Prashant Jha

Soybean canopy and tillage effects on emergence of Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) from a natural seed bank.

Abstract Field experiments were conducted in 2004, 2005, and 2006, at Pendleton, SC, to determine the effects of soybean canopy and tillage on Palmer amaranth emergence from sites with a uniform population of Palmer amaranth. In 2006, the effect of soybean canopy was evaluated only in no-tillage plots. Palmer amaranth emerged from May 10 through October 23, May 13 through September 2, and April 28 through August 25 in 2004, 2005, and 2006, respectively. Two to three consistent emergence periods occurred from early May through mid-July. Shallow (10-cm depth) spring tillage had minimal influence on the cumulative emergence of Palmer amaranth. Increase in light interception following soybean canopy formation was evident by early July, resulting in reduced Palmer amaranth emergence, especially in no-tillage conditions. In no-tillage plots, from 32 or 33 d after soybean emergence through senescence, Palmer amaranth emergence was reduced by 73 to 76% in plots with soybean compared with plots without soybean. Emergence of Palmer amaranth was favored by high-thermal soil amplitudes (10 to 16 C) in the absence of soybean. Of the total emergence during a season, > 90% occurred before soybean canopy closure. The seedling recruitment pattern of Palmer amaranth from this research suggests that, although Palmer amaranth exhibits an extended emergence period, cohorts during the peak emergence periods from early May to mid-July need greater attention in weed management. Nomenclature: Palmer amaranth, Amaranthus palmeri S. Wats. AMAPA; soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merr.

Confirmation and Control of Glyphosate-Resistant Giant Ragweed (Ambrosia trifida) in Tennessee

Abstract Seeds of a suspected glyphosate-resistant giant ragweed biotype from Lauderdale County, TN, were collected from a continuous cotton field in fall 2007 after plants were nonresponsive to multiple glyphosate applications. The objectives of this research were to (1) confirm resistance by quantifying the response of the putative resistant biotype to glyphosate compared to a susceptible biotype from a nonagricultural area, (2) quantify shikimate accumulation over time in both biotypes, and (3) determine the effectiveness of POST-applied herbicides labeled for use in cotton in controlling both biotypes at three growth stages. The susceptible biotype had a 50% lethal dose of 407 g ae/ha of glyphosate compared with 2,176 g/ha for the resistant biotype when treated at the four-node stage, a 5.3-fold level of resistance. The resistant biotype accumulated 3.3- to 9.8-fold less shikimate than the susceptible biotype at 1 to 7 d after treatment. The resistant biotype was less responsive to glyphosate as treatment was delayed past the two-node stage, much more than the susceptible biotype. Glufosinate, MSMA, and diuron controlled both biotypes by at least 90%, regardless of size at application. Prometryn, flumioxazin, carfentrazone-ethyl, fomesafen, and trifloxysulfuron controlled both biotypes by at least 89% when applied at the two-node stage, but control generally diminished with later application timings. Pyrithiobac was not effective in controlling either biotype, regardless of size at application. Hence, there are effective herbicide options for controlling glyphosate-resistant giant ragweed in cotton, and the resistant biotype does not appear to exhibit multiple resistances to other herbicides. Nomenclature: Carfentrazone-ethyl; diuron; flumioxazin; fomesafen; glufosinate; glyphosate; MSMA; prometryn; pyrithiobac; trifloxysulfuron; giant ragweed, Ambrosia trifida L. AMBTR; cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L

Confirmation, Control, and Physiology of Glyphosate-Resistant Giant Ragweed (Ambrosia trifida) in Arkansas

Abstract Glyphosate-resistant giant ragweed in Arkansas was reported in 2005. A study was conducted to (1) confirm and characterize the glyphosate resistance in giant ragweed, (2) determine if reduced absorption or translocation is the mechanism of glyphosate resistance in giant ragweed, and (3) evaluate the efficacy of nine POST-applied soybean herbicides to control glyphosate-resistant and -susceptible giant ragweed. Based on the rate required to kill 50% of plants (LD50 values), resistant giant ragweed biotypes from Greene and Jefferson counties were 2.3- to 7.2-fold less sensitive to glyphosate compared to susceptible biotypes. Glyphosate absorption and translocation for glyphosate-resistant and -susceptible biotypes was similar at 24 and 72 h after treatment. Thus, differential absorption or translocation is not a mechanism of glyphosate resistance in this resistant giant ragweed biotype. Control of resistant giant ragweed biotypes with glyphosate at a labeled field application rate of 840 g ha−1 was only 60% or less compared to complete control of a susceptible giant ragweed biotype. However, bentazon, carfentrazone, cloransulam, and fomesafen controlled both biotypes more than 95%. Nomenclature: Bentazon; carfentrazone; cloransulam; fomesafen; glyphosate; giant ragweed, Ambrosia trifida L.; soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merr.

