ORCID Profile
0000-0002-7171-3118
Current Organisation
La Trobe University
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Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 19-10-2021
Abstract: While there are many high profile Opuntioid cactus species invading rangeland environments in Australia, Cereus uruguayanus Ritt. ex Kiesl. has also naturalised and formed large and dense infestations at several locations. With no herbicides registered for control of C. uruguayanus in Australia, the primary aim of this study was to identify effective herbicides to control it using a range of techniques. This involved a large screening trial of twelve herbicides and four techniques, followed by a rate refinement trial for cut stump applications and another to test residual herbicides. Despite most treatments (except monosodium methylarsonate (MSMA)) taking a long time to kill plants, at least one effective herbicide was identified for basal bark (triclopyr icloram), cut stump (aminopyralid/metsulfuron-methyl, glyphosate, metsulfuron-methyl, triclopyr icloram, triclopyr icloram/aminopyralid), stem injection (glyphosate, MSMA, triclopyr icloram/aminopyralid) and foliar applications (aminopyralid/metsulfuron-methyl, MSMA, triclopyr, triclopyr icloram/aminopyralid) due to their ability to kill both small and large plants. Ground application of residual herbicides was less conclusive with neither hexazinone nor tebuthiuron causing adequate mortality at the rates applied. This study has identified effective herbicides for the control of C. uruguayanus using several techniques, but further research is needed to refine herbicide rates and develop integrated management strategies for a range of situations and infestation sizes and densities.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 19-07-2016
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 29-03-2018
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 30-01-2023
DOI: 10.3390/W15030543
Abstract: The widespread use of pesticides leads to the contamination of groundwater, which harms environment and threatens life. The goal of the current study was to determine the degree of pesticide contamination of groundwater in agricultural regions with varying degrees of pesticide use. In 15 districts of the Punjab province of Pakistan, chemical residues of major pesticide groups including, neonicotinoids, organophosphates, carbamates and pyrethroids were detected in the water s les. Two most commonly used herbicides, isoproturan and diuron, were also tested but not detected in any of the water s les. Five districts in the southern Punjab/core area had highly contaminated groundwater due to the presence of residues from all major insecticide groups. Although less severe than in the core area, a different set of five districts in central Punjab also had significant water contamination issues. The districts located in marginal area had the lowest amount of insecticide residues. The highest levels of imidacloprid residues were identified in the core area throughout the winter season. Thiacloprid, fipronil, and acetamiprid were detected in nearly all water s les, with non-significant differences in concentrations throughout the summer and winter seasons, as well as in non-core and marginal areas. Different water quality parameters including, pH, electrical conductivity and temperature had varying degree of correlations with pesticide residues in water s les. Overall, it is concerning that significant insecticides are widely contaminating groundwater. This issue should be managed through integrated pest management, non-chemical pest control strategies, and judicious chemical use practices.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 07-06-2021
DOI: 10.1038/S41477-021-00938-6
Abstract: Recent carbon dioxide (CO
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2017
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2014
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2017
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 05-01-2023
DOI: 10.3390/SU15021025
Abstract: Climate change elements including elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration and soil salinity significantly impact weed biology and management. In this study, we evaluated the performance of a highly invasive plant species, parthenium weed (Parthenium hysterophorus L.) grown at various soil salinity levels (ranging from 0 to 16 dS m−1) at two CO2 concentrations (ambient: 400 ppm and elevated: 700 ppm). The CO2 concentration and soil salinity in idually affected various early growth attributes of parthenium weed. The interaction between CO2 and salinity was significant for chlorophyll index, stem dry weight and phenolics content. Parthenium weed plants grew taller (13%), achieved greater leaf area (28%) and produced more dry weight (24%) when raised under elevated as compared with the ambient CO2. Soil salinity had a dose-dependent, negative effect on various growth attributes, chlorophyll index, relative water content and phenolics content. Even the modest levels of salinity (4.2 to 4.6 dS m−1) caused 50% reduction in dry weights of leaves, roots and whole plants. Sodium ion (Na+) concentration peaked at the highest salinity level (16 dS m−1) as compared with the lower salinity levels (0 to 12 dS m−1). Overall, salinity had a negative effect on different growth variables but elevated CO2 improved growth and phenolics content regardless of the salt stress regime. Hence, parthenium weed could benefit from future atmospheric CO2 concentration and may invade some salt-affected areas.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 08-01-2019
DOI: 10.1007/S11356-018-04104-Y
Abstract: Chenopodium album and C. murale are cosmopolitan, annual weed species of notable economic importance. Their unique biological features, including high reproductive capacity, seed dormancy, high persistence in the soil seed bank, the ability to germinate and grow under a wide range of environmental conditions and abiotic stress tolerance, help these species to infest erse cropping systems. C. album and C. murale grow tall and absorb nutrients very efficiently. Both these species are allelopathic in nature and, thus, suppress the germination and growth of native vegetation and/or crop plants. These weed species infest many agronomic and horticultural crops and may cause > 90% loss in crop yields. C. album is more problematic than C. murale as the former is more widespread and infests more number of crops, and it also acts as an alternate host of several crop pests. Different cultural and mechanical methods have been used to control these weed species with varying degrees of success depending upon the cropping systems and weed infestation levels. Similarly, allelopathy and biological control have also shown some potential, especially in controlling C. album. Several herbicides have been successfully used to control these species, but the evolution of wide-scale herbicide resistance in C. album has limited the efficacy of chemical control. However, the use of alternative herbicides in rotation and the integration of chemicals and biologically based control methods may provide a sustainable control of C. album and C. murale.
