Survey of Portulacaceae family flora in Taif, Saudi Arabia / Levantamento da flora da família Portulacaceae em Taif, Arábia Saudita

Abstract The presence of weeds in areas of agricultural activities is a hinderance to the development of these activities. It is important to take advantage of the vast open spaces suitable for agriculture and provide food security for humans, and also it is an important indicator for determining the feasibility of growing crops, benefiting from yield and determining the percentage of loss, clearing fields through agricultural practices, that protect crops from weed attack and agricultural practice method must be followed that will reduce weed presence. This study was conducted during the years 2018 to 2020 to evaluate Portulacaceae of Flora in the Taif area in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at different altitudes (Area 1 =1700 m, Area 2 =1500 m, Area 3 =1500 m, Area 4 =500 m ِ Area 5 = 2200 m, and Area 6 = 2200 m). The results show that there were 2,816 individuals of Portulaca oleracea weed, with the highest density found in A 1, followed by A 2, while in A 5 and A 6, no weeds were recorded. The highest density of weeds were in the Pomegranate fields, followed by Grape fields. The lowest density was found in A man field. The results of this study will help to take the necessary measures to combat weeds and its management in areas of agricultural activity, while more studies are needed to survey the ecology of weeds of Taif in The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Resumo A presença de plantas daninhas em áreas de atividades agrícolas é um entrave ao desenvolvimento dessas atividades. É importante aproveitar os vastos espaços abertos adequados para a agricultura e dar segurança alimentar para o homem. Também é um indicador importante para determinar a viabilidade de cultivo de lavouras, beneficiando-se da produtividade e determinando o percentual de perda, desmatando campos agrícolas, práticas que protegem as lavouras do ataque de ervas daninhas, e métodos de práticas agrícolas devem ser seguidos para reduzir a presença de ervas daninhas. Este estudo foi realizado durante os anos de 2018 a 2020 para avaliar Portulacaceae de flora na área de Taif, no Reino da Arábia Saudita, em diferentes altitudes (Área 1 = 1.700 m, Área 2 = 1.500 m, Área 3 = 1.500 m, Área 4 = 500 m, Área 5 = 2.200 m, e Área 6 = 2.200 m). Os resultados mostram que houve 2.816 indivíduos de planta daninha Portulaca oleracea, com a maior densidade encontrada em A 1, seguida de A 2, enquanto em A 5 e A 6, nas plantas daninhas foram registrados. A maior densidade de ervas daninhas estava nos campos de romã, seguido pelos campos de uva. A densidade mais baixa foi encontrada no campo A man. Os resultados deste estudo ajudarão a tomar as medidas necessárias para combater as ervas daninhas e seu manejo em áreas de atividade agrícola, enquanto mais estudos são necessários para levantar a ecologia das ervas daninhas de Taif na Arábia Saudita.

Survey of Portulacaceae family flora in Taif, Saudi Arabia

Abstract The presence of weeds in areas of agricultural activities is a hinderance to the development of these activities. It is important to take advantage of the vast open spaces suitable for agriculture and provide food security for humans, and also it is an important indicator for determining the feasibility of growing crops, benefiting from yield and determining the percentage of loss, clearing fields through agricultural practices, that protect crops from weed attack and agricultural practice method must be followed that will reduce weed presence. This study was conducted during the years 2018 to 2020 to evaluate Portulacaceae of Flora in the Taif area in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at different altitudes (Area 1 =1700 m, Area 2 =1500 m, Area 3 =1500 m, Area 4 =500 m Area 5 = 2200 m, and Area 6 = 2200 m). The results show that there were 2,816 individuals of Portulaca oleracea weed, with the highest density found in A 1, followed by A 2, while in A 5 and A 6, no weeds were recorded. The highest density of weeds were in the Pomegranate fields, followed by Grape fields. The lowest density was found in A man field. The results of this study will help to take the necessary measures to combat weeds and its management in areas of agricultural activity, while more studies are needed to survey the ecology of weeds of Taif in The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Resumo A presença de plantas daninhas em áreas de atividades agrícolas é um entrave ao desenvolvimento dessas atividades. É importante aproveitar os vastos espaços abertos adequados para a agricultura e dar segurança alimentar para o homem. Também é um indicador importante para determinar a viabilidade de cultivo de lavouras, beneficiando-se da produtividade e determinando o percentual de perda, desmatando campos agrícolas, práticas que protegem as lavouras do ataque de ervas daninhas, e métodos de práticas agrícolas devem ser seguidos para reduzir a presença de ervas daninhas. Este estudo foi realizado durante os anos de 2018 a 2020 para avaliar Portulacaceae de flora na área de Taif, no Reino da Arábia Saudita, em diferentes altitudes (Área 1 = 1.700 m, Área 2 = 1.500 m, Área 3 = 1.500 m, Área 4 = 500 m, Área 5 = 2.200 m, e Área 6 = 2.200 m). Os resultados mostram que houve 2.816 indivíduos de planta daninha Portulaca oleracea, com a maior densidade encontrada em A 1, seguida de A 2, enquanto em A 5 e A 6, nas plantas daninhas foram registrados. A maior densidade de ervas daninhas estava nos campos de romã, seguido pelos campos de uva. A densidade mais baixa foi encontrada no campo A man. Os resultados deste estudo ajudarão a tomar as medidas necessárias para combater as ervas daninhas e seu manejo em áreas de atividade agrícola, enquanto mais estudos são necessários para levantar a ecologia das ervas daninhas de Taif na Arábia Saudita.

Detección molecular de Cucumber mosaic virus y Pepper severe mottle virus en arvenses asociadas al cultivo de ají (Capsicum spp.)

