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Fil: Zubillaga, María Fany. Universidad Nacional de Rio Negro. CIT Rio Negro. Río Negro, Argentina. Fil: Martínez, Roberto Simón. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Valle Inferio. Río Negro, Argentina. Fil: Martínez, Roberto Simón. Universidad Nacional de Rio Negro. CIT Rio Negro. Río Negro, Argentina. Fil: Camina, Ricardo. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Bahía Blanca. Buenos Aires, Argentina. Fil: Orioli, Gustavo Adolfo. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Bahía Blanca. Buenos Aires, Argentina. Fil: Orioli, Gustavo Adolfo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET). Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires. Buenos Aires, Argentina. Fil: Failla, Mauricio. Proyecto Patagonia Noreste. Balneario El Cóndor. Río Negro, Argentina. Fil: Alder, Maite. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Valle Inferio. Río Negro, Argentina. Fil: Barrio, Daniel Alejandro. Universidad Nacional de Rio Negro. CIT Rio Negro. Río Negro, Argentina. Fil: Barrio, Daniel Alejandro. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET). Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires. Buenos Aires, Argentina. Introduction. The production potential of grain amaranth has recently been demonstrated in northeastern Patagonia, Argentina. This crop under irrigation and in a temperate semi-arid climate showed an adequate development of the plants in their different phenological stages with high economic performance. Objectives. This study explored the response of Amaranthus cruentus cv Mexicano to different irrigation frequencies in the lower valley of Río Negro river, Patagonia, Argentina. Method. The experimental design was of three blocks with randomized treatments (subplots), each one corresponding to a different irrigation frequency. The first six irrigations were performed every 7 days for all the treatments, to ensure the establishment of the crop. Then the following treatments were applied: irrigation every 7 days (FI), every 14 days (FII), and every 21 days (FIII). The following biometric variables and their components were measured: height of plant, number of leaves, biomass and economic yield. Results. The results suggest that the optimum irrigation frequency was FII (14 days), resulting in an adequate plant stand at panicle initiation and allows a proper development of plant with optimal biological and economical yields and the highest efficiency of water use (4.02 kg·m-3). Conclusions. The contributions of this study demonstrated the production potential of A. cruentus crop in the lower valley of the Río Negro river under irrigation, representing the southernmost study on irrigation frequency made for this grain crop in the world. A management of irrigation water of 7 days for the establishment of the crop and then with a frequency of 14 days showed the highest yield and the best water use efficiency Introducción. El potencial productivo del amaranto en grano ha sido demostrado recientemente en el noreste de la Patagonia, Argentina. Este cultivo bajo riego y en un clima templado semiárido mostró un adecuado desarrollo de las plantas en sus diferentes estados fenológicos con un alto rendimiento económico. Objetivos. Este estudio exploró la respuesta de Amaranthus cruentus cv Mexicano a diferentes frecuencias de riego en el valle inferior del río Negro, Patagonia, Argentina. Método. El diseño experimental fue de tres bloques con tratamientos al azar (subparcelas), cada uno correspondiente a una frecuencia de riego diferente. Los primeros seis riegos se realizaron cada 7 días para todos los tratamientos, para asegurar el establecimiento del cultivo. Luego se aplicaron los siguientes tratamientos: riego cada 7 días (FI), cada 14 días (FII) y cada 21 días (FIII). Se midieron las siguientes variables biométricas y sus componentes: altura de planta, número de hojas, biomasa y rendimiento económico. Resultados. Los resultados sugieren que la frecuencia de riego óptima fue la FII (14 días), que da lugar a un adecuado stand de la planta en el momento de la iniciación de la panoja y permite un correcto desarrollo de la planta con óptimos rendimientos biológicos y económicos y la mayor eficiencia en el uso del agua (4,02 kg-m-3). Conclusiones. Los aportes de este estudio demostraron el potencial productivo del cultivo de A. cruentus en el valle inferior del río Negro bajo riego, representando el estudio más austral sobre frecuencia de riego realizado para este cultivo de grano en el mundo. Un manejo del agua de riego de 7 días para el establecimiento del cultivo y luego con una frecuencia de 14 días mostró el mayor rendimiento y la mejor eficiencia en el uso del agua.

Palmer amaranth is one of the most economically important and widespread weeds of arable land in the United States. Although no populations are currently known to exist in Canada, its distribution has expanded northward such that it is present in many of the states bordering Canada and multiple pathways exist for its introduction. In this short communication, we report on the transport of viable Palmer amaranth seed on imported sweet potato slips. A reproductive pair of Palmer amaranth seedlings were identified from soil accompanying imported sweet potato slips in 2018. Identification was confirmed using species-specific single nucleotide polymorphisms.

Introduction. The use of biomass allows increasing the rate of biogas formation and its specific yield. This work aims to study the kinetics of methanogenesis and determine the optimal duration of digestion and organic load, which are the main indicators of the technological process of biogas formation. Materials and Methods. The substrate (dairy manure, biomass of amaranth) was the study object. Experimental studies were carried out using a laboratory biogas plant. The computer program (certificate No. 2018662045) was used to obtain modified Gompertz models describing the kinetics of biogas formation. Based on the obtained data, the hydraulic retention time and organic loading rate (the key parameters in the design of biogas plants were determined). Results. The paper presents the experimental studies results of the biogas formation kinetics when using dry amaranth biomass. The Gompertz mathematical models were obtained. Methane-tank control parameters (hydraulic retention time and organic loading rate) were obtained for anaerobic digestion of a new substrate. Discussion and Conclusion. The use of new co-substrate Amaranthus retroflexus L. allowed increasing the specific biogas yield from dairy manure by 52.2 % and the ultrasonic pre-treatment in combination with the herbal supplement by 89.1 %. The optimal hydraulic retention time value was 10 days and organic loading rate was 4.1 kg of volatile solids per m3 of digester per day.