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Date: 2017
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 02-12-2022
Abstract: Chemical herbicides are the most common method of weed control in crops, but they can also negatively affect the host crops, such as wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The damage caused to the crop plants is often temporary and minor, but sometimes, it can be more substantial, requiring remedial measures. Salicylic acid (SA) is a plant hormone widely used to promote plant growth and to mitigate oxidative stress through its exogenous application. We evaluated the role of exogenously applied SA (as a pre-treatment) in ameliorating the oxidative damage caused by the herbicide mesosulfuron-methyl + iodosulfuron-methyl in wheat plants. The herbicide disrupted the physiological function of plants by affecting several enzymatic antioxidants. The hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents increased at herbicide concentrations higher than 18 g ai ha−1 compared with the untreated control. However, the SA decreased the H2O2 and MDA contents compared with plants that were not treated with SA prior to the herbicide application. The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) enzymes increased with increasing rates of the herbicide, as well as over time, regardless of the SA treatment. The activity of catalase (CAT) increased up to the herbicide rate of 18 g ai ha−1 and then decreased at the higher rates, while SA pre-treatment enhanced the CAT activity. The activities of ascorbate peroxidase, peroxidase, and glutathione-S-transferase enzymes generally increased in response to the herbicide application and SA pre-treatment, but fluctuated across different days of s ling following the herbicide application. Herbicide stress also induced high levels of proline production in wheat leaves as compared with the untreated control, while SA pre-treatment decreased the proline contents. Overall, the pre-treatment with different concentrations of SA mitigated the herbicide damage to the physiological functions by regulating the enzymatic antioxidants.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 04-2019
DOI: 10.1002/PS.5403
Abstract: The rise in atmospheric CO The plants in control treatment (no herbicide) grew taller (41%), produced a larger number of leaves (13%) and flowers (39%), and higher dry biomass (34%) at elevated CO P. hysterophorus growth and reproductive potential (indicated by number of flowers) improved significantly by CO
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 08-2019
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 02-06-2023
Abstract: Pimelea is a genus of about 140 plant species, some of which are well-known for causing animal poisoning resulting in significant economic losses to the Australian livestock industry. The main poisonous species/subspecies include Pimelea simplex (subsp. simplex and subsp. continua), P. trichostachya and P. elongata (generally referred to as Pimelea). These plants contain a diterpenoid orthoester toxin, called simplexin. Pimelea poisoning is known to cause the death of cattle (Bos taurus and B. indicus) or weaken surviving animals. Pimelea species are well-adapted native plants, and their diaspores (single seeded fruits) possess variable degrees of dormancy. Hence, the diaspores do not generally germinate in the same recruitment event, which makes management difficult, necessitating the development of integrated management strategies based on infestation circumstances (e.g., size and density). For ex le, the integration of herbicides with physical control techniques, competitive pasture establishment and tactical grazing could be effective in some situations. However, such options have not been widely adopted at the field level to mitigate ongoing management challenges. This systematic review provides a valuable synthesis of the current knowledge on the biology, ecology, and management of poisonous Pimelea species with a focus on the Australian livestock industry while identifying potential avenues for future research.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.PLAPHY.2015.08.009
Abstract: The influences of high temperature and fertilization with biochar and phosphorus (P) on the pollen characteristics of two rice cultivars (IR-64 and Huanghuazhan) were examined in controlled growth chambers. Temperature treatments included high daytime temperature (HDT), high nighttime temperature (HNT) and ambient temperature (AT). The fertilization treatments were control, biochar alone, P alone and biochar + P. High temperature severely reduced pollen fertility, anther dehiscence, pollen retention and pollen germination of both rice cultivars, with HNT more destructive than HDT. The Huanghuazhan cultivar performed better than IR-64 under high temperature, with higher pollen fertility, better anther dehiscence and greater pollen retention and germination rates. In both cultivars, the pollen of plants treated with biochar + P were more resistant to heat induced stress. Further studies are needed to test the ability of biochar to ameliorate the effects of different abiotic stresses in rice and other crops.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 11-03-2017
DOI: 10.1007/S11356-017-8737-7
Abstract: Climate change will have a considerable impact upon the processes that moderate weed invasion, in particular to that of parthenium weed (Parthenium hysterophorus L.). This study evaluated the performance of two Australian biotypes of parthenium weed under a range of environmental conditions including soil moisture (100 and 50% of field capacity), atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 16-06-2021
