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Facelija (Phacelia tanacetifolia Benth.) je biljna vrsta koja je kod nas relativno malo istražena, a porijeklom iz Amerike, Kalifornije. Ova vrsta je u Europu stigla u 19. stoljeću prvenstveno kao ukrasna i medonosna biljka. Cilj ovog diplomskog rada bio je utvrditi morfološka svojstva facelije koja utječu na njenu kompetitivnu sposobnost u borbi protiv korova u različitim rokovima sjetve. Osim navedenih svojstava cilj je utvrditi i ostala morfološka svojstva kako bi se osigurali do sada nepoznati podaci za uzgoj i opis ove kultivirane vrste. Pokus je proveden tijekom 2015. godine na pokušalištu Maksimir, Agronomskog fakulteta u Zagrebu. Sjetva facelije obavljena je u dva proljetna roka sjetve. Na 20 nasumično odabranih biljaka facelije unutar svakog roka sjetve napravljena su mjerenja i ocjene 20 morfoloških svojstava. Vizualnom metodom praćena je posjećenost entomofaune te zabilježena prisutnost korovnih vrsta. Rezultati istraživanja pokazuju da je rok sjetve utjecao na morfološka svojstva facelije, a time i na njenu kompeticijsku sposobnost. Vrijednosti mjerenih svojstva razlikovala su se između dva roka sjetve. Biljke facelije iz ranog proljetnog roka sjetve su prosječno bile osjetno nižeg rasta i imale su manje listova i cvjetova, te posljedično manju masu od bilajka iz ranog proljetnog roka sjetve. Glavni uzroci manje razvijenosti biljaka iz ranog proljetnog roka sjetve su nepovoljni okolišni uvjeti (suvišak oborina i relativno niske temperature) te slaba priprema tla za sjetvu. U ranom proljetnom roku sjetve zabilježena je prisutnost ukupno 26 korovnih vrsta, dok je u kasnom proljetnom roku sjetve zabilježeno svega osam korovnih vrsta. U ovom istraživanju utvrđena je jača razvijenost biljaka facelije i slabija zakorovljenost usjeva u kasnom u usporedbi s ranim proljetnim rokom sjetve. Lacy phacelia (Phacelia tanacetifolia Benth.) is relatively unknown and information’s about this species in our environment are limited. This species originally from America arrived in Europe in the 19th century, primarily as decorative and honey production plant. The main aim of this study was to determine the morphological characteristics of phacelia which affecting its competitive ability at two different spring sowing dates. In addition, research was made to identify other morphological characteristics to ensure unknown data for description and growing of these cultivated species. The experiment was conducted during 2015 growing season at Maksimir experimental station, Faculty of Agriculture. Measurements of 20 morphological characters were made at 20 randomly selected plants within each sowing date. Presence of weeds in both phacelia crops was visually monitored and recorded. Sowing date influenced on morphological characteristics of phacelia in this study. Phacelia plants from early spring sowing were characterized by an lower stem height, smaller diameter of the stem, smaller number of internodes and branches per stem, smaller number of leaves per plant, smaller number of inflorescence branches per plant, fewer flowers per plant and less fruit per plant) compared to plants from late spring sowing. Reasons for smaller plants from the first sowing date probably were less favorable environmental conditions (high precipitation and low temperature) during the initial period of phacelia growth and poor physical soil conditions (compacted soil) in early compared to late sowing. Early spring phacelia sowing date resulted in 26 different weed species in crop while in late spring sowing date only six species of summer weeds were recorded. Results of this study indicate on greater plants development and less weed species in phacelia crop from late compared to early spring sowing date.

The condition and degree of weed infestation were determined in a spring barely crop grown in a short-term monoculture after mulching the soil with plants grown as a stubble crop (the control treatment without cover crop – lacy phacelia, white mustard, sunflower). The field experiment was carried out in 2010–2013 on good rye soil complex using a split-block design in four replications. The obtained results (the mean from all years of the experiment) showed that the stubble crop, especially sunflower, reduced the diversity of weed species without causing at the same time changes in weed species dominance. In all the control treatments of the experiment, Chenopodium album and Fallopia convolvulus were the dominant species. The degree of spring barley weed infestation depended on the species grown in the cover crop. White mustard and lacy phacelia slightly increased the number of weeds but their fresh matter significantly increased. However, the sunflower cover crop significantly increased the number of weeds without any substantial differentiation of their fresh mass.

The effect of cover plants on arthropod functional biodiversity was investigated in a vineyard in Northern Italy, through a 3-year field experiment. The following six ground cover plants were tested: Sweet Alyssum; Phacelia; Buckwheat; Faba Bean; Vetch and Oat; control. Arthropods were sampled using different techniques, including collection of leaves, vacuum sampling and sweeping net. Ground cover plant management significantly affected arthropod fauna, including beneficial groups providing ecosystem services like biological control against pests. Many beneficial groups were attracted by ground cover treatments in comparison with control, showing an aggregative numerical response in the plots managed with some of the selected plant species. Alyssum, Buckwheat and ‘Vetch and Oat’ mixture showed attractiveness on some Hymenoptera parasitoid families, which represented 72.3% of the insects collected by sweeping net and 45.7 by vacuum sampling. Phytoseiidae mites showed a significant increase on leaves of the vineyard plots managed with ground covers, in comparison with control, although they did not show any difference among the treatments. In general, the tested ground cover treatments did not increase dangerous Homoptera populations in comparison with control, with the exception of Alyssum. The potential of ground cover plant management in Italian vineyards is discussed: the overall lack of potential negative effects of the plants tested, combined with an aggregative numerical response for many beneficials, seems to show a potential for their use in Northern Italy vineyards.

U ovom diplomskom radu prikazati će se mnogobrojne uporabne vrijednost facelije kao kulture, ali i opisati njene morfološke, biološke, ekološke i druge značajke na temelju podataka iz literature. Facelija je jednogodišnja biljna vrsta koja je zapažena kao korovna vrsta, ali se zbog svojih korisnih svojstava sve više uzgaja kao kulturna vrsta. Ubraja se među najznačajnije medonosne vrste i važan je izvor nektara i polena. Uzgaja se za zelenu gnojidbu radi poboljšavanja kvalitete tla, ali i obogaćuje tlo organskim tvarima. Može se koristiti i kao krmna kultura radi mogućnosti proizvodnje i ishrane stoke. Uporaba zaštitnih usjeva zbog zaštite tla, ali i radi borbe protiv korova. Uzgajati se može se za proizvodnju zelene krme, silaže i sijena. Korisna je na tlu koje je podložno eroziji jer dobro pokriva i štiti tlo. Nadalje, facelija se pokazala kao biljka koja čisti tlo od nematoda. Ubraja se među najbolje medonosne vrste, i odlična je pčelinja paša. Ima mnoga ljekovita svojstva i različitu namjenu. Zbog svog izgleda ima i ukrasnu vrijednost. Zbog visokog udjela nektara i peluda važna je za hranjenje korisnih insekata. U praksi je najčešće kombinirano korištenje kao medonosne i zaštitne kulture (Svečnjak, 2007). U početku vegetacije dolazi do pojave korova u usjevu facelije. Korovne vrste mogu predstavljati veliki problem za usjev facelije, no mnoge od njih imaju i uporabnu vrijednost, ali mogu biti i jako korisne. Na pokušalištu Maksimir Agronomskog fakulteta u Zagrebu provedena je analiza uporabne vrijednosti korovnih vrsta u usjevu facelije. In this thesis are shown a number of useful value phacelia as culture, but also to describe its morphological, biological, environmental and other features based on data from the literature. Phacelia is a hardy crop that is perceived as a weed species, but because of its beneficial properties is increasingly grown as a cultural type. It is among the most important types of honey and is an important source of nectar and pollen. It is grown for green manure to improve soil quality, but also enriches the soil with organic material. It can be used as a forage crop for the possibility of production and feeding. Use protective crops to protect soil, but also to combat weeds. Breeds may be for the production of green forage, silage and hay. It is useful on the ground which is susceptible to erosion as well covers and protects the soil. Furthermore, phacelia has proven to be a plant that cleans the soil of nematodes. It is among the best honey types, and is an excellent bee pasture. It has many medicinal properties and a different purpose. Because of its appearance and has decorative value. Due to the high share of nectar and pollen is important to feed beneficial insects. In practice, it is usually combined use of such honey and protective culture (Svečnjak, 2007). In the beginning of the growing season comes to the appearance of weeds in the crop phacelia. Weed species can pose a big problem for crop phacelia, but many of them have a use value, but can be very useful. At Faculty of Agriculture in experiment on Maksimir, an analysis of the use value of weed species in the crop phacelia.