Late-season control of Palmer amaranth in postharvest wheat stubble is important for reducing the seedbank. Our objectives were to evaluate the efficacy of late-season postemergence herbicides for Palmer amaranth control, shoot dry biomass, and seed production in postharvest wheat stubble. Field experiments were conducted at Kansas State University Agricultural Research Center near Hays, KS, during 2019 and 2020 growing seasons. The study site had a natural seedbank of Palmer amaranth. Herbicide treatments were applied 3 wk after wheat harvest when Palmer amaranth plants had reached the inflorescence initiation stage. Palmer amaranth was controlled by 96% to 98% 8 wk after treatment and shoot biomass as well as seed production was prevented when paraquat was applied alone or when mixed with atrazine, metribuzin, flumioxazin, 2,4-D, sulfentrazone, pyroxasulfone + sulfentrazone, or flumioxazin + metribuzin, and with glyphosate + dicamba, glyphosate + 2,4-D, saflufenacil + 2,4-D, glufosinate + dicamba + glyphosate, and glufosinate + 2,4-D + glyphosate. Palmer amaranth was controlled by 89% to 93% with application of glyphosate, glufosinate, dicamba + 2,4-D, saflufenacil + atrazine, and saflufenacil + metribuzin resulting in Palmer amaranth shoot biomass of 15 to 56 g m−2 and production of 1,080 to 7,040 seeds m−2. Palmer amaranth control was less than 86% with application of dicamba, 2,4-D, dicamba + atrazine, and saflufenacil resulting in Palmer amaranth shoot biomass of 38 to 47 g m−2 and production of 3,110 to 6,190 seeds m−2. Palmer amaranth was controlled 63% and 72%, shoot biomass was 178 and 161 g m−2, and seed production was 35,180 and 39,510 seeds m−2, respectively, with application of 2,4-D + bromoxynil + fluroxypyr, and bromoxynil + pyrasulfotole + atrazine. Growers should use these effective postemergence herbicide mixes for Palmer amaranth control to prevent seed prevention postharvest in wheat stubble.

The study determined the profitability of three different cropping systems. Data collected include cost of fixed assets, cost of variable inputs, yields and prices of outputs. Data were subjected to budgetary technique; analysis of variance and significant means were separated using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test at 5% level of probability. Results of the gross margin analysis showed that both the intercropping and only sole Amaranth vegetable production were profitable. The intercrop production had a gross margin of N567,920/ha with a total revenue of N1, 600,000 /ha and having the highest output of 8000kg/ha while the sole Amaranth vegetable production had a gross margin of N179, 920/ha with a total revenue of N1,200,000/ha and having an output of 6000kg/ha. Also, the intercrop vegetable production had a benefit cost ratio, rate of return and gross ratio of 1.51, 0.52 and 0.66, respectively while sole Amaranth production had a benefit cost ratio, rate of return and gross ratio of 1.15, 0.15 and 0.87, respectively. The result indicates that the two vegetable productions were profitable. Further analysis revealed that intercropping did not have significant (p

Aerobic rice production system provides a sustainable alternative to the traditional rice cultivation. To evaluate the agronomic and economic effect of intercropping aerobic rice with four leafy vegetables, field experiments were conducted at University of Agriculture Science Bangalore research station, India during 2017 and 2018. The experiments consisted of 9 treatments with 4 replications and, a Randomized Completely Block Design was applied. The treatments were as follows: Intercropping (IC1): rice+amaranth; IC2: rice + coriander; IC3: rice + spinach, and IC4: rice + fenugreek plus other 5 treatments of solecrops (SC), SC5: rice, SC6: amaranth, SC7: coriander, SC8: spinach, and SC9: fenugreek. Results showed that intercropping produced significantly better plant growth and higher yields than sole crops. The rice-spinach intercrop produced highest rice grain yield (7,651 kg ha-1), vegetable yield (25,508 kg ha-1), land equivalent ratio (2.13), rice equivalent yield (16,153 kg ha-1), production efficiency (107.69 kg day-1), area time equivalent ratio (1.23) and system harvest index (0.77). Net return and benefit cost ratio of rice-spinach intercropping were also higher than that of sole crops. This suggests that intercropping of aerobic rice with leafy vegetables can be productive and economically efficient. Key words: Aerobic rice, intercropping, leafy vegetables, productivity.

In recent years, according to the sharp increase in the number of breweries and high competition on the consumer market, it is very important to extend the raw material base of the industry and the range of produced beer from the recommended raw materials. One of the ways to expand the raw material base of breweries is developing recommendations for the use of new zoned varieties of barley, in particular as well as the use of special malts, wheat malt, the development of new recipes and technologies for beer producing. As it is known, barley, wheat, rye, and malt produced from these cereal crops are processed to a greater extent at present. Along with traditional types of cereals, such cereals as amaranth, buckwheat, triticale, sorghum, oats, etc. are used. Among the listed alternative crops, wheat should be noted as the most promising type of cereal raw materials. Wheat (Triticum) is an herbaceous annual plant of the cereal family. Hard wheat (T. durum) and soft wheat (T. aestivum) are the most important. Both species are holo-grain, i.e., the grain is covered with fruiting and seed shells, fused and consisting of several layers of cells, and do not have flower (chaff) shells. At present time, high-yielding winter and spring wheat (T.aestivum) is mainly cultivated. This species has loose floury grains and rather low protein content. It should be noted that unmalted wheat is rarely used in brewing. This is because that the use of this cereal as unmalted material leads to significant deviations in the technological process, in particular, the filtration of wort and beer slows down, reduces the colloidal stability of the final product. At the same time, as a raw material for malt, wheat has some advantages over barley. The article deals with the effect of different amounts of wheat malt on the mashing process, the percentage of mashing and mashing modes of barley and wheat malt are selected experimentally.

A field potted experiment was carried out in Asaba area of Delta State, Nigeria to evaluate sources and rates of organic manures (poultry and farmyard) on growth responses of Gongronema latifolium in an acid soil environment. It was a factorial experiment laid out in a randomized complete block design replicated 3 times. Data on plant height, number of leaves/branches, leaf area and stem girth were collected at 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 and 13 Weeks after sowing (WAS) and subjected to analysis of variance. The results that the effects on growth parameters of the crop were not significant and that higher application rates significantly increased plant height, number of leaves/branches and stem girth of G. latifolium. Application rates of 15 and 20 t/ha of both poultry and farm yard manures increased plant height from 10.45 cm to 12.52 cm and 8.12 cm and 10.68 cm respectively. The overall result indicated that the higher rate of organic manure, the better the response of growth indices of G. latifolium, though interaction effect was not significant. Poultry manure produced higher values of growth indices than farm yards manure, hence was recommended for increased productivity of G.latifolium in the study area.

A field experiment was conducted for two years in “Deep Black Soils” to study the residual and direct effect on growth, yield, monetary efficiency, nutrient uptake and soil properties after harvest...