Abstract: Seed shattering refers to the natural shedding of seeds when they ripe, a phenomenon typically observed in wild and weedy plant species. The timing and extent of this phenomenon varies considerably among plant species. Seed shattering is primarily a genetically controlled trait however, it is significantly influenced by environmental conditions, management practices and their interactions, especially in agro-ecosystems. This trait is undesirable in domesticated crops where consistent efforts have been made to minimize it through conventional and molecular breeding approaches. However, this evolutionary trait serves as an important fitness and survival mechanism for most weeds that utilize it to ensure efficient dispersal of their seeds, paving the way for persistent soil seedbank development and sustained future populations. Weeds have continuously evolved variations in seed shattering as an adaptation under changing management regimes. High seed retention is common in many cropping weeds where weed maturity coincides with crop harvest, facilitating seed dispersal through harvesting operations, though some weeds have notoriously high seed shattering before crop harvest. However, high seed retention in some of the most problematic agricultural weed species such as annual ryegrass ( Lolium rigidum ), wild radish ( Raphanus raphanistrum ), and weedy amaranths ( Amaranthu s spp.) provides an opportunity to implement innovative weed management approaches such as harvest weed seed control, which aims at capturing and destroying weed seeds retained at crop harvest. The integration of such management options with other practices is important to avoid the rapid evolution of high seed shattering in target weed species. Advances in genetics and molecular biology have shown promise for reducing seed shattering in important crops, which could be exploited for manipulating seed shattering in weed species. Future research should focus on developing a better understanding of various seed shattering mechanisms in plants in relation to changing climatic and management regimes.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 08-2017
DOI: 10.1007/S11356-017-9810-Y
Abstract: Avena fatua and Avena ludoviciana are closely related grass weed species infesting a large number of crops around the world. These species are widely distributed in erse agro-ecosystems from temperate to sub-tropical regions due to their unique seed traits, successful germination ecology, high competitive ability, and allelopathic potential. A. fatua is more widespread, adaptable, and problematic than A. ludoviciana. Both these species infest major winter and spring crops, including wheat, oat, barley, canola, maize, alfalfa, and sunflower, causing up to 70% yield losses depending on crop species and weed density. Chemical control has been challenged by large-scale herbicide resistance evolution in these weed species. A. fatua is the most widespread herbicide-resistant weed in the world, infesting about 5 million hectares in 13 countries. The use of alternative herbicides with different modes of action has proved effective. Several cultural practices, including erse crop rotations, cover crops, improved crop competition (using competitive cultivars, high seed rates, narrow row spacing, altered crop geometry), and allelopathic suppression, have shown promise for controlling A. fatua and A. ludoviciana. The integrated use of these cultural methods can reduce the herbicide dose required, and lower dependency on herbicides to control these grasses. Moreover, integrated management may successfully control herbicide-resistant populations of these weed species. The use of integrated approaches based on the knowledge of biology and ecology of A. fatua and A. ludoviciana may help to manage them sustainably in the future.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 29-06-2019
Publisher: FapUNIFESP (SciELO)
Date: 07-12-2017
DOI: 10.1590/S0100-83582017350100073
Abstract: ABSTRACT: Understanding the weed interference with different sowing times of crop is inevitable for forecasting yield losses by weed infestation and designing sustainable weed management systems. A field experiment was carried out to evaluate the effects of sowing dates (20th November, 10th December) and various little seed canary grass (LCG) infestation levels (10, 20, 30 and 40 plant m-2) on growth and yield of wheat under semiarid conditions. Plots with two natural infestations of weeds including LCG (Unweeded control UWC) and excluding LCG (UWC-LCG) were maintained for comparing its interference in pure stands with designated densities. A season-long weed-free (WFC) treatment was also run. All the weeds/LCG infestation levels starting from 10 LCG plants m-2 considerably reduced the wheat growth (leaf area index, crop growth rate, total dry matter accumulation) and h ered the yield contributing factors in both sowing dates. Presence of LCG was more detrimental for growth of late-sown wheat (10th Dec), therefore, 40 LCG plants m-2 recorded more reductions in growth indices of wheat even than UWC. In late sown wheat crop, the grain yield losses by 40 LCG plants m-2 and UWC were comparable, however, these losses were much greater than UWC LCG. In crux, delay in sowing of wheat not only reduced the crop growth and yield but also enhanced the LCG/weed interference. Furthermore, greater competitive ability of LCG particularly for late-sown wheat suggests that it should be controlled in order to provide healthy environment for crop plants.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2019
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 22-07-2020
DOI: 10.3390/MOLECULES25153324