En los últimos años, el ají (Capsicum chinense, Capsicum frutescens y Capsicum annuum var. Acuminatum), cultivado en el Valle del Cauca, se ha visto afectado por enfermedades virales causadas por Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV-ají) y Pepper severe mottle virus (PepSMoV). Pese a que estos dos virus son limitantes para producción del cultivo de ají, en la actualidad, pocos estudios han identificado los hospederos alternos de CMV-ají y PepSMoV. En este trabajo, se evaluó la presencia de CMV-ají y PepSMoV, mediante RT-PCR, en muestras de tejido foliar, de 121 plantas arvenses, asociadas al cultivo de ají, en el Valle del Cauca, Colombia. El análisis molecular indicó la presencia de CMV-ají, en el 21,4 % de las plantas recolectadas y de PepSMoV, en el 20,6 %. Se identificaron las especies arvenses Amaranthus viridis, Parthenium hysterophorus, Hippobroma longiflora, Commelina diffusa, Clitoria ternatea, Crotalaria incana, Desmodium tortuosum, Desmodium intortum, Macroptilium lathyroides, Anoda acerifolia, Boerhavia erecta, Bougainvillea glabra, Rivina humilis, Browallia americana, Capsicum rhomboideum, Solanum americanum y Lantana camara, como hospederas de CMV-ají o PepSMoV. Se presentó infección mixta de CMV-ají y PepSMoV, en 57 % de las arvenses positivas a virus, las cuales, están distribuidas en zonas productores de ají, localizadas en seis municipios del Valle del Cauca. Estos resultados brindan información sobre la distribución de estos virus en el Valle del Cauca, contribuyen al conocimiento de la epidemiología viral y servirán para diseñar medidas de manejo, orientadas a prevenir las infecciones virales en los cultivos de ají.

In recent years, chili pepper (Capsicum chinense, Capsicum frutescens y Capsicum annuum var. Acuminatum) grown in Valle del Cauca has been affected by viral diseases caused by Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV-chili pepper) and Pepper severe mottle virus (PepSMoV). Although these two viruses are limiting to the production of the chili pepper crop, at present, few studies have identified the alternate hosts of CMV-chili pepper and PepSMoV. In this work, the presence of CMV-chili pepper and PepSMoV were evaluated by RT-PCR in leaf tissue samples from 121 weed plants associated with chili pepper cultivation in Valle del Cauca, Colombia. Molecular analysis indicated the presence of CMV-chili pepper in 21.4 % of the collected plants and PepSMoV in 20.6 %. Weed species Amaranthus viridis, Parthenium hysterophorus, Hippobroma longiflora, Commelina diffusa, Clitoria ternatea, Crotalaria incana, Desmodium tortuosum, Desmodium intortum, Macroptilium lathyroides, Anoda acerifolia, Boerhavia erecta, Bougainvillea glabra, Rivina humilis, Browallia americana, Capsicum rhomboideum, Solanum americanum and Lantana camara, as hosts of CMV-chili pepper or PepSMoV. Mixed infection of CMV-chili pepper and PepSMoV was present in 57 % of the weeds positive for viruses, which are distributed in chili pepper producing areas located in six municipalities of Valle del Cauca. These results provide information on the distribution of these viruses in Valle del Cauca. Contribute to the knowledge of viral epidemiology and will serve to design management measures aimed to prevent viral infections in chili pepper crops.

Herbicide efficacy in the fall management of Richardia brasiliensis, Commelina benghalensis, Conyza sumatrensis AND Digitaria insularis

Other herbicides, alone or in combination with glyphosate, may be effective in controlling Richardia brasiliensis, Commelina benghalensis, Conyza sumatrensis e Digitaria insularis. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of herbicides, alone or in combination, in the control of these weeds in the off-season. Three composite experiments were conducted by applying herbicides, alone or in combinations. Experiments 1 and 2 were conducted in Palotina, State of Paraná (PR), Brazil. Experiment 3 in Iporã, PR, Brazil. The three during fall 2017 in fallow areas after soybean harvest. The experiment was a randomized complete block design with 4 replications and weed control at 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42 days after application (DAA). The control of R. brasiliensis and C. benghalensis was evaluated in the three experiments, the control of C. sumatrensis, in experiments 1 and 2, while the control of D. insularis was evaluated only in experiment 3. Data were subjected to analysis of variance and F-test (p < 0.05). The treatment means values of experiments 1 and 2 were compared by Tukey's test (p < 0.05), and the treatment mean values of experiment 3 were grouped by the Scott and Knott test (p < 0.05). Some herbicide combinations were effective in controlling R. brasiliensis, C. benghalensis, in a single or sequential application. Herbicide combinations were effective in controlling C. sumatrensis with sequential application. Herbicide combinations in a single application did not provide satisfactory final control (≥ 80%) for D. insularis.

Sumatran fleabane (Conyza sumatrensis [Retz.] E. Walker) control in soybean with combinations of burndown and preemergence herbicides applied in the off-season

Sumatran fleabane (Conyza sumatrensis [Retz.] E. Walker) can be found in many different agricultural environments and impact different crops, such as soybeans and corn. It is believed that the application of burndown and preemergence herbicides in the off-season are effective in controlling Sumatran fleabane in soybean crops. The objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of burndown and preemergence herbicides in the off-season, with one or two applications, in the control of Sumatran fleabane in soybean cultivation. Five field experiments were conducted in Maripá, state of Paraná (PR), Brazil. The treatments consisted of the application of burndown herbicides in combinations with preemergence ones, with one or two applications. Control of Sumatran fleabane and soybean yield were evaluated. With the set of experiments, it is highlighted that the strategy combining more applications, with different herbicides, burndown and preemergence, is more promising in the control of Sumatran fleabane. When comparing synthetic auxins, dicamba and triclopyr stand out. For sequential application, worse performance was observed for diquat. Combinations between burndown and preemergence herbicides were effective in controlling Sumatran fleabane, for pre sowing application in soybean. With emphasis on managements with sequential applications of saflufenacil with glufosinate or glyphosate. The strategy combining more applications, with different herbicides, burndown and preemergence herbicides, is more promising in the control of Sumatran fleabane.

