The hybrid Bohemian knotweed [Polygonum ×bohemicum (J. Chrtek & Chrtková) Zika & Jacobson [cuspidatum × sachalinense]; syn.: Reynoutria ×bohemica Chrtek & Chrtková] is part of the worldwide problematic rhizomatous invasive plants that impact (semi-)natural and agricultural systems. In this context, precise knowledge about the morpho-anatomy and resprouting capacity of the underground organs is key information for developing efficient eradication measures. In the present study, we aimed at (1) clarifying existing differences in the morpho-anatomical characteristics of rhizomes and roots, (2) developing an easy-to-apply field identification method for the underground organs, and (3) identifying the main morpho-anatomical features enhancing the rhizomes’ resprouting ability. For this purpose, we collected the underground organs of two wild populations of P. ×bohemicum in Canton Ticino (southern Switzerland) and analyzed the morpho-anatomical differences between rhizomes and roots, using high-resolution microscope images and microtome sections. Collected material was then used for a resprouting capacity test after assessing rhizome characteristics such as weight, total diameter, pith diameter, pith brightness, and pith color. In contrast to roots, rhizomes are characterized by pith tissue in the center and display nodes with peripheral dormant buds that enable them to resprout. Resprouting ability of rhizomes was high (87.1% on average) and depended on the ontogenetic developmental stage of the organs (peak values of 97% for young and clearer-colored organs, 50% for old and dark ones). In conclusion, the smooth pith tissue of rhizomes represents a key discriminating feature between rhizomes and roots, whereas relating existing nodes to the corresponding rhizome pith color allows assessment of the resprouting potential of a knotweed population.

We correct typographical errors in our original paper.

Let I be a zero-dimensional ideal in the polynomial ring $K[x_1,\ldots ,x_n]$ over a field K. We give a bound for the number of roots of I in $K^n$ counted with combinatorial multiplicity. As a consequence, we give a proof of Alon’s combinatorial Nullstellensatz.

A random binary search tree grown from the uniformly random permutation of [n] is studied. We analyze the exact and asymptotic counts of vertices by rank, the distance from the set of leaves. The asymptotic fraction ck of vertices of a fixed rank k ≥ 0 is shown to decay exponentially with k. We prove that the ranks of the uniformly random, fixed size sample of vertices are asymptotically independent, each having the distribution {ck}. Notoriously hard to compute, the exact fractions ck have been determined for k ≤ 3 only. We present a shortcut enabling us to compute c4 and c5 as well; both are ratios of enormous integers, the denominator of c5 being 274 digits long. Prompted by the data, we prove that, in sharp contrast, the largest prime divisor of the denominator of ck is at most 2k+1 + 1. We conjecture that, in fact, the prime divisors of every denominator for k > 1 form a single interval, from 2 to the largest prime not exceeding 2k+1 + 1.

The objective of this field research was to compare relative effectiveness and profitability of alternative herbicides applied to the same plots for four consecutive years for controlling and reducing dense Canada thistle infestations in no-till spring wheat. Chlorsulfuron at 30 g ai ha−1 plus nonionic surfactant or clopyralid plus 2,4-D at 70 plus 280 g ae ha−1, respectively, applied annually for 4 yr controlled Canada thistle and was more effective for gradually reducing Canada thistle stands than 2,4-D at 560 g ae ha−1, MCPA plus bromoxynil at 280 plus 280 g ae ha−1, or tribenuron at 20 g ai ha−1. Chlorsulfuron and clopyralid plus 2,4-D also controlled Canada thistle ≥ 90% earlier (by 2 yr) than other treatments. Stochastic dominance analysis, a form of economic analysis, predicted that either chlorsulfuron or clopyralid plus 2,4-D would be preferred by farmers to the untreated check, MCPA plus bromoxynil, or 2,4-D treatments. Chlorsulfuron also would be preferred to clopyralid plus 2,4-D by risk-neutral farmers, whereas clopyralid plus 2,4-D would be preferred to chlorsulfuron by highly risk-averse farmers, those who are most likely to pick only consistently effective herbicides.

Geostatistical methods were used to describe and map nonrandom distribution and variation (standard deviation) of shoot density and root growth across a well-established patch of Canada thistle, a perennial weed. Semivariogram functions and kriging, an interpolation method, were used to prepare isoarithmic contour maps and associated error maps. Maps consisted of interpolated contours of uniform weed density and other measured or calculated regionalized variables between measured X-Y control points, as well as maps of error (standard deviation) associated with contour estimation. Mapped regions of greatest shoot density across a patch not only had the greatest underlying root biomass and, often, greatest density of adventitious root buds, but also had more deeply growing root biomass.