Abstract: Traditional synthetic techniques for silver nanoparticles synthesis involve toxic chemicals that are harmful to humans as well as the environment. The green chemistry method for nanoparticle synthesis is rapid, eco-friendly, and less toxic as compared to the traditional methods. In the present research, we synthesized silver nanoparticles employing a green chemistry approach from Parthenium hysterophorus leaf extract. The optimized parthenium silver nanoparticles (PrSNPs) had a mean particle size of 187.87 ± 4.89 nm with a narrow size distribution of 0.226 ± 0.009 and surface charge −34 ± 3.12 mV, respectively. The physicochemical characterization of optimized SNPs was done by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Moreover, the transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis indicates the spherical shape of NPs with an average diameter of 20–25 nm. PrSNPs were investigated for in vitro antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, and showed excellent profiles. The cytotoxic activity was analyzed against two cancer cell lines, i.e., B16F10 and HepG2 for 24 h and 48 h. PrSNPs proved to be an excellent anticancer agent. These PrSNPs were also employed for the treatment of wastewater by monitoring the E. coli count, and it turned out to be reduced by 58% hence these NPs could be used for disinfecting water. Hence, we can propose that PrSNPs could be a suitable candidate as an antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor agent for the treatment of several ailments.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 31-10-2016
DOI: 10.1007/S11356-016-7794-7
Abstract: Weed management is one of the prime concerns for sustainable crop production. Conyza bonariensis and Conyza canadensis are two of the most problematic, noxious, invasive and widespread weeds in modern-day agriculture. The biology, ecology and interference of C. bonariensis and C. canadensis have been reviewed here to highlight pragmatic management options. Both these species share a unique set of biological features, which enables them to invade and adapt a wide range of environmental conditions. Distinct reproductive biology and an efficient seed dispersal mechanism help these species to spread rapidly. Ability to interfere strongly and to host crop pests makes these two species worst weeds of cropping systems. These weed species cause 28-68 % yield loss in important field crops such as soybean and cotton every year. These weeds are more prevalent in no-till systems and, thus, becoming a major issue in conservation agriculture. Cultural practices such as crop rotations, seed rate manipulation, mulching, inter-row tillage and narrow row spacing may provide an effective control of these species. However, such methods are not feasible and applicable under all types of conditions. Different herbicides also provide a varying degree of control depending on crop, agronomic practices, herbicide dose, application time and season. However, both these species have evolved resistance against multiple herbicides, including glyphosate and paraquat. The use of alternative herbicides and integrated management strategies may provide better control of herbicide-resistant C. bonariensis and C. canadensis. Management plans based on the eco-biological interactions of these species may prove sustainable in the future.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 09-03-2016
DOI: 10.1007/S11356-016-6382-1
Abstract: An investigation was carried out to examine the combined and in idual effects of cadmium (Cd) and arsenic (As) stress on osmolyte accumulation, antioxidant activities, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production at different growth stages (45, 60, 75, 90 days after sowing (DAS)) of two maize cultivars viz., Dong Dan 80 and Run Nong 35. The Cd (100 μM) and As (200 μM) were applied separately as well as in combination (Cd + As) at 30 DAS. Results revealed pronounced variations in the behavior of antioxidants, osmolytes, and ROS in both maize cultivars under the influence of Cd and As stress. Activities of enzymatic (SOD, POD, CAT and APX, GPX, GR) and non-enzymatic (GSH and AsA) antioxidants, generation of ROS, and accumulation of osmolytes were enhanced with the passage of time therefore, the maximum values for these attributes were observed at 90 DAS for both cultivars. Exposure of plants to Cd or As stress considerably enhanced the antioxidant activities, ROS, and osmolyte accumulation compared with control, while combined application of Cd + As was more devastating in reducing plant biomass of both maize cultivars. Among cultivars, Dong Dan 80 was better able to negate the heavy metal-induced oxidative damage, which was associated with higher antioxidant activities, greater osmolytes accumulation, and lower ROS production in this cultivar.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2018
DOI: 10.1016/J.JENVMAN.2017.12.010
Abstract: Vehicles are one of the major vectors of long-distance weed seed spread. Viable seed removed from vehicles at roadside wash down facilities was studied at five locations in central Queensland, Australia over a 3-year period. Seed from 145 plant species, belonging to 34 different families, were identified in the sludge s les obtained from the wet particulate matter collection pit of the wash down facilities. Most of the species were annual forbs (50%) with small or very small seed size (<2 mm in diameter). A significant amount of seed from the highly invasive, parthenium weed was observed in these s les. More parthenium weed seed were found in the Rolleston facility and in the spring, but its seed was present in all facilities and in all seasons. The average number of viable seed found within every ton of dry particulate matter removed from vehicles was ca. 68,000. Thus, a typical wash down facility was removing up to ca. 335,000 viable seed from vehicles per week, of which ca. 6700 were parthenium weed seed. Furthermore, 61% of these seed (ca. 200,000) were from introduced species, and about half of these (35% of total) were from species considered to be weeds. Therefore, the roadside wash down facilities found throughout Queensland can remove a substantial amount of viable weed seed from vehicles, including the invasive parthenium weed, and the use of such facilities should be strongly encouraged.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 22-07-2021