Glyphosate-resistant (GR) Palmer amaranth is one of the most difficult to control weeds in soybean production fields in Nebraska and the United States. An integrated approach is required for effective management of GR Palmer amaranth. Cultural practices such as narrow row spacing might augment herbicide efficacy for management of GR Palmer amaranth. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effect of row spacing and herbicide programs for management of GR Palmer amaranth in dicamba/glyphosate-resistant (DGR) soybean. Field experiments were conducted in a grower’s field with a uniform population of GR Palmer amaranth near Carleton, Nebraska, in 2018 and 2019. Year-by-herbicide program-by-row spacing interactions were significant for all variables; therefore, data were analyzed by year. Herbicides applied PRE controlled GR Palmer amaranth ≥95% in both years 14 d after PRE (DAPRE). Across soybean row-spacing, most PRE followed by (fb) early-POST (EPOST) herbicide programs provided 84% to 97% control of Palmer amaranth compared with most EPOST fb late-post (LPOST) programs, excluding dicamba in single and sequential applications (82% to 95% control). Mixing microencapsulated acetochlor with a POST herbicide in PRE fb EPOST herbicide programs controlled Palmer amaranth ≥93% 14 d after EPOST and ≥96% 21 d after LPOST with no effect on Palmer amaranth density. Interaction of herbicide program-by-row spacing on Palmer amaranth control was not significant; however, biomass reduction was significant at soybean harvest in 2019. The herbicide programs evaluated in this study caused no soybean injury. Due to drought conditions during a majority of the 2018 growing season, soybean yield in 2018 was reduced compared with 2019.

Aims: To determine the effect of previous crops and fertilizers management on yield and yield parameters of stem amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor L.) in vegetables-vegetables-rice cropping system. Study Design: A randomized complete block design (RCBD) with six treatment combinations having four replications was used for the experiment. Place and Duration of Study: The field experiment was conducted in kharif-1 seasons (April to June) 2018 and 2019 at the research field of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur, Bangladesh. Methodology: The layout was kept undisturbed for the cropping sequence over two years. Factor-A had three previous crops under the cropping system as P1= Potato (Potato - Stem Amaranth - T. Aman rice), P2= Garlic (Garlic -Stem Amaranth -T. Aman rice), P3= Cauliflower (Cauliflower -Stem Amaranth - T. Aman rice) and Factor-B had two level of fertilizers management as F1= Organic fertilizer (N based organic compost), F2= Inorganic fertilizer (Estimated inorganic fertilizer dose based on the soil test value without cow dung). The data were recorded on plant height, leaves per plant, stem diameter, stem yield (t ha-1) and stem dry matter content (%) during harvesting time. Results: Significantly maximum plant height was observed (93.5cm) in inorganic fertilizer treated plot under previous crop cauliflower which was followed by (93.0cm and 75.0cm) under garlic and potato, respectively. Whereas, minimum plant height (61.8cm) receiving organic source of fertilizers when the previous crop was potato in 2019. The interaction of previous crops and fertilizer application showed significant variation on leaves per plant of stem amaranth both in 2018 and 2019. Stem diameter showed the same trend as that of stem dry matter and resulted insignificant influence due to previous crops and fertilizers management over the two years. In 2018, significantly higher stem yield was observed (38 t ha-1) in inorganic fertilizer treated plot under previous crop cauliflower which was followed by (36.1 t ha-1and 35.5 t ha-1) under garlic and potato, respectively. Whereas, lower stem yield (20.0 t ha-1) receiving inorganic source of fertilizers when the previous crop was cauliflower. Higher stem yield was observed (51.4 t ha-1) in (F2P2) treated plot which was followed by (44 t ha-1) under F2P3 and F2P1, respectively. Whereas, lower stem yield (22.0 t ha-1) receiving F1 source of fertilizers when the previous crop was P3 in 2019. Conclusion: The experimental results of this study have shown that previous crops had a positive impact on the yield parameters of stem amaranth like plant height in 2018 and leaf numbers of plant both in 2018 and 2019. Interaction effect of previous crops and fertilizers management exerted significant variations only on leaves per plant of amaranth both in 2018 and 2019. Moreover, fertilizers management showed significant variation for plant height in 2019 and for stem yield both in 2018 and 2019.Therefore, it was concluded that stem amaranth after previous crop garlic with soil test based inorganic fertilizer could be high yielding and N based organic compost could be moderate yielding under Garlic- Amaranth – T. Aman cropping system.

Immobilization of soil cadmium (Cd) has been the strategy mostly used in remediation of Cd-contaminated arable soil. However, Cd might be remobilized after the immobilization process through the acid-soluble and complexation effects. Development of agronomic management technologies to prevent soil Cd remobilization after the immobilization process was an important pathway to control the food safety of agricultural products in soils with the immobilized Cd. In this study, the ammonia (NH4+-N) and nitrate (NO3−-N) forms with concentrations of 60, 90, and 150 mg-N kg−1 soil were performed for evaluating their effects on Cd remobilization with planted or unplanted treatments and Cd accumulation in tissues of edible amaranth (Liuye). With an initial soil palygorskite-bound fraction Cd concentration of 0.6 mg kg−1, bioavailable Cd in rhizosphere soils and Cd in crop shoots respectively increased from 11.4 to 20.6 μg kg−1 (dry soil weight) and 6.92 to 14.92 mg kg−1 (dry plant weight) in planted NH4+-N treatments, while significantly lower concentrations of bioavailable Cd in rhizosphere soils and Cd in crop tissues were observed with planted NO3−-N treatments. Compared with that of planted NO3−-N treatments, decreasing pH value (i.e., 7.64 to 7.18) induced by root proton efflux during the absorption of NH4+-N, enhancive organic/amino acid (oxalic acid, lactic acid, l-proline, and so on) secretion from roots, and increasing abundance of bacteria distributed in phyla Proteobacteria, Cyanobacteria, and Bacteroidetes with Cd mobilization ability in rhizosphere soils were the main reasons found in this study for the higher Cd remobilization in soils and Cd accumulation in crop under NH4+-N treatments. Moreover, the direct effect of NH4+-N on remobilization of immobilized Cd by upregulating the expression abundances of genes associated with pyruvate metabolism and amino acids metabolism was more significant than that of NO3−-N. In summary, the use of NO3−-N as preferred N fertilizer was more efficient to ensure the food safety of agricultural products than that of NH4+-N in Cd-contaminated arable soil after immobilization process.

