Thesis (Ph. D.)--Ohio University, 2005. / Title from PDF t.p. (viewed Jan. 26, 2007). Includes bibliographical references (p. 157-170).

[Truncated abstract] Wild radish (Raphanus raphanistrum L.), an outcrossing annual plant, is one of the most widespread and successful colonising weeds in the Australian wheat belt. It was introduced accidentally during the latter part of the 19th century, apparently independently through the major ports of southern Australia. The widespread success of wild radish, and therefore the likelihood of distinct populations, gives us the opportunity to study the colonizing process with adaptation in annual outbreeding species, and to explore their genetic diversity. The aims of this thesis were to study the genetic diversity of wild radish and to investigate which factors are important in its success. After an initial review of the literature (chapter 2), the thesis describes experiments where genetic variation between and within populations was compared at 55 sites in transects across the wheat belt and high rainfall zones of temperate Western Australia (chapter 3). In chapter 4, variation in life history traits was compared with variation in AFLP molecular markers. The role of seed dormancy in the survival of the species was examined in chapter 5, and variation in the oil content of seeds and their fatty acid composition was examined in chapter 6. Finally, the results were discussed in chapter 7 with special reference to the adaptive value of outcrossing in annual weeds. The results suggest that wild radish has evolved to fit the Australian environment. However, measurement of 14 morphological and phenological characters showed that in most cases within site variation was much greater than that between sites. Most of the variation between sites was associated with geoclusters, a name given to zones of similar environmental conditions in regard to rainfall and temperature. Thus plants from areas with high rainfall and low temperature produced longer, wider pods with more segments, heavier seeds and flowered later than plants from more arid areas.

published_or_final_version / Ecology and Biodiversity / Doctoral / Doctor of Philosophy

Master of Science / Department of Biology / David C. Hartnett / Invasive plants pose a global threat by changing natural communities and ecosystems in ways that may be irreversible. Marrubium vulgare L. (horehound), native to Eurasia, is an invasive exotic plant found throughout the United States. Little is known about M. vulgare in the U.S. and this study aimed to understand the basic biology, habitat, and population dynamics of M. vulgare in its invasive habitat as well as the role of disturbance in the invasions. Wind Cave National Park (WCNP), an area comprising ponderosa pine and mixed grass prairie vegetation types, was used as the site for this study. In a GPS and GIS mapping study, M. vulgare was found to be significantly associated with prairie dog towns, an Aristida purpurea - Dyssodia papposa (threeawn and fetid marigold) vegetation community (a vegetation type found exclusively on prairie dog towns), and certain types of loamy soils. M. vulgare was rarely found off of prairie dog towns and then only in other disturbed areas such as bison trails or tree falls. Population studies showed M. vulgare populations were mostly stable or slightly decreasing in density (though not significantly) from 2010 to 2011; however, a few of the populations did increase dramatically in density from 2010 to 2011. M. vulgare populations existed in high densities (78.3-322.9 ramets/m2) and in low densities (0.1-2.2 genets/m2) throughout WCNP. Disturbances including prairie dog burrows, bison trails, prairie dog and bison presence, mowing, and percent cover of bare ground were measured in relation to population dynamics. While M. vulgare populations were disturbance dependent, there was no clear relationship between disturbances and population dynamics. Examination of M. vulgare life history traits found that while M. vulgare had relatively low biomass allocation to reproduction as compared to native perennial prairie species, M. vulgare produced an extremely high number of small seeds (estimated 1487/plant). Seedling establishment rates were also high. While not quantified, M. vulgare appears to be effectively dispersed through bison epizoochory. These results help to inform management of M. vulgare populations: minimizing disturbance, decreasing propagule supply, and minimizing dispersal may help to reduce M. vulgare invasions.