Abstract: Annual ryegrass (Lolium rigidum Gaud.), traditionally utilised as a pasture species, has become the most problematic and difficult-to-control weed across grain production regions in Australia. Annual ryegrass has been favoured by the adoption of conservation tillage systems due to its genetic ersity, prolific seed production, widespread dispersal, flexible germination requirements and competitive growth habit. The widespread evolution of herbicide resistance in annual ryegrass has made its management within these systems extremely difficult. The negative impacts of this weed on grain production systems result in annual revenue losses exceeding $93 million (AUD) for Australian grain growers. No single method of management provides effective and enduring control hence the need of integrated weed management programs is widely accepted and practiced in Australian cropping. Although annual ryegrass is an extensively researched weed, a comprehensive review of the biology and management of this weed in conservation cropping systems has not been conducted. This review presents an up-to-date account of knowledge on the biology, ecology and management of annual ryegrass in an Australian context. This comprehensive account provides pragmatic information for further research and suitable management of annual ryegrass.
Publisher: Elsevier
Date: 2017
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 09-10-2017
DOI: 10.1017/WSC.2017.61
Abstract: Ragweed parthenium is a highly invasive weed species in several countries, including Australia. Laboratory experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of temperature, light, salinity, pH, and moisture on germination of two Australian biotypes of ragweed parthenium: Clermont (highly invasive) and Toogoolawah (noninvasive). Although seeds of both biotypes could germinate under complete darkness, germination was improved by 20% to 49% under a 12-h photoperiod. Both biotypes germinated over a wide range of constant (8 to 35 C), and alternating day/night (15/5 to 35/25 C) temperatures. However, the Clermont biotype exhibited significantly higher germination than Toogoolawah biotype over the range of temperatures studied. Highest germination of Clermont (100%) and Toogoolawah (97%) was observed at constant temperatures of 14 to 23 C and 23 C, respectively. The best alternating day/night temperature for germination of both biotypes was 25/15 C. Clermont also germinated better than Toogoolawah under osmotic- and salt-stress conditions. Osmotic stress had moderate negative effects on germination, with 52% and 36% of the Clermont and Toogoolawah seeds able to germinate at −0.60 MPa, respectively. Complete germination inhibition for both biotypes was observed at an osmotic potential of −1.2 MPa. Both biotypes also germinated at a very high sodium chloride (NaCl) concentration of 250 mM. A 50% reduction in germination of Toogoolawah and Clermont was caused by 99 and 154 mM NaCl, respectively. Germination of the Clermont biotype was not affected by a wide range of pH (4.0 to 10.0), whereas the strong acidic and alkaline pH levels (4.0 and 10.0) caused 18% and 25% reductions in germination of the Toogoolawah biotype compared with control. The Clermont biotype had a higher ability to germinate across all treatments compared with the Toogoolawah biotype, which might be a contributing factor toward the high invasive ability of the former compared with the latter.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 12-11-2021
Abstract: One of the most widely used auxinic herbicides in southern Iran’s cereal crop fields is 2,4-D however, the concurrent growing season of off-season melons in this region potentially leads to herbicide drift from cereal fields to the melon fields. To study the response of some Iranian wild melon accessions to three simulated drift rates of 2,4-D, including 112.1, 11.2, and 3.7 g ae ha−1, a field experiment was conducted during 2019 and 2020 growing seasons. It was found that by increasing the herbicide rate from 3.7 to 112.1 g ae ha−1, the level of visual injury increased in all accessions. However, significant variation in herbicide tolerance was observed among different melon accessions. The MEL-R1 was the most tolerant accession with only 20% injury, while MEL-D8 displayed very high injury rate (ca. 90%) as assessed at 6 weeks after treatment during 2019. The accession MEL-S3 was the most tolerant to 2,4-D drift rates (20% injury) at 6 weeks after treatment during 2020. There was no significant difference between the accessions MEL-R1 and MEL-S3 in terms of their response to 2,4-D treatment during both years of the study, as these accessions fully recovered from injury over 6 weeks after herbicide treatment. In addition, only these two accessions were able to produce yield after the application of 2,4-D at the highest rate tested (112.1 g ae ha−1). Therefore, the melon accessions MEL-R1 and MEL-S3 could be recommended for cultivation and even for breeding programs in order to develop 2,4-D-tolerant commercial cultivars in regions where this herbicide is commonly used in cereal crop production adjacent to the melon fields.