Field studies were conducted during the 2015 and 2016 growing seasons in south-central Texas to determine control of Palmer amaranth and annual grasses along with grain sorghum tolerance to quinclorac alone and in various combinations when applied to weeds < 5 cm (EPOST) or 10 to 16 cm tall (LPOST). When evaluated late-season quinclorac alone at 0.43 kg ae ha-1 controlled broadleaf signalgrass 72% when applied EPOST and 91% when applied LPOST. Combinations of quinclorac with either atrazine, pyrasulfotole + bromoxynil, dicamba, or dimethenamid-P controlled Palmer amaranth 88 to 100% when applied EPOST or LPOST; however, broadleaf signalgrass control with these combination was better when applied LPOST (75 to 95%) compared with EPOST (37 to 72%) applications. Texas millet control with quinclorac was poor in both years and was never greater than 54%. Quinclorac plus either atrazine, pyrasulfotole + bromoxynil, dicamba, or atrazine + dimethenamid-P caused at least 20% sorghum injury at one of three locations. No yield reductions from the untreated check were noted in either year; however, in 2016 all treatments with the exception of quinclorac alone at 0.29 kg ha-1 applied EPOST, quinclorac + pyrasulfotole + bromoxynil applied LPOST, quinclorac + atrazine + pyrasulfotole + bromoxynil applied LPOST, and quinclorac + dicamba at either application timing produced yields that were greater than the untreated check.

Conservation tillage adoption continues to be threatened by glyphosate and acetolactate synthase–resistant Palmer amaranth and other troublesome weeds. Field experiments were conducted from autumn 2010 through crop harvest in 2013 at two locations in Alabama to evaluate the effect of integrated management practices on weed control and seed cotton yield in glyphosate-resistant cotton. The effects of a cereal rye cover crop using high- or low-biomass residue, followed by wide or narrow within-row strip tillage and three PRE herbicide regimens were evaluated. The three PRE regimens were (1) pendimethalin at 0.84 kg ae ha-1 plus fomesafen at 0.28 kg ai ha-1 applied broadcast, (2) pendimethalin plus fomesafen applied banded on the row, or (3) no PRE. Each PRE treatment was followed by (fb) glyphosate (1.12 kg ae ha-1) applied POST fb layby applications of diuron (1.12 kg ai ha-1) plus monosodium methanearsonate (2.24 kg ai ha-1). Low-residue plots ranged in biomass from 85 to 464 kg ha-1, and high-biomass residue plots ranged from 3,119 to 6,929 kg ha-1. In most comparisons, surface disturbance width, residue amount, and soil-applied herbicide placement did not influence within-row weed control; however, broadcast PRE resulted in increased carpetweed, large crabgrass, Palmer amaranth, tall morning-glory, and yellow nutsedge weed control in row middles compared with plots receiving banded PRE. In addition, high-residue plots had increased carpetweed, common purslane, large crabgrass, Palmer amaranth, sicklepod, and tall morning-glory weed control between rows. Use of banded PRE herbicides resulted in equivalent yield and revenue in four of six comparisons compared with those with broadcast PRE herbicide application; however, this would likely result in many between-row weed escapes. Thus, conservation tillage cotton would benefit from broadcast soil-applied herbicide applications regardless of residue amount and tillage width when infested with Palmer amaranth and other troublesome weed species. Nomenclature: Diuron; fomesafen; glyphosate; monosodium methanearsonate; pendimethalin; carpetweed; Mollugo verticillata L. MOVE; common purslane; Portulaca oleracea L. POOL; large crabgrass; Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop. DISA; Palmer amaranth; Amaranthus palmeri S. Watson AMPA; sicklepod; Senna obtusifolia (L.) Irwin & Barneby SEOB4; tall morning-glory Ipomoea purpurea (L.) Roth IPPU2; yellow nutsedge; Cyperus esculentus L. CYES; cereal rye; Secale cereal L.; cotton; Gossypium hirsutum L.

This study incorporates the design, fabrication, implementation and evaluation of soil-based Vertical Floating Bed (VFB). The VFB has contained six plots in three vertical layers, each layer having vertical distance of 0.61 m. The structural load was calculated and three water barrels were used to maintain stable floating condition. Red Amaranth was grown and the production was evaluated with horizontal farm based on no. of leaves (NoL), stem size (SS), crop weight, crop height (CH), root zone depth and total yield (Y). Statistical analysis showed that there was a significant difference in yield among different layers of VFB with horizontal layer. Most of the considerable yield (NoL 10 nos, CH 0.27 m, SS 12 mm, Y 1.54 kg) was achieved from the top layer of the structure (L1). The lowest production (NoL 7 nos, CH 0.19 m, SS 9 mm, Y 0.83 kg) was found in the bottom layer (L3). The elevation of different layers caused growth variances due to sunlight exposure differences. The study suggested that healthy production will be capable as insect and weed infestation was negligible. It can also be a sustainable method to grow vegetables in low-land areas.

There is little understanding about ecological interference of weeds in direct-seeded rice. To get estimates of economic thresholds of two weeds in direct seeded rice, two-year field trials were conducted at research area of College of Agriculture, University of Sargodha, Punjab-Pakistan. Treatments included 0, 22, 44, 66 and 88 plants m-2 densities of each of Echinochloa colona and Digera arvensis laid out in randomized complete block design. Augmented densities of E. colona (0, 22, 44, 66 and 88 weed plants m-2) enhanced its plant dry biomass up to 348 and 353%; and relative competitive index maximally to 80 and 77% in years 2015 and 2016, respectively. While the corresponding increases in plant dry weight and relative competitive index of D. arvensis were 367 and 360% and 79 and 82%. The enhancement in N (up to 258 & 257 %), P (up to 220 & 232%) and K (up to 293 & 301%) uptake in years 2015 and 2016, respectively were made by E. Colona whereas the corresponding increases in N, P and K assimilation by D. arvensis were as far as 265 & 257%, 238 & 233% and 305 & 298%, respectively. The declines in growth and yield of rice were observed in response to growing number of both the weeds. Rice grain yield losses ranged between 9.8 to 80% and 28 to 80% by E. Colona and D. arvensis. The economic thresholds of false amaranth and jungle rice were estimated to be 1.6-1.4 plants m-2 and 2.2-2.6 plants m-2, respectively.