Preliminary assessment of weed population in vegetable and fruit farms of Taif, Saudi Arabia / Avaliação preliminar da população de plantas daninhas em fazendas de hortaliças e frutas de Taif, Arábia Saudita

A significant level of yield losses in the vegetable and fruit farms are attributed to the weed populations of the area. This study was conducted for eighteen months during 2019-2020 to assess the presence of various weed families, related species, and their densities in the vegetable (CROP A) and fruit (CROP B) farms of Taif, Saudi Arabia. During the study, fourteen and ten weed families were noted in the vegetable and fruit farms of the studied area, respectively. Poaceae family weeds (729) were significantly higher in numbers followed by the families Asteraceae (414), Chenopodiaceae (338), and Gisekiaceae (153). In the vegetable farms, two weed species of the family Poaceae including Setaria viridis (437) and Eleusine indica ssp (277) were present in the higher numbers followed by Chenopodium murale (166) of the Chenopodiaceae family. In the fruit farms, the weed species Cynodon dactylon of the family Poaceae represented the highest weed density (172) followed by Gisekia pharnaceoides L. species (153) of family Gisekiaceae and Portulaca oleracea (59) belonging to the family Portulacaceae. The vegetable and fruit farms of the Taif region face severe weed pressure that affects the cultivated crops. This study depicts a comprehensive picture of weed diversity and density in the vegetable and fruit farms of the area. The results of this study will be beneficial in developing effective weed management practices for better crop production.

Um nível significativo de perdas de rendimento nas fazendas de hortaliças e frutas é atribuído às populações de ervas daninhas da área. Este estudo foi conduzido por dezoito meses durante 2019-2020 para avaliar a presença de várias famílias de ervas daninhas, espécies relacionadas e suas densidades nas fazendas de vegetais (CROP A) e frutas (CROP B) de Taif, Arábia Saudita. Durante o estudo, catorze e dez famílias de plantas daninhas foram observadas nas fazendas de hortaliças e frutas da área estudada, respectivamente. As plantas daninhas da família Poaceae (729) foram significativamente maiores em número, seguidas pelas famílias Asteraceae (414), Chenopodiaceae (338) e Gisekiaceae (153). Nas hortas, duas espécies de plantas daninhas da família Poaceae, incluindo Setaria viridis (437) e Eleusine indica ssp (277), estavam presentes em maior número, seguidas por Chenopodium murale (166) da família Chenopodiaceae. Nas fruticulturas, a espécie de plantas daninhas Cynodon dactylon da família Poaceae representou a maior densidade de plantas daninhas (172) seguida das espécies Gisekia pharnaceoides L. (153) da família Gisekiaceae e Portulaca oleracea (59) pertencentes à família Portulacaceae. As fazendas de hortaliças e frutas da região de Taif enfrentam uma forte pressão de ervas daninhas que afeta as culturas cultivadas. Este estudo apresenta um quadro abrangente da diversidade e densidade de plantas daninhas nas fazendas de hortaliças e frutas da região. Os resultados deste estudo serão benéficos no desenvolvimento de práticas eficazes de manejo de plantas daninhas para uma melhor produção das culturas.

Preliminary assessment of weed population in vegetable and fruit farms of Taif, Saudi Arabia

Abstract A significant level of yield losses in the vegetable and fruit farms are attributed to the weed populations of the area. This study was conducted for eighteen months during 2019-2020 to assess the presence of various weed families, related species, and their densities in the vegetable (CROP A) and fruit (CROP B) farms of Taif, Saudi Arabia. During the study, fourteen and ten weed families were noted in the vegetable and fruit farms of the studied area, respectively. Poaceae family weeds (729) were significantly higher in numbers followed by the families Asteraceae (414), Chenopodiaceae (338), and Gisekiaceae (153). In the vegetable farms, two weed species of the family Poaceae including Setaria viridis (437) and Eleusine indica ssp (277) were present in the higher numbers followed by Chenopodium murale (166) of the Chenopodiaceae family. In the fruit farms, the weed species Cynodon dactylon of the family Poaceae represented the highest weed density (172) followed by Gisekia pharnaceoides L. species (153) of family Gisekiaceae and Portulaca oleracea (59) belonging to the family Portulacaceae. The vegetable and fruit farms of the Taif region face severe weed pressure that affects the cultivated crops. This study depicts a comprehensive picture of weed diversity and density in the vegetable and fruit farms of the area. The results of this study will be beneficial in developing effective weed management practices for better crop production.

Resumo Um nível significativo de perdas de rendimento nas fazendas de hortaliças e frutas é atribuído às populações de ervas daninhas da área. Este estudo foi conduzido por dezoito meses durante 2019-2020 para avaliar a presença de várias famílias de ervas daninhas, espécies relacionadas e suas densidades nas fazendas de vegetais (CROP A) e frutas (CROP B) de Taif, Arábia Saudita. Durante o estudo, catorze e dez famílias de plantas daninhas foram observadas nas fazendas de hortaliças e frutas da área estudada, respectivamente. As plantas daninhas da família Poaceae (729) foram significativamente maiores em número, seguidas pelas famílias Asteraceae (414), Chenopodiaceae (338) e Gisekiaceae (153). Nas hortas, duas espécies de plantas daninhas da família Poaceae, incluindo Setaria viridis (437) e Eleusine indica ssp (277), estavam presentes em maior número, seguidas por Chenopodium murale (166) da família Chenopodiaceae. Nas fruticulturas, a espécie de plantas daninhas Cynodon dactylon da família Poaceae representou a maior densidade de plantas daninhas (172) seguida das espécies Gisekia pharnaceoides L. (153) da família Gisekiaceae e Portulaca oleracea (59) pertencentes à família Portulacaceae. As fazendas de hortaliças e frutas da região de Taif enfrentam uma forte pressão de ervas daninhas que afeta as culturas cultivadas. Este estudo apresenta um quadro abrangente da diversidade e densidade de plantas daninhas nas fazendas de hortaliças e frutas da região. Os resultados deste estudo serão benéficos no desenvolvimento de práticas eficazes de manejo de plantas daninhas para uma melhor produção das culturas.

