Thermal time models for predicting phenological development require an estimate of base temperature, an attribute not previously defined for common crupina, a Mediterranean winter annual introduced in western North America. The stage of seed germination was selected for estimating base temperature, because facilities were available for experiments over a range of constant temperatures and base temperature is relatively constant throughout the life cycle in other species. Achenes from three populations of common crupina, including two varieties, typica and brachypappa, were produced under uniform conditions. Cumulative germination was recorded at 12 h intervals for achenes in darkness and optimum moisture at 23 constant temperatures from 4 to 17 C. The time course of germination was best described by a logistic growth curve from which time to 50% germination was estimated. A parabolic model provided the best fit in a regression of germination rate (reciprocal of time to 50%) against the temperature gradient, yielding base and optimum temperatures of 1 and 10.5 C, respectively. Bootstrap confidence intervals indicated no significant difference in base and optimum temperatures in germination between the two varieties nor between two populations of var. typica of common crupina introduced in the northwestern United States.

A series of greenhouse studies examined the effectiveness of PRE- and POST-applied sulfentrazone in controlling purple and yellow nutsedge as influenced by selective tissue exposure. In addition, 14C-sulfentrazone was utilized to contrast absorption and translocation resulting from these exposures. Consistent control with preemergence applications to germinating tubers was obtained with a combined root and shoot zone exposure. Yellow nutsedge was more susceptible than purple nutsedge. Performance of the separate root and shoot zone exposure was soil pH- and nutsedge-species dependent. POST-foliar applications to established nutsedge were more effective when sulfentrazone was allowed to contact the soil surface. 14C-sulfentrazone was readily absorbed by the roots and translocated to the foliage of both species in hydroponic culture.

Relationships between volunteer barley plant density and both pea and volunteer barley yield were determined in field experiments conducted over 2 yr at Vegreville and Lethbridge, Alberta. Nonlinear regression analysis indicated that severe pea yield losses due to volunteer barley occurred at both locations. Averaged over both years, pea seed yield losses per volunteer barley plant (initial slopes) varied from 1.7% at Vegreville to 5.4% at Lethbridge. Based on certain assumptions, economic thresholds calculated from the equations were approximately 2 and 6 volunteer barley plants m−2 at Lethbridge and Vegreville, respectively. Revenue from the volunteer barley seed partially alleviated the monetary losses caused by the reduced pea seed yield. The effects of pea density on pea and volunteer barley yield were inconsistent and marginal. This suggested that there was little advantage, in terms of increasing pea yield or reducing volunteer barley interference, to seeding pea above the recommended rate of 100 plants m−2.

Broom snakeweed achene dispersal was monitored by placing surface-level traps outwards in the cardinal directions from 12 plants and collecting the achenes weekly or biweekly from September 1993 until seeds were no longer retained by the plants after 42 wk. About 50% of the achenes dispersed between October and December. Especially high numbers of achenes were dislodged during periods of intense winter winds and rains, with 78% of the seed placed into the east tray and 86% falling within 50 cm of the parent plant. Achene production averaged 3,928 (± 1,146) per plant in 1993 and 2,036 (± 987) per plant in 1994. Achenes collected over time directly from the inflorescence and achenes stored in nylon packets on the soil surface averaged 82% viability during fall and winter. Achene viability declined rapidly in late spring, and few remained viable before the next seed crop. Greenhouse experiments compared the influence of water application interval and water amount on broom snakeweed germination and seedling survival. Treatments consisted of 4 water intervals: daily, 5-d, 10-d, and 15-d intervals; and 4 water amounts: field capacity (1/1 fc), 3/4 fc, 1/2 fc, and 1/4 fc. Germination was 52% at daily 1/1 fc, and no seed germinated at daily 1/4 fc. Data suggest that optimum germination occurs when soils are maintained at a minimum soil matric potential (Ψm) > −180 kPa for at least 4 d. Optimum Ψm for seedling survival appears to range between −300 and −900 kPa, while seedling mortality would generally be expected with a Ψm of > −1800 kPa.