Influence of Glyphosate Timing and Row Width on Palmer Amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) and Pusley (Richardia spp.) Demographics in Glyphosate-Resistant Soybean

Abstract The influence of soybean row width and glyphosate application timing was determined on survival, biomass, and seed production of cohorts from a mixed population of Palmer amaranth and pusley species (Florida and Brazil pusley) along with soybean seed yield. The first Palmer amaranth and pusley cohort comprised plants that emerged from soybean planting through the V3 (3 wk after soybean emergence [WAE]) soybean stage (cohort 1). The second cohort comprised plants that emerged between the V3 to V6 (5 WAE) soybean stages (cohort 2), and the third cohort emerged after the V6 through the R2 soybean stage (cohort 3). Glyphosate at 840 g ae ha−1 was applied at V3; V6; V3 and V6; and V3, V6, and R2 in rows either 19 or 97 cm wide. A nontreated control was included for comparison in each row width. Sequential glyphosate applications at V3 and V6 or at V3, V6, and R2 soybean stages resulted in 1 to 3% survival of cohort 1 compared with 23 to 28% survival after a single glyphosate application. Vegetative biomass production by cohort 1 accounted for 71% of the total pusley biomass produced in the nontreated plots. Cohort 1, 2, and 3 contributed 68, 31, and 1%, respectively, of the total 37,900 seeds m−2 produced by pusley plants in nontreated plots. Delaying a glyphosate application to the V6 stage resulted in higher biomass and more than twice the seed produced from cohort 1 when compared with cohort 2. Glyphosate applied at V3 and V6 stages prevented pusley seed production from cohort 1, and an additional glyphosate application at the R2 stage prevented seed production from cohorts 2 and 3. No Palmer amaranth emergence occurred after the V6 soybean stage in either row width. A single glyphosate application at the V3 or V6 stage eliminated cohort 1 of Palmer amaranth in narrow rows. Palmer amaranth plants from cohort 1 in wide rows that survived the V3 glyphosate application produced 3.3 g m−2 biomass and 600 seeds m−2. Averaged over years and row widths, soybean yields after sequential glyphosate applications were 2,490 to 2,640 kg ha−1 compared with 1,850 to 2,020 kg ha−1 after a single glyphosate application at the V3 or V6 stage. This research confirms that sequential glyphosate applications are superior to a single application for minimizing pusley and Palmer amaranth survival, biomass, and seed production along with an improvement in soybean yields.

Acclimation of Palmer Amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) to Shading

Abstract Experiments were conducted to investigate the acclimation of Palmer amaranth to shading. Plants were grown in the field beneath black shade cloths providing 47 and 87% shade and in full sunlight (no shading). All photosynthetic measurements were taken 4 wk after initiating the shade treatments. Photosynthetic rates of Palmer amaranth grown under 47% shade increased with increasing photosynthetic active radiation (PAR) similar to 0% shade-grown plants. Light-saturated photosynthetic rates were predicted beyond the highest measured PAR of 1,200 µmol m−2 s−1 for plants grown under 0 and 47% shade. Plants acclimated to increased shading by decreasing light-saturated photosynthetic rates from 60.5 µmol m−2 s−1 under full sun conditions to 26.4 µmol m−2 s−1 under 87% shade. Plants grown under 87% shade lowered their light compensation point. Rate of increase in plant height was similar among shade treatments. Plants responded to increased shading by a 13 to 44% reduction in leaf appearance rate (leaf number growing degree days [GDD]−1) and a 22 to 63% reduction in main-stem branch appearance rate (main-stem branch number GDD−1) compared with full sunlight. Palmer amaranth specific leaf area increased from 68 to 97 cm2 g−1 as shading increased to 87%. Plants acclimated to 47% shade by increasing total leaf chlorophyll from 22.8 µg cm−2 in full sunlight to 31.7 µg cm−2 when shaded; however, the increase was not significant at 87% shading. Thus, it is concluded that Palmer amaranth shows photosynthetic and morphological acclimation to 87% or less shading. Nomenclature: Palmer amaranth, Amaranthus palmeri S. Wats. AMAPA.