Floristic composition and potential invasiveness of alien herbaceous plants in Western Mexico / Composición florística y potencial de invasión de plantas herbáceas exóticas en el occidente de México

Abstract Introduction: Numbers of alien plant species are rising around the globe, but not all of them become invasive. Whereas introductions have been documented for several decades in some regions of the world, knowledge on alien species in Western Mexico is limited. Here, we study roadside vegetation along an elevational gradient, which includes a protected area. Objective: We analysed the floristic composition of herbaceous alien species, their distribution patterns, and their relationship with various environmental factors. A relative importance value index (IVI) identified the most important and, therefore, probably invasive taxa. Methods: During 2017 and 2018, roadside vegetation was documented with 4-6 transects every 300 altitudinal meters, from 0 to 2 100 m, for a total of 37 transects. Each transect consisted of five 1 m² plots. All herbaceous species were registered and alien taxa identified. A cluster analysis distinguished grouping of species based on elevation. The potentially invasive species were identified by their IVI, based on the sum of relative frequency and density values. The influence of environmental variables was analysed with a canonical correspondence analysis. Results: Most alien species were grasses; other families were represented by one or two species. The species were grouped into three main clusters. The first group included rare species, the second consisted of species restricted to higher altitudes, and the third group were tropical taxa with a distribution from sea level to medium altitudes. The most important potentially invasive species were: Urochloa maxima, Melinis repens, Eragrostis ciliaris and Cynodon dactylon, all African grasses introduced for grazing. The IVI of the species was related to tree cover, leaf litter depth and surface stone cover for some species and, for others, to soil compaction, distance to major roads and elevation. Conclusions: The alien ruderal species clustered according to the general climate (temperate vs. tropical). Grasses of African origin are of highest concern as invasive species. Although most introductions are related to human disturbance, each species becomes dominant under certain environmental conditions. Thus, management programs must be specifically adjusted to each individual invasive alien.

Resumen Introducción: El número de especies de plantas exóticas está aumentando en todo el mundo, pero no todas las especies se convierten en invasoras. Si bien para algunas regiones la introducción de especies se ha documentado durante varias décadas, para el occidente de México los conocimientos sobre especies exóticas son escasos. Aquí, estudiamos la vegetación de los bordes de las carreteras a lo largo de un gradiente altitudinal en una región que incluye un área protegida. Objetivos: Estudiamos la composición florística de las herbáceas exóticas, sus patrones de distribución y su relación con diversos factores ambientales. El índice de valor de importancia (IVI) de las especies identificó las especies más importantes, y por lo tanto probablemente invasoras. Métodos: Durante el 2017 y 2018 se documentó la vegetación del borde de la carretera con 4-6 transectos en cada nivel de elevación de 300 m, de 0 a 2 100 m, para un total de 37. Cada transecto constó de cinco parcelas de 1 m². Se registraron todas las especies herbáceas y se identificaron las especies introducidas. Un análisis de agrupamiento identificó los grupos de especies basado en sus patrones de distribución relacionadas con la elevación. Las especies potencialmente invasoras se identificaron por su IVI, basado en la suma de la frecuencia relativa y la densidad relativa. La influencia de las variables ambientales fue estudiada mediante un análisis de correspondencia canónica. Resultados: La mayoría de las especies exóticas fueron pastos, otras familias estuvieron representadas por una o dos especies. Las especies formaron tres grupos principales. El primero incluyó especies raras; el segundo las especies distribuidas principalmente en elevaciones altas, y el tercero incluyó los taxones con una distribución desde el nivel del mar hasta elevaciones medias. Las especies más importantes y potencialmente invasoras fueron: Urochloa maxima, Melinis repens, Eragrostis ciliaris y Cynodon dactylon, todas gramíneas africanas introducidas como forraje para el ganado. El IVI de las especies se relacionó con la cobertura de árboles, profundidad de hojarasca y con pedregosidad para algunas especies, y para otras con la compactación del suelo, la distancia a carreteras (federales) y elevación. Conclusiones: Las especies ruderales exóticas se agruparon según el clima general (templado vs. tropical). Las gramíneas de origen africano son las que más preocupan como especies invasoras. Aunque la mayoría de las introducciones están relacionadas con las alteraciones humanas, cada especie se vuelve dominante en determinadas condiciones ambientales. Por ello, los programas de manejo deben ajustarse específicamente a cada especie exótica invasora.

Caracterización de la comunidad de malezas y su diversidad en una modelación estadística en un cultivo de duraznero (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch.) / Characterization of the weed community and its diversity in a statistical modeling in peach (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch.) orchard

RESUMEN En los frutales, incluido el duraznero, las malezas son uno de los principales problemas que afectan la productividad y la calidad y se considera necesario conocer aspectos de la biología y la ecología de estas especies, para realizar un correcto manejo integral. El objetivo de este estudio fue realizar la caracterización de las especies de malezas presentes en el cultivo de duraznero (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch), determinando los índices de diversidad y el uso de un modelo geoespacial, para observar su distribución en campo. Se seleccionó un cultivo comercial de 4,5ha de duraznero variedad Robidoux, se muestrearon 15 puntos aleatoriamente, mediante un cuadro de 0,25m2; con las especies de malezas presentes en cada cuadro, se determinaron los índices de valor de importancia (IVI), de dominancia (1-D), Shannon-Wiener (H´) y Pielou (E). A estos índices, se les realizó modelación de la variabilidad espacial, mediante interpolación polinomial local. La representatividad relativa con los estimadores Chao 2 y Jacknife 1 confirmó que se documentó el 79 y 72% de las especies presentes, respectivamente. Se identificaron 12 especies, de las cuales, Oxalis corniculata, Modiola caroliniana, Lolium temulentum y Fuertesimalva limensis presentaron el mayor IVI y estas especies, se consideran como las de mayor interferencia en el cultivo. Se encontró que la diversidad fue baja, no es equitativa y presenta dominancia de O. corniculata y M. caroliniana. La modelación geoespacial de los índices de diversidad reportó una variación importante en todo el cultivo. Esta información, se convierte en una herramienta útil para el manejo integral de malezas en el cultivo de duraznero.