O presente experimento teve por objetivos, avaliar a maneira como a planta de soja se adapta a diferentes arranjos espaciais (plasticidade) e identificar o arranjo espacial que melhor represente ou possibilite associar o manejo do cultivar MG/BR 46 (Conquista) com alta produtividade agrícola. O experimento foi conduzido em área experimental da Escola Superior de Agricultura "Luiz de Queiroz" (ESALQ/USP), no município de Piracicaba - SP, durante o ano agrícola de 2001/2002. Os tratamentos constaram de diferentes arranjos espaciais, variando-se e combinando-se 6 níveis do fator espaçamento entre linhas (0,20; 0,30; 0,40; 0,50; 0,60 e 0,70 m) e 5 níveis do fator densidade de plantas na linha visando as populações de 70.000; 140.000; 210.000; 280.000 e 350.000 plantas/ha, totalizando 30 tratamentos, delineados em blocos ao acaso com parcelas subdivididas e com três repetições. As características avaliadas foram: tempo de fechamento de entrelinhas; índice de área foliar; altura final de planta; altura de inserção da primeira vagem; número de ramificações; número de vagens por planta; número de grãos por planta; grau de acamamento; massa de 1000 sementes e produtividade agrícola. As principais conclusões são: a) o cultivar MG/BR 46 (Conquista), cultivado em linhas espaçadas entre si de 0,20 a 0,60 m, apresenta índice de área foliar máximo no estádio fenológico correspondente ao início da granação das vagens (R5); b) o número de vagens é o mais importante componente da produção por planta, por ser diretamente influenciado pelo arranjo populacional das plantas na área de produção; c) o cultivar MG/BR 46 (Conquista) apresenta ampla plasticidade, ajustando os seus componentes de produção aos diferentes arranjos espaciais, sem que ocorram significativas diferenças de produtividade; d) para cada combinação entre o espaçamento entre linhas e a densidade de plantas na linha existe uma população de plantas mais bem ajustada, que possibilita maior produtividade de grãos. / This research had as purposes to evaluate the soybean plant adaptations (plasticity) to different space arrangements and identify the best space arrangements for higher yields of cultivar MG/BR 46 (Conquista). The experiment was carried out at the experimental fields of Escola Superior de Agricultura "Luiz de Queiroz" (USP/ESALQ), São Paulo State University, in Piracicaba-SP, during the 2001/2002 growing season. The 30 treatments consisted of different space arrangements, combining 6 row spacing (0,20; 0,30; 0,40; 0,50; 0,60; 0,70 m) with 5 different population (70.000; 140.000; 210.000; 280.000; 350.000 plants/ha), in a complete randomized blocks design with subdivided plots and three replications. The evaluated characteristics were: time to achieve closed canopy; leaf area index; final plant height; height of the first pod; number of branches per plant; number of pods per plant; number of grains per plant; lodging; mass of 1,000 grains and yield. The main conclusions are: a) the cultivar MG/BR - 46 (Conquista) cultivated under 0,20 to 0,60 m row spacing shows a leaf area index maximum at the begging of seed-filling stage (R5); b) the number of pods is the best related component to yield per plant, being directly influenced by plant population; c) the cultivar MG/BR - 46 (Conquista) presents wide plasticity, adjusting its yield components to the different space arrangements, without significant yield changes; d) for each row spacing there is a better plant population to achieve higher yield.