Palmer Amaranth and Large Crabgrass Growth with Plasticulture-Grown Bell Pepper

Field experiments were conducted in 2004 and 2005 at Clemson, SC, and in 2004 at Clinton, NC, to quantify Palmer amaranth and large crabgrass growth and interference with plasticulture-grown bell pepper over multiple environments and develop models which can be used on a regional basis to effectively time removal of these weeds. Experiments at both locations consisted of an early and a late spring planting, with the crop and weeds planted alone and in combination. Daily maximum and minimum air temperatures were used to calculate growing degree days (GDD, base 10 C) accumulated following bell pepper transplanting and weed emergence. Linear and nonlinear empirical models were used to describe ht, canopy width, and biomass production as a function of accumulated GDD. Palmer amaranth reduced bell pepper fruit set as early as 6 wk after transplanting (WATP) (648 GDD), whereas large crabgrass did not significantly reduce fruit set until 8 WATP (864 GDD). Using the developed models and assuming Palmer amaranth and large crabgrass emergence on the day of bell pepper transplanting, Palmer amaranth was predicted to be the same ht as bell pepper at 287 GDD (20 cm tall) and large crabgrass the same ht as bell pepper at 580 GDD (34 cm tall). Nomenclature: Large crabgrass, Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop. DIGSA, Palmer amaranth, Amaranthus palmeri S. Wats. AMAPA, bell pepper, Capsicum annuum L. ‘Heritage’

Annual Changes in Temperature and Light Requirements for Germination of Palmer Amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) Seeds Retrieved from Soil

Abstract Experiments were conducted on Palmer amaranth seeds collected in 2004 and 2006 from a natural population near Pendleton, SC, to determine the temperature and light requirements for germination of seeds retrieved from soil surface or from 10-cm depth in the field. A cyclic change in seed germination of Palmer amaranth in response to temperature and light occurred during a 12-mo after-ripening period. Freshly matured seeds collected in November required mean temperatures ≥ 25 C, and natural or red (R) light for increased germination. Following after-ripening in winter, seeds experienced a reduction in dormancy and germinated higher at 25 to 35 C mean compared with 10 to 15 C mean. With after-ripening for an additional 3 mo in May, seeds experienced a broadening of thermal range (10 to 40 C mean), and germination in natural light or R light was more than twice the germination in the absence of light. Fluctuating temperatures (7.5 C amplitude) improved germination over constant temperatures, except in summer and fall (9 and 12 mo after seed maturation). Exposure of seeds to high temperatures during summer caused secondary dormancy induction. Averaged over thermal amplitudes, seeds retrieved in fall required mean temperatures > 25 C for increased germination. Burial in spring for 3 to 6 mo induced seed dormancy, and the relative germination in fall (12 mo after seed maturation) was at least 50% higher for seeds retrieved from soil surface compared to seeds exhumed from 10-cm soil depth. Seeds retrieved in late summer and fall required natural light or R light for promoting germination, whereas far-red (FR) light or darkness inhibited germination. Furthermore, the effect of R and FR light was reversible, indicating a partially phytochrome-mediated germination response of Palmer amaranth seeds following 9 to 12 mo of after-ripening in the field. Nomenclature: Palmer amaranth, Amaranthus palmeri S. Wats. AMAPA.

Occurrence and Characterization of Kochia (Kochia scoparia) Accessions with Resistance to Glyphosate in Montana