ABSTRACT In fruit trees, including peach trees, weeds are one of the main problems that affect productivity and quality, and it is considered necessary to know aspects of the biology and ecology of these species to carry out a correct integral management. The objective of the study was to characterize the weed species present in the peach orchard (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch), by determining the diversity indices and using a geospatial model of their distribution in the field. A commercial Robidoux variety of 4.5ha peach orchard was selected, where 15 randomly distributed points were sampled through a 0.25m2 square, with the weed species present in each square, the index of importance value (IVI), dominance index (1-D), Shannon-Wiener (H´) and Pielou (E) were determined. These indices were modeled for spatial variability through local polynomial interpolation. The relative representativeness with the Chao 2 and Jacknife 1 estimators confirmed that 79% and 72% of the weed species were documented, respectively. Twelve species were identified, of which Oxalis corniculata, Modiola caroliniana, Lolium temulentum, and Fuertesimalva limensis presented the highest IVI, and these species are considered as the ones with the greatest interference in crop. The diversity was found to be low, not equitable, and dominated by O. corniculata and M. caroliniana. The geospatial modeling of the diversity indices reported an important variation throughout the crop. This information becomes a useful tool for integral management of weeds in the peach orchards.

Screening Of In Vitro Antiviral Activity Of Purified Terpenoid Extracts Of Selected Sea Weeds Against Chikungunya Virus

Currently, the search of novel phytochemicals with unique biological potentialities is a pre-requisite for the designing ideal drugs for the human kind. Sea weeds are bioresources with a broad spectrum of medicinal properties with minimal side effects. Kerala, the Southern state of India reported high incidence of Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infections in the last several tears. No specific virucidal therapy or effective vaccines are available. This emphasizes the need of searching for phytochemicals as drugs with less cost and more effective. Therefore, an attempt was made in screening purified terpenoid extracts of selected sea weeds as anti-CHIKV potential. In this study the terpenoids composition from the red algae Hypnea musciformis, Kappaphycus alvarezii and Gracillaria dura were identified and analyzed by thin layer chromatography and Gas chromatography- Mass spectrum. The methanolic extract of seaweeds was purified by column chromatography and each fraction was eluted by using petroleum ether and ethyl acetate as solvent combination. The analysis of the purified fraction of H. musciformis and K. alvarezii revealed the presence of 8 terpenoid fractions, and G. dura showed only 4 major components respectively. Vero cell lines were employed in the antiviral assays, infected to CHIKV, and treated with varied doses of purified terpenoid extracts. In the antiviral activity, terpenoid extracts of G. dura showed remarkable and promising EC50 inhibitory effect at 1.25 μg/ml. Further, the terpenoid extracts displayed efficient virucidal activity against CHIKV (inhibit around 90%) with 5 μg/ml dosage. As the last phase, terpenoid extracts added at time intervals of 0, 1, 2, 3 post-infection periods still maintained a significant inhibitory potential against CHIKV viral replication. Thus, the overall study suggests that the terpenoid extracts of G. dura may be effectively used in the prevention and treatment of CHIKV infections. Clinical studies may be warranted for designing a promising new anti-CHIKV drug.

Cometabolic biodegradation of quizalofop-p-ethyl by Methylobacterium populi YC-XJ1 and identification of QPEH1 esterase

BACKGROUND: Quizalofop-p-ethyl (QPE), a unitary R configuration aromatic oxyphenoxypropionic acid ester (AOPP) herbicide, was widely used and had led to detrimental environmental effects. For finding the QPEdegrading bacteria and promoting the biodegradation of QPE, a series of studies were carried out. RESULTS: A QPE-degrading bacterial strain YC-XJ1 was isolated from desert soil and identified as Methylobacterium populi, which could degrade QPE with methanol by cometabolism. Ninety-seven percent of QPE (50 mg/L) could be degraded within 72 h under optimum biodegradation condition of 35°C and pH 8.0. The maximum degradation rate of QPE was 1.4 mg/L/h, and the strain YC-XJ1 exhibited some certain salinity tolerance. Two novel metabolites, 2-hydroxy-6-chloroquinoxaline and quinoxaline, were found by high-performance liquid chromatography/mass spectroscopy analysis. The metabolic pathway of QPE was predicted. The catalytic efficiency of strain YC-XJ1 toward different AOPPs herbicides in descending order was as follows: haloxyfop-pmethyl ≈ diclofop-methyl ≈ fluazifop-p-butyl N clodinafop-propargyl N cyhalofop-butyl N quizalofop-p-ethyl N fenoxaprop-p-ethyl N propaquizafop N quizalofop-p-tefuryl. The genome of strain YC-XJ1 was sequenced using a combination of PacBio RS II and Illumina platforms. According to the annotation result, one α/ß hydrolase gene was selected and named qpeh1, for which QPE-degrading function has obtained validation. Based on the phylogenetic analysis and multiple sequence alignment with other QPE-degrading esterases reported previously, the QPEH1 was clustered with esterase family V. CONCLUSION: M. populi YC-XJ1 could degrade QPE with a novel pathway, and the qpeh1 gene was identified as one of QPE-degrading esterase gene.

Estrategias de manejo de Senecio vulgaris L. asociado al cultivo de Daucus carota L. a partir de los principios de la modelación biológica / Management strategies of Senecio vulgaris L. associated to Daucus carota L. from the principles of biological modeling

RESUMEN Senecio vulgaris L. es una maleza, considerada de difícil control cuando se asocia a la zanahoria, debido a que compite por recursos con el cultivo, siendo importante su control, ya que tiene un impacto negativo en la productividad. La modelación biológica es una herramienta que permite prever los posibles efectos del control de la especie, ya que identifica las diferentes variables de un sistema y los factores que las afecta, para de este modo, predecir los resultados en diversos ambientes. Con base en la dinámica de sistemas y los aspectos morfo-fisiológicos de la especie, se planteó la modelación del banco de semillas de S. vulgaris, basado en las ecuaciones planteadas por Fernández-Quintanilla, donde se construyó el diagrama Forrester, al que se le incorporaron las diferentes ecuaciones y valores del modelo, para proyectar la dinámica de la especie en el banco de semillas, dependiendo del manejo. Se propusieron tres escenarios: (1) control con herbicidas en post-emergencia, (2) rotación de cultivos y (3) incorporar los métodos culturales de control, con un testigo en pre siembra y rotación de cultivos. Los resultados del modelo muestran que cuando se realiza rotación de cultivos y se incorporan manejos en pre-siembra al proceso convencional de la especie, se presenta una menor cantidad de semillas en el banco.