Habitat manipulation and increasing biodiversity are important approaches that enhance biological control of pests, but it is important to evaluate the relative benefits of specific plant species when designing conservation programs. Orius insidiosus Say (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) is an important predator of thrips and aphids that also feeds on plants. It is the target of conservation biological control programs. Despite O. insidiosus' relevance, little is known about the effects of plant subsidies on predator performance or nutritional status. Here, we examined the influence of restricting the pollen and nectar resources of five plant species (alyssum, buckwheat, phacelia, fava bean, and chamomile), and how increasing plant diversity affects O. insidiosus fecundity, survival, and nutritional status. Plant species varied in their suitability for O. insidiosus, which was driven in part by the availability of the pollen or nectar resources. Offering plants as a mixture did not improve fecundity; however, the plant least preferred for oviposition under no-choice tests (fava bean) became the preferred egg-laying site when the plants were offered in combination. We conclude that the benefits obtained by O. insidiosus vary among plant species, and that increasing plant diversity can have unpredicted, positive effects on insect fitness.

Nomenclature of subdivisions within Phacelia Juss. (Boraginaceae: Hydrophylloideae) reflects an update to the classification of the genus, based largely upon the structure offered in summary by Ferguson. We consider this proposed classification a continuation of efforts to better understand interrelationships within the genus and tribe Romanzoffieae Dumort., and anticipate future research offering insights into systematics of Phacelia. New names, changes in status, and combinations include the following: Phacelia sect. Baretiana Walden & R. Patt., sect. nov.; P. subsect. Bipinnatifidae (Small) Walden & R. Patt., stat. nov.; P. subsect. Cosmantha (Nolte ex A. de Candolle) Walden & R. Patt., stat. nov.; P. subsect. Cosmanthoides (A. Gray) Walden & R. Patt., stat. nov.; P. subsect. Dubiae (Small) Walden & R. Patt., stat. nov.; P. subsect. Eutoca (R. Br.) Walden & R. Patt., stat. nov.; P. sect. Glandulosae (Rydb.) Walden & R. Patt., stat. nov.; P. subsect. Humiles Walden & R. Patt., subsect. nov.; P....

Providing floral resources in and around crops enhances local hoverfly populations and recent work has identified a number of key flower species as important sources of pollen and nectar for the adult flies. However, the effects of different flower species on hoverfly fitness have never been studied. In the present work, laboratory experiments were conducted to determine the effectiveness of six flowering plant species in enhancing the longevity and several parameters related to fecundity of Episyrphus balteatus (De Geer). Coriander was the most efficient in terms of the proportion of females laying eggs. Buckwheat gave the highest mean longevity, which correlated with the longest egg-laying duration. However, phacelia increased oviposition rate and lifetime fecundity to the greatest extent, and was responsible for the optimal reproductive potential of female E. balteatus. There was no correlation between pollen and nectar consumption or between the quantity of pollen ingested and the resulting female performance. This suggests that recording the presence of pollen in the diet is not an adequate method to evaluate hoverfly preference or pollen nutritional value. If only one floral resource subsidy is being considered for introduction into agricultural and horticultural systems to enhance hoverfly efficacy, phacelia is recommended, at least for E. balteatus.

Possible role of melatonin in the germination of negatively photoblastic and thermosensitive seeds of Phacelia tanacetifolia Benth was studied. Final germination percentage (FGP) was determined in the presence or absence of light at various temperatures, ranging from 0 to 40°C. The highest FGP was determined as 48.7% and 92% at temperature of 15°C in the presence and absence of light, respectively. Seeds were primed with 1% KNO(3) containing various concentrations (0.3, 1, 6, 12, 30, 60, or 90 μM) of melatonin for 2 days at 15°C in darkness. Primed seeds were germinated at an inhibitory temperature of 30°C, and results were compared to those occurring at the optimum temperature of 15°C under both light and no light conditions. Melatonin incorporated into priming medium significantly reversed the inhibitory effects of light and high temperature. Germination was elevated from 2.5% to 52% of FGP for seeds primed in the presence of 6 μM melatonin in darkness at 30°C, while 1 μM melatonin had the highest FGP (21.0%) in the presence of light at 30°C. The highest FGP (47.5%) was obtained from seeds primed in the presence of 0.3 μM melatonin under the light condition at 15°C, while untreated seeds had 1.5% of FGP. The fastest seed germination was determined from seeds primed in the presence of 0.3 μM melatonin (G(50) = 0.56 days) at 15°C in darkness. The possible roles of melatonin in promoting germination parameters of photo- and thermosensitive seed germination are discussed.

International audience; A substantial honeybee decline is being observed worldwide. Agricultural intensification and loss of wild floral resources rank among the main factors contributing to this decline. Landscape enhancement of floral resources has been proposed as an agro-environmental scheme intended to provide honeybees with compensatory food sources in intensive agrosystems. Floral scheme efficiency has rarely been evaluated with respect to landscape context. In this study, we developed and validated a modeling tool to delineate the landscape areas likely to be associated with higher efficiency of floral enhancement schemes. In particular, the proximity of some landscape elements used by honeybees, either as foraging habitat or as visual landmark for orientation, may partly determine floral scheme efficiency. We investigated this issue using resource selection functions (RSFs), i.e. models that aim to predict the occurrence of foraging honeybees at floral patches as a function of the presence of keystone landscape elements in their proximity. However, deciding which landscape elements are effectively in the proximity or not is mostly a matter of subjectivity. The novelty of our approach resides in its use of a distance-weighting function to explicitly account for the spatial location of surrounding landscape elements. In that respect, a distance function should be scaled on movement patterns of foraging organisms. Herein, we inferred movement patterns from the autocorrelative properties of honeybee foraging activity. This modeling approach was developed on Phacelia (Phacelia tanacetifolia) field margin strips, a typical “honeybeefriendly” floral scheme. A foraging survey conducted on 170 Phacelia plots (2 m × 2 m) from 17 Phacelia strips, all positioned within the foraging range of an experimental apiary, revealed that (i) the floral scheme efficiency is positively influenced by the presence of linear landscape elements such as hedgerows and forest edges, but negatively affected by the presence of alternative floral resources, and that (ii) weighting the relative importance of those landscape elements by incorporating a distance function into models considerably improved their predictive power. This modeling tool has the potential to help land managers optimizing their financial investment by avoiding low-efficiency landscape areas, or favoring high-efficiency ones, at the time of planning floral enhancement schemes