The evolution of multiple herbicide-resistant weeds, including Palmer amaranth, has necessitated the implementation of an integrated weed management (IWM) program. Understanding weed emergence patterns is critical for developing effective IWM strategies. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of tillage timings and residual herbicides on cumulative emergence and emergence pattern of Palmer amaranth. Field experiments were conducted in 2015 and 2016 in a field naturally infested with photosystem (PS) II and 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD) inhibitor-resistant Palmer amaranth near Shickley, Nebraska, in a bare ground study, with no crop planted in the plots, although residues from the preceding corn crop were present on the soil surface. Treatments consisted of shallow tillage timings (early, mid, and late), three premix corn or soybean residual herbicides, and a nontreated control. The Weibull function was fitted to cumulative Palmer amaranth emergence with day of year (DOY) and thermal time (TT) as independent variables. Year by treatment interaction was significant for time to 10%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 90% Palmer amaranth emergence and cumulative emergence. The majority of Palmer amaranth seedlings emerged early, following early tillage with 90% cumulative emergence occurring on DOY 172 compared with DOY 210 to 212 for mid- and late-tillage, and DOY 194 for the nontreated control in 2015. In 2016, 90% of cumulative emergence following early-, mid-, and late-tillage (DOYs 201 to 211) were similar, and that of the nontreated control (DOY 188) was similar to that of early tillage. Nontreated control and PRE herbicide treatments had similar DOY values for 90% emergence in both years. The number of emerged Palmer amaranth seedlings over the season was higher with shallow tillage than no tillage or with the use of PRE herbicides. Nomenclature: Atrazine; bicyclopyrone; chlorimuron; flumioxazin; fluthiacet; mesotrione; pyroxasulfone; S-metolachlor; Palmer amaranth; Amaranthus palmeri S. Watson

With the increase of the world population, we are looking for alternatives to supply the world's food demand. In view of this, and of the numerous benefits of the exploration of new crops as it happens with the pseudocereals, it becomes increasingly necessary studies on this subject, therefore, results that allow the implantation of these crops in the productive sector are of extreme relevance, with the purpose of facilitating its production, management and consequently its commercialization. The objective of this study was to evaluate the physical properties of amaranth and quinoa seeds. As results for the water content of 13.1% and 12.5% of amaranth and quinoa, the porosity results were, respectively, 35.5 and 39.7% and the slope angle of 25° amaranth and 28,26° quinoa. The length, width and thickness were 0.825 mm, 1.287 mm and 1.389 mm for amaranth seeds and 2.025 mm, 2.04 mm, 1.06 mm for quinoa. Sphericity was 93% for amaranth seed and 52% for quinoa. When the electrical property was evaluated, the permissivity values were 3.26 in amaranth and 3.10 in quinoa. The specific mass and weight of one thousand amaranth seeds were 804.7 kg m-³ and 0.78 g and for quinoa seeds of 720.7 kg m-³ and 3.01 g.

Palmer amaranth is an extremely troublesome weed for soybean growers because of its aggressive growth, adaptability, prolific seed production, and widespread resistance to many herbicides. Studies were initiated to determine the effects of herbicide application at first female inflorescence on Palmer amaranth control, biomass, seed production, cumulative germination, and seed viability. Enlist (2,4-D-resistant) soybean and Xtend (dicamba-resistant) soybean were planted and various combinations of either 2,4-D or dicamba with and without glufosinate and/or glyphosate were applied at first visible female Palmer amaranth inflorescence. Mixtures of 2,4-D + glufosinate and 2,4-D + glufosinate + glyphosate provided the greatest control at 4 wk after treatment in Enlist soybean. Similarly, in Xtend soybean, combinations of dicamba + glufosinate and dicamba + glufosinate + glyphosate provided the greatest control. The greatest reductions in biomass were from combinations of auxin herbicides (2,4-D or dicamba) plus glufosinate with and without glyphosate. Seed production was reduced most by treatments containing at least one effective site of action: an auxin herbicide (2,4-D or dicamba) or glufosinate. In contrast to previous research, cumulative germination and seed viability were not affected by herbicide treatments. This research indicates the efficacy of auxin herbicides or glufosinate alone and in combination to reduce the seed production of Palmer amaranth when applied at first female inflorescence. More research is needed to evaluate the full potential for applications of these herbicides at flower initiation to mitigate the evolution of herbicide resistance. Bayer Crop ScienceBayer AG; Virginia Soybean Board; Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station; National Institute of Food and Agriculture, US Department of AgricultureUnited States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Published version The authors acknowledge Wykle Greene, Shawn Beam, Kara Pittman, Kevin Bamber, and Spencer Michael of Virginia Tech for their help with this research; and Bayer Crop Science, the Virginia Soybean Board, the Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station, and the Hatch Program of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, US Department of Agriculture, for providing partial funding for this research. Although no specific funding was received related to this manuscript from manufacturers Corteva Agriscience or United Phosphorus, funding has been provided to Virginia Tech in support of M.L.F.'s research and extension program.

Overreliance on herbicides for weed control has led to the evolution of herbicide-resistant Palmer amaranth populations. Farm managers should consider the long-term consequences of their short-term management decisions, especially when considering the soil weed seedbank. The objectives of this research were to (1) determine how soybean population and POST herbicide application timing affects in-season Palmer amaranth control and soybean yield, and (2) how those variables influence Palmer amaranth densities and cotton yields the following season. Soybeans were planted (19-cm row spacing) at a low-, medium-, and high-density population (268,000, 546,000, and 778,000 plants ha–1, respectively). Fomesafen and clethodim (280 and 210 g ai ha–1, respectively) were applied at the VE, V1, or V2 to V3 soybean growth stage. Nontreated plots were also included to assess the effect of soybean population alone. The following season, cotton was planted into these plots so as to understand the effects of soybean planting population on Palmer amaranth densities in the subsequent crop. When an herbicide application occurred at the V1 or V2 to V3 soybean stage, weed control in the high-density soybean population increased 17% to 23% compared to the low-density population. Economic return was not influenced by soybean population and was increased 72% to 94% with herbicide application compared to no treatment. In the subsequent cotton crop, Palmer amaranth densities were 24% to 39% lower 3 wk after planting when following soybean sprayed with herbicides compared to soybean without herbicides. Additionally, Palmer amaranth densities in cotton were 19% lower when soybean was treated at the VE stage compared to later stages. Thus, increasing soybean population can improve Palmer amaranth control without adversely affecting economic returns and can reduce future weed densities. Reducing the weed seedbank and selection pressure from herbicides are critical in mitigating resistance evolution.Nomenclature: Clethodim; fomesafen; Palmer amaranth, Amaranthus palmeri S. Wats.; cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L.; soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merr.

Amaranthus hybridus L. is a nutritious leafy vegetable amaranth species grown primarily in tropical regions. Weedy amaranth species thriving in southern Ontario suggest the edible biotype could also grow efficiently as a crop. Field trials in Guelph, Simcoe, and Stouffville, Ontario, examined yield in response to three harvest frequencies (weekly, every 2 wk, and every 3 wk) cut at 15 cm above ground level, using two traditional harvest practices (Afro-Caribbean and European) cut every 2 wk, and a control which was not cut until the final harvest. The highest marketable yields and quality measures were observed in plants cut every 2 wk, every 3 wk, and using the Afro-Caribbean cutting technique which selects and harvests thicker stems while leaving new shoots for later harvests. The difference in growth among sites suggests plants prefer warm, well-drained soil. Marketable yield was as high as 4.02 ± 0.340 kg m−2 in Simcoe with an average yield across all three sites of 2.37 ± 0.229 kg m−2. This demonstrates that A. hybridus has the potential to be grown as a vegetable crop in southern Ontario and that marketable yield can be optimized by method of harvest.

Field studies were conducted in 2018 and 2019 in Arkansas, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, and Tennessee to determine if cover-crop residue interfered with herbicides that provide residual control of Palmer amaranth and waterhemp in no-till soybean. The experiments were established in the fall with planting of cover crops (cereal rye + hairy vetch). Herbicide treatments consisted of a nontreated or no residual, acetochlor, dimethenamid-P, flumioxazin, pyroxasulfone + flumioxazin, pendimethalin, metribuzin, pyroxasulfone, and S-metolachlor. Palmer amaranth took 18 d and waterhemp took 24 d in the cover crop–alone (nontreated) treatment to reach a height of 10 cm. Compared with this treatment, all herbicides except metribuzin increased the number of days until 10-cm Palmer amaranth was present. Flumioxazin applied alone or in a mixture with pyroxasulfone were the best at delaying Palmer amaranth growing to a height of 10 cm (35 d and 33 d, respectively). The herbicides that resulted in the lowest Palmer amaranth density (1.5 to 4 times less) integrated with a cover crop were pyroxasulfone + flumioxazin, flumioxazin, pyroxasulfone, and acetochlor. Those four herbicide treatments also delayed Palmer amaranth emergence for the longest period (27 to 34 d). Waterhemp density was 7 to 14 times less with acetochlor than all the other herbicides present. Yield differences were observed for locations with waterhemp. This research supports previous research indicating that utilizing soil-residual herbicides along with cover crops improves control of Palmer amaranth and/or waterhemp.Nomenclature: Acetochlor; flumioxazin; pyroxasulfone; S-metolachlor; Palmer amaranth, Amaranthus palmeri S. Wats.; waterhemp, Amaranthus tuberculatus (Moq) Sauer; cereal rye, Secale cereale L.; hairy vetch, Vicia villosa Roth; soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merr.

BACKGROUND Flooding throughout fall and winter months is an effective practice for rice (Oryza sativa L.) straw decomposition, soil seedbank depletion, and waterfowl habitat in Mississippi. Nevertheless, limited research is available regarding the effects of fall-winter flooding and seed burial depth on Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri S. Wats.) seed germination. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of flooding period and seed burial depth on A. palmeri seed damage and germination in three different soil textures in Mississippi. RESULTS Amaranthus palmeri seed damage was greater when seeds were buried in sandy loam compared to silt loam soil textures. An interaction between flooding period and seed burial depth was present for A. palmeri seed germination. Flooding periods of 1-month (at 0 and 15 cm burial depth) and 2 months (at 0 cm burial depth) provided similar A. palmeri seed germination compared to no-flooding (at 0 cm burial depth). In addition, flooding periods of 3, 4, and 5 months reduced A. palmeri seed germination by 10, 10 and 14 percentage points at 0 cm burial depth, and 36, 40, and 41 percentage points when seeds were buried at 15 cm, respectively, across all soil textures. CONCLUSION This research demonstrates that flooding for 3, 4, and 5-months throughout fall and winter is an effective cultural practice to increase soil seedbank depletion through reduced germination potential to help manage herbicide-resistant A. palmeri populations in sandy loam, silt, and silt loam soil textures. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Knowledge of crop–weed interference effects on weed biology along with yield penalties can be used for the development of integrated weed management (IWM) tactics. Nevertheless, little is known about the beneficial effects of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] density, an important aspect of IWM, on late Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri S. Watson) establishment time. Two field experiments were conducted in 2014 and 2015 to investigate how various soybean densities and A. palmeri establishment timings in weeks after crop emergence (WAE) affect height, biomass, and seed production of the weed but also crop yield in drill-seeded soybean. Soybean density had a significant impact on dry weight and seed production of A. palmeri that established within the first 2 wk of crop emergence, but not for establishment timings of the weed 4 wk and later in relation to crop emergence. Differential performance of A. palmeri gender was observed, regarding greater biomass production of female than male plants under crop presence, and merits further investigation. Grain yield reductions were recorded at earlier A. palmeri establishment timings (i.e., 0 and 1 WAE) compared with 8 WAE establishment timing in 2014 and 2015. High soybean densities resulted in greater soybean yields compared with low soybean density, but no grain yield benefits were observed between medium and high soybean densities. Crop budget analysis revealed the benefits of moderate seeding rate (i.e., 250, 000 seeds ha−1) increases in comparison to lower (i.e., 125,000 seeds ha−1) or high (i.e., 400,000 seeds ha−1) on crop revenue, net income returns, and breakeven price. Earlier A. palmeri establishment timings (i.e., 0, 1, and 2 WAE) resulted in lower crop revenue and net income returns compared with later establishment timings of the weed.

Production of agricultural wastes is increasing while soils are progressively losing organic matter due to intensive cultivation and climatic conditions. This makes the recycling of organic wastes a useful alternative to incineration, landfill or rubbish dumps. The effects of two agro- wastes and mineral fertilizer on growth and yield of leaf amaranth were assessed in a pot experiment at the Teaching and Research Farm, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti. Treatments consisted of poultry manure (PM) and palm oil mill effluent (POME) each applied at 8 and 16MT/ha while NPK 15-15-15 was applied at 150, 200kgha-1 and no fertilizer as control. Seeds of amaranthus caudatus variety were sown in plastic pot (50x20x40cm) containing 20kg top soil. Treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design replicated three times. Data were taken on plant height, stem girth, number of leaves plant-1, leaf area, root length, fresh weight, dry weight, edible yield and above ground plant weight at 6 weeks after planting. The results revealed that the agrowastes significantly (p

Key message A simple and rapid speed breeding system was developed for short-day crops that enables up to five generations per year using LED lighting systems that allow very specific adjustments regarding light intensity and quality. Abstract Plant breeding is a key element for future agricultural production that needs to cope with a growing human population and climate change. However, the process of developing suitable cultivars is time-consuming, not least because of the long generation times of crops. Recently, speed breeding has been introduced for long-day crops, but a similar protocol for short-day crops is lacking to date. In this study, we present a speed breeding protocol based on light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that allow to modify light quality, and exemplarily demonstrate its effectiveness for the short-day crops soybean (Glycine max), rice (Oryza sativa) and amaranth (Amaranthus spp.). Adjusting the photoperiod to 10 h and using a blue-light enriched, far-red-deprived light spectrum facilitated the growth of short and sturdy soybean plants that flowered ~ 23 days after sowing and matured within 77 days, thus allowing up to five generations per year. In rice and amaranth, flowering was achieved ~ 60 and ~ 35 days after sowing, respectively. Interestingly, the use of far-red light advanced flowering by 10 and 20 days in some amaranth and rice genotypes, respectively, but had no impact on flowering in soybeans, highlighting the importance of light quality for speed breeding protocols. Taken together, our short-day crops’ speed breeding protocol enables several generations per year using crop-specific LED-based lighting regimes, without the need of tissue culture tools such as embryo rescue. Moreover, this approach can be readily applied to a multi-storey 96-cell tray-based system to integrate speed breeding with genomics, toward a higher improvement rate in breeding.

Palmer amaranth is one of the most troublesome weeds of soybean in the United States. To effectively control this weed it is necessary to optimize timing of PRE residual herbicides to mitigate Palmer amaranth emergence. Field studies were conducted in 5 site-years to assess the effect of application timing 12 to 16 d prior to planting (preplant) and at planting (PRE) on soybean injury and longevity of Palmer amaranth control using five residual herbicide treatments. A reduction in longevity of Palmer amaranth control was observed when S-metolachlor + metribuzin and flumioxazin + chlorimuron-ethyl were applied preplant vs. PRE in 2 of the 5 site years. Sulfentrazone, sulfentrazone + cloransulam-methyl, and saflufenacil + dimethenamid-P + pyroxasulfone + metribuzin did not reduce longevity of Palmer amaranth control when applied preplant vs. PRE in all 5 site-years. Visible estimates of soybean injury were lower at 21 d after planting when herbicides were applied 12 to 16 d preplant vs. PRE. These findings suggest that preplant applications can be used to reduce the potential for crop injury and may not result in reduced longevity of control when herbicides with a prolonged residual activity are used. Preplant herbicides increase the likelihood of the residuals being activated prior to subsequent weed emergence as opposed to PRE herbicides applied at soybean planting.

Glyphosate-resistant (GR) Palmer amaranth continues to be challenging to control across the U.S. cotton belt. Timely application of POST herbicides and herbicides applied at planting or during the season with residual activity are utilized routinely to control this weed. Although glyphosate controls large Palmer amaranth that is not GR, herbicides such as glufosinate used in resistance management programs for GR Palmer amaranth must be applied when weeds are small. Dicamba can complement both glyphosate and glufosinate in controlling GR and glyphosate-susceptible (GS) biotypes in resistant cultivars. Two studies were conducted to determine Palmer amaranth control, weed biomass, and cotton yield, as well as to estimate economic net return when herbicides were applied 2, 3, 4, and 5 wk after planting (WAP). In one experiment POST-only applications were made. In the second experiment PRE herbicides were included. In general, Palmer amaranth was controlled at least 98% by herbicides applied at least three times regardless of timing of application or herbicide sequence. Glyphosate plus dicamba applied at 4 and 5 WAP controlled Palmer amaranth similarly compared to three applications by 8 WAP; however, yield was reduced 23% because of early-season interference. The inclusion of PRE herbicides benefited treatments that did not include herbicides applied 2 or 3 WAP. Glyphosate plus dicamba applied as the only herbicides 5 WAP provided 69% control of Palmer amaranth. PRE herbicides increased control to 96% for this POST treatment. Economic returns were similar when three or more POST applications were applied, with or without PRE herbicides.

Narrow-windrow burning has been a successful form of harvest weed seed control in Australian cropping systems, but little is known about the efficacy of narrow-windrow burning on weed seeds infesting U.S. cropping systems. An experiment was conducted using a high-fire kiln that exposed various grass and broadleaf weed seeds to temperatures of 200, 300, 400, 500, and 600 C for 20, 40, 60, and 80 s to determine the temperature and time needed to kill weed seeds. Weeds evaluated included Italian ryegrass, barnyardgrass, johnsongrass, sicklepod, Palmer amaranth, prickly sida, velvetleaf, pitted morningglory, and hemp sesbania. Two field experiments were also conducted over consecutive growing seasons, with the first experiment aimed at determining the amount of heat produced during burning of narrow windrows of soybean harvest residues (chaff and straw) and the effect of this heat on weed seed mortality. The second field experiment aimed to determine the effect of wind speed on the duration and intensity of burning narrow windrows of soybean harvest residues. Following exposure to the highest temperature and longest duration in the kiln, only sicklepod showed any survival (

Field experiments were carried out in the Chuvash Republic, which is located in the center of the European part of Russia on the banks of the Volga River and has a moderately continental climate with warm summers, cold winters, well-defined transitional seasons and average annual rainfall of 500 mm. There are many cultural and wild species of amaranth in nature, differing in morphological and biological features. The objects of research were four common species of amaranth (Amaranthus spp.): A. cruentus L., A. caudatus L., A. hybridus L., A. spinosus L.. Particular attention in the experiment was paid to the morphological and biological characteristics of plants according to the growth stages during growing season and the formation of the yield of green mass and grain during 3 years of research. As a result of the experiment, the possibility of cultivating a heat-loving amaranth culture in the climatic conditions of the Chuvash Republic was proved and adaptive species for growing green mass (A.cruentus and A.caudatus) and for grain (A.cruentus) were identified.