Abstract Herbicide-resistant kochia is an increasing concern for growers in the northwestern United States. Four suspected glyphosate-resistant (Gly-R) kochia accessions (referred to as GIL01, JOP01, CHES01, and CHES02) collected in fall 2012 from four different chemical-fallow fields in northern Montana were evaluated. The objectives were to confirm and characterize the level of glyphosate resistance in kochia accessions relative to a glyphosate-susceptible (Gly-S) accession and evaluate the effectiveness of various POST herbicides for Gly-R kochia control. Whole-plant dose–response experiments indicated that the four Gly-R kochia accessions had 7.1- to 11-fold levels of resistance relative to the Gly-S accession on the basis of percent control ratings (I50 values). On the basis of shoot dry weight response (GR50 values), the four Gly-R kochia accessions exhibited resistance index (R/S) ratios ranging from 4.6 to 8.1. In a separate study, the two tested Gly-R accessions (GIL01 and JOP01) showed differential response (control and shoot dry weight reduction) to various POST herbicides 21 d after application (DAA). Paraquat, paraquat + linuron, carfentrazone + 2,4-D, saflufenacil alone or with 2,4-D, and bromoxynil + fluroxypyr effectively controlled (99 to 100%) and reduced shoot dry weight (88 to 92%) of the GIL01 accession, consistent with the Gly-S kochia accession; however, bromoxynil + MCPA and bromoxynil + pyrasulfotole provided 76% control and 83% shoot dry weight reduction of the GIL01 accession and were lower compared with the Gly-S accession. The JOP01 accession exhibited lower control or shoot dry weight reduction to all herbicides tested, except dicamba, diflufenzopyr + dicamba + 2,4-D, paraquat + linuron, and bromoxynil + pyrasulfotole, compared with the Gly-S or GIL01 population. Furthermore, paraquat + linuron was the only treatment with ≥ 90% control and shoot dry weight reduction of the JOP01 kochia plants. Among all POST herbicides tested, glufosinate was the least effective on kochia. This research confirms the first evolution of Gly-R kochia in Montana. Future research will investigate the mechanism of glyphosate resistance, inheritance, ecological fitness, and alternative strategies for management of Gly-R kochia. Nomenclature: 2,4-D; bromoxynil; carfentrazone; dicamba; diflufenzopyr; fluroxypyr; glufosinate; glyphosate; linuron; MCPA; paraquat; pyrasulfotole; saflufenacil; kochia, Kochia scoparia (L.) Schrad. Resumen Kochia scoparia resistente a herbicidas es una preocupación creciente para los productores del noroeste de Estados Unidos. Se evaluaron cuatro accesiones de K. scoparia (referidas como GIL01, JOP01, CHES01, y CHES02) que se sospechaban resistentes a glyphosate (Gly-R) y que fueron colectadas en el otoño 2012, en cuatro campos en barbecho químico en el norte de Montana. Los objetivos fueron confirmar y caracterizar el nivel de resistencia a glyphosate en accesiones de K. scoparia en relación con una accesión susceptible a glyphosate (Gly-S) y evaluar la efectividad de varios herbicidas POST para el control de K. scoparia Gly-R. Experimentos de respuesta a dosis en plantas enteras indicaron que las cuatro accesiones de K. scoparia Gly-R tuvieron 7.1 a 11 veces el nivel de resistencia en relación a la accesión Gly-S con base en evaluaciones de porcentaje de control (valores I50). Con base en la respuesta del peso seco del tejido aéreo (valores GR50), las cuatro accesiones de K. scoparia Gly-R mostraron ratios de índice de resistencia (R/S) entre 4.6 y 8.1. En un estudio aparte, las dos accesiones Gly-R evaluadas (GIL01 y JOP01) mostraron respuestas diferenciadas (reducciones en control y peso seco del tejido aéreo) a varios herbicidas POST 21 días después de la aplicación (DAA). Paraquat, paraquat + linuron, carfentrazone + 2,4-D, saflufenacil solo o con 2,4-D, y bromoxynil + fluroxypyr controlaron efectivamente (99 a 100%) y redujeron el peso seco del tejido aéreo (88 a 92%) de la accesión GIL01, en forma consistente con los resultados observados en la accesión de K. scoparia Gly-S. Sin embargo, bromoxynil + MCPA y bromoxynil + pyrasulfotole brindaron 76% de control y 83% de reducción en el peso seco del tejido aéreo de la accesión GIL01 y estos valores fueron menores en comparación con la accesión Gly-S. La accesión JOP01 mostró menor control o reducción en el peso seco del tejido aéreo en respuesta a todos los herbicidas evaluados, excepto dicamba, diflufenzopyr + dicamba + 2,4-D, paraquat + linuron, y bromoxynil + pyrasulfotole, al compararse con las poblaciones Gly-S o GIL01. Adicionalmente, paraquat + linuron fue el único tratamiento con ≥90% de control y reducción del peso seco del tejido aéreo de las plantas de K. scoparia JOP01. Entre los herbicidas POST evaluados, glufosinate fue el menos efectivo. Esta investigación confirma la primera evolución de K. scoparia Gly-R en Montana. Investigaciones futuras estudiarán el mecanismo de resistencia a glyphosate, la heredabilidad, el desempeño ecológico, y las estrategias alternativas para el manejo de K. scoparia Gly-R.