The present study was carried out in the period 2006-2008 based on an experiment established in 2005. The study evaluated the effect of conservation and plough tillage as well as of four catch crops on the level of infection by fungal pathogens of the stem base and roots of the spring wheat cultivar ‘Zebra’ grown in monoculture. The species composition of fungi colonizing the stem base and roots of spring wheat was determined. The split-plot design of the experiment set up on rendzina soil included plough tillage and conservation tillage with autumn and spring disking of catch crops. The experiment used four methods for regeneration of the spring wheat monoculture stand using the following: undersown red clover and Westerwolds ryegrass crops as well as lacy phacelia and white mustard stubble crops. Plots without catch crops were the control treatment. Red clover and Westerwolds ryegrass catch crops as well as lacy phacelia and white mustard stubble crops had a significant effect on the decrease in the stem base and root infection index of spring wheat compared to the control without catch crops. The disease indices in the tillage treatments under evaluation did not differ significantly from one another. The stem base and roots of spring wheat were most frequently infected by fungi of the genus Fusarium, with F. culmorum being the dominant pathogen of cereals. Compared to conservation tillage, in plough tillage the pathogenic fungus Bipolaris sorokiniana was not found to occur on the stem base and roots. The Westerwolds ryegrass catch crop promoted the occurrence of F. culmorum, both on the stem base and roots of spring wheat.

The field experiment focused on three high-inulin vegetable crops: chicory (Cichorium intybus L. var. sativum Bisch), black salsify (Scorzonera hispanica L.) and common salsify (Tragopogon porrifolius L.), and took into account two cultivation methods (flat soil and ridges) and a phacelia (Phacelia tanacetifolia L.) intercrop, the biomass of which was mixed with the soil during pre-winter ploughing. Cultivation without an intercrop served as the control. The studies aimed at evaluating the influence of ridge cultivation using a phacelia intercrop on the species composition and population of vegetable weeds as compared to traditional flat-soil cultivation with no intercrop. In total, 24 taxa in the primary and 31 taxa in the secondary weed populations (mostly characteristic for vegetable crops) were recorded in high-inulin species plantations. Monocarpic species such as Senecio vulgaris, Chenopodium album and Lamium amplexicaule dominated in the spring, while Stellaria media, Capsella bursa-pastoris and Urtica urens were most numerous at the end of the vegetation period. Applying phacelia as the intercrop and ploughing its biomass before winter significantly reduced the primary weed population for all of the cultivated crop species as compared to the no-intercrop cultivations. Phacelia grown as the intercrop reduced the occurrence of Senecio vulgaris, while favouring the development of Lamium amplexicaule. The cultivation system affected the primary weed infestation of vegetables, whereas it had no impact on the level of secondary weed infestation. At the beginning of the vegetation periods, fewer weeds grew in ridges than in the flat soil system. The crop species had no effect on the primary weed infestation, while it influenced weed numbers in the secondary. The lowest number of weeds was recorded in the secondary weed infestation of chicory, the well-developed leaf rosettes of which efficiently eliminated most of the weeds.

A field experiment was conducted in the period 2006- 2008 in the Uhrusk Experimental Farm belonging to the University of Life Sciences in Lublin. The experimental factor was the type of stubble crop ploughed in each year after harvest of spring barley: white mustard, lacy phacelia, winter rape, and a mixture of narrow-leaf lupin with field pea. In the experiment, successive spring barley crops were grown one after the other (in continuous monoculture). The aim of the experiment was to evaluate the effect of stubble crops used on the size and structure of barley yield. The three-year study showed an increasing trend in grain yield of spring barley grown after the mixture of legumes, lacy phacelia, and white mustard compared to its size in the treatment with no cover crop. Straw yield was significantly higher when barley was grown after the mixture of narrowleaf lupin with field pea than in the other treatments of the experiment. The type of ploughed-in stubble crop did not modify significantly plant height, ear length, and grain weight per ear. Growing the mixture of leguminous plants as a cover crop resulted in a significant increase in the density of ears per unit area in barley by an average of 14.7% relative to the treatment with winter rape. The experiment also showed the beneficial effect of the winter rape cover crop on 1000-grain weight of spring barley compared to that obtained in the treatments with white mustard and the mixture of legumes. All the cover crops caused an increase in the number of grains per ear of barley relative to that found in the control treatment. However, this increase was statistically proven only for the barley crops grown after lacy phacelia and the mixture of legumes.

Some of the widely used cover crops in temperate agroecosystems (including species of the Brassicaceae and Poaceae) have been shown to exhibit allelopathic effects. In particular, various Brassicaceae have been reported to act as biofumigants against a variety of soil-borne pests through the release of i.a. isothiocyanates (ITC) from glucosinolate precursors. Although these allelochemicals may potentially reduce the need for application of synthetic pesticides, their effects on beneficial soil ecosystem engineers such as earthworms (Lumbricidae) have not been assessed yet. Food choice chambers were used to assess short-term food preferences of Lumbricus terrestris L. for lacy phacelia ( Phacelia tanacetifolia BENTH.), the Poaceae Italian ryegrass ( Lolium multiflorum LAM.) and oats ( Avena sativa L.), and the Brassicaceae yellow mustard ( Sinapis alba L.) and rapeseed ( Brassica napus L.) while litter bags were used to study long-term litter preference under field conditions. Habitat preference of L. terrestris was determined through simple habitat preference units. Ryegrass residues were a preferred food resource, both in fresh and partly decomposed state, over mustard, phacelia or rapeseed residues, and these were in turn more fed on than oats. Litter disappeared at a fast and variable rate from litter bags under field conditions. No clear relationships with residue C:N ratio were observed. Habitats in which living oat plants were present were avoided in comparison to habitats with bare soil or yellow mustard plants. In conclusion, brassicaceous cover crops are not preferred nor avoided by L. terrestris compared to the other cover crops in this study. Decreased ITC release and earthworm exposure under field conditions may further lower the risk of harmful effects, but further research on the long-term impact is needed.

The following nomenclatural combinations in Phacelia (Boraginaceae) are established: P. campanularia A. Gray var. vasiformis (G. W. Gillett) Walden & R. Patterson, stat. nov.; P. imbricata Greene var. bernardina (Greene) Walden & R. Patterson, stat. nov.; P. imbricata Greene var. patula (Greene) Walden & R. Patterson, stat. nov.; and P. nemoralis Greene var. oregonensis (Heckard) Walden & R. Patterson, stat. nov. Typification and clarification of nomenclature is provided for Phacelia floribunda Greene and Phacelia phyllomanica A. Gray. Synonymies are provided for all names.