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 29-07-2016
Publisher: University of Queensland Library
Date: 2019
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2015
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 16-03-2017
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 20-08-2020
DOI: 10.1017/S0014479719000292
Abstract: Parthenium hysterophorus is a prolific invasive weed species, which infests many crops in over 40 countries around the world. A 2-year field study was carried out to quantify the potential impacts of this weed on direct-seeded rice. Parthenium weed was allowed to compete for 2, 4, 6 or 8 weeks after crop emergence, while full season weedy and weed-free plots were maintained as controls. Parthenium weed plants grew taller and attained more biomass as the competition duration prolonged. The yield and yield-related attributes of rice were negatively affected with increasing competition duration. The season-long competition caused the highest reductions in panicle number (28–34%), panicle length (26–27%), grains per panicle (22–23%) and grain yield (33 and 38%) of rice in both years. Weed competition for 2–8 weeks caused 5–34% and 6–33% losses in rice grain yield during both years, respectively. Importantly, Parthenium weed control after 8 weeks of competition did not improve rice yield significantly. The results suggested that Parthenium weed should be controlled in rice fields between 4 and 8 weeks after crop emergence under direct-seeded conditions to avoid over 10% yield losses.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 20-04-2018
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 29-06-2021
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 02-10-2018
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2015
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2016
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 16-11-2020
Abstract: Parthenium weed has been invading native and managed Australian grasslands for almost 40 years. This study quantified the potential of selected plant mixtures to suppress the growth of parthenium weed and followed their response to grazing and their impact upon plant community ersity. The first mixture consisted of predominantly introduced species including Rhodes grass, Bisset bluegrass, butterfly pea and green panic. This mixture produced biomass rapidly and showed tolerance to weed species other than parthenium weed. However, the mixture was unable to suppress the growth of parthenium weed. The second mixture of predominantly native pasture species (including forest bluegrass, Queensland bluegrass, Buffel grass and siratro) produced biomass relatively slowly, but eventually reached the same biomass production as the first mixture 12 weeks after planting. This mixture suppressed parthenium weed re-establishment by 78% compared to the control treatment. Its tolerance to the invasion of other weed species and the maintenance of forage species evenness was also superior. The total ersity was five times higher for the mixture communities as compared to the plant community in the control treatment. Therefore, using the suppressive pasture mixtures may provide an improved sustainable management approach for parthenium weed in grasslands.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 04-09-2023
DOI: 10.1017/WSC.2023.49
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Date: 2019
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 05-05-2020
DOI: 10.1017/S0014479720000034
Abstract: Parthenium weed is an invasive species in a growing number of countries where it infests numerous crop fields, including sorghum. Two field studies were conducted to quantify the effect of parthenium weed on the performance of grain sorghum at different weed densities (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 plants m −2 ) and durations of weed-crop competition (season-long weed-free, weed-free after 2, 4, 6 or 8 weeks, and season-long weedy). Our aim was to identify the density threshold and ideal duration to control parthenium weed in sorghum fields. Both field experiments were planned in a randomised complete block design each with three replications in 2016 and were repeated in 2017. Parthenium weed biomass increased significantly with increasing density and competition duration. The increasing parthenium weed density had a linear negative effect on sorghum growth, yield and yield-contributing traits. The highest yield loss, of up to 66%, was recorded at the highest parthenium weed density of 20 plants m −2 when compared to weed-free treatment. In addition, the season-long competition of this weed with sorghum caused 81% reduction in grain yield over weed-free treatment. According to our results, parthenium weed should be managed below a density of 5 plants m −2 and throughout the crop growth duration in grain sorghum fields as it can cause serious yield losses even at low densities and through strong competition at early as well as late growth stages of the crop.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2020
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 29-06-2017
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 07-04-2016
DOI: 10.1007/S00425-016-2510-X