O presente trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar diferentes espaçamentos entre linhas e densidades de plantas em três cultivares de algodoeiro com diferentes arquiteturas de plantas. Os experimentos foram conduzidos no ano agrícola 2005/2006 no Centro Experimental Central, do Instituto Agronômico, em Campinas-SP, no Pólo Regional do Noroeste Paulista, da APTA, em Votuporanga-SP e na Fazenda de Ensino e Pesquisa da Unesp, Campus de Ilha Solteira, em Selvíria-MS. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi em blocos ao acaso, em esquema fatorial 2x2x3, com 4 repetições, sendo dois espaçamentos entre linhas (0,45 e 0,90 m), duas densidades de semeadura (6 e 10 plantas.m-1) e três cultivares (IAC 24, DeltaOpal e Fibermax 966). Em cada parcela experimental foram tomadas 4 plantas ao caso e avaliadas as seguintes variáveis: altura final das plantas, altura de inserção do 1° ramo frutífero, diâmetro do caule, número de ramos reprodutivos e número de capulhos por planta. Em Votuporanga foram determinadas a incidência de podridão de maçãs e a espessura do pericarpo de maçãs jovens. Amostras de 20 capulhos foram colhidas em cada parcela experimental, para a avaliação dos componentes da produção: massa de um capulho, massa de 100 sementes e porcentagem de fibra (apenas no experimento de Campinas); e para as análises das características tecnológicas da fibra: comprimento, uniformidade de comprimento, tenacidade, micronaire e maturidade. Em Campinas foi determinada a produção de algodão em caroço na área útil de cada parcela do experimento. De acordo com os dados obtidos, pôde-se concluir que: a utilização de espaçamentos mais largos acarreta maior altura final das plantas, maior diâmetro do caule, maior número de ramos reprodutivos e número de capulhos por planta; a utilização de espaçamentos entre 0,45 e 0,90 m e densidades de plantas entre 6 e 10 plantas.m-1 não acarreta em diferenças na produtividade do algodoeiro; em condições de menor competição entre plantas e maior penetração de luz no dossel, isto é, sob espaçamentos mais largos e/ou menor densidade de plantas na linha, o algodoeiro prioriza a produção de fibras; independente da cultivar e do espaçamento adotado, o índice micronaire pode aumentar com a redução do número de plantas na linha; a incidência de podridão de maçãs do algodoeiro, bem como sua severidade, estão relacionadas ao genótipo utilizado, quer seja pela arquitetura da planta como também pela espessura do pericarpo dos frutos. / The aim of this work was to evaluate different row spacings and plant population densities for three cotton cultivars with different plant architecture. The experiments were carried out in experimental areas belonging to Instituto Agronômico, in Campinas- SP, at Pólo Regional do Noroeste Paulista, from APTA, in Votuporanga-SP and at Unesp Campus de Ilha Solteira, in Selvíria-MS. A randomized block design was used, with four replicates, in a factorial 2x2x3 scheme, with two row spacings (0.45 and 0.90 m), two plant population densities (6 and 10 plants.m-1) and three cotton cultivars (IAC 24, DeltaOpal e Fibermax 966). Four plants per plot were labeled and analyzed for the plant height, insertion height of the first fruit branch, stem diameter, number of fruit branches and open bolls per plant. In Votuporanga were also analyzed the boll rot incidence and the pericarp thickness of young bolls. Samples of 20 open bolls randomized chosen per plot were analyzed for yield components: average open boll mass, 100 seeds mass, and fiber percentage, just on the Campinas experiment; and for fiber technological characteristics: length, length uniformity, strength, micronaire and maturity. In Campinas the cotton yield was determinated in the useful area of each plot. According to the experimental data obtained it was possible to conclude: the use of wider row spacing leads to a greater plant height, larger stem diameter, greater number of fruit branches and bolls per plant. The use of row spacing varying from 0.45 to 0.90 and plant densities varying from 6 to10 plants.m-1 do not affect cotton yield; under lower plant competition and higher light levels in the canopy, that is, in wider row spacing and/or lower plant population, the fiber production is prioritized by the cotton plant; independently of the cultivar and row spacing, the micronaire may increase with plant population reduction; the boll rot incidence, as well as its severity, are related to plant genotype, due to either plant architecture and pericarp thickness.