The goal of this study was to examine the taxonomy, ecology, molecular phylogenetics and biosystematics of two apparently closely related species and to elucidate congruent patterns from these often divergent sub-disciplines of systematics. Phylogenetic analysis of DNA sequences showed that Phacelia fimbriata and Phacelia purshii are sister species that demonstrate species-specific differences in germination but little morphologic or genetic differentiation. While a geographic region of sympatry exists, elevation differences preclude co-occurrence. The widespread P. purshii supports higher levels of morphological and genetic diversity compared to the narrow endemic, P. fimbriata. Gene flow between members of this closely related species pair is blocked by hybrid inviability whose expression occurs following normal pollen tube growth and apparent fertilization. Hybrid seeds are inviable, an effect likely caused by an embryo-endosperm incompatibility that, following fertilization, permits developme...

Cover crops are a very effective erosion control and environmental conservation technique. When cover crops freeze at the beginning of the winter period, the above-ground biomass becomes less effective in protecting the soil from water erosion, but roots can still play an important role in improving soil strength. However, information on root properties of common cover crops growing in temperate climates (e.g. Sinapis alba (white mustard), Phacelia tanacetifoli (phacelia), Lolium perenne (ryegrass), Avena sativa (oats), Secale cereale (rye), Raphanus sativus subsp . oleiferus (fodder radish)) is very scarce. Therefore, root density distribution with soil depth and the erosion-reducing effect of these cover crops during concentrated flow erosion were assessed by conducting root auger measurements and controlled concentrated flow experiments with 0.1 m topsoil samples. The results indicate that root density of the studied cover crops ranges between 1.02 for phacelia and 2.95 kg m − 3 for ryegrass. Cover crops with thick roots (e.g. white mustard and fodder radish) are less effective than cover crops with fine-branched roots (e.g. ryegrass and rye) in preventing soil losses by concentrated flow erosion. Moreover, after frost, the erosion-reducing potential of phacelia and oats roots decreased. Amoeba diagrams, taking into account both below-ground and above-ground plant characteristics, identified ryegrass, rye, oats and white mustard as the most suitable species for controlling concentrated flow erosion.

Positive interactions between cushion plant and associated plants species in the high Andes of central Chile should also include the effects of fungal root symbionts. We hypothesized that higher colonization by arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi exists in cushion-associated (nursling) plants compared with conspecific individuals growing on bare ground. We assessed the AM status of Andean plants at two sites at different altitudes (3,200 and 3,600 m a.s.l.) in 23 species, particularly in cushions of Azorella madreporica and five associated plants; additionally, AM fungal spores were retrieved from soil outside and beneath cushions. 18 of the 23 examined plant species presented diagnostic structures of arbuscular mycorrhiza; most of them were also colonized by dark-septate endophytes. Mycorrhization of A. madreporica cushions showed differences between both sites (68% and 32%, respectively). In the native species Hordeum comosum, Nastanthus agglomeratus, and Phacelia secunda associated to A. madreporica, mycorrhization was six times higher than in the same species growing dispersed on bare ground at 3,600 m a.s.l., but mycorrhiza development was less cushion dependent in the alien plants Cerastium arvense and Taraxacum officinale at both sites. The ratio of AM fungal spores beneath versus outside cushions was also 6:1. The common and abundant presence of AM in cushion communities at high altitudes emphasizes the importance of the fungal root symbionts in such situations where plant species benefit from the microclimatic conditions generated by the cushion and also from well-developed mycorrhizal networks.

Postemergence herbicides may facilitate weed control in native wildflower seed production fields. In a greenhouse study, we assessed the impact of 4 postemergence herbicides (linuron, halosulfuron, imazapic, and pendimethalin) on 4 wildflower species: white prairie clover ( Dalea candida Michx. ex Willd. [Fabaceae]), blanketflower ( Gaillardia aristata Pursh [Asteraceae]), silverleaf phacelia ( Phacelia hastata Douglas ex Lehm. [Hydrophyllaceae], and prairie coneflower ( Ratibida columnifera (Nutt.) Woot. & Standl. [Asteraceae]). Pendimethalin applied at 1.9 kg ai/ha (1.69 lb ai/ac) caused the least seedling injury across all species and therefore may help weed management in wildflower production systems. Although linuron applied at 0.56 kg ai/ha (0.5 lb ai/ac) appeared to be a promising alternative for weed control, oven-dry biomass for G. aristata was reduced by this herbicide. Imazapic and halosulfuron applied at 0.14 kg ai/ha (0.125 lb ai/ac) and 0.048 kg ai/ha (0.042 lb ai/ac), respectively, caused severe damage on wildflower seed lings.

Crops that effectively compete with weeds may be more suitable in low-input agricultural systems. A 2-yr field experiment was conducted in northern Greece to assess the competitiveness of seven annual aromatic plants (anise, sweet fennel, sweet basil, dill, coriander, parsley, and lacy phacelia) on common purslane, common lambsquarters, black nightshade, and barnyardgrass. The phytotoxicity of the essential oils produced by these aromatic plants was also determined using a perlite-based bioassay with barnyardgrass. Separation, identification, and quantification of the volatile compounds of these essential oils were also performed. After the harvest of the aromatic plants (8 wk after planting), the greatest weed fresh weight reduction (94 to 100%) was recorded in lacy phacelia, whereas the least (0 to 30%) was recorded in parsley. Lacy phacelia and sweet fennel produced the greatest fresh biomass yield in weedy and weed-free treatments, whereas parsley, dill, and coriander produced the lowest. Biomass of sweet fennel and anise was reduced by only 9 to 11% by weed competition, whereas biomass of lacy phacelia was not significantly affected. The essential oils isolated from sweet fennel and sweet basil were the most phytotoxic on barnyardgrass, whereas those isolated from lacy phacelia and anise were the least phytotoxic. Conclusively, aromatic plants with great competitiveness such as lacy phacelia, anise, and sweet fennel provided great weed suppression and they could be cultivated with low inputs in herbicides. However, high competitiveness of aromatic plants may not always be correlated with high essential oil phytotoxicity. Nomenclature: Anise, Pimpinella anisum L.; barnyardgrass, Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) Beauv. ECHCG; black nightshade, Solanum nigrum L. SOLNI; common lambsquarters, Chenopodium album L. CHEAL; common purslane, Portulaca oleracea L. POROL; coriander, Coriandrum sativum L.; dill, Anethum graveolens L.; lacy phacelia, Phacelia tanacetifolia Benth.; parsley, Petroselinum crispum (P. Mill.) Nyman ex A.W. Hill; sweet basil, Ocimum basilcum L.; sweet fennel, Foeniculum vulgare P. Mill.

A study of the influence of intercropping broad bean with phacelia on the occurrence of weevils and broad bean beetles was conducted in the years 2006-2009. The harmfulness of Sitona spp. beetles feeding on the leaves (the number of U-shape notches and the number of damaged leaves) and the harmfulness of the larvae, as well as the feeding on the broad bean root nodules was taken into account. The harmfulness of the broad bean beetle was determined by assessing the condition of the seeds. The influence of phacelia on the presence of weevils (Sitona) and broad bean beetles (Bruchus rufimanus) as broad bean pests was not observed. A smaller amount of broad bean seeds damaged by the broad bean beetle was determined only in some of the years of the study in the plots in which the phacelia was intercropped with broad bean.

Howellanthus (Constance) Walden and R. Patt. is recognized as a new genus, containing a single species H. dalesianus (J. T. Howell) Walden and R. Patt., based on morphological evidence. Howellanthus dalesianus (Boraginaceae) is a small perennial herb, endemic to northern California and restricted to ultramafic soils. The species was first collected in 1936 by Ella Dales Cantelow and Herbert Clair Cantelow, described by John Thomas Howell as Phacelia dalesiana J. T. Howell, and later placed in the monotypic Phacelia subg. Howellanthus by Lincoln Constance.