Abstract: This review provides an insight into alien plant invasion taking into account the invasion mechanism of parthenium weed ( Parthenium hysterophorus L.). A multi-lateral understanding of the invasion biology of this weed has pragmatic implications for weed ecology and management. Biological invasions are one of the major drivers of restructuring and malfunctioning of ecosystems. Invasive plant species not only change the dynamics of species composition and bio ersity but also hinder the system productivity and efficiency in invaded regions. Parthenium weed, a well-known noxious invasive species, has invaded erse climatic and biogeographic regions in more than 40 countries across five continents. Efforts are under way to minimize the parthenium weed-induced environmental, agricultural, social, and economic impacts. However, insufficient information regarding its invasion mechanism and interference with ecosystem stability is available. It is hard to devise effective management strategies without understanding the invasion process. Here, we reviewed the mechanism of parthenium weed invasion. Our main conclusions are: (1) morphological advantages, unique reproductive biology, competitive ability, escape from natural enemies in non-native regions, and a C3/C4 photosynthesis are all likely to be involved in parthenium weed invasiveness. (2) Tolerance to abiotic stresses and ability to grow in wide range of edaphic conditions are thought to be additional invasion tools on a physiological front. (3) An allelopathic potential of parthenium weed against crop, weed and pasture species, with multiple modes of allelochemical expression, may also be responsible for its invasion success. Moreover, the release of novel allelochemicals in non-native environments might have a pivotal role in parthenium weed invasion. (4) Genetic ersity found among different populations and biotypes of parthenium weed, based on geographic, edaphic, climatic, and ecological ranges, might also be a strong contributor towards its invasion success. (5) Rising temperatures and atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations and changing rainfall patterns, all within the present day climate change prediction range are favorable for parthenium weed growth, its reproductive output, and therefore its future spread and infestation. (6) Parthenium weed invasion in South Asia depicts the relative and overlapping contribution of all the above-mentioned mechanisms. Such an understanding of the core phenomena regulating the invasion biology has pragmatic implications for its management. A better understanding of the interaction of physiological processes, ecological functions, and genetic makeup within a range of environments may help to devise appropriate management strategies for parthenium weed.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 03-04-2020
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 10-07-2020
Abstract: Parthenium weed (Parthenium hysterophorus L.) is an invasive plant species in around 50 countries and a ‘Weed of National Significance’ in Australia. This study investigated the relative toxicity of the leaf, shoot and root extracts of two geographically separate and morphologically distinct biotypes of parthenium weed in Queensland, Australia. Parthenium weed exhibited higher phytotoxic, cytotoxic and photocytotoxic activity in leaf tissue extracts in contrast to shoot and root. The germination and seedling growth of a dicot species (garden cress) were inhibited more than those of a monocot species (annual ryegrass) using a phytotoxicity bioassay. The cytotoxicity of leaf extracts was assessed in a mouse fibroblast cell suspension assay and increased under high ultraviolet A(UV-A) radiation. A major secondary metabolite, parthenin, was found in abundance in leaf extracts and was positively correlated with cytotoxicity but not with photocytotoxicity or phytotoxicity. Ambrosin and chlorogenic acid were also detected and were positively correlated with germination inhibition and the inhibition of radicle elongation, respectively. In addition, other currently unidentified compounds in the leaf extracts were positively correlated with phytotoxicity, cytotoxicity and photocytotoxicity with two to three molecules strongly correlated in each case. Both parthenium weed biotypes investigated did not differ with respect to their relative toxicity, despite their reported differences in invasive potential in the field. This suggests that secondary chemistry plays a limited role in their invasion success.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 30-09-2017
DOI: 10.1007/S11356-017-0327-1
Abstract: Parthenium weed is a highly invasive alien species in more than 40 countries around the world. Along with severe negative effects on human and animal health and crop production, it also causes harm to ecosystem functioning by reducing the native plant species bio ersity. However, its impacts on native plant species, especially in pasture communities, are less known. Given parthenium weed causes substantial losses to Australian pastures' productivity, it is crucial to estimate its impact on pasture communities. This study evaluates the impact of parthenium weed upon species ersity in a pasture community at Kilcoy, south east Queensland, Australia. Sub-sites containing three levels of parthenium weed density (i.e. high, low and zero) were chosen to quantify the above- and below-ground plant community structure. Species richness, ersity and evenness were all found to be significantly reduced as the density of parthenium weed increased an effect was evident even when parthenium weed was present at relatively low densities (i.e. two plants m
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 02-02-2018
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2019
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 04-01-2017
DOI: 10.1007/S11356-016-8311-8
Abstract: Crop nutrient management is an essential component of any cropping system. With increasing concerns over environmental protection, improvement in fertilizer use efficiencies has become a prime goal in global agriculture system. Phosphorus (P) is one of the most important nutrients, and strategies are required to optimize its use in important arable crops like cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) that has great significance. Sustainable P use in crop production could significantly avoid environmental hazards resulting from over-P fertilization. Crop growth modeling has emerged as an effective tool to assess and predict the optimal nutrient requirements for different crops. In present study, Decision Support System for Agro-technology Transfer (DSSAT) sub-model CSM-CROPGRO-Cotton-P was evaluated to estimate the observed and simulated P use in two cotton cultivars grown at three P application rates under the semi-arid climate of southern Punjab, Pakistan. The results revealed that both the cultivars performed best at medium rate of P application (57 kg ha