ABSTRACT Senecio vulgaris L. is a weed, considered difficult to control, when it is associated with carrot, because it competes for resources with the crop, its control being important, since it has a negative impact on crop productivity. Biological modeling is a tool that allows predicting the possible effects of the species control, since it identifies the different variables of a system and the factors that affect them, in order to predict the results in different environments. Based on the dynamics of systems and the morphophysiological aspects of the species, the modeling of the S. vulgaris seed bank was suggested, based on the equations proposed by Fernández-Quintanilla, the Forrester diagram was constructed, which was incorporated the different equations and values of the model, to project the dynamics of the species in the seed bank, depending on the management. Three scenarios were proposed, (1) post-emergence herbicide control, (2) crop rotation (3) incorporate traditional control methods with a control in presowing and crop rotation. The model results show that when crop rotation is performed and pre-sowing management is incorporated into the conventional process of the species, a smaller quantity of seeds is presented in the bank.

Percepción etnobotánica de los campesinos sobre la flora arvense en fincas de la agricultura suburbana en Santiago de Cuba, Cuba / Ethnobotanical perception of the farmers about the weed flora in farms of suburban agriculture in Santiago de Cuba, Cuba

Currently the weed species are a resource to conserve. The objective was to evaluate the ethnobotanical perception of the peasants about the weed flora in farms of suburban agriculture in Santiago de Cuba, Cuba. An ethnobotanical study was developed and the percentage of known species, percentage of species per management action and the percentage of weed species with potential utility was determined. The spectrum of use, the categories of use and the species richness by category were also taken into account. The weed species found in each of the farms were identified by at least 60% of the producers conferring more than 70% of this flora potential utilities such as medicinal, animal feed and agricultural. Although different forms of management for these species were identified, more than 40% are eliminated regardless of the potential benefits that productive systems can bring to this.

Actualmente las especies arvenses son un recurso a conservar. El objetivo fue evaluar la percepción etnobotánica de los campesinos sobre la flora arvense en fincas de la agricultura suburbana en Santiago de Cuba, Cuba. Se desarrolló un estudio etnobotánico y se determinó el porcentaje de especies conocidas, porcentaje de especies por acción de manejo y el porcentaje de especies arvenses con utilidad potencial. También se tuvo en cuenta el espectro de uso, las categorías de uso y la riqueza de especies por categoría. Las especies arvenses que se encuentran en cada una de las fincas fueron identificadas por al menos el 60% de los productores confiriéndoles a más del 70% de esta flora utilidades potenciales como medicinal, alimento animal y agrícola. Aunque se identificaron diferentes formas de manejo para estas especies, más del 40% resultan eliminadas independientemente de los beneficios potenciales que puedan aportar a estos sistemas productivos.

Viability of Cyperus rotundus L. tubers after application of herbicide in pre- and postemergence / Viabilidade de tubérculos de Cyperus rotundus L. após a aplicação de herbicidas em pré e pós-emergência

Chemical management is the most widely adopted technique to control weeds in sugarcane crops. Purple nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus L.) is among the most difficult species to control. Herbicides need to be absorbed and translocated in a sufficient amount for the tuber chain to be effective. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the herbicides sulfentrazone, diclosulam, imazapic, imazapyr, halosulfuron, ethoxysulfuron, monosodium methyl arsenate (MSMA), and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) in controlling C. rotundus and reducing the viability of its tubers. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse in a completely randomized design, with nine treatments and four replications. The herbicides sulfentrazone (800 g active ingredient ­ ai·ha?1), diclosulam (193.17 g ai·ha?1), imazapic (133 g ai·ha?1), and imazapyr (500 g acid equivalent ­ ae·ha?1) were applied in preemergence at five days after planting the tubers, while halosulfuron (112.5 g ai·ha?1), ethoxysulfuron (135 g ai·ha?1), MSMA (1,975 g ai·ha?1), and 2,4-D (1,340 g ae·ha?1) were applied in postemergence (4 to 5 leaves). The parameters visual control, shoot dry matter, number of tubers and bulbs, weight of tubers + bulbs, number of epigeal manifestations, and tuber viability were analyzed. The herbicides diclosulam, halosulfuron, and ethoxysulfuron provided 100% control of the shoot at 90 days after application (DAA). All herbicides reduced the number of bulbs, weight of tubers + bulbs, and shoot dry matter. The herbicides sulfentrazone, imazapic, halosulfuron, ethoxysulfuron, and MSMA provided the highest reduction in tuber viability.(AU)

O manejo químico é o mais adotado para o controle de plantas daninhas na cultura da cana-de-açúcar. Entre as espécies de difícil controle está a tiririca (Cyperus rotundus L.). Os herbicidas utilizados precisam ser absorvidos e transportados para a cadeia de tubérculos em quantidades suficientes para serem eficazes. Assim, objetivou-se com este estudo avaliar a eficácia dos herbicidas sulfentrazona, diclosulam, imazapique, imazapir, halossulfurom, etoxissulfurom, metano arseniato ácido monossodico (MSMA) e ácido diclorofenoxiacético (2,4-D) no controle de C. rotundus e na redução da viabilidade de seus tubérculos. O experimento foi realizado em casa de vegetação, em delineamento inteiramente randomizado, com nove tratamentos e quatro repetições. Os herbicidas sulfentrazone (800 g ingrediente ativo ­ i.a.·ha-1), diclosulam (193,17 g i.a.·ha-1), imazapique (133 g i.a.·ha-1) e imazapir (500 g equivalente ­ e.a.·ha-1) foram aplicados cinco dias após o plantio dos tubérculos em pré-emergência, enquanto que o halossulfurom (112,5 g i.a.·ha-1), etoxissulfurom (135 g i.a.·ha-1), MSMA (1.975 g i.a.·ha-1) e 2,4-D (1.340 g e.a.·ha-1) foram aplicados em pós-emergência (4 a 5 folhas). Foram feitas avaliações visuais de controle, massa seca da parte aérea, número de tubérculos e bulbos, peso de tubérculos + bulbos, número de manifestações epígeas e viabilidade de tubérculos. Aos 90 dias após a aplicação (DAA) os herbicidas diclosulam, halossulfurom e etoxissulfurom propiciaram 100% de controle da parte aérea. Todos os herbicidas reduziram o número de bulbos, peso de tubérculos + bulbos e massa seca da parte aérea. Sulfentrazona, imazapic, halossulfurom, etoxissulfurom e MSMA foram os herbicidas que mais reduziram a viabilidade dos tubérculos.(AU)