Field bindweed biotypes varying in susceptibility to glyphosate were studied to determine the role of glyphosate absorption and translocation in susceptibility differences. Absorption and translocation of radiolabeled glyphosate were measured after application to leaves of glyphosate-tolerant and -sensitive field bindweed biotypes grown under ambient, low, or high relative humidity (RH). Glyphosate injury and cuticle mass were also determined at both low and high RH. To avoid potential differences in susceptibility due to differential foliar absorption, glyphosate was fed to roots of hydroponically grown plants, and uptake, translocation, and injury patterns were also determined. Under ambient RH, no differences in foliar-applied glyphosate absorption or translocation were detected between field bindweed biotypes. The RH under which plants were grown influenced cuticle amounts, glyphosate absorption, and injury. Plants of both biotypes had less cuticular material when grown at high RH (80%) than at low RH (30%); however, more radioactivity was absorbed by the susceptible biotype at low RH. Regardless of RH regime, glyphosate injury was greater in the susceptible biotype than in the tolerant biotype. Glyphosate fed to roots of hydroponically grown plants was absorbed and translocated equally in the biotypes, yet relative differential glyphosate sensitivities were retained. These results suggest that differences in glyphosate susceptibility between field bindweed biotypes cannot be fully accounted for by differences in glyphosate absorption or translocation.

Leaf tissue and leaf-tissue extracts from annual wormwood and pure artemisinin were evaluated for their effects on plant growth when incorporated into sandy loam soil. Dried leaf tissue was successively extracted with methylene chloride (MeCl2), ethanol (EtOH), and water, and the extracts and residue were reduced to dryness and stored at −20 C. Leaf tissue was incorporated in soil at rates equivalent to 0, 0.37, 0.73, or 1.1% (w/w) based on soil dry weight. Peat moss treated with extracts or artemisinin was incorporated into soil at a rate equivalent to the 0.73% (w/w) treatment. Inhibition of growth was species-specific; estimated reduction of dry weight by 0.73% (w/w) leaf tissue was 82, 49, 25, and 9% for redroot pigweed, common lambsquarters, soybean, and corn, respectively. The effects of the MeCl2 extract, which contained all of the extractable artemisinin, on germination and growth of redroot pigweed were similar to that of leaf tissue. Annual wormwood leaf tissue and MeCl2-extract treatments were the only treatments that resulted in a reduction in seedling survival. Artemisinin at levels equivalent to that contained in the MeCl2 extract and leaf-tissue treatments had significantly less effect on seedling survival, germination, and growth of redroot pigweed than the MeCl2 extract. Furthermore, the aqueous extract, which did not contain artemisinin, and the extract residue had activities similar to that of the artemisinin treatment. Thus, the allelopathic effects of annual wormwood can not be attributed to artemisinin alone.

The impact of seed production by subthreshold weed populations on future weed problems has impeded the adoption of integrated pest-management principles for weed management. Studies were conducted in fields with no velvetleaf history to determine how seedbanks and seedling populations change following seed production 1 yr or 5 consecutive yr in plow-disk and no-tillage corn. Cumulative seed production by 0.19 velvetleaf plants m−2 increased in a linear fashion from 1989 to 1994, with annual additions averaging from 330 seeds m−2 for velvetleaf in corn to 2,500 seeds m−2 for velvetleaf without competition from corn. Five-year cumulative seed production was 1,480 seeds m−2 in plow-disk and 1,810 seeds m−2 in no-till corn. In no-till corn, 42 velvetleaf seedlings m−2 emerged the 1st year after the 1989 seed rain, but only 35 seedlings m−2 emerged over the next 4 yr. In plow-disk plots, annual emergence averaged 12 seedlings m−2. Five years after the 1989 seed rain, the proportion of seeds lost to emergence was about 20% in both tillage treatments. Where velvetleaf seeds were allowed to return to the soil every year, cumulative seedling emergence was lower in plow-disk than in no-till corn, with total emergence of 70 and 360 seedlings m−2, respectively, after 5 yr. Seedbank numbers ranged from 10 seeds m−2 5 yr after a single seed rain (290 seeds m−2) by velvetleaf in plow-disk corn to 1,020 seeds m−2 following 5 consecutive yr of seed rain where 12,580 seeds m−2 were returned without corn competition in no-till. Seedbank samples in the fall of the 5th year had 69 to 98% fewer seeds than were accounted for by cumulative seed rain and seedling emergence, with greater apparent seed losses in plow-disk corn than in no-till corn. Over 90% velvetleaf control would be required annually to maintain subthreshold populations for 5 yr following a single seed rain. By comparison, over 95% control would be required annually to maintain subthreshold populations where velvetleaf seed return is permitted each year.

Regression models of the effect of weed density on crop yield can form the basis of weed management programs by helping growers decide whether weed control is economically justified. However, few studies have examined whether one regression model can be used across a wide range of tillage systems and crop rotations. We used a nonlinear analysis of covariance to examine experiments conducted in 1990 and 1991 on the interaction of weed interference with conventional, fall chisel, and no-till systems, and rotations of corn, soybean, and wheat on a clay loam soil. Corn and soybean suffered heavy losses due to interference by green foxtail (a mixed population of robust purple and robust white varieties). Both tillage system and crop rotation altered the relationship between weed density and yield for corn in 1990 and 1991, but tillage was not a factor for soybean in 1991. Companion experiments on a sandy loam soil found no relationship between weed density and dryland corn yield in the drought year 1990, but weed density greatly decreased yield in irrigated corn. In 1991, the same model fit both dryland and irrigated corn grown in sandy loam soil. Foxtail density did not affect average weight per foxtail plant in any of our experiments, which indicates a lack of intraspecific competition. Competitiveness of corn better explained variation in dry weight per foxtail than did weather. Economic thresholds for foxtail interference are not constant but vary with weather, cropping system, and soil type.

Field experiments were conducted at Lacombe and Ellerslie, Alberta, Canada, to study the interaction of tillage with glyphosate and sethoxydim on quackgrass shoot and rhizome biomass, rhizome bud viability, and crop yield. Glyphosate was most effective in the conventional tillage regime, whereas sethoxydim was effective only in conventional tillage. Tillage reduced viable rhizome buds more than shoot or rhizome biomass. The large tillage effect on quackgrass control with either herbicide would likely be diminished in zero tillage systems that employ preseeding burn-off or preharvest application of glyphosate. Under zero and conventional tillage, glyphosate at 220 g ha−1 often was as effective as glyphosate at 880 g ha−1.A split application of glyphosate at 220 g ha−1 in the fall and spring was as effective as a single 880 g ha−1 treatment in conventional tillage, and sometimes more effective than 880 g ha−1 in zero tillage. Glyphosate followed by sethoxydim was usually no better than glyphosate alone. Short-term split applications of sethoxydim offered no consistent advantage over single applications.

Studies were conducted at East Lansing, MI, in 1994 and 1995 to examine corn yield response to giant foxtail interference and to examine the effect of giant foxtail density on giant foxtail biomass, seed production, and seed germination. Treatments consisted of 0, 10, 30, 60, 84, and 98 giant foxtail plants m−1 of row in 1994 and 0, 10, 27, 30, 60, and 69 plants m−1 of row in 1995. The influence of giant foxtail density on corn yield fit a hyperbolic equation. Corn yields were reduced 13% in 1994 and 14% in 1995 from 10 giant foxtail plants m−1 of row. Corn dry matter at maturity was decreased 24 and 23% from 10 giant foxtail plants m−1 of row in 1994 and 1995, respectively. Giant foxtail seed production increased linearly as inflorescence length increased. The length of a single giant foxtail inflorescence increased as plant density increased and the number of inflorescence produced per plant decreased. Giant foxtail seed production ranged from 518 to 2,544 seeds per plant. Ten giant foxtail plants m−1 of row produced 15,700 seeds m−2. Giant foxtail seed germination was not affected by plant density.

Plumeless thistle is a European Asteraceae naturalized in Argentina, where it is a troublesome pasture and range weed. A European weevil (Rhinocyllus conicus) was imported for biocontrol of this thistle. Oviposition patterns, egg to adult survival, and the weevil's effect on the production of achenes by thistles were monitored over 2 yr. The oviposition period did not begin simultaneously in all thistle populations, but finished in late November. Egg to larvae survival was 63% and egg to adult survival was approximately 50%. No important egg predators were detected. The weevils destroyed 80% of the propagules per capitulum and showed a slight tendency to adapt to the plumeless thistle cycle.

The objective of this study was to evaluate growth and seed production of giant foxtail under different N sources (NO3 and NH4) and N fertilizer application rates. Nitrate and NH4 fertilizers plus nitrification inhibitor were applied at 56, 112, and 225 kg N ha−1 under field conditions, and in the greenhouse four N rates (1, 5, 10, and 25 mM N) were applied in three NO3: NH4 ratios (100 : 0, 50 : 50, 0 : 100). Growth of giant foxtail was affected by N rates under both greenhouse and field conditions. In 1993, abundant rainfall in May and June allowed a rapid and earlier uptake of N by giant foxtail, resulting in larger plants with greater N accumulation and higher numbers of heads and seeds than in 1994. Total dry weight increased with increasing N rates; however, seed production reached a maximum at approximately 150 kg N ha−1. Nitrogen translocation efficiency decreased with increasing N rates. Giant foxtail did not show any preference to N form; however, seed production was reduced when the high N rate was applied as NH4 compared to NO3. These results suggest that NH4 fertilizer applications with a long-term nitrification inhibitor could reduce the seed production of giant foxtail and its contribution to the soil seedbank for subsequent growing seasons.

Soybean yield loss from weed interference depends upon weed density and competitiveness of crop and weed species in response to environment. Soil water availability and nitrogen fertility were evaluated for their effect on competitiveness of individual species in field experiments. Early-season temperatures in 1995, which were cool compared to 1994, slowed hemp sesbania growth without affecting soybean growth. This resulted in negligible competition with soybean by hemp sesbania at densities of 3 or 6 plants m−2. In 1994, hemp sesbania grew above the soybean canopy, decreasing soybean light interception 29 to 68%, and reducing soybean yield 30 to 48%. Fertilizer nitrogen increased soybean competitiveness, as indicated by biomass production, only in irrigated plots with hemp sesbania at 3 m−2, but did not affect soybean yield. Apparently, competition for light is a primary cause of soybean yield loss from hemp sesbania infestations. In growth chamber studies, simulating temperatures from the field, hemp sesbania growth was stimulated more by warm temperatures than was soybean. Hemp sesbania and soybean dry weights increased 4.4- and 2.7-fold, respectively, at 30/20 C day/night temperatures compared to 25/15 C.

Research was conducted from 1994 through 1996 to evaluate barnyardgrass control, rice yield, and estimated economic return with postemergence applications of propanil or propanil plus molinate applied alone or with quinclorac. Herbicides were applied at rates of 3.4, 2.8 + 2.8, and 0.17 to 0.40 kg ai ha−1 for propanil, propanil plus molinate, and quinclorac, respectively. In most trials, combinations of propanil or propanil plus molinate applied with quinclorac provided greater barnyardgrass control, rice yields, and estimated economic returns than herbicides applied alone. Propanil or propanil plus molinate applied with quinclorac at 0.28 kg ha−1 was as effective as propanil or propanil plus molinate applied with quinclorac at 0.40 kg ha−1. Applying quinclorac at 0.17 kg ha−1 with propanil plus molinate was as effective as applying quinclorac at 0.28 or 0.40 kg ha−1 with these herbicides.

A mathematical model of crenate broomrape populations in broad bean as affected by cropping frequency and planting dates in the absence of crenate broomrape control practices was constructed using previously reported data. In consecutive broad bean cropping, broomrape populations reached a maximum infection severity (D) of 62, 47, and 30 emerged broomrape m−2 for early (mid-October), intermediate (mid-November), and late (mid-December) planting dates, respectively. The maximum D values were reached earlier as planting dates were brought forward, taking from 4 to 6 yr, starting from very low initial infections (D ≤ 0.2 emerged broomrape m−2). If broad bean was cropped every 3 yr, 15, 21, and 27 yr were needed, respectively, according to the model, to reach the maximum D for the three planting dates considered. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to determine the effect of changing the values of the main demographic parameters in broomrape life cycle (germination, attachment, and seed loss) on the output of the model under different management strategies (planting dates and cropping frequency). Generally, an increase in seed attachment and a decrease in seed loss affected broomrape population dynamics. Between the two processes evaluated, the time taken to reach the maximum infection severity (D) was less sensitive than the maximum broomrape population values. Model predictions were validated using results from long-term field studies at the late planting date sown every year. Simulated values generated good predictions (R2 = 0.82).