A field experiment was conducted during the period 2002–2006 at the Experimental Farm in Zawady, located in the mid-eastern part of Poland, to evaluate the effect of date of mulch ploughing down (autumn, spring, left till cabbage harvest) and the plant mulches [phacelia (Phacelia tanacetifolia Benth.), vetch (Vicia sativa L.), serradella (Ornithopus sativus), and oat (Avena sativa L.)] on the weed pressure in red cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata L. f. rubra) in the first and onion (Allium cepa L. var. cepa Helm.) in the second year after mulching. The biomass yield of plant mulches, total cabbage and onion yields, and biomass and number of weeds before planting and harvest of cabbage and before sowing and harvest of onion were assessed. Weed infestation was determined by the quantitative-weighting method. The biomass yields of phacelia and oat amounted to 26.6 and 24.8 t·ha−1, respectively, and were almost 2.5-times higher than biomass yields of serradella and vetch. The average cabbag...

In upper layer of arable soils, the percentage of organically bound phosphorus (P) can range from 20% to 80% of total P concentration. Approximately 40% of organic soil P is in the inositol-P fraction. The objective of our study was to evaluate various soil-testing methods in measuring phytate soil P as an important source of organic soil P, and to determine the bioavailability of phytate soil P for summer wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), rape (Brassica napus L.), sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L. var. altissima Doll), phacelia (Phacelia tanacetifolia L.), maize (Zea mays L.), white lupin (Lupinus albus L.), Mexican sunflower (Tithonia diversifolia Hemsley Gray), summer rye (Secale cereale L.), buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum L.), and pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan L.). Plants were cultivated in a growth chamber on a subsoil as a substrate with very low organic-matter content and negligible microbial activity in order to restrict the contribution of mycorrhiza and soil microbial activity for organic-soil P mobilization. Application of organic P (100 mg P [kg soil] ―1 as Na-hexaphytate, C 6 H 6 O 24 P 6 Na 12 ) did not result in a significant increase of extractable soil P measured with routine soil-testing methods (CAL, DL, NaHCO 3 , EUF, Me-III) although the applied organic P was available for all tested plant species. The relative P-uptake efficiency for Na-hexaphytate compared to Ca(H 2 PO 4 ) 2 was for rape, pigeon pea, and phacelia approximately 100%, for white lupin and maize 80%, for sugar beet, Mexican sunflower, wheat, and buckwheat approximately 60%, and for rye 35%. The results indicate that the bioavailability of organic soil P is not taken into account by routine soil-testing methods.

Growing nitrogen (N) catch crops can reduce NO(3)-N leaching after cultivating cereals. The objective of this study was to relate NO(3)-N leaching to variation in the uptake of N and the size and distribution of the root systems of different catch crops species. In a 3-yr lysimeter experiment, phacelia (Phacelia tanacetifolia Benth.), sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.), and a Brassica species (yellow mustard [Brassica alba L.] or a hybrid of turnip rape [B. rapa L. spp. oleifera (DC.) Metzg.] and Chinese cabbage [B. rapa L. ssp. chinensis (L.) Hanelt]) were grown after the harvest of spring wheat under two levels of N supply. Bare soil lysimeters served as the control. Water percolation from the lysimeters and the NO(3)(-) concentration in the leachate were measured weekly from the sowing until the presumed frost-kill of the catch crops. Minirhizotrons were used to assess the spatial and temporal patterns of root growth from 0.10 to 1.00 m. The catch crop species differed in their shoot biomass, N uptake, total NO(3)-N leaching, and root growth. The results suggested that there was no strict relationship between the total NO(3)-N leaching of each catch crop species and the N uptake or parameters that indicate static characteristics of the root system. In contrast, the ranking of each catch crop species by parameters that indicate early root growth was inversely related to the ranking of each catch crop species in NO(3)-N leaching. The rapid establishment of the root system is essential for a catch crop following spring wheat to reduce the amount of NO(3)-N leaching after the harvest of spring wheat.

Cover crops are plants that are integrated in the crop rotation between two cash crops. The main objectives of cover cropping are organic matter input, mitigation of nitrate leaching and reduction of soil erosion. These benefits will only be achieved efficiently if the selected cover crop species are adapted to local environmental conditions and appropriate for the defined agro-ecological target. Therefore, a main limitation in cover cropping is the lack of a comprehensive species description. An improved cover crop characterization could be achieved with quantitative parameters derived from growth functions. Here, we show the use of this approach to assess plant traits relevant for erosion control by cover cropping. An experiment with four cover crop species (phacelia, vetch, rye and mustard) was performed over two years at a semi-arid site in Eastern Austria. Canopy cover was measured four times over the vegetation period. Root length density measurements were made to 40 cm soil depth before winter. Canopy dynamics were characterized by parameters from the asymptotic Gompertz function and from an extended logistic model that includes a parameter for decay after maximum coverage. Our results show that vetch had the lowest early vigor after dry conditions at sowing, with +45% longer time to attain maximum growth rate (parameter tmax) than the other species. Drought during the later autumn growing period led to the highest reduction in maximum canopy cover (parameter ymax) for phacelia (-41%). The rooting pattern was assessed by parameters from the exponential distribution function of Gerwitz and Page. The most intense rooting near the soil surface (parameter L0) was found for phacelia (9.7 cm cm −3 ). Vetch had the lowest L0 (4.6 cm cm −3 ) but highest root allocation to deeper soil layers. Mustard combined high average values in ymax (76%) and L0 (6.3 cm cm −3 ) with a stable growth over both years. The potential strengths of phacelia and vetch were more dependent on the particular year. Rye showed a stably high L0 (8.6 cm cm −3 ), but had only a low average value of ymax (55.1%). The quantitative parameter sets we derived for plant traits required for erosion control improved cover crop comparison and analysis of their local adaptation. Based on this extended species description our approach allows a better evaluation of cover crops and can be used for the optimization of management and decision support. cover crops / growth functions / species description / rooting pattern / rainfall distribution

Main principle of the common agricultural policy of European Union is achievement of high results with the least possible negative impact on the environment, land protection and efficient use of natural resources. For that purpose, a number of studies are carried out, related to the improvement of biodiversity and protection of the pollinators in the areas of production. Two type of grass mixes were observed: “Laitamag” (Hungary) composed of White mustard (Sinapis alba L.), White clover (Trifolium repens L.), Phacelia (Phacelia tanacetifolia Bentham), Crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.), Egyptian clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.), Red clover (Trifolium pretense L.), Wild oats (Avena sativa L.), Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) and Sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia Scop.) and a mix, proposed by the Agrarian University: White mustard (Sinapis alba L.), White clover (Trifolium repens L.), Phacelia (Phacelia tanacetifolia Bentham), Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench), Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.). The vegetation of the autumn crops began in March, as the blossoming lasts for 60-63 days, from the beginning of April until 24 June. For the spring sowing (18 March), the flowering of the mixes occurred later, in the second 10-day period of May and ended at the end of June. As a result of the low temperatures during winter, the white mustard, buckwheat and sainfoin plants perished. White clover proves to be the most resilient species.

