In order to determine if weed control as practised during the establishment phase of tree growth had a beneficial and long term (over a six to eight year rotation) impact on tree performance, a Eucalyptus hybrid clone (GC304) was planted in a field trial in 1990. The trial was situated in the coastal Zululand region near the KwaZulu-Natal town of Mtunzini. Nine different vegetation management treatments were imposed from establishment. These included a weedy control, a manually weeded treatment, a chemically weeded treatment, a 1.2 m row and 1.2 m inter-row weeding, a 0.5 m radius ring weeding, a complete weeding except for a 0.5 m radius ring around the tree, and the use of two legume cover-crops, Mucuna puriens (cowpea) and Vigna sinensis (velvet bean). Initial improvements in tree performance from these competition control treatments were detected from 60 days after planting, and were maintained over seven growing seasons. This occurred despite the absence of competitive vegetation after the first growing season due to reduced light, following crown canopy closure. There were strong indications that initial competition was mainly for moisture and possibly also for nutrients, rather than competition for light. Initially those trees that had weeds within their immediate vicinity were most affected (weedy control, inter-row weeding and the complete weeding except for a 0.5 m radius around the tree). With time, tree performance was more closely related to an increase in the percentage of the area kept free of weeds. The best performing treatment at felling, the manually weeded control, produced 17.1 % and 38.5 % more merchantable timber than the 1.2 m row weeding and the weedy control, at an increased profit of 8 % and 27 %, respectively. Two forms of competition (interspecific and intraspecific competition) were evident in the weedy control at different stages of tree development in contrast to the one (intraspecific competition) in the manually weeded treatment. Interspecific competition resulted in greater variability between the trees in the weedy control by the time canopy closure had occurred. This differentiation in tree size was further enhanced by asymmetric intraspecific competition once the trees had become established. The onset of intraspecific competition was first detected 995 days after planting for the manually weeded treatment and 1641 days after planting for the weedy control. Of the various competition indices that were tested in order to try and explain this differential growth in terms of individual tree performance, none was able to do so to complete satisfaction. The growth rates of different tree size classes were therefore compared for the weedy control and manually weeded treatment. The diverging slopes of the different stem area classes indicated that the larger trees were growing at the expense of the smaller trees. This type of competition is known as asymmetric intraspecific competition. In addition, a comparison was made between the slopes for the weedy and weedfree treatments for similar stem area classes. No significant difference was detected, indicating that similar size classes in these two treatments grew at similar rates. Trees from three treatments were selected (manually weeded treatment, 1.2 m row weeding treatment and the weedy control) and tested for the wood and pulping properties of density, active alkali consumption, extractable content, screened pulp yield, pulp yield per hectare and fibre length and coarseness. The use of Canonical Variate Analysis to determine if there were differences between the three treatments for the variates measured, indicated that they were significantly different. There was a significantly positive trend of an increase in density, extractable content and active alkali consumption with increased weed control. A possible explanation for this could be that the larger trees of the manually weeded treatment were under more stress (from increased intraspecific competition) during the latter phase of their growth. This was demonstrated by comparing the growth rates for these three treatments. The smaller trees of the 1.2 m row weeding treatment and the weedy control exhibited a lower rate of decline. As no significant difference was detected for screened pulp yield between the treatments, any differences in the pulp yield per hectare values could be attributed to differences in the merchantable volume. There was a 22.6 % and 40.8 % increase in the pulp yield per hectare for the manually weeded treatment in comparison to the 1.2 m row weeding treatment and the weedy control. The planting of cover-crops, although beneficial in terms of weed suppression, caused significant tree suppression. This occurred despite the fact that their initial biomass accumulation was slower than that of the natural weed population. Of the two cover-crops, the use of the velvet bean was not considered suitable due to its vigorous vining habit which affected the growth form of the trees. Subsequent work suggests that if the beneficial qualities of cowpeas are to be realised (that of weed suppression, erosion control and nitrogen fixation), a delay in their planting by three months after establishment of the trees should alleviate any negative impacts on tree growth. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 1999.

No description available.