Purple Nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus) Management in an Organic Production System

Abstract Research was initiated in March 2005 to test various integrated purple nutsedge management strategies over two growing seasons in an organic production system in which bell pepper was grown as a fall crop. Main plots consisted of integrated purple nutsedge management strategies from mid-March through July 2005 and 2006. The main-plot factors were (1) green polyethylene film, (2) clear polyethylene film, (3) turnip followed by (fb) green polyethylene film, (4) turnip fb clear polyethylene film, (5) tillage every 3 wk, and (6) fallow. Subplots consisted of hand-weeding, mulching with wheat straw, and no weeding following bell pepper transplanting in early August. Purple nutsedge tuber density was determined in March, August, and November each year. Viable tubers were categorized into three sizes: small (0.1 to 0.25 g), medium (0.26 to 0.50 g), and large (> 0.50 g). The initial tuber density averaged 500 small, 300 medium, and 110 large tubers m−2 in mid-March 2005 (910 total tubers m−2). Total tuber density increased to > 5,400 tubers m−2 in fallow, nonweeded plots by November 2006. Yearly tuber density remained relatively constant over the 2 yr when the fallow period was fb hand-weeding in the bell pepper crop. Density of large and medium tubers in the season-long management systems remained stable, whereas small tubers were prone to depletion over time. Frequent tillage or use of a polyethylene film with or without turnip resulted in a lower density of large tubers in November 2006 relative to fallow treatments, regardless of management intensity in bell pepper. The density of large tubers after 2 yr was similar among treatments involving frequent tillage or use of a polyethylene film with or without turnip, regardless of subplot treatment; this was also observed for medium tubers, but not for small tubers. All hand-weeded plots had comparable densities of small tubers, ranging from 25 to 194 viable tubers m−2. Intensive management involving frequent tillage or use of a translucent polyethylene film with or without turnip fb hand-weeding was not effective in eradicating purple nutsedge over two growing seasons. Purple nutsedge management costs calculated for each main-plot treatment revealed that use of a translucent polyethylene film alone was at least 4.5-fold more costly than frequent tillage. This research demonstrates that season-long management is essential to prevent purple nutsedge proliferation over time. Nomenclature: Purple nutsedge, Cyperus rotundus L. CYPRO; bell pepper, Capsicum annum L. ‘Heritage’; turnip, Brassica rapa L. ‘Seventop’.

Molecular Basis of Evolved Resistance to Glyphosate and Acetolactate Synthase-Inhibitor Herbicides in Kochia (Kochia scoparia) Accessions from Montana

Abstract The rapid evolution and spread of glyphosate-resistant (GR) kochia in the Northern Great Plains is an increasing threat to GR cropping systems and conservation tillage practices common in this region. GR kochia accessions with 4.6- to 11-fold levels of resistance to glyphosate have recently been reported in Montana. Those GR kochia accessions were also suspected to be resistant to acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibitors, i.e., multiple herbicide-resistant (MHR) kochia. In this research, the level of resistance to the ALS-inhibitor herbicides (sulfonylureas) and the molecular mechanisms conferring resistance to glyphosate and ALS-inhibitor herbicides in MHR kochia was investigated. On the basis of whole-plant dose–response assays, MHR kochia accessions (GIL01, JOP01, and CHES01) were 9.3- to 30-fold more resistant to premixed thifensulfuron methyl + tribenuron methyl + metsulfuron methyl than the susceptible (SUS) accession. In an in vivo leaf-disk shikimate assay, MHR plants accumulated less shikimate than the SUS plants at a discriminate dose of 100 &mgr;M glyphosate. Sequencing of the conserved region of EPSPS revealed no target-site mutation at Thr102 or Pro106 residue. MHR kochia accessions had increased relative EPSPS gene copies (~ 4 to 10) compared with the SUS accession (single copy). Furthermore, MHR kochia accumulated higher EPSPS protein compared with the SUS plants. Resistance to the ALS-inhibitor herbicides was conferred by Pro197 amino acid substitution (proline to glutamine). EPSPS gene amplification and a single target-site mutation at Pro197 in ALS gene confer resistance to glyphosate and ALS-inhibitor herbicides, respectively, in MHR kochia accessions from Montana. This is the first confirmation of occurrence of MHR kochia in Montana. Nomenclature: Glyphosate; metsulfuron methyl; thifensulfuron methyl; tribenuron methyl; Kochia, Kochia scoparia (L.) Schrad.