Article
Plant Sciences
Si-Chong Chen, Xiao-Wen Hu, Carol C. Baskin, Jerry M. Baskin
Summary: This study demonstrates that there is no trade-off between seed persistence and seedling emergence from the soil seed bank. Physically dormant seeds are more persistent but exhibit lower emergence. Monocarpic species have both higher persistence and emergence than polycarpic species. Seed mass has a marginal effect on persistence, while emergence increases nearly twofold from the smallest to the largest seeds.
Article
Horticulture
Maryam Maghdouri, Mahmood Ghasemnezhad, Babak Rabiei, Morteza Golmohammadi, Arif Atak
Summary: The main limiting factors for kiwifruit propagation are the presence of dormant embryos in seeds and nonuniformity in seedling growth. This study evaluated the effects of cold moist stratification, growing substrate composition, and light and temperature fluctuation on seed germination and seedling growth of different Actinidia genotypes. Increasing stratification period duration improved germination speed and uniformity, while increasing the ratio of peat moss enhanced the vegetative growth parameters of kiwifruit seedlings.
Article
Horticulture
Matias Lastuvka, Roberto Benech-Arnold, Liliana Windauer
Summary: This study examined the dormancy characteristics of kiwifruit seeds under temperature fluctuations and stratification treatments. It was found that cold temperature stratification produced better results, and a model based on thermal time was proposed to predict seed germination, effectively overcoming dormancy issues and improving the production efficiency of kiwifruit seedlings or rootstocks.
SCIENTIA HORTICULTURAE
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Jason C. S. Chan, Mark K. J. Ooi, Lydia K. Guja
Summary: Ploidy and species range size or threat status are associated with variation in seed and seedling traits, but their ecological outcomes are not well understood. The study found that polyploids have larger seeds, faster germination rates, and larger and taller seedlings compared to diploids. However, there is no clear relationship between range size and seed or seedling traits. These findings suggest that polyploids have a competitive advantage during the regeneration phase in fire-prone environments.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Shiferaw Alem, Hana Habrova, Katerina Houskova
Summary: This research investigates the effect of longer seed storage periods on seed viability and seedling growth of P. stellatum, and finds that provenance has a significant influence on seed germination and seedling growth. The results show that scarified seeds have higher germination rate and seed vigour. Seeds from the Merti and Dabena provenances, stored for longer periods, exhibit higher germination index, seed vigour, and seedling growth.
GENETIC RESOURCES AND CROP EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Gideon Grafi, Jeevan R. Singiri
Summary: Seeds are the fundamental unit for dispersal of dry fruits, and husks in cereals play a significant role in protecting and dispersing seeds, as well as providing nutrients and defense against pathogens, with implications for crop performance and ecological diversity.
Article
Plant Sciences
Yuan-yuan Tao, Tian-cui Shang, Jun-jie Yan, Yun-xia Hu, Yu Zhao, Ying Liu
Summary: This study investigated the effects of sand burial on seed germination and seedling growth of Xanthium spinosum. The results showed that a sand burial depth of 1-3 cm was beneficial for seed germination and seedling growth, while high burial depths of 5-9 cm were unfavorable.
Article
Forestry
Kelly L. Kerr, Nicole Zenes, Anna T. Trugman, William R. L. Anderegg
Summary: Under water limitation, the presence of a competing seedling had a marginal impact on seedling growth and physiological traits in all species. Throughout the study, the magnitude and direction of seedling responses were complex and often species-specific.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Andrea M. Roman, Alina M. Truta, Oana Viman, Irina M. Morar, Velibor Spalevic, Catalina Dan, Radu E. Sestras, Liviu Holonec, Adriana F. Sestras
Summary: This study investigated the germination of black locust seeds from different Romanian provenances and examined the influence of seed origin on plant growth and development. The results showed that germination rate was affected by provenance and treatment method. The genotypes and environmental heterogeneity of the seed origin within the provenances may ultimately result in different performances.