Dicamba and 2,4-D systems control many problematic weeds; however, drift to susceptible crops can be a concern in diverse production areas. Glufosinate-based systems are an alternative, but current recommended rates of glufosinate can result in variable control. Research was conducted in 2017 and 2018 to investigate the optimum time interval between sequential glufosinate applications and determine if the addition of glyphosate with glufosinate is beneficial for controlling Palmer amaranth and annual grasses in cotton. The interval between sequential applications (1, 3, 5, 7, 10, or 14 d or no second spray) was the whole plot and herbicide option (glufosinate or glufosinate plus glyphosate) was the subplot. Combined over herbicides, Palmer amaranth 15- to 20-cm tall (at four locations) was controlled 98% to 99% with sequential intervals of 1 to 7 d compared with 70% to 88% with intervals of 10 or 14 d. Lowest biomass weight and population densities were noted with 1- to 7-d intervals. Large crabgrass 15- to 20-cm tall (at five locations) was controlled 93% to 98% with glufosinate applications 3- to 7-d apart as compared with 76% to 81% with applications 10- to 14-d apart. Lowest biomass weights were observed with 1- to 7-d intervals. When glufosinate controlled grass less than 93%, adding glyphosate was beneficial. Neither interval between sequential applications nor herbicide option influenced cotton yield. Shorter time intervals between sequential application and including glyphosate can improve the effectiveness of a glufosinate-based system in managing Palmer amaranth and large crabgrass.Nomenclature: 2,4-D; dicamba; glyphosate; glufosinate; large crabgrass, Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop; Palmer amaranth, Amaranthus palmeri S. Watson; cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L. ‘DP 1646 B2XF’, ‘PHY 430 W3FE’

Acifluorfen is a nonsystemic PPO-inhibiting herbicide commonly used for POST Palmer amaranth control in soybean, peanut, and rice across the southern United States. Concerns have been raised regarding herbicide selection pressure and particle drift, increasing the need for application practices that optimize herbicide efficacy while mitigating spray drift. Field research was conducted in 2016, 2017, and 2018 in Mississippi and Nebraska to evaluate the influence of a range of spray droplet sizes [150 µm (Fine) to 900 µm (Ultra Coarse)], using acifluorfen to create a novel Palmer amaranth management recommendation using pulse width modulation (PWM) technology. A pooled site-year generalized additive model (GAM) analysis suggested that 150-µm (Fine) droplets should be used to obtain the greatest Palmer amaranth control and dry biomass reduction. Nevertheless, GAM models indicated that only 7.2% of the variability observed in Palmer amaranth control was due to differences in spray droplet size. Therefore, location-specific GAM analyses were performed to account for geographical differences to increase the accuracy of prediction models. GAM models suggested that 250-µm (Medium) droplets optimize acifluorfen efficacy on Palmer amaranth in Dundee, MS, and 310-µm (Medium) droplets could sustain 90% of maximum weed control. Specific models for Beaver City, NE, indicated that 150-µm (Fine) droplets provide maximum Palmer amaranth control, and 340-µm (Medium) droplets could maintain 90% of greatest weed control. For Robinsonville, MS, optimal Palmer amaranth control could be obtained with 370-µm (Coarse) droplets, and 90% maximum control could be sustained with 680 µm (Ultra Coarse) droplets. Differences in optimal droplet size across location could be a result of convoluted interactions between droplet size, weather conditions, population density, plant morphology, and soil fertility levels. Future research should adopt a holistic approach to identify and investigate the influence of environmental and application parameters to optimize droplet size recommendations.Nomenclature: Acifluorfen; Palmer amaranth, Amaranthus palmeri S. Wats., AMAPA; peanut, Arachis hypogaea L.; rice, Oryza sativa L.; soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merr

Amaranth (Amaranthus spp.), although primarily used as a leafy vegetable, could have additional worth in that the seed could represent raw materials in the production of protein concentrates. Howev...

BACKGROUND Relatively new herbicides that target 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD) are now available for use on the world's great grain crops (rice, wheat, corn and soybean) and for other uses. With widespread and persistent use of HPPD-inhibiting herbicides, the evolution of HPPD-inhibiting herbicide resistant weeds is inevitable. Currently, resistance to HPPD-inhibiting herbicides is known in two weed species, waterhemp and Palmer amaranth. Here, we report a HPPD-inhibiting herbicide resistant wild radish population from the Western Australia grain belt. This population was not selected with HPPD-inhibiting herbicides, rather it evolved resistance to earlier used herbicides with different modes of action and exhibits cross-resistance to HPPD-inhibiting herbicides. RESULTS Dose-response experiments showed the resistant (R) population exhibits 4 to 6.5-fold resistance to the HPPD-inhibiting herbicides mesotrione, tembotrione and isoxaflutole, compared to the susceptible (S) population. This resistance is not target-site based as cloning of full coding sequences of the HPPD genes from S and R plants did not reveal resistance-endowing single nucleotide polymorphisms. The HPPD gene expression levels are similar in S and R plants. In addition, no differences in [14 C]-mesotrione uptake and translocation were observed in the S and R plants. However, the time required for R plants to metabolise 50% [14 C]-mesotrione is 7.7-fold faster than for the S plants. CONCLUSION We confirm resistance to HPPD-inhibiting herbicides exists in a population of the economically damaging global weed wild radish. The resistance in this population is due to a non-target-site based enhanced rate of herbicide metabolism. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

HighlightsMixing amaranth grain and maize is a promising pesticide-free method for controlling maize weevils in stored maize.A 1:1 mixture by volume of maize and amaranth reduced the number of live weevils by 66% after 160 d of storage as compared to maize stored without amaranth.A further reduction in live weevils could be achieved by completely covering all maize kernels with a layer of amaranth.Insect-infested maize-amaranth mixtures had reduced spoilage due to mold during storage as compared to insect-infested maize stored without amaranth.Abstract. Amaranth (Amaranthus spp.) is used as a vegetable, food, forage, and sometimes an ornamental. Amaranth grain has higher protein content than other cereals, making it a good choice for human consumption. Maize is among the three most widely grown grains in the world, but it can experience large postharvest losses during storage due to infestation by the maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais). Due to the small size of amaranth seeds, this study postulated that amaranth grain can be blended with maize during storage to fill the intergranular spaces between maize kernels, reducing the overall void volume to minimize maize weevil movements to access the kernels, and thereby controlling the maize weevil population. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects on maize weevil control of blending maize with amaranth grain during storage versus storing maize alone. Three 208 L (55 gal) steel barrels were loaded with 160 kg (353 lb) of maize, and three were loaded with a maize-amaranth mixture (1:1 by volume), all with initial weevil populations of 25 live weevils per kg of maize. Blending maize with amaranth for storage reduced the number of live weevils after 160 days by 66% compared to storing maize alone. Additional reduction of live weevils could be accomplished if the maize were completely covered by amaranth grain, further restricting maize weevil access to the maize kernels. Keywords: Broken corn and foreign material, Insects, Insect infestation, Mechanical damage, Moisture content, Postharvest losses, Relative humidity, Temperature, Test weight.