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 24-05-2017
DOI: 10.1007/S11356-017-9176-1
Abstract: Parthenium weed is a problematic invasive species in several countries around the world. Although it is considered to be a highly invasive species within Australia, not all biotypes of parthenium weed exhibit the same ability in regard to aggressive colonization and distribution. Differences among biotypes, particularly in regard to environmental ranges as a possible basis for this variation, have not always been elucidated. To determine whether drought tolerance could be a factor in biotype demographics, we quantified the biological responses of two Australian parthenium weed biotypes known to differ in invasive ability Clermont ("high") and Toogoolawah ("low") to 100, 75 and 50% of soil water holding capacity (WHC). The Clermont biotype had greater vegetative growth, seed production and chlorophyll content than Toogoolawah, across all moisture levels. Net photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, internal CO
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 06-10-2022
DOI: 10.3390/SU141912737
Abstract: Purple nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus L.) is a problematic weed in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) crops causing significant yield losses. Although several chemical options are available for this weed, the level of control is often unsatisfactory, and the consistent use of herbicides has a risk of resistance evolution. Therefore, we evaluated the efficacy of two herbicide options, halosulfuron and fomesafen + S-metolachlor, alone or integrated with natural and plastic mulches in controlling purple nutsedge in tomato crops in a three-year field study. The use of herbicides or mulches alone did not provide effective weed control (below 65%). However, the combination of natural mulch and fomesafen + S-metolachlor provided the most effective weed control by reducing the density and biomass of purple nutsedge by up to 83% and 81%, respectively, as compared with the season-long untreated control. The use of a natural mulch in combination with the herbicides halosulfuron or fomesafen + S-metolachlor also resulted in the highest tomato yield (ca. 3.3 kg per plant). This integrated treatment improved tomato yield by over 400% as compared with the season-long untreated control. The integrated use of a plastic mulch and two chemical options resulted in a 67–74% weed biomass reduction and a 332–368% yield increase over the season-long untreated control. These findings suggest that the combinations of herbicides and mulches are effective integrated weed management options for purple nutsedge in tomato crops.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 24-10-2016
DOI: 10.1007/S11356-015-5613-1
Abstract: Nitrogen (N) fertilizer is an important yield limiting factor for sunflower production. The correlation between yield components and growth parameters of three sunflower hybrids (Hysun-33, Hysun-38, Pioneer-64A93) were studied with five N rates (0, 60, 120, 180, 240 kg ha(-1)) at three different experimental sites during the two consecutive growing seasons 2008 and 2009. The results revealed that total dry matter (TDM) production and grain yield were positively and linearly associated with leaf area index (LAI), leaf area duration (LAD), and crop growth rate (CGR) at all three sites of the experiments. The significant association of yield with growth components indicated that the humid climate was most suitable for sunflower production. Furthermore, the association of these components can be successfully used to predict the grain yield under erse climatic conditions. The application of N at increased rate of 180 kg ha(-1) resulted in maximum yield as compared to standard rate (120 kg ha(-1)) at all the experimental sites. In this way, N application rate was significantly correlated with growth and development of sunflower under a variety of climatic conditions. Keeping in view such relationship, the N dose can be optimized for sunflower crop in a particular region to maximize the productivity. Multilocation trails help to predict the input rates precisely while taking climatic variations into account also. In the long run, results of this study provides basis for sustainable sunflower production under changing climate.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 02-2016
DOI: 10.1007/S11356-016-6162-Y
Abstract: Water-saving rice production systems including alternate wetting and drying (AWD) and aerobic rice (AR) are being increasingly adopted by growers due to global water crises. Application of natural and artificial mulches may further improve water economy of water-saving rice production systems. Conventionally flooded rice (CFR) system has been rarely compared with AWD and AR in terms of economic returns. In this 2-year field study, we compared CFR with AWD and AR (with and without straw and plastic mulches) for the cost of production and economic benefits. Results indicated that CFR had a higher production cost than AWD and AR. However, application of mulches increased the cost of production of AWD and AR production systems where plastic mulch was expensive than straw mulch. Although the mulching increased the cost of production for AWD and AR, the gross income of these systems was also improved significantly. The gross income from mulched plots of AWD and AR was higher than non-mulched plots of the same systems. In conclusion, AWD and AR effectively reduce cost of production by economizing the water use. However, the use of natural and artificial mulches in such water-saving environments further increased the economic returns. The maximized economic returns by using straw mulch in water-saving rice production systems definitely have pragmatic implications for sustainable agriculture.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2015
No related grants have been discovered for Ali Bajwa.