Article
Plant Sciences
Michael G. Francki, Grantley S. Stainer, Esther Walker, Gregory J. Rebetzke, Katia T. Stefanova, Robert J. French
Summary: The study evaluated 233 wheat genotypes for consistent seedling emergence under limited soil water availability, and identified 8 genotypes with consistently high emergence rates. Genome-wide association study revealed 21 environment-specific QTL associated with seedling emergence, indicating complex genetic control.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Ragnhild Gya, Sonya Rita Geange, Joshua Scott Lynn, Joachim Paul Topper, Oystein Wallevik, Camilla Zernichow, Vigdis Vandvik
Summary: Seed regeneration is crucial for plants' survival and establishment in new habitats. This study examines the responses of two alpine forbs, Veronica alpina and Sibbaldia procumbens, to drought in terms of germination and seedling growth. The results show that drought negatively affects germination percentage, germination time, and root investment in V. alpina, while S. procumbens has lower germination percentages under drought conditions. However, S. procumbens does not display significant physiological or morphological adaptations to drought. The study suggests that alpine generalists like V. alpina may be more adapted to drought and exhibit local adaptations, while snowbed specialists like S. procumbens may be less adapted to drought.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Mingxing Zhong, Chun Liu, Xiukang Wang, Wei Hu, Ning Qiao, Hongquan Song, Ji Chen, Yuan Miao, Gang Wang, Dong Wang, Zhongling Yang
Summary: Predicting species responses to climate change and land use practices requires considering the effects of belowground root and aboveground light competition on seedling establishment. This study reveals that belowground root competition can alter the response of grass seedlings to light, particularly under long-term nitrogen addition and mowing.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Malaka M. Wijayasinghe, K. M. G. Gehan Jayasuriya, C. V. S. Gunatilleke, I. A. U. N. Gunatilleke, Jeffrey L. Walck
Summary: Mangroves are vital ecosystems that have been significantly disrupted. This study aimed to provide a seed dormancy profile for mangrove species in Sri Lanka, which would aid restoration efforts. The findings identified different dormancy classes and provide valuable information for conservation and restoration activities.
SEED SCIENCE RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Forestry
Yonghong Luo, Jinfeng Zhang, Xingfu Yan, Min Zhang, Shuhua Wei, Hui Yang, Yan Shen, Jinbao Zhang, Jiming Cheng
Summary: The establishment of seedlings is crucial for plant regeneration, but vulnerable to various factors. This study examined the effects of different degrees of cotyledon loss on the growth of seedlings germinating from different seed sizes. The results showed that large-seeded seedlings exhibited better growth characteristics compared to small-seeded seedlings, and slight cotyledon excision had no effect on the growth of large-seeded seedlings but significantly reduced the biomass of small-seeded seedlings. These findings suggest that large-seeded seedlings have a stronger adaptation for early seedling recruitment.
Article
Forestry
Hang Chen, Lei Wang, Si Guo, Mengqi Li, Zhifang Tian, Biao Han, Xinghao Tang, Bo Liu
Summary: Liquidambar formosana Hance is a common deciduous broad-leaved tree known for its fast growth rate and adaptability. However, excessive logging has substantially reduced the area of natural forest patches of L. formosana, impacting seedling regeneration and long-term population continuation. An experiment studying the effects of light intensity on seedlings revealed that low light intensity negatively influenced survival and growth, highlighting the importance of a suitable light environment for L. formosana seedlings.
Article
Agronomy
Carlos Cabrera-Perez, Jordi Recasens, Barbara Baraibar, Aritz Royo-Esnal
Summary: Cover crops are increasingly valued in vineyards for their ability to provide ecosystem services, and the successful establishment of cover crops in semi-arid conditions can be challenging. Models incorporating light have been found to improve the precision and accuracy of predicting cover crop establishment, suggesting their widespread potential use in vineyard inter-row management as decision support tools.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF AGRONOMY
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Zeineb Hada, Messaad Khammassi, Houda Jenfaoui, Yosra Menchari, Joel Torra, Thouraya Souissi
Summary: The effects of different tillage practices, allelopathic crops, and herbicides on an ALS-inhibiting cross-resistant population of Glebionis coronaria were evaluated. Barley significantly reduced the density and growth of G. coronaria, while the effect of rapeseed varied depending on tillage practice and herbicide application timing. The use of auxin herbicides showed successful control of G. coronaria in wheat.