Investigation and Evaluation of Cultivation Status of Ligusticum chuanxiong in Sichuan / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective::To deeply understand important scientific problems and key technical problems in the cultivation of Chuanxiong, the Chuanxiong cultivation situation of 247 households in 23 towns of 5 counties in Sichuan province were investigated, providing basic data for the standardized cultivation of Chuanxiong. Method::On the basis of reported literatures, a questionnaire survey was conducted on the farmers of cultivating Chuanxiong in main producing areas, field measurements were also preformed, and the cultivation status of Chuanxiong was comprehensively analyzed. Result::The proportion of plain-breeding mainly existed in Pengzhou and Shifang, where per farmer had a small scale of planting areas, was 65%, while the proportion of mountain-breeding mainly existed in Meishan, Qionglai and Dujiangyan, where per proprietor had a large scale of planting areas, was 92%. The planting density and yield of Chuanxiong varied greatly among individuals. The growth period of Chuanxiong in Meishan and Qionglai is about 30 days shorter than that in Pengzhou, Shifang and Dujiangyan. About half of farmers applied base fertilizer and top dressing in spring. The proportion of NPK compound fertilizer input was high (>90%). Chuangxiong has a few diseases and insect pests, the incidence of which in new production areas was obviously lower than that in old production areas. The application of herbicide was not standardized. 52% farmers used Chu cao ling No.1 which was made by agricultural material store owners. The labor cost accounted for the highest proportion (37%) in Chuanxiong cultivation. Conclusion::Now in Sichuan clonal propagated patterns of Chuanxiong were both mountain-breeding and plain-breeding. It is suggested to make clear the differences between mountain-breeding nodes and plain-breeding nodes, and breed high qualities of Chuanxiong nodes. The mechanization research and production of Chuanxiong should be promoted, realizing timely planting and harvesting. Farmers should be guided to increase the application of organic fertilizer, and meanwhile standardize the application of agrochemicals.

Characterization of Polyphenols and Mineral Contents in Three Medicinal Weeds

Aims: Common weeds Rorippa palustris (L.) Besser, Euphorbia rothiana Spreng. and Schoenoplectiella articulata (L.) Lye are used for food, medicinal, green biofertilizer and biosorbent applications. In this work, their polyphenol and mineral contents have been characterized. Methodology: Samples from aforementioned three plants were manually collected in Raipur city (CG, India) and processed for the analyses. Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride were used for the spectrophotometric determination of polyphenols. The mineral contents were quantified by X-ray fluorescence. Results: The total concentration of 20 elements (viz. P, S, Cl, As, Se, K, Rb, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Al, Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Zn, Mo and Pb), total polyphenol and flavonoid contents in the leaves ranged from 46372 to 71501, from 47877 to 73791 and from 1950 to 9400 mg/kg, respectively. Remarkable concentrations of several nutrients (P, S, Cl, K, Mg, Ca and Fe) were observed. Conclusion: The biomass from medicinal weeds R. palustris, E. rothiana and S. articulata featured very high K, Ca and Fe contents. Other nutrients (polyphenols, flavonoids, P, S, Cl and Mg) were identified at moderate levels. These species may hold promise as bioindicators.

Weed interference factors that affect the growth of an atlantic forest tree species / Fatores da matointerferência determinantes no crescimento de espécie arbórea da mata atlântica

The objective of this study was to assess the possible existence of allelopathy and competition for water and nutrients of the grass Urochloa brizantha (Hochst. ex A. Rich.) Stapf cv. Marandu grown together with Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi in a greenhouse. The experimental design was completely randomized in a factorial scheme with 3 factors and the following levels: (1) one individual of the forest species with and without the presence of U. brizantha at a density of 4 individuals per pot; (2) supply of nutrients in limiting or non-limiting dose; and (3) supply of a limiting or non-limiting amount of water. We measured the height and root collar diameter of the tree seedlings, as well as the shoot and root dry weights of both species. There was competition by the grass with the tree species. The coexistence reduced the height by 30.5 cm, the root collar diameter by 1.58 mm and the shoot and root dry weights by 22.7 g and 9.5 g, respectively, of S. terebinthifolius. The greater supply of water in the pots increased the height by 18.9 cm of the S. terebinthifolius seedlings compared to the plants grown with limited water supply. Evidence was also observed of competition for nutrients, principally at the largest nutrient addition level, where the presence of the grass caused an additional decrease in the root collar diameter and shoot dry weight of the tree species, while the shoot and root dry weights of the grass increased. The results did not allow evaluating the existence of allelopathy of U. brizantha on S. terebinthifolius.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a magnitude da competição por água, nutrientes e alelopatia imposta pelo capim Urochloa brizantha (Hochst. ex A. Rich.) Stapf cv. Marandu em convivência com Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi, em casa de vegetação. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial completo, com 3 fatores e os seguintes níveis: (1) um indivíduo da espécie florestal na ausência ou presença de U. brizantha, plantada na densidade 4 indivíduos por vaso; (2) fornecimento de nutrientes em dose limitante ou não-limitante e (3) o fornecimento de água sob regime limitante ou não-limitante. Foram mensuradas a altura e o diâmetro do coleto das mudas, bem como a massa seca da parte aérea e radicular das espécies. Houve competição da gramínea sobre a espécie arbórea. O convívio reduziu em 30,5 cm a altura, em 1,58 mm o diâmetro do coleto e em 22,7 g e 9,5 g as massas secas da parte aérea e das raízes de S. terebinthifolius, respectivamente. O maior fornecimento de água nos vasos proporcionou crescimento em altura 18,9 cm maior nas plantas de S. terebinthifolius quando comparado às plantas com fornecimento limitado de água. Houve também evidência de competição por nutrientes, principalmente quando houve a maior adição de nutrientes, causando um decréscimo adicional no diâmetro do coleto e na massa seca da parte aérea da espécie arbórea, enquanto que a gramínea foi favorecida com aumentos nas massas secas de parte aérea e radicular. O estudo não possibilitou avaliar a existência de alelopatia de U. brizantha sobre S. terebinthifolius.

Weeds in Gwalior and nearby regions and their medicinal properties: A case study

Weeds are normally unwanted plants at wrong place. From the perspective of crop protection, they may have anegative effect on cultivated crop, and thus, their effective management is necessary. From a medicinal perspective,they may be useful in disease management due to their secondary metabolites, affordability, inexpensiveness,accessibility, and use by native peoples. The present study reviews the literature available on weeds of MadhyaPradesh, India (Gwalior and nearby region), with their occurrence in changing environment and reported uses indisease management. A comprehensive literature search was done to get the thorough information on the versatileweeds of Gwalior and nearby regions. Amaranthaceae, Asclepiadaceae, Euphorbiaceae, and Asteraceae are found tobe the most prevalent families with plants to treat Prameha, Sandhi sula, Udara sula, and Tvaka roga. The reviewsummarizes the weed plants available in the area under the study with their reported uses, which could be furthervalidated scientifically and could be important from the ethnopharmacological and socioeconomic perspective. Thiscould be the best use of a waste and promote utilization of available resources for the management and treatment ofprevalent diseases in the specific area.

Phenology and dry mass production of Urochloa plantaginea and Urochloa platyphylla submitted to different water quantities in the soil

The genetic variability and genetic versatility of plants belonging to Poaceae provide morphophysiological responses that allow these individuals to adapt to environmental changes, especially in relation to soil moisture. Urochloa plantaginea and U. platyphylla are grasses typical of dry environment, also found as weeds in rice fields, where there are high amounts of water in the soil. The objective of this work is to analyze the development of these two species in different environments, subjecting them to three different amounts of water in the soil. Morphological parameters were analyzed in order to verify and quantify which suffered alteration with respect to water variation. Caryopsis of the two species were collected in a commercial irrigated rice crop. Seeds were sown in pots containing a substrate-sand system, and housed in a greenhouse, where during the experiment the control of different moisture contents (shallow water table, 100% of field capacity and 50% of field capacity) took place. Weekly evaluations were carried out according to the parameters analyzed. The following parameters were evaluated: duration of the vegetative and reproductive life cycle, number of the inflorescences per plant, number of branches per inflorescence, number of spikelets per branch, number of seeds per plant, and dry mass production. The U. plantaginea cycle had shorter duration under the shallow water table, while for U. platyphylla the shorter duration was under the condition 50% of field capacity. Both species produced higher dry mass of shoots under the condition of 100% of field capacity. The main responses observed for both species, due to the flooding, were the change of the cycle, reduced dry matter production, and reduced seed production.

Production regions and physical quality of Urochloa decumbens CV. Basilisk seeds / Regiões de produção e qualidade física de sementes de urochloa decumbens cv. basilisk

Brazil is the largest world producer, consumer and exporter of forage grass seeds. Urochloa decumbens Stapf. species is the second in importance in the Brazilian market of seeds of tropical forage grasses. Seeds are harvested by the soil sweeping method and, in addition to other impurities, harvested lots can present weed seeds, which makes seeds unfeasible for commercialization. The aim of the present study was to evaluate differences in the physical quality and viability of Urochloa decumbens cv. Basilisk seeds produced in different production fields. Fifteen U. decumbens seed lots from the State of São Paulo (1 lot in the municipality of Cássia dos Coqueiros and 3 lots in the municipality of Santo Antônio da Alegria), Minas Gerais (2 lots in the municipality of Tupaciguara, 2 lots in the municipality of Unaí, 2 lots in the municipality of Chapada Gaúcha and 3 lots in the municipality of Monte Santo de Minas), Goiás (1 lot in the municipality of Jataí) and Mato Grosso (1 lot in the municipality of Primavera do Leste) were evaluated by means of the following parameters: water content, viability by tetrazolium test, purity, determination of other seeds by number and weight of one thousand seeds. A completely randomized design was used, and when significant, the means of treatments were compared by the Scott Knott test at 5% probability. The fields of the different regions produce U. decumbens seeds with high variability in physical quality. U. decumbens seeds with the highest physical quality and viability were produced in Cassia dos Coqueiros - SP.

O Brasil é o maior produtor, consumidor e exportador de sementes de forrageiras no mundo. A espécie Urochloa decumbens Stapf. é a segunda em importância no mercado brasileiro de sementes de gramíneas forrageiras tropicais. A colheita das sementes ocorre pelo método de varredura do solo e, além de outras impurezas, podem apresentar sementes de plantas daninhas que podem inviabilizar a comercialização de lotes de sementes. A presente pesquisa teve como objetivo avaliar diferenças na qualidade física e viabilidade de sementes de Urochloa decumbens cv. Basilisk produzidas em diferentes campos de produção. Foram avaliados 15 lotes de sementes de U. decumbens, procedentes dos Estados de São Paulo (1 lote do município de Cássia dos Coqueiros e 3 lotes do município de Santo Antônio da Alegria), Minas Gerais (2 lotes do município de Tupaciguara, 2 lotes do município de Unaí, 2 lotes do município de Chapada Gaúcha e 3 lotes do município de Monte Santo de Minas), Goiás (1 lote do município de Jataí) e Mato Grosso (1 lote do município de Primavera do Leste); por meio dos seguintes parâmetros: teor de água, viabilidade pelo teste de tetrazólio, pureza, determinação de outras sementes por número e massa de mil sementes. Adotou-se o delineamento inteiramente casualizado e as médias dos tratamentos foram comparadas pelo teste de Scott Knott, a 5% de probabilidade. Os campos das diferentes regiões produzem sementes de U. decumbens com alta variabilidade na qualidade física. As sementes de U. decumbens com maior qualidade física e viabilidade foram produzidas em Cassia dos coqueiros ­ SP.