O presente experimento teve por objetivos, avaliar a maneira como a planta de soja se adapta a diferentes arranjos espaciais (plasticidade) e identificar o arranjo espacial que melhor represente ou possibilite associar o manejo do cultivar MG/BR 46 (Conquista) com alta produtividade agrícola. O experimento foi conduzido em área experimental da Escola Superior de Agricultura "Luiz de Queiroz" (ESALQ/USP), no município de Piracicaba - SP, durante o ano agrícola de 2001/2002. Os tratamentos constaram de diferentes arranjos espaciais, variando-se e combinando-se 6 níveis do fator espaçamento entre linhas (0,20; 0,30; 0,40; 0,50; 0,60 e 0,70 m) e 5 níveis do fator densidade de plantas na linha visando as populações de 70.000; 140.000; 210.000; 280.000 e 350.000 plantas/ha, totalizando 30 tratamentos, delineados em blocos ao acaso com parcelas subdivididas e com três repetições. As características avaliadas foram: tempo de fechamento de entrelinhas; índice de área foliar; altura final de planta; altura de inserção da primeira vagem; número de ramificações; número de vagens por planta; número de grãos por planta; grau de acamamento; massa de 1000 sementes e produtividade agrícola. As principais conclusões são: a) o cultivar MG/BR 46 (Conquista), cultivado em linhas espaçadas entre si de 0,20 a 0,60 m, apresenta índice de área foliar máximo no estádio fenológico correspondente ao início da granação das vagens (R5); b) o número de vagens é o mais importante componente da produção por planta, por ser diretamente influenciado pelo arranjo populacional das plantas na área de produção; c) o cultivar MG/BR 46 (Conquista) apresenta ampla plasticidade, ajustando os seus componentes de produção aos diferentes arranjos espaciais, sem que ocorram significativas diferenças de produtividade; d) para cada combinação entre o espaçamento entre linhas e a densidade de plantas na linha existe uma população de plantas mais bem ajustada, que possibilita maior produtividade de grãos. / This research had as purposes to evaluate the soybean plant adaptations (plasticity) to different space arrangements and identify the best space arrangements for higher yields of cultivar MG/BR 46 (Conquista). The experiment was carried out at the experimental fields of Escola Superior de Agricultura "Luiz de Queiroz" (USP/ESALQ), São Paulo State University, in Piracicaba-SP, during the 2001/2002 growing season. The 30 treatments consisted of different space arrangements, combining 6 row spacing (0,20; 0,30; 0,40; 0,50; 0,60; 0,70 m) with 5 different population (70.000; 140.000; 210.000; 280.000; 350.000 plants/ha), in a complete randomized blocks design with subdivided plots and three replications. The evaluated characteristics were: time to achieve closed canopy; leaf area index; final plant height; height of the first pod; number of branches per plant; number of pods per plant; number of grains per plant; lodging; mass of 1,000 grains and yield. The main conclusions are: a) the cultivar MG/BR – 46 (Conquista) cultivated under 0,20 to 0,60 m row spacing shows a leaf area index maximum at the begging of seed-filling stage (R5); b) the number of pods is the best related component to yield per plant, being directly influenced by plant population; c) the cultivar MG/BR – 46 (Conquista) presents wide plasticity, adjusting its yield components to the different space arrangements, without significant yield changes; d) for each row spacing there is a better plant population to achieve higher yield.

Made available in DSpace on 2017-07-10T17:37:27Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Marcio Leandro Goncalves.pdf: 390674 bytes, checksum: e9135f2628f32cffc80e45f13f950692 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2008-12-12 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / A study was conducted with the objetive to evaluate the effect of spacing between the plantation rows (0.45, 0.68 and 0.90 m) on plants population density of (50.000, 60.000, 70.000 and 80.000 plants ha-¹) about the grain productivity of three hibrid corn (Zea mays L.) A field experiment was conducted from September 10 to April 10/2008 in three different environments with different height, in Goioerê, Toledo and Cascavel localized in the west of Parana State. The design utilized was of randomized blocks into subdivided parcels. The spacing were placed in the main parcel and the population density and hybrids in sub parcels in a factorial schema. Biometric variables such as plant height, height of insertion of the first spike and diameter of stem and the components of production, number of rows, number of grains per spike, mass of grains per spike, the mass spike and productivity, were evaluated. Was no effect of row spacing, obtaining the maximum grain yield with the spacing of 0.57 m between rows, regardless of location. There was positive interaction between the environmental effect of plant population. The positive response to the increase of population in the Toledo plant was directly related to the level of soil fertility. In Cascavel Goioerê and no significant difference to the increase in population from 50,000 to 80,000 plants ha-1. In all locations the hybrid AS 1570 showed higher productivity of hybrid AS 1565 and AS 1575 / Com objetivo de avaliar o efeito do espaçamento entre linhas de plantio (0,45; 0,68 e 0,90 m), sob quatro densidades populacionais (50.000, 60.000, 70.000 e 80.000 plantas ha-1), sobre a produtividade de grãos de três híbridos de milho ( Zea mays L.) em três ambientes com diferentes altitudes, foram conduzidos experimentos de campo nos municípios de Goioerê, Toledo e Cascavel, ambos no estado do Paraná na região oeste no período de 10 de setembro de 2007 a 10 de abril de 2008. O delineamento utilizado foi de blocos ao acaso dispostos em parcelas subdivididas. Os espaçamentos foram alocados na parcela principal e as densidades populacionais e híbridos nas subparcelas no esquema fatorial. Foram avaliadas as variáveis biométricas: altura de planta, altura de inserção da primeira espiga e diâmetro de colmo e os componentes da produção: número de fileiras, número de grãos por espiga, massa de grãos por espiga, massa de espiga e produtividade. Houve efeito do espaçamento entre linhas, obtendo o máximo rendimento de grãos com o espaçamento de 0,57 m entre linhas, independente do local. Houve interação positiva entre ambientes ao efeito de população de plantas. A resposta positiva ao aumento de população de plantas de Toledo foi diretamente relacionado ao nível de fertilidade do solo. Em Goioerê e Cascavel não houve diferença significativa ao aumento de densidade populacional de 50.000 a 80.000 plantas ha-1. Em todos os locais o híbrido AS 1570 apresentou produtividade superior aos híbridos AS 1565 e AS 1575