Article
Agronomy
Carlos Cabrera-Perez, Aritz Royo-Esnal, Jordi Recasens
Summary: Conyza bonariensis is a noxious weed that has evolved resistance to herbicides. Chemical control and tillage pose challenges in vineyards, and bioherbicides may be a potential tool for weed management.
Review
Agronomy
Joel Torra, Jose M. Montull, Isabel M. Calha, Maria D. Osuna, Joao Portugal, Rafael de Prado
Summary: The evolution of herbicide resistance poses a serious threat to sustainable food production systems in the Iberian Peninsula. Multiple weed species have developed resistance to various herbicides, affecting important crops. Resistance mechanisms include target-site mutations and herbicide detoxification, with some weed species evolving multiple-herbicide resistance.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jose G. Vazquez-Garcia, Joao de Portugal, Joel Torra, Maria D. Osuna, Candelario Palma-Bautista, Hugo E. Cruz-Hipolito, Rafael De Prado
Summary: This research focuses on studying the resistance mechanisms of Lolium rigidum to herbicides in Clearfield wheat fields. It compares the resistance mechanisms in L. rigidum with those in IMI-tolerant wheat. The study highlights the importance of crop rotation and the use of alternative sites of action in herbicide-tolerant crops to prevent the evolution of resistant weeds and minimize environmental impacts.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Carlos Cabrera-Perez, Francisco Valencia-Gredilla, Aritz Royo-Esnal, Jordi Recasens
Summary: Weeds can significantly reduce vineyard growth and grape yield, and traditional weed management methods have various drawbacks. This study evaluated the suppressive effect of four mulches against weeds and found that all mulches were efficient at controlling weeds. Pine wood mulch stood out as the most effective, achieving high soil cover and low weed coverage. Mulches also have multiple benefits, making them a sustainable alternative to traditional under-vine weed management in vineyards.
Review
Plant Sciences
Jose Maria Montull, Joel Torra
Summary: Herbicide-resistant weeds pose a significant challenge to sustainable food production in Europe, with increasing resistance and particularly severe effects in countries like Spain and France. This problem is exacerbated by both restrictions on herbicide use and the impact of climate change, especially in Mediterranean countries like Spain. In order to address this issue, preventive measures should focus on integrated weed management strategies and a thorough understanding of the biology and ecology of each weed species. This review aims to provide an overview of potential future herbicide-resistant cases in Europe, using Spain as a case study due to its high level of impact and vulnerability to global warming. The review will provide appropriate prevention and management measures for different resistant cases based on specific crops, in order to avoid the evolution of resistance to the most likely sites of action under expected high selection pressures.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Candelario Palma-Bautista, Jose G. Vazquez-Garcia, Joao de Portugal, Fernando Bastida, Ricardo Alcantara-de la Cruz, Maria D. Osuna-Ruiz, Joel Torra, Rafael De Prado
Summary: Centaurea species found in the winter cereal fields of the Iberian Peninsula exhibit innate tolerance to herbicides and cross-resistance to ALS inhibitors. They have reduced absorption and translocation of the herbicide, and their detoxification is mainly carried out by cytochrome P450. A mixture of ALS inhibitors and auxin mimics proves to be an effective alternative for the control of Centaurea.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Carlos Cabrera-Perez, Jordi Llorens, Alex Escola, Aritz Royo-Esnal, Jordi Recasens
Summary: One of the main challenges for organic vineyards is weed management. Traditional mechanical cultivation is associated with soil damage, high fuel consumption, and reduction in vine performance. The implementation of cover crops in Mediterranean vineyards is limited due to resource competition. Organic mulches can overcome these problems and improve vine performance and weed control.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF AGRONOMY
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Alfredo Manicardi, Andrea Milani, Laura Scarabel, German Mora, Jordi Recasens, Josep Maria Llenes, Jose Maria Montull, Joel Torra
Summary: The invasive weed Amaranthus palmeri is spreading in Spain, particularly in Catalonia. It has developed resistance to acetolactate synthase-inhibiting herbicides and is now suspected to have glyphosate resistance as well. The main resistance mechanism appears to be the overexpression of the enzyme EPSPS due to copy number variation, specifically within the EPSPS cassette.