Bibliography: leaves 125-141. / xiii, 141 leaves : ill. ; 30 cm. / Title page, contents and abstract only. The complete thesis in print form is available from the University Library. / Addresses the poor control of major weed species under southern Australian winter conditions by the non-selective post-emergence herbicide, glufosinate in order to determine the best way to use it. Dose response experiments were performed under simulated southern Australian winter conditions, and demonstrated a variable glufosinate efficacy between Lollium rigidum and Avis sterilis. Glutamine synthetase assays showed that target site sensitivity did not influence these results. Spray retention experiments showed no influence from plant size or morphological features, while metabolic studies showed that only a small proportion of glufosinate was metabolised in both species. Tests of several populations of Raphanus raphanistrum showed that all populations, despite geographical origin, were poorly controlled by glufosinate, in both field and simulated conditions. Experiments conducted at higher temperatures showed enhanced glufosinate efficiency. Experiments with the use of co-herbicides, chelating agents, fertilizer salts and hormones were also carried out. Studies on the effect of the pH of the herbicide solution on cell uptake showed that uptake into the cell wall only was enhanced by reducing the buffer pH. Shows that the poor efficacy of glufosinate against these species is mainly due to poor translocation of the herbicide. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Adelaide, Dept. of Applied and Molecular Ecology, 2003

[Truncated abstract] With the rapid development of multiple herbicide resistant weeds in crops, it is likely that an important role now exists for new grazing management strategies in farming systems to provide an integrated approach to weed management. In this thesis we examined the general hypothesis that sowing a legume of low preference by sheep relative to the target weeds of crops would improve the control of those weeds in a grazed pasture. To test this general hypothesis, legumes of low preference by Merino sheep were identified and a series of experiments conducted to determine the effect on pasture composition when these less preferred legumes were incorporated into a grazed pasture. We found a learned response that altered forage preference by sheep was important in determining the effectiveness of grazing to reduce seed set by weeds of crops. Investigations on this aspect of the grazing behaviour of sheep were a key part of this thesis. The short-term relative preference of Merino hoggets among 15 pasture legumes, 4 grain legumes and annual ryegrass was determined by offering adjacent monocultures of each of the forage genotypes to the sheep. The relative preference of the hoggets for each of the 20 forages was determined at three phases of plant growth from estimates of the amount of forage consumed. Sheep showed a low selective preference for Vetch (Vicia sativa L.), chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), biserrula (Biserrula pelecinus L.), lotus (Lotus ornithopodioides L.) and snail medic (Medicago scutellata L.) cvs. Kelson and Sava at the vegetative phase of plant growth. An indoor method was also developed to test the relative preference of sheep among forages growing in pots. Using this method chickpea and snail medic, but not biserrula, were found to have a low relative preference by sheep at the vegetative phase.

The cochineal insect Dactylopius austrinus De Lotto, which was released on jointed cactus, Opuntia aurantiaca Lindley, in South Africa in 1932, failed to bring the weed under an acceptable level of control in spite of the encouraging results during the first few years after release. The reasons for this apparent failure were never clearly understood. In 1957 the State embarked on an intensive herbicidal control programme which is still in force today. This sustained and expensive programme has undoubtedly reduced the density of the weed in most areas but has failed to solve the problem and the plant continues to expand its range. The biological control of o. aurantiaca in South Africa has been fundamentally influenced by this chemical control campaign. The relationship between chemical and biological control methods is reported in this study.