Astragalus oniciformis Barneby is a xerophyte of the sagebrush deserts of central Idaho. It is a narrow endemic of the upper Snake River Plains where it inhabits stabilized, aeolian sand deposits over Quaternary basalt flows. The objective of this study was to determine the levels and distribution of genetic differentiation within and among populations of Astragalus oniciformis. Fifteen individuals from each of eight populations, chosen from throughout the range of the species, were selected for their accessibility, density of individuals, and large population size. Two disjunct eastern populations selected for this study have been separated from the continuous western populations for 3600 years by an eight-mile wide, inhospitable lava flow. Inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSR) were chosen as the marker to assess genetic differentiation. Two primers were selected that yielded 40 loci, all of which were polymorphic in A. oniciformis. In an analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA), 88.69 percent of the variation was significantly attributed to variation within populations. The differentiation between the two disjunct populations and the western populations was insignificant. High gene flow (Nm=3.91-3.93) and a low percent deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium due to population subdivision (G[subscript st]=0.113-0.1134) were found among populations of A. oniciformis. These results suggest that current threats to this species, ranging from plant community changes due to changing fire patterns, habitat alteration from livestock grazing, and habitat loss from agricultural development have not yet affected the genetic diversity of this species. Preservation of the numerous, large populations and the high gene flow will help insure that the levels of genetic diversity found in Astragalus oniciformis will not decrease. / Graduation date: 2002

The inability to control wild oat (Avena fatua L.) in oat (Avena sativa L.) crops by chemical means limits growers to the use of cultural control methods. Delayed seeding is the most commonly used measure; however, both crop yield and quality may suffer as a result. The objectives of this research were to i) determine if western Canadian oat genotypes differ in competitive ability, ii) determine the effect of increased plant populations on oat wild oat competition, iii) determine the effect of wild oat competition on oat quality, and iv) establish whether or not oat genotype and seed size affect germination characteristics under low temperature and moisture stress. These objectives were tested using field and laboratory experiments. Morphologically diverse oat genotypes differed in their ability to both tolerate wild oat competition and interfere with wild oat growth. Although low yielding under weed-free conditions, when subject to wild oat competition CDC Bell was able to maintain yield, reduce wild oat seed production and was the most competitive of the genotypes examined. Increased plant populations achieved through higher seeding rates provide an effective means by which to enhance the competitive ability of oat genotypes resulting in reduced yield loss and wild oat seed production. With the exception of the percentage of wild oat seed in harvested oat samples, wild oat competition had minimal effect on oat quality. Differences in germination characteristics were observed among the genotypes examined. Conclusions that emerge from this research are that i) oat genotypes differ in their ability to tolerate and interfere with wild oat competition, ii) increased plant populations may provide a long-term control measure that may reduce weed seed contribution to the soil seedbank as well as enhance the competitive ability of oat, iii) wild oat competition has minimal effect on milling oat quality with the exception of percentage of wild oat seed in harvested samples and iv) that median germination time varies among oat genotypes.