Phylogenetic relationships between and within Phacelia sections Whitlavia and Gymnobythus are inferred based on nuclear ribosomal DNA [5.8S, and flanking internal transcribed spacers (ITS) 1 and 2] and chloroplast DNA (rpl16 intron) sequences. These two sections share morphological characters and have been thought to be closely related. The purpose of this study is to test whether each of the two sections is monophyletic as well as whether they form sister clades. Our results indicate that section Gymnobythus is monophyletic, and members of section Whitlavia form two clades that correspond to subsections previously suggested by Gillett. In the ITS dataset, the two Whitlavia groups are not sister clades, but there is little support for their placement. The rpl16 and rpl16 + ITS combined datasets provide resolution and strong support for monophyly of both sections. Both datasets indicate hybridization or a recent divergence between Phacelia parryi and Phacelia minor, as well as a close alliance bet...

An experiment covering a 2-yr spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) catch crop succession was conducted in lysimeters to account for the losses of N due to leaching. We sought to relate these losses to the N uptake of the main crop and to integrate the estimated N loss and uptake into a balance. The non-winter hardy catch crops [yellow mustard (Sinapis alba L.), Phacelia (Phacelia tanacetifolia Benth), and sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)] as well as bare soil fallow were studied at low and high N input levels of 4 and 29 g N m(-2) yr(-1), respectively. Catch crops allowed for an effective reduction of N leaching of 0.33 to 1.67 g N m(-2) yr(-1) compared to fallow. Reductions in N leaching were achieved mainly by avoiding the fallow period during autumn and winter while the catch crop species grown had little impact. During the spring wheat growing season, N leaching losses were highest after yellow mustard, the most effective catch crop for the entire crop succession. A balance of N indicated that the reductions in N leaching exerted by the catch crops did not result in a higher overall utilization of N by spring wheat. Thus, the efficacy shown by catch crops in reducing N leaching during growth is relatively lower when considering the entire crop succession. In addition, the N saved by growing catch crops does not increase N utilization by succeeding spring wheat.

The Stucky Ridge test plot is located approximately two miles northeast of Anaconda, Montana. Sparse vegetation includes quaking aspen, Wood's rose, currant species, rubber rabbitbrush, horsebrush, redtop and basin wildrye. In November 2002, 22 tons/acre lime kiln dust was disced to a 12‖ depth. Prior to spring seeding, 500 bulk-pounds of fertilizer were applied/incorporated to a 6‖ depth. Thirty-six grass, two subshrub accessions, and four seed mixtures were arranged in a Randomized Complete Block with four replications. Plots were drill-seeded in May 2003 at 50 Pure Live Seeds per linear row foot. Soil sampling for arsenic and heavy metals occurred after planting. A significant amount of new grass seedling emergence was detected during the June 2004 evaluation, particularly for Indian ricegrass, western wheatgrass, Nevada bluegrass, and basin wildrye. Following the 2004, 2005, and 2006 evaluations for cover and vigor rating, each plot was sampled for biomass production. Tissue analyses indicated heavy metal concentrations were generally within limits for livestock and wildlife use. In single-species plots, ‗local source' plants exhibiting superior performance included Copperhead and 9081621 slender wheatgrass, Opportunity Nevada bluegrass, 9081968 western wheatgrass, 9081624 and Washoe Germplasm basin wildrye, 9081628 Indian ricegrass, 9081636 bluebunch wheatgrass and 9081635 Canbyi bluegrass. In 2003, Open Range Germplasm winterfat was the only broad-leaved entry demonstrating significant emergence. In 2007, the only broad-leaved plants surviving were Open Range winterfat and 9081632 silverleaf phacelia. Old Works fuzzytongue penstemon and silverleaf phacelia were only detected in alternating years. In the Seed Mixture Trials, the ‗Experimental' mixes containing native ‗local source' were far superior to the ‗Developed' mixes consisting of native ‗nonlocal source' (Upland Mix) and introduced cultivars (Waste Management Areas). However, it was estimated the majority of plants in the Experimental mixtures were Copperhead slender wheatgrass, the best overall performer on the test site.

A 2-year field experiment was conducted in northern Greece to study the mulch effects of seven annual [anise (Pimpinella anisum L.), sweet fennel (Foeniculum vulgare P. Mill.), sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.), dill (Anethum graveolens L.), coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.), parsley (Petroselinum crispum (P. Mill.) Nyman ex A.W. Hill) and lacy phacelia (Phacelia tanacetifolia Benth.)] and three perennial [mint (Mentha X verticillata L.), oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) and common balm (Melissa officinalis L.)] aromatic plants, used as incorporated green manure, on the emergence and growth of barnyardgrass [Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) P. Beauv.], common purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.), puncturevine (Tribulus terrestris L.), common lambsquarters (Chenopodium album L.) and maize (Zea mays L.). In addition, the phytotoxic potential of the abovementioned aromatic plants extracts was determined in the laboratory using a perlite-based bioassay with maize and barnyardgrass. The bioassays indicated that germination, root elongation and fresh weight of barnyardgrass were reduced by the most aromatic plant extracts. However, maize growth parameters were only affected by the extracts of anise, sweet fennel, coriander, common balm and oregano. In the field, emergence of barnyardgrass, common purslane, puncturevine or common lambsquarters was reduced by 11–50%, 12–59%, 26–79% or 58–83% in green manure-treatment plots, respectively, as compared with green manure-free plots (control). On the contrary, maize emergence was not affected by any green manure. At harvest, maize grain yield in green manure-herbicide untreated plots was 10–43% greater than that in the corresponding green manure-free plots. In particular, maize grain yield in anise, dill, oregano or lacy phacelia green manure-herbicide untreated plots was 27–43% greater than that in the green manure-free-herbicide untreated and slightly lower than that obtained in the corresponding herbicide treated plots. These results indicated that green manure of aromatic plants, such as anise, dill, oregano or lacy phacelia could be used for the suppression of barnyardgrass and some broadleaf weeds in maize and consequently to minimize herbicide usage.

The Effect of Plant Mulches on the Nutritive Value of Red Cabbage and Onion The effect of three methods of soil mulching: autumn or spring ploughing and leaving mulch as a cover crop on the soil surface without incorporation till the end of cabbage growth on the contents of selected nutrients in red cabbage and onion was investigated. The following plants were used as intercropped mulches: phacelia, vetch, serradella and oat. Mulching effects were compared to a non-mulched control as well as a farmyard manure application at the rate of 40 t·ha-1. Nutrient content in both vegetable species depended on weather conditions and varied in study years. Accumulation of dry matter in cabbage was favoured by phacelia and oat mulches, irrespective of the date of ploughing. Non-incorporated oat and autumn-incorporated phacelia increased dry matter content in onion. An increase in the protein content in cabbage was observed when following serradella and vetch mulches. The protein content in onion cultivated in the second year following mulching did not change significantly as a result of the influence of examined factors. Among an the mulches taken into study, serradella and oat increased the content of vitamin C in cabbage. Similarly, autumn- or spring-incorporated oat mulch and non-incorporated serradella mulch increased the content of vitamin C in onion.