Article
Agronomy
Jose G. Vazquez-Garcia, Patricia Castro, Aritz Royo-Esnal, Candelario Palma-Bautista, Joel Torra, Rafael De Prado
Summary: Glyphosate resistance is spreading in Spain and Portugal, particularly in perennial cropping systems and winter cereals. The weed species Bromus madritensis has been confirmed to have resistant populations, which can survive even at the registered doses for glyphosate. Integrated weed management strategies are urgently needed due to the limited chemical tools available.
Article
Agronomy
Jose G. Vazquez-Garcia, Joel Torra, Candelario Palma-Bautista, Fernando Bastida, Ricardo Alcantara-de la Cruz, Joao Portugal, Jesus V. Jorrin-Novo, Rafael De Prado
Summary: In recent decades, direct sowing in cereal agriculture in Spain has led to increased use of herbicides, such as glyphosate, and the emergence of weedy species from the genus Avena. This study taxonomically characterized different accessions of Avena fatua, Avena byzantina, and Avena sterilis and found that one A. fatua accession had evolved resistance to glyphosate. The study also revealed that A. byzantina and A. sterilis had low susceptibility to glyphosate and showed limited foliar uptake and movement of the herbicide. Enzyme activity and affinity measurements suggested that a non-target site mechanism may be involved in glyphosate susceptibility differences.
Article
Agronomy
Alfredo Manicardi, Laura Scarabel, Josep Maria Llenes, Jose Maria Montull, Maria Dolores Osuna, Joel Torra Farre, Andrea Milani
Summary: Armadillo palmeri populations in Spain and Italy have shown resistance to acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibitors. Mutant ALS alleles, especially 574-Leu, were found to be the main cause of resistance among these populations. Haplotype analyses revealed different evolutionary histories and independent introduction events in both countries.
PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Jordi Recasens, Francisco Valencia-Gredilla, Carlos Cabrera-Perez, Barbara Baraibar, Aritz Royo-Esnal
Summary: The implementation of cover crops in vineyards is an effective soil management technique that can suppress weed growth. This study evaluated the dynamics of a specific weed species (Cynodon dactylon) and the overall weed community composition under five different cover crops in a commercial vineyard in Spain. The results showed that certain cover crop species, such as Festuca arundinacea and Hordeum vulgare, were more effective in controlling C. dactylon compared to other species, resulting in lower weed coverage. The composition of the weed community varied depending on the cover crop species, highlighting the importance of effective weed management.
Review
Agronomy
Maor Matzrafi, Laura Scarabel, Andrea Milani, Duilio Iamonico, Joel Torra, Jordi Recasens, Jose Maria Montull, Josep Maria Llenes, Ioannis Gazoulis, Alexandros Tataridas, Baruch Rubin, Gabriel Pardo, Alicia Cirujeda, Ana Isabel Mari, Husrev Mennan, Panagiotis Kanatas, Mehmet Nedim Dogan, Roland Beffa, Ilias Travlos
Summary: Amaranthus palmeri, a fast-growing and high-seed-producing plant, is spreading in Europe and the Mediterranean region. This review highlights the botanical characteristics of A. palmeri and distinguishes it from closely related species. The occurrence of A. palmeri in Europe and the Mediterranean region is summarized, and its future invasion and spread are assessed. Early detection and control measures are reviewed, emphasizing integrated weed management to mitigate the impact of A. palmeri invasion on European agriculture.