The double pot technique was used to study the effects of uptake site of fluridone {1-methyl-3-phenyl-5-[3-(trifluoromethyl—phenyl]-4(1H)-pyridinone} on early shoot and root development of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr. ‘Williams’] and cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L. ‘Acala SJ-1′). Soybean is susceptible and cotton is resistant to fluridone. Root uptake in soybean resulted in increased shoot length in the epicotyl and shoot apex, reduced shoot fresh weight, chlorosis of primary and trifoliolate leaves, as well as reduced root length, branching, and fresh weight. Shoot uptake resulted in reduced shoot length above the hypocotyl, reduced shoot weight, severe chlorosis of primary leaves, and inhibition of trifoliolate leaf formation. The reduction in the root length, branching, and weight was less by shoot uptake than by root uptake. In cotton, root uptake resulted in reduced shoot length in the epicotyl and shoot apex, slight reduction in shoot weight, no effect on chlorosis of cotyledon leaves, moderate to slight chlorosis of the true leaves, and no effect on root length, branching, or fresh weight. Shoot uptake resulted in reduced length of all shoot components and shoot weight, chlorosis of cotyledon leaves and the true leaves, and reduced root length, branching, and weight. Compared to soybean, cotton required much higher fluridone concentrations to show the above effects. It was generally concluded that in soybean, uptake by both the root and the shoot contributed significantly to the injury, whereas in cotton, shoot uptake was relatively more important.

A rhizotron containing 10 1.5-by 1.2-by 2.4-m chambers and two 1.5-by 1.2-by 1.2-m chambers for plant growth was constructed for teaching purposes at Montana State University. The rhizotron, constructed of pressure-treated plywood and redwood lumber, has a life expectancy of 40 yr and a prorated cost of approximately $100/yr.

The physiological responses of corn (Zea mays L. ‘Goldencrossbantam′) and pea (Pisum sativum L. ‘Alaska′) to sethoxydim {2-[1-(ethoxyimino)butyl]-5-[2-(ethylthio) propyl]-3-hydroxy-2-cyclohexen-1-one} were investigated. Sethoxydim did not affect excised pea root growth at 1 × 10−4 M but inhibited excised corn root growth at concentrations of 1 × 10−8 M and above. Treating corn impeded root growth with 1 × 10−7 M sethoxydim within 4 h after treatment; however, little histological change of the roots was observed at 48 h. At 1 × 10−6 M, growth nearly stopped within 4 h after treatment, and clear cytological changes of the roots were observed at 24 and 48 h. Sethoxydim inhibited both mitosis and DNA synthesis of excised corn root tips between 4 and 48 h after treatment. Respiration of corn roots measured by oxygen uptake and the TTC (2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride) test was not affected by the herbicide directly. Sethoxydim (1 × 10−4 M) inhibited IAA-induced cell elongation of corn coleoptile and pea epicotyl by 37 and 12%, respectively. Sethoxydim selectively inhibited the growth of excised root tips of susceptible corn by affecting cell division rather than cell enlargement, and the inhibition mechanism of cell division (inhibition of mitosis) by the herbicide was not by direct inhibition of DNA synthesis or by effects on respiration.

Phytotoxins produced by the naturally-occurring rhizobacterium, Pseudomonas fluorescens strain D7 (strain D7), in shake cultures from several media sources adversely affected downy brome at several growth stages and affected seeds, whole plants, and isolated cells. These uncharacterized phytotoxins inhibited root and shoot growth of downy brome by 80% in a seed germination agar assay at 2 and 400 ng total solids/ml, respectively. In a hydroponics assay, downy brome and winter wheat dry weights were reduced 50% by cell-free broth concentrations of 15 and 26% of the initial broth concentration, respectively, indicating an almost 2x selectivity between winter wheat and downy brome. Plant water use was reduced similarly. Plasma membranes of isolated protoplasts of downy brome were damaged within 2 h by diluted cell-free broth. Cold-precipitated phytotoxins of strain D7 produced in semi-synthetic and synthetic media reduced dry weight of downy brome seedlings by 100 and 89%, respectively, and killed plants rapidly.