O presente trabalho teve por objetivo estudar a herança genética, determinar o melhor protocolo de extração de DNA para esta espécie, e identificar marcadores moleculares associados à resistência de leiteiro (Euphorbia heterophylla L.) aos herbicidas inibidores da ALS e da PROTOX. A herança genética da resistência foi determinada a partir de cruzamentos entre os biótipos de E. heterophylla suscetível (S) e resistente (R), retrocruzamentos e avanço de geração para F2. A dominância completa da resistência foi comprovada com curvas de dose resposta. Foram testados dez protocolos de extrações de DNA adaptados de métodos descritos na literatura. Os iniciadores específicos para os genes ALS e PROTOX foram desenhados a partir da sequência de DNA consenso destes genes, obtida pelo alinhamento das espécies Manihot esculenta e Ricinus communis. Adicionalmente, foi testada a transferibilidade de vinte marcadores SSRs (sequências simples repetidas) desenhados para o genoma de Manihot esculenta, pois dentre espécies de Euphorbiaceae com maior número de marcadores SSRs desenvolvidos, é a espécie filogeneticamente mais próxima de E. heterophylla. Em relação à herança genética, as frequências observadas nas gerações F1, F2, RCs e RCr não diferiram estatisticamente das frequências esperadas para característica controlada por dois genes dominantes para resistência múltipla e um gene dominante para resistência simples aos inibidores da ALS e PROTOX. Os níveis similares de resistência observados para o heterozigoto F1 e o biótipo homozigoto R, para doses de até 2000 g i.a. ha-1 de fomesafen e doses de até 800 g i.a. ha-1 de imazethapyr, confirmam a dominância completa da resistência aos inibidores da PROTOX e ALS, respectivamente. O protocolo 0,2%BME possibilitou a extração de 7,083 ng μL-1 de DNA, sendo estatisticamente (P=0,05) superior aos demais protocolos. Os compostos fenólicos contaminaram o DNA extraído pelos protocolos FENOL e 3%BME+TB, mas a adição de polivinilpirrolidona (PVP40) no tampão de extração do protocolo 3%BME+TA solucionou este problema. Os iniciadores desenhados para os genes ALS e PROTOX não amplificaram ou não apresentaram polimorfismo visível em gel de agarose entre os biótipos S e R de E. heterophylla. Dez marcadores SSR foram transferidos para E. heterophylla e destes, seis iniciadores apresentaram polimorfismo entre os biótipos S e R. / This study aimed to assess the genetic inheritance, determine the better DNA isolation protocol for this species and to identify molecular markers associated with the Wild Poinsettia (Euphorbia heterophylla L.) resistance ALS- and PROTOX- inhibiting herbicides and. The genetic inheritance of resistance was determined from crosses between E. heterophylla biotypes susceptible (S) and resistant (R), backcrosses and F2 generation. The complete dominance of resistance was confirmed with dose response curves. Ten adjusted methods for DNA isolation described in the literature were tested. The specific primers for ALS and PROTOX genes were designed from the consensus DNA sequence of these genes, obtained by aligning the gene sequences of the species Manihot esculenta and Ricinus communis L. Additionally, it was assessed the transferability of twenty SSR (simple sequence repeat) markers designed for Manihot esculenta, because among the species of Euphorbiaceae with more developed SSRs markers, because it is the closest relative phylogenetic species of E. heterophylla. Regarding genetic inheritance, the frequencies observed in the F1, F2, RCs and RCr did not differ significantly from the expected frequencies for a trait controlled by two dominant genes for multiple resistance and a single dominant gene for simple resistance to ALS- and PROTOX-inhibiting herbicides. The similar levels of resistance to dosage up to 2000 g i.a. ha-1 of fomesafen and dosage up to 800 g i.a. ha-1 of imazethapyr observed in F1 (heterozygous) and homozygous R biotype confirm the complete dominance of resistance to PROTOX- and ALS-inhibiting herbicides, respectively. The 0.2%BME protocol allowed the isolation of 7,083 ng μL-1 DNA, significantly (P=0.05) higher than other methods. Co-isolation of phenolic compounds was observed in FENOL and 3%BME+TB methods, but the addition of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP40) in the protocol extraction buffer 3%BME+TA solved this problem. The primers designed for ALS and PROTOX genes amplified but not showed no visible polymorphism in agarose gel between the S and R biotypes of E. heterophylla. Regarding the SSR transferability, ten markers were transferred to E. heterophylla, however, these six primers showed polymorphism among S and R biotypes.

As espécies de Ipomoea estão entre as mais tolerantes ao glyphosate. A forte pressão de seleção exercida pelo uso intensivo desse herbicida em áreas cultivadas favorece o surgimento de espécies com alto grau de tolerância a esse produto. Conhecer as espécies mais comuns em áreas cultivadas, os métodos de superação de dormência adequados para cada espécie e os seus mecanismos de tolerância ao glyphosate é fundamental para o estabelecimento de estratégias de prevenção e manejo. O segundo capítulo da dissertação tratou da seleção de métodos eficazes de superação de dormência nas espécies Ipomoea indivisa, I. grandifolia e I. purpurea e na determinação de como os mesmos influenciam a cinética da germinação das sementes dessas espécies. Os tratamentos foram água quente, escarificação mecânica, escarificação mecânica + resfriamento, escarificação química e testemunha. Foram avaliados a porcentagem de germinação, tempo médio, índice de velocidade e frequência relativa de germinação. No terceiro capítulo foram identificadas as espécies de Ipomoea mais comuns em lavouras de soja da região Sudoeste do Paraná e Oeste de Santa Catarina, através de dois experimentos de resposta a doses de glyphosate. No experimento preliminar, foram definidas doses de glyphosate a serem empregadas no ensaio subsequente, empregando-se um biótipo de cada uma das espécies I. grandifolia, I. indivisa e I. purpurea. Nos experimentos subsequentes, em 31 biótipos (20 de I. grandifolia, 7 de I. indivisa e 4 de I. purpurea) foram aplicadas 0, 216, 432, 864, 1.296, 1.728 e 2.160 g ha-1 de glyphosate (doses em e. a.) em plantas com 6 a 8 folhas verdadeiras. O desempenho do herbicida foi avaliado através do controle aos 7, 14 21 e 28 dias após a aplicação (DAA), da massa da parte aérea verde (MPAV) e seca (MPAS) aos 28 DAA. O quarto capítulo visou identificar se a absorção foliar e a translocação são mecanismos determinantes da tolerância ao glyphosate em espécies e biótipos de Ipomoea. Foram avaliados um biótipo tolerante (T) e um sensível (S) das espécies I. grandifolia, I. indivisa e I. purpurea. Quando essas apresentavam entre 3 e 4 folhas expandidas foi aplicado 360 g ha-1 de 14Cglyphosate+ padrão analítico. Foram analisadas a absorção foliar e a translocação 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, 48 e 72 horas após a aplicação (HAA) do herbicida. A escarificação com ácido sulfúrico foi o método de superação de dormência mais indicado para I. indivisa e I. purpurea, e o tratamento com água quente foi o mais eficiente para I. grandifolia. As espécies de Ipomoea mais comuns no levantamento foram I. indivisa, I. purpurea e I. grandifolia. Ocorre grande variabilidade de tolerância ao glyphosate entre biótipos de uma mesma espécie e entre espécies. Alguns biótipos necessitam dose muito superior à recomendada para a espécie para serem controlados satisfatoriamente. A tolerância ao glyphosate em biótipos de Ipomoea grandifolia está associada à absorção e translocação reduzida nas plantas, e em biótipos de I. indivisa e I. purpurea à reduzida translocação de glyphosate. / The Ipomoea species are among the most tolerant to glyphosate. The strong selection pressure exerted by the intensive use of this herbicide in cultivated areas favors the emergence of species with high tolerance. Knowing the most common species in cultivated areas, appropriate methods of dormancy overcoming for each species and their mechanisms of tolerance to glyphosate is crucial for the establishment of strategies for prevention and management. The second chapter of the dissertation dealt with the selection of effective methods of overcoming dormancy in Ipomoea species I. indivisa, I. grandifolia and I. purpurea and determining how they affect the germination kinetics of these species. Treatments were hot water, chiseling, chiseling + cooling, chemical scarification and a check. We evaluated germinability, mean time, speed index and relative frequency of germination. In the third chapter we identified the most common species of Ipomoea in soybean crop from southwestern Paraná and west of Santa Catarina, through two experiments of response to rates of glyphosate. In preliminary experiments were defined glyphosate rates to be used in a subsequent assay, using one biotype of the species I. grandifolia, I. indivisa and I. purpurea. In the subsequent experiments, in 31 biotypes (20 I. grandifolia, 7 I. indivisa and 4 I. purpurea) were sprayed 0, 216, 432, 864, 1,296, 1,728 and 2,160 g ha-1 of glyphosate in plants with 6-8 true leaves. The performance of the herbicide was evaluated using the control at 7, 14 21 and 28 days after application (DAA), the mass of fresh (MPAV) and dry (SDW) shoots at 28 DAA. The fourth chapter aimed to identify whether foliar absorption and translocation mechanisms are determinants to tolerance of Ipomoea species and biotypes to glyphosate. Were compared one biotype tolerant (T) and one sensitive (S) of species I. grandifolia, I. indivisa and I. purpurea. When the plants had between 3 and 4 expanded leaves was applied 360 g ha-1 of 14C-glyphosate + analytical standard. We analyzed the foliar uptake and translocation 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, 48 and 72 hours after application (HAA) of the herbicide. The most common species of Ipomoea in the survey were I. indivisa, I. purpurea and I. grandifolia. Scarification with sulfuric acid was the best method of overcoming dormancy for I. indivisa and I. purpurea, and the hot water treatment was most effective in I. grandifolia. There was great variability of tolerance to glyphosate between biotypes of the same species and between species. Some biotypes required much more than the recommended dose for the species to be controlled satisfactorily. The tolerance to glyphosate in I. grandifolia biotypes was associated with reduced absorption and translocation in plants, and in I. Indivisa biotypes and I. purpurea with reduced translocation of glyphosate.

O presente trabalho teve por objetivo estudar a herança genética, determinar o melhor protocolo de extração de DNA para esta espécie, e identificar marcadores moleculares associados à resistência de leiteiro (Euphorbia heterophylla L.) aos herbicidas inibidores da ALS e da PROTOX. A herança genética da resistência foi determinada a partir de cruzamentos entre os biótipos de E. heterophylla suscetível (S) e resistente (R), retrocruzamentos e avanço de geração para F2. A dominância completa da resistência foi comprovada com curvas de dose resposta. Foram testados dez protocolos de extrações de DNA adaptados de métodos descritos na literatura. Os iniciadores específicos para os genes ALS e PROTOX foram desenhados a partir da sequência de DNA consenso destes genes, obtida pelo alinhamento das espécies Manihot esculenta e Ricinus communis. Adicionalmente, foi testada a transferibilidade de vinte marcadores SSRs (sequências simples repetidas) desenhados para o genoma de Manihot esculenta, pois dentre espécies de Euphorbiaceae com maior número de marcadores SSRs desenvolvidos, é a espécie filogeneticamente mais próxima de E. heterophylla. Em relação à herança genética, as frequências observadas nas gerações F1, F2, RCs e RCr não diferiram estatisticamente das frequências esperadas para característica controlada por dois genes dominantes para resistência múltipla e um gene dominante para resistência simples aos inibidores da ALS e PROTOX. Os níveis similares de resistência observados para o heterozigoto F1 e o biótipo homozigoto R, para doses de até 2000 g i.a. ha-1 de fomesafen e doses de até 800 g i.a. ha-1 de imazethapyr, confirmam a dominância completa da resistência aos inibidores da PROTOX e ALS, respectivamente. O protocolo 0,2%BME possibilitou a extração de 7,083 ng μL-1 de DNA, sendo estatisticamente (P=0,05) superior aos demais protocolos. Os compostos fenólicos contaminaram o DNA extraído pelos protocolos FENOL e 3%BME+TB, mas a adição de polivinilpirrolidona (PVP40) no tampão de extração do protocolo 3%BME+TA solucionou este problema. Os iniciadores desenhados para os genes ALS e PROTOX não amplificaram ou não apresentaram polimorfismo visível em gel de agarose entre os biótipos S e R de E. heterophylla. Dez marcadores SSR foram transferidos para E. heterophylla e destes, seis iniciadores apresentaram polimorfismo entre os biótipos S e R. / This study aimed to assess the genetic inheritance, determine the better DNA isolation protocol for this species and to identify molecular markers associated with the Wild Poinsettia (Euphorbia heterophylla L.) resistance ALS- and PROTOX- inhibiting herbicides and. The genetic inheritance of resistance was determined from crosses between E. heterophylla biotypes susceptible (S) and resistant (R), backcrosses and F2 generation. The complete dominance of resistance was confirmed with dose response curves. Ten adjusted methods for DNA isolation described in the literature were tested. The specific primers for ALS and PROTOX genes were designed from the consensus DNA sequence of these genes, obtained by aligning the gene sequences of the species Manihot esculenta and Ricinus communis L. Additionally, it was assessed the transferability of twenty SSR (simple sequence repeat) markers designed for Manihot esculenta, because among the species of Euphorbiaceae with more developed SSRs markers, because it is the closest relative phylogenetic species of E. heterophylla. Regarding genetic inheritance, the frequencies observed in the F1, F2, RCs and RCr did not differ significantly from the expected frequencies for a trait controlled by two dominant genes for multiple resistance and a single dominant gene for simple resistance to ALS- and PROTOX-inhibiting herbicides. The similar levels of resistance to dosage up to 2000 g i.a. ha-1 of fomesafen and dosage up to 800 g i.a. ha-1 of imazethapyr observed in F1 (heterozygous) and homozygous R biotype confirm the complete dominance of resistance to PROTOX- and ALS-inhibiting herbicides, respectively. The 0.2%BME protocol allowed the isolation of 7,083 ng μL-1 DNA, significantly (P=0.05) higher than other methods. Co-isolation of phenolic compounds was observed in FENOL and 3%BME+TB methods, but the addition of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP40) in the protocol extraction buffer 3%BME+TA solved this problem. The primers designed for ALS and PROTOX genes amplified but not showed no visible polymorphism in agarose gel between the S and R biotypes of E. heterophylla. Regarding the SSR transferability, ten markers were transferred to E. heterophylla, however, these six primers showed polymorphism among S and R biotypes.

As espécies de Ipomoea estão entre as mais tolerantes ao glyphosate. A forte pressão de seleção exercida pelo uso intensivo desse herbicida em áreas cultivadas favorece o surgimento de espécies com alto grau de tolerância a esse produto. Conhecer as espécies mais comuns em áreas cultivadas, os métodos de superação de dormência adequados para cada espécie e os seus mecanismos de tolerância ao glyphosate é fundamental para o estabelecimento de estratégias de prevenção e manejo. O segundo capítulo da dissertação tratou da seleção de métodos eficazes de superação de dormência nas espécies Ipomoea indivisa, I. grandifolia e I. purpurea e na determinação de como os mesmos influenciam a cinética da germinação das sementes dessas espécies. Os tratamentos foram água quente, escarificação mecânica, escarificação mecânica + resfriamento, escarificação química e testemunha. Foram avaliados a porcentagem de germinação, tempo médio, índice de velocidade e frequência relativa de germinação. No terceiro capítulo foram identificadas as espécies de Ipomoea mais comuns em lavouras de soja da região Sudoeste do Paraná e Oeste de Santa Catarina, através de dois experimentos de resposta a doses de glyphosate. No experimento preliminar, foram definidas doses de glyphosate a serem empregadas no ensaio subsequente, empregando-se um biótipo de cada uma das espécies I. grandifolia, I. indivisa e I. purpurea. Nos experimentos subsequentes, em 31 biótipos (20 de I. grandifolia, 7 de I. indivisa e 4 de I. purpurea) foram aplicadas 0, 216, 432, 864, 1.296, 1.728 e 2.160 g ha-1 de glyphosate (doses em e. a.) em plantas com 6 a 8 folhas verdadeiras. O desempenho do herbicida foi avaliado através do controle aos 7, 14 21 e 28 dias após a aplicação (DAA), da massa da parte aérea verde (MPAV) e seca (MPAS) aos 28 DAA. O quarto capítulo visou identificar se a absorção foliar e a translocação são mecanismos determinantes da tolerância ao glyphosate em espécies e biótipos de Ipomoea. Foram avaliados um biótipo tolerante (T) e um sensível (S) das espécies I. grandifolia, I. indivisa e I. purpurea. Quando essas apresentavam entre 3 e 4 folhas expandidas foi aplicado 360 g ha-1 de 14Cglyphosate+ padrão analítico. Foram analisadas a absorção foliar e a translocação 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, 48 e 72 horas após a aplicação (HAA) do herbicida. A escarificação com ácido sulfúrico foi o método de superação de dormência mais indicado para I. indivisa e I. purpurea, e o tratamento com água quente foi o mais eficiente para I. grandifolia. As espécies de Ipomoea mais comuns no levantamento foram I. indivisa, I. purpurea e I. grandifolia. Ocorre grande variabilidade de tolerância ao glyphosate entre biótipos de uma mesma espécie e entre espécies. Alguns biótipos necessitam dose muito superior à recomendada para a espécie para serem controlados satisfatoriamente. A tolerância ao glyphosate em biótipos de Ipomoea grandifolia está associada à absorção e translocação reduzida nas plantas, e em biótipos de I. indivisa e I. purpurea à reduzida translocação de glyphosate. / The Ipomoea species are among the most tolerant to glyphosate. The strong selection pressure exerted by the intensive use of this herbicide in cultivated areas favors the emergence of species with high tolerance. Knowing the most common species in cultivated areas, appropriate methods of dormancy overcoming for each species and their mechanisms of tolerance to glyphosate is crucial for the establishment of strategies for prevention and management. The second chapter of the dissertation dealt with the selection of effective methods of overcoming dormancy in Ipomoea species I. indivisa, I. grandifolia and I. purpurea and determining how they affect the germination kinetics of these species. Treatments were hot water, chiseling, chiseling + cooling, chemical scarification and a check. We evaluated germinability, mean time, speed index and relative frequency of germination. In the third chapter we identified the most common species of Ipomoea in soybean crop from southwestern Paraná and west of Santa Catarina, through two experiments of response to rates of glyphosate. In preliminary experiments were defined glyphosate rates to be used in a subsequent assay, using one biotype of the species I. grandifolia, I. indivisa and I. purpurea. In the subsequent experiments, in 31 biotypes (20 I. grandifolia, 7 I. indivisa and 4 I. purpurea) were sprayed 0, 216, 432, 864, 1,296, 1,728 and 2,160 g ha-1 of glyphosate in plants with 6-8 true leaves. The performance of the herbicide was evaluated using the control at 7, 14 21 and 28 days after application (DAA), the mass of fresh (MPAV) and dry (SDW) shoots at 28 DAA. The fourth chapter aimed to identify whether foliar absorption and translocation mechanisms are determinants to tolerance of Ipomoea species and biotypes to glyphosate. Were compared one biotype tolerant (T) and one sensitive (S) of species I. grandifolia, I. indivisa and I. purpurea. When the plants had between 3 and 4 expanded leaves was applied 360 g ha-1 of 14C-glyphosate + analytical standard. We analyzed the foliar uptake and translocation 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, 48 and 72 hours after application (HAA) of the herbicide. The most common species of Ipomoea in the survey were I. indivisa, I. purpurea and I. grandifolia. Scarification with sulfuric acid was the best method of overcoming dormancy for I. indivisa and I. purpurea, and the hot water treatment was most effective in I. grandifolia. There was great variability of tolerance to glyphosate between biotypes of the same species and between species. Some biotypes required much more than the recommended dose for the species to be controlled satisfactorily. The tolerance to glyphosate in I. grandifolia biotypes was associated with reduced absorption and translocation in plants, and in I. Indivisa biotypes and I. purpurea with reduced translocation of glyphosate.

The alien invader plant Parthenium hysterophorus is a Category 1 weed in South Africa, where it poses a serious threat to indigenous vegetation in particular, and to biodiversity in general. In addition to its competitive ability, it is hypothesized that the successful invasiveness of P. hysterophorus is linked to the allelopathic potential of the plant. One compound in particular, parthenin, is alleged to play a major role in this allelopathic potential. Interference between P. hysterophorus and three indigenous grass species (Eragrostis curvula, Panicum maximum, Digitaria eriantha) was investigated on a site with a natural parthenium infestation at Skukuza, Kruger National Park. The trial was conducted over two growing seasons on exclosure plots which eliminated mammal herbivory. P. maximum displayed best overall performance and was eventually able to completely overwhelm P. hysterophorus. Eragrostis curvula and D. eriantha grew more favourably in the second season after becoming better established but were clearly not well adapted to the trial conditions. Although P. maximum was the supreme interferer, all grasses were able to significantly interfere with P. hysterophorus growth in the second season. The ability of P. maximum to interfere with P. hysterophorus growth so efficiently that it caused mortalities of the latter species, indicates that P. maximum exhibits high potential for use as an antagonistic species in an integrated control programme. An investigation on the production dynamics of parthenin in the leaves of P. hysterophorus indicated that high levels of this compound are produced and maintained in the plant up until senescence. The high resource allocation priority of the plant towards this secondary metabolite even in the final growth stages may indicate the use of residual allelopathy to inhibit or impede the recruitment of other species. Studies on the persistence of parthenin in soil revealed that parthenin is readily degraded in soil and that microbial degradation appears to play a predominant role. Significant differences between parthenin disappearance-time half-life (DT50) values were observed in soils incubated at different temperatures and in soils with different textures. Exposure of the three grass species to pure parthenin showed that, in terms of their early development, the order of sensitivity of the grasses was: Panicum maximum>Digitaria eriantha>Eragrostis curvula. It may therefore prove challenging to establish P. maximum from seed in P. hysterophorus stands during the execution of an integrated control programme due to the sensitivity of this grass species to parthenin. From the research findings it appears possible that P. hysterophorus can inhibit or impede the recruitment of indigenous vegetation under natural conditions. At least one mechanism through which this alien species can exert its negative influence on other plant species is the production and release of parthenin. / Dissertation (MSc (Agric) Agronomy)--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Plant Production and Soil Science / unrestricted