A two-year field experiment was conducted to determine whether a conservation biological control strategy could be applied to enhance the biological control of green apple aphids, Aphis spp., in a high-density and scab-resistant apple orchard at the non-bearing stage. The natural occurrence of aphid predators and their impact on aphid populations were evaluated in 2005. The impact of predation on aphid densities was evaluated by comparing a predator exclusion treatment with a control. In 2006, the possibility to enhance predator abundance/performance and aphid biological control with a flowering ground cover was tested: trees were grown either with a flowering ground cover of phacelia, Phacelia tanacetifolia Bentham, and buckwheat, Fagopyrum esculentum Moench, or with a conventional ground cover of mixed Poaceae species. In 2006, it was also determined whether aphid densities differ between Liberty and Topaz, 2 scab-resistant cultivars. Results indicate that the predatory arthropod community was dominated by Coccinellidae, Cecidomyiidae, and various spider species. The ladybird community was dominated by the exotic species Harmonia axyridis Pallas, and the abundance of this species was correlated with aphid density. Naturally occurring predators had little impact on aphid abundance, although the proportion of trees with aphid colonies was greater in the predator exclusion treatment on two consecutive dates in 2005. Ground cover types had no impact on aphid densities. The oviposition response of Cecidomyiidae to aphid density was greater in Liberty trees with flowering ground cover than with the conventional ground cover. Conversely, the response of ladybird adults to aphid density was more important in Topaz trees with the conventional ground cover than with the flowering ground cover. Finally, no difference occurred in aphid abundance between Liberty and Topaz trees. Those results are discussed from a biological control and ecological point of view.

The pathogenicity of A. alternata, F. culmorum, F. oxysporum, F. solani, P. irregulare, and R. solani isolated from oats, spring vetch, and tancy phacelia mulch soil to Scorzonera hispanica L. in the conditions of a growth chamber was studied. The pathogenicity of these microorganisms was established on the basis of the number of emerged plants and their healthiness. The studied species considerably decreased the emergencies and healthiness of the seedlings, e.g. necrosis of sprouts and roots. Differentiated harmfulness of particular microorganisms isolates was observed within a given species. The isolates of P. irregulare and F. oxysporum proved to be the most severe for the seedlings, while A. alternata the least.

Phosphorus (P) is a limited resource and its efficient use is a main task in sustainable agriculture. In a 3-year field experiment the effects of catch cropping [oil radish (Raphanus sativus), buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum), serradella (Ornithopus sativus), ryegrass (Lolium westerwoldicum), and phacelia (Phacelia tanacetifolia)] of organic fertilization (cattle manure and biowaste compost) and of inorganic fertilization (Triple-Superphosphate) on plant and soil parameters were investigated on a P-poor loamy sand in Northeast Germany. The catch crops were sown in September and remained on the plots until next spring. Then the main crops oilseed rape (Brassica napus), spring barley (Hordeum vulgare), or spring wheat (Triticum aestivum) were cultivated. The yield and P uptake of the main crops were determined. Furthermore, in the soil the organic matter content, pH, phosphorus (P) in soil solution (Psol), double-lactate and oxalate P content, P sorption capacity, and degree of P saturation were me...

Six new species of Phacelia Jussieu are described from Arizona and New Mexico, U.S.A., as P. buell-vivariensis N. D. Atwood, P. cloudcroftensis N. D. Atwood, P. furnissii N. D. Atwood, P. higginsii N. D. Atwood, P. hughesii N. D. Atwood, and P. pinkavae N. D. Atwood. The new species all belong to the Crenulatae group within the genus. The new species are compared to other members of the group based on similarities and differences in stature, seed, pubescence, and leaf and flower morphology.

Heavy metal phytoextraction is a soil remediation technique, which makes use of plants in removing contamination from soil. The plants must thus be tolerant to heavy metals, adaptable to soil and climate characteristics, and able to take up large amounts of heavy metals. Most of the high biomass productive plants such as, maize, oat and sunflower are plants, which do not grow in cold climates or need intensive care. In this study three “weed” plants, Borago officinalis; Sinapis alba L. and Phacelia boratus were investigated for their ability to tolerate and accumulate high amounts of Cd and Pb. Pot experiments were performed with soil containing Cd and Pb at concentrations of up to 180 mg kg−1 and 2,400 mg kg−1 respectively. All three plants showed high levels of tolerance. Borago officinalis; and Sinapis alba L. accumulated 109 mg kg−1 and 123 mg kg−1 Cd, respectively at the highest Cd spiked soil concentration. Phacelia boratus reached a Cd concentration of 42 mg kg−1 at a Cd soil concentration of 100 mg kg−1. In the case of Pb, B. officinalis and S. alba L. displayed Pb concentrations of 25 mg kg−1 and 29 mg kg−1, respectively at the highest Pb spiked soil concentration. Although the Pb uptake in P. boratus reached up to 57 mg kg−1 at a Pb spiked soil concentration of 1,200 mg kg−1, it is not suitable for phytoextraction because of its too low biomass.

Botrytis bunch rot is a disease that causes loss of yield and quality in many fruit and vegetable crops in temperate climates worldwide. The rot is caused by the fungus Botrytis cinerea, a saprophytic necrotroph. In grapes, the presence of the fungus can reduce yield, taint wine and increase its sensitivity to oxidation. In the current work, inter-row phacelia and ryegrass were mulched in situ in winter 2005 and compared with a bare ground control. The mulches were applied under 10-year-old Chardonnay vines in a 10-replicate randomized block design in New Zealand. Functional soil biological activity increased by 1.5–4.5 times in the two cover crop treatments compared with the control, an effect related to elevated soil moisture in these treatments. This increase in soil moisture and a higher rate of soil biological activity increased vine debris degradation, reduced B. cinerea primary inoculum on the debris and decreased B. cinerea severity at flowering (December 2005) and harvest (April 2006). These resu...

Agronomic factors, and mineral fertilization in particular, have a strong impact on the quality of carrot roots. In recent years, researchers have begun to design eco-friendly agricultural practices that would stimulate the quality and yield of carrot roots. Our aim has been to analyse selected quality parameters pertaining to the chemical composition of carrot roots, and relate them to the application of different growth stimulators and cover crops. For this purpose, a field experiment was conducted in 2009-2011 investigating the effect of growth stimulators and stubble crops on the accumulation of chemical components in storage roots of carrot (cv. Laguna F1). The study included three growth stimulators: Asahi SL, Bio-algeen S 90 and Tytanit. Plots without any foliar application of these growth stimulators served as control treatment. Another factor consisted of the previous crop (spring barley) and stubble crops: tansy phacelia and a mixture of spring vetch and field pea, grown after the harvest of barley and then ploughed in. All the growth stimulators significantly reduced the NO3 content in carrot roots. Asahi SL significantly increased the phenolic content. The effects of the growth stimulators on the macronutrient content in carrot roots were statistically significant in the case of Mg and Na. Stubble cropping contributed to the reduction of nitrates and stimulated an increase in the content of phenolics as well as of P, K, Ca and Mg in carrot roots.

The purpose of this study has been to determine the effect of soil contamination with fluorine on the content of phosphorus in crops. Alongside the simulated fluorine soil pollution, substances neutralizing this xenobiotic, such as lime, charcoal and loam, were applied to soil. Depending on the sensitivity of the plants, the degree of soil pollution with fluorine was: 1) 0, 20, 40 and 60 mg F kg-1 of soil under sensitive crops, i.e. narrow-leaf lupine; 2) 0, 50, 100 and 150 mg F kg-1 of soil under moderately sensitive crops, i.e. seed lucerne; 3) 0, 100, 200 and 300 mg F kg-1 of soil under more tolerant crops, i.e. maize, winter oilseed rape, spring triticale, black radish and phacelia. The content of phosphorus varied, depending on the level of soil contamination with fluorine and substances applied to inactivate this element, as well as on the species and organ of the examined plants. An increasing degree of soil pollution with fluorine contributed to raising the phosphorus content in black radish, in aerial biomass of yellow lupine and in roots of spring triticale. Regarding the maize roots, a reverse dependence was recorded. The highest phosphorus content appeared in roots of winter oilseed rape (8.16 g P kg-1 d.m.) and black radish (7.33 g P kg-1 d.m.), while the lowest one was in roots of spring triticale (0.86 g P kg-1 d.m.). Overall, the applied neutralizing substances resulted in lower concentrations of phosphorus in the analyzed plant organs, with the most univocal influence achieved in aerial biomass of yellow lupine, in roots of narrow-leaf lupine, in aerial mass and roots of black radish and in aerial biomass from the first cut of seed lucerne. In respect of the other plants, the impact of the neutralizing substances on the content of phosphorus was also significant albeit dependent on their species.

Conservation and recovery plans for rare species require biological and ecological information to discern how they may be susceptible to human disturbances. Phacelia submutica is a threatened annual species in western Colorado. Human activities including energy development, recreation, and livestock grazing are occurring within the species��� range. To provide conservation practitioners with a scientific basis for management, this research aimed to elucidate elements of the species��� ecology. Chapter 2 describes the reproductive biology of P. submutica. Potential insect pollinators were not observed during two years of observations. Floral traits and development ensure self-pollination and reduce the likelihood that insects would be effective pollinators. Hand pollination experiments using varying pollen sources did not result in significant differences in seed number and mean mature seed weight per fruit, two metrics of reproductive success. These results indicate that the species is habitually autogamous. Conservation of this species will not require the protection of pollinators and their habitat, but should consider the potential impacts of autogamy on the species��� genetic diversity. Chapter 3 examines aspects of P. submutica���s seed ecology as they relate to the development and maintenance of the seed bank. Observations suggest seeds are limited in their long-range dispersal capacity. Average seed bank density was low (74 seeds per m2) and seeds were highly aggregated within sites. Based on three years of seed burial data, the species forms a long-term persistent seed bank that maintains high proportions of viability in drought years, but germinates prolifically in favorable years. Projections of seed depletion rates from this dataset predicted longevity to be between four and six years. Finally, seeds were generally unresponsive to germination trials involving varying degrees of cold-moist stratification, incubation temperatures, and scarification. P. submutica shows adaptations that promote its persistence in an arid environment characterized by climatic variability. Appropriate management of this species will require protection of the seed bank and the dynamics involved in its replenishment and maintenance. Chapter 4 presents implications of the two major studies and provides conservation practitioners with an integrated assessment of the results and how they relate to management.

Summary This study was conducted in the Mediterranean environment of Central Italy from 2011 to 2013 with the aim of evaluating the effects of winter cover crops and their residues on weed composition in a cover crop-tomato sequence. Treatments consisted of five soil managements (three cover crop species - hairy vetch, phacelia, white mustard, winter fallow mulched with barley straw before tomato transplanting and conventionally tilled soil), two nitrogen fertilisation levels (0 and 100 kg N ha−1) and two weed management levels (weed free and weedy) on tomato. Cover crop residues were arranged in strips on the soil surface and then used as beds for transplanting the tomato seedlings in paired rows. Rotary hoeing was performed in the bare strips between paired tomato rows. At tomato harvesting, the weed aboveground biomass and density was higher in nitrogen-fertilised tomato than unfertilised tomato, except in hairy vetch and barley straw that showed similar values. Hairy vetch used as a cover crop and dead mulch was the most suppressive species with the highest production of residues, while phacelia and mustard were not suitable for controlling weeds. The tomato yield was high in nitrogen fertilised and weed-free treatments, except in barley straw mulch, which showed similar values among the weed management treatments. The mulch strips caused variations in weed species composition that was mainly composed of perennial ruderal weeds, while in tilled soil, the weed flora was dominated by annual photoblastic weeds.

Facelija (Phacelia tanacetifolia Benth.) je jednogodišnja zeljasta biljka koja u posljednje vrijeme privlači pozornost ratara i pčelara. Ratarima je zanimljiva jer im omogućava ispunjavanje uvjeta višestruke sukladnosti vezanih uz tlo (minimalna pokrivenost tla, očuvanje organske tvari u tlu i dr.) te se u budućnosti očekuje značajno povećanje ratarskih površina pod ovom kulturom. Kako je facelija izrazito medonosna kultura i proizvodi značajne količine nektara i peludi očekivano raste i interes pčelara za ovu kulturu. Cilj našeg istraživanja je utvrditi intenzitet aktivnosti sive pčele (Apis mellifera carnica P.1879) tijekom cvatnje facelije. Istraživanje je provedeno na tri parcele na pokusnoj lokaciji Poljoprivrednog fakulteta u Osijeku, na lokalitetu Vardarac. Praćenja su obavljena tijekom tri dana za vrijeme pune cvatnje facelije. Praćena je dnevna dinamika aktivnosti radilica na cvjetovima facelije, intenzitet sakupljanja nektara i peludi te prisutnost drugih oprašivača., SUMMARY Phacelia or California bluebell (Phacelia tanacetifolia Benth.) is an annual herbaceous plant that has recently attracted the attention of farmers and beekeepers. For farmers it is interesting because it allows them to meet the requirements of cross compliance relating to the soil (minimum coverage of soil, preservation of organic matter in soil, etc.), and in the future a significant increase in agricultural area under this crop is expected. As phacelia is a great source of nectar and pollen, beekeepers interest in this culture is growing. The aim of our research is to determine the intensity of activity of the carniolan bee (Apis mellifera carnica P.1879) during phacelia flowering. The study was conducted on three plots on the trial site, Faculty of Agriculture, at the site Vardarac. Monitoring was carried out during three days of phacelia flowering. Daily activity of workers on phacelia flowers, the intensity of collecting nectar and pollen, and the presence of other pollinators were monitored.

In this study, the potential consequences of making a three- or four-trophic level system more complex by adding floral resources was studied in the laboratory for a range of plant nectar sources, the aphid parasitoid Aphidius ervi and its hyperparasitoid Dendrocerus aphidum. Parasitoids exposed to flowering buckwheat survived 4-5 times longer than those in the control (water only) and 3-4 times longer than those provided with phacelia, alyssum or coriander. Hyperarasitoids provided with buckwheat survived 5–6 times longer than those in the control and 3-5 times longer than those on the other flowering plants. Buckwheat, phacelia, alyssum and coriander can therefore enhance the ‘fitness’ of A. ervi without benefiting its aphid host, which does not feed on nectar. However, the ‘fitness’ of the hyperparasitoid may increase relatively more than that of the parasitoid, depending on the nectar source.

Summary Floral resource subsidies can have differential effects on insect herbivores compared with the herbivores’ natural enemies. While the nectar of many plant species enhances parasitoid fitness, it may also increase damage by herbivores. This may occur as a result of enhanced herbivore fitness or by enhancing fourth-trophic-level processes, possibly disrupting a trophic cