, but there was no differential increase in water-soluble simazine metabolites. A different mechanism of resistance than previously reported for triazine-resistant plants may be operative in one groundsel biotype.

Four equations were evaluated as predictors of the rate of herbicide dissipation in soil. A biexponential equation was superior to the first-order equation for metribuzin and pendimethalin dissipation under five moisture levels and three temperatures in laboratory and field studies. The Hoerl function, adapted in the course of this work, is also a good descriptor. The first-order equation predicts slower initial and more rapid later dissipation than actually occurs and these deficiencies are not shared by the biexponential or Hoerl equations. The first-order equation ignores small residues remaining late in the dissipation process. These residues are important from an environmental point of view and the Hoerl and biexponential equations are more capable of dealing with them.

The use of herbicides in row crops in areas where furrow irrigation is used presents unique conditions for the use of soil applied herbicides. Pre-emergence herbicides have not been as uniformly successful under arid irrigated conditions as they have been in areas of frequent rainfall. Soil incorporation of many herbicides in the top few inches of soil has resulted in improved performance under furrow irrigation.

The ability of an invasive species to acquire and use a limiting resource during critical life history stages governs its ability to establish and persist within an environment. Arid environments are generally considered more resistant to invasion and are defined by low and sporadic precipitation. Warm-season grasses are most susceptible to mortality during seedling emergence, but water requirements for emergence are rarely known. We examined the ability of the often invasive warm-season grass, buffelgrass, to emerge given a range of simulated precipitation delivered on 2, 3, and 4 consecutive days with the use of a line-source irrigation system in a glasshouse. The minimum amount of water required for buffelgrass emergence was observed to be 6.3 mm (3.14 mm on 2 consecutive days). With the use of probit analysis, the median emergence response (0.5 emergence probability) was predicted to require 17.4–19.9 mm of water. Emergence was concentrated within the first 5 days following initial simulated precipitation with the probability of new emergence highest on Days 3 and 4. Over the period from 1949–2001 in Tucson, Arizona within the Sonoran Desert, the total number of consecutive rainy-day sequences meeting the minimum per-day precipitation levels for a median and minimum emergence response was 27 and 92, respectively. Precipitation sufficient to result in emergence of 50% of viable buffelgrass caryopses has occurred in Tucson in about 1 of 2 years over this period. We compare the soil water requirements for emergence of buffelgrass to other perennial species in the Sonoran Desert and suggest that the invasion success of buffelgrass is due in part to its ability to emerge following relatively low precipitation levels.

Experiments were conducted in the laboratory and screenhouse to determine the effects of scarification; alternating day/night temperatures; light, salt, and water stress; seed burial depth; and rice residue on seed germination and seedling emergence of threelobe morningglory, and to evaluate the response of this weed to commonly available POST herbicides in the Philippines. Germination was stimulated by seed scarification, suggesting that inhibition of germination in this species is mainly due to the hard seed coat. Germination of the scarified seeds was not influenced by the tested temperatures (alternating day/night temperatures of 25/15, 30/20, and 35/25 C) and light. The concentrations of sodium chloride, ranging from 0 to 250 mM, did not influence germination of the scarified seeds of threelobe morningglory. The osmotic potential required for 50% inhibition of maximum germination was −0.35 MPa, although some seeds germinated at −0.6 MPa. Seedling emergence was greatest for the seeds placed on the soil surface (96%), and emergence declined with increased burial depth in soil. The burial depth required for 50% inhibition of maximum emergence was 2.8 cm. No seedlings emerged from a burial depth of 6 cm or greater. Residues of up to 6 Mg ha−1 on the soil surface did not influence seedling emergence of threelobe morningglory. The herbicide 2,4-D at 400 g ai ha−1 provided excellent control of threelobe morningglory when applied at the four-leaf (100%) and six-leaf (97%) stages. However, at the eight-leaf stage, percent control was reduced to 67% and herbicide rate had to be increased twofold to achieve 95% control. The information gained from this study could contribute to developing components of integrated weed management strategies for threelobe morningglory. Soil inversion by tillage to bury weed seeds below their maximum depth of emergence and early application of an effective POST herbicide could serve as important tools for managing threelobe morningglory.

Yellow starthistle root growth was measured under field conditions using a minirhizotron camera system. Roots grew 1.0 to 1.3 cm d−1 and quickly reached the bottom of the 100-cm tube. When plants were grown under 80 and 92% shading, roots grew 45 and 64% slower, respectively, than when plants were grown unshaded. Using a neutron probe, we evaluated the effect of yellow starthistle density on soil moisture depletion to 180 cm in the soil profile. At the end of the growing season, we also measured aboveground biomass and seedhead production. Total plant dry weight and seedhead number at the lowest density (0.6 plants m−2) were 43 and 97% of the maximum values, respectively, suggesting that yellow starthistle is capable of reaching near-maximum yield at low densities. Moisture depletion was density dependent, and plants in low-density plots used more soil moisture from deep in the profile than from shallow soil (30 cm) early in the season. In contrast, yellow starthistle densities > 90 plants m−2 rapidly depleted moisture from all depths in the soil profile by preflowering growth stages. High yellow starthistle density expands the moisture depletion zone and leads to increased shallow moisture depletion. In high-density plots, soil moisture did not recharge, compared with bare-ground plots, after subnormal winter and spring precipitation. These results illustrate the importance of reducing yellow starthistle densities in grassland restoration efforts, where shallow soil moisture is critical to the establishment of seeded perennial grasses or annual forbs and where moderate to deep soil moisture is essential for the establishment and survival of transplanted shrubs and trees.

Many Italian ryegrass populations in Oregon are resistant to more than one herbicide; therefore, the resistance patterns of these populations must be determined to identify alternative herbicides for management. Two suspected resistant Italian ryegrass populations (R2 and R4) survived flufenacet plus metribuzin applications under typical winter wheat production conditions. Populations R2 and R4 were resistant to clethodim, pinoxaden, quizalofop, mesosulfuron-methyl, flufenacet, but not to acetochlor, dimethenamid-p, metolachlor, pyroxasulfone, imazapyr, sulfometuron, or glyphosate. R4 was resistant to diuron, but R2 was not. The estimated flufenacet doses required for 50% growth reduction (GR50) were 438 g ai ha−1 (R2) and 308 g ai ha−1 (R4). Both populations were controlled by pyroxasulfone at rates greater than 15 g ai ha−1. An Asp-2078-Gly substitution in the ACCase gene was found in both populations, while an Ile-2041-Asn was found only in the R4 population. A Ser-264-Gly substitution in psbA gene was found in the R4 population. These mutations previously have been reported to provide resistance to ACCase and photosynthetic inhibitors, respectively. No resistance mutations were identified in the acetolactate synthase (ALS) gene of either population. The addition of the P450 inhibitor, chlorpyrifos, increased the injury resulting from mesosulfuron-methyl on both resistant populations providing indirect evidence that the ALS resistance may be metabolic. Multiple herbicide-resistant Italian ryegrass populations were identified in this study with both target site and nontarget site based mechanisms likely involved. However, several herbicides were identified including pyroxasulfone, a herbicide in the same group as flufenacet, which could be used to control these two populations.

Red rice at 20 plants m−2 was grown with two rice cultivars for 0, 40, 60, 80, 100, or 120 days after emergence. Red rice interference for 120 days after rice emergence reduced straw dry weights of Lemont and Newbonnet 58 and 34%, respectively. Grain yield of Lemont and Newbonnet was reduced 86 and 52%, respectively, by red rice interference for 120 days after emergence. Regression analyses indicated that red rice interference reduced straw dry weights of Newbonnet and Lemont 25 and 50 kg ha−1 day−1, respectively, for interference durations of 40 to 120 days after emergence. Grain yield of Newbonnet and Lemont was reduced 60 and 93 kg ha−1 day−1, respectively, for interference durations of 60 to 120 days. Negative linear relationships occurred between interference durations of red rice and plant height, panicles m−2, spikelets panicle−1, filled grains panicle−1, or panicle length of both cultivars. However, all parameters were reduced more for Lemont than for Newbonnet as interference duration increased. Head rice (whole kernels) and total milled rice yields of both cultivars were reduced by season-long red rice interference. Red rice straw dry weight and number of culms m−2 were greater when red rice was grown with Lemont than when grown with Newbonnet.

An accession of velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti Medik. # ABUTH) known to be highly tolerant of atrazine [6-chloro-N-ethyl-N-(1-methylethyl)-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine] and a normal susceptible accession were crossed reciprocally. F1 plants were intermediate in response to atrazine, but they were more like the tolerant parent than the susceptible parent. The response of F1 plants was the same for each reciprocal cross, indicating that atrazine tolerance was not cytoplasmically inherited. Response of F2 plants to atrazine was consistent with a ratio of one tolerant: two intermediate: one susceptible. These results and further evaluations of F3 plants indicated that atrazine tolerance was controlled by a single, partially dominant gene.

Effects of proso millet interference with irrigated dry beans were evaluated in Nebraska over a 2-yr period. Dry bean yield reduction ranged from 12 to 31% from a wild proso millet density of 10 plants m-2. As density increased, dry bean yield reduction could be predicted with a rectangular hyperbola regression model. Ten wild proso millet plants m-2 growing with dry beans produced 14 780 to 21 420 seed m-2. Dry bean yields were reduced 41 and 11% in 1990 and 1991, respectively, when wild proso millet removal was delayed 6 wk after dry bean planting. Four weeks of weed-free maintenance were sufficient to provide dry bean yields comparable to plots kept weed free all season.

Use of composted swine manure produced in deep-bedded hoop structures is a promising approach for recycling farm waste products and improving soil fertility, but little is known about its effects on crop–weed interactions. A 2-yr study was conducted to evaluate the effect of compost amendments and tillage on soybean–common waterhemp competition. Experiments were conducted in no-tillage and chisel plow main plots with compost applied to one of two types of subplots. Common waterhemp and soybean growth was measured in sub-subplots accommodating weed-free soybean and soybean with common waterhemp sown at soybean planting, soybean emergence (VE), soybean second-node stage (V2), and soybean sixth-node stage (V6). Soybean heights were not influenced by compost or common waterhemp sowing time. Soybean stem diameters were influenced by year, tillage regime, and an interaction between compost and common waterhemp sowing time. In contrast, common waterhemp heights and basal diameters were greater when sown at planting and VE in compost-amended subplots than in compost-free subplots. Overall, there was a negative quadratic relationship between common waterhemp biomass and soybean yield (r 2 = 0.746). The extremely low common waterhemp emergence in V2 and V6 treatments suggested that early-season weed suppression was sufficient to protect soybean from common waterhemp competition. The sex determination of 2,557 common waterhemp plants showed a marginally higher male to female ratio in compost-amended treatments than in compost-free treatments (P = 0.0611). A linear-slope regression indicated that common waterhemp fecundity was positively related to individual plant biomass, with a change in slope occurring at 118.7 g. Under the conditions present in this experiment, compost did not enhance soybean yield but increased the competitive ability of waterhemp. Because composted swine manure can have a major influence on competition of common waterhemp with soybean, effective weed management practices should be in place when this soil amendment is used.

Redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus L.) and robust foxtail [Setaria viridis (L.) Beauv. var. robusta-alba Schreiber (RWF) or Setaria viridis var. robusta-purpurea Schreiber (RPF)] were investigated regarding their ability to interfere with soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr. ‘Amsoy 71′] at different weed densities and soybean row spacing throughout two growing seasons. Final weed densities for each species tended to reach a common value because of intraspecific interference regardless of the initial density. With cultivation, a narrow soybean row spacing (38 cm) resulted in less weed growth than did a wide row spacing (76 cm) but with no cultivation, the trend was reversed. Soybeans provided less interference to foxtail than to pigweed during both growing seasons. Interference from foxtail adversely affected soybean yield components and soybean seed yield more than did pigweed interference. Water-stress conditions in 1976 increased the intensity of weed interference and reduced soybean seed yield more severely than in 1975 when moisture was adequate throughout the growing season.