Field studies were conducted at Morden, Manitoba, in 1994 and 1995 to investigate the effect of crop growth stages on canola and sunflower tolerance to sublethal doses of thifensulfuron:tribenuron (2:1). Thifensulfuron:tribenuron at doses of 0, 0.23, 0.45, 0.9, 1.8, and 3.6 g ai ha−1 plus a nonionic surfactant at 0.5% v/v were applied to canola and sunflower at the two- to three-leaf, four- to five-leaf, and six- to seven-leaf stages. Crop leaf stage at the time of application affected tolerance of both crops to thifensulfuron:tribenuron. Crop injury was lowest, and flowering, seed yield, and seed oil content were least affected when low doses of thifensulfuron:tribenuron were applied at the two- to three-leaf stage. At the highest dose, there was little practical difference among growth stages since yield of both crops was severely reduced. Producers with drift-affected canola or sunflower can expect less effect on crop yield when thifensulfuron:tribenuron injury occurs during early crop growth.

Greenhouse studies were carried out to determine the effects of different shading levels on biomass accumulation of purple and yellow nutsedge. Artificial shading levels provided were 20, 40, 60, and 80% of incident sunlight in addition to the full sunlight control (0% shading). Yellow nutsedge shoot and tuber number, plant height, and shoot and tuber dry weight were less affected by 20% shading than were these variables for purple nutsedge. Shoot and tuber dry biomass for both species responded linearly to shading level. In yellow nutsedge, 80% shading reduced dry matter partitioning to the tubers and increased partitioning into the shoots. In contrast, biomass partitioning to purple nutsedge tubers was decreased under high shade conditions without increases in partitioning to the shoots. The light compensation point was lower for yellow nutsedge than for purple nutsedge. This could possibly explain the wide distribution of yellow nutsedge in relatively low light intensity environments, in contrast with purple nutsedge, which generally occurs in tropical areas where higher light intensities are the norm.

Greenhouse studies suggested that dog mustard was less competitive than wheat, but of similar competitiveness to flax. In field studies, dog mustard growth and development were markedly affected by crop competition. Competition from flax and wheat reduced dog mustard leaf area, shoot dry weight, plant height, and seed production compared with the weed grown on summer-fallow. Dog mustard was a prolific seed producer when grown in the absence of interspecific competition. On summer-fallow, dog mustard produced as many as 79,100 seeds plant−1 when moisture was not a limiting factor. However, average seed production was 19,400 and 8000 seeds plant−1 in 1994 and 1995, respectively.

Greenhouse and field studies were conducted to investigate the responses of container-grown dogfennel, multiflora rose, and purple loosestrife to clopyralid or triclopyr applied to plants from a pruning shear blade. Clopyralid or triclopyr was diluted with water to various concentrations and placed on one side of a pruning shear blade in final volumes of either 1 or 5 μl. The shears were then used to sever and treat stems. Results indicated that 20% triclopyr concentrations in 5-μl total volume (360 μg active) gave ≥ 96% reductions of foliar regrowth in dogfennel, multiflora rose, and purple loosestrife 70, 42, and 56 days after treatment (DAT), respectively. The same delivery rate for clopyralid gave 96% dogfennel control 70 DAT. Subsequent visual ratings with multiflora rose (105 DAT) and purple loosestrife (260 DAT) confirmed that early reductions in biomass were good indicators of long-term control.

Horseweed emergence and survival were evaluated in no-tillage soybean and corn at Rosemount, MN, and Ames, IA, from the fall of 1992 through the summer of 1995. Most of the horseweed at both locations emerged in the fall. Winter survival of fall-emerged seedlings ranged from 59 to 91%. Timing and extent of horseweed emergence in spring varied by year and location. Spring emergence ranged from 5 to 32% of total emergence, with greater spring emergence at Rosemount than at Ames. Emergence occurred as late as early June at Rosemount and late May at Ames. Results indicated that horseweed may emerge well into the growing season, and spring emergence should be considered in weed management systems for no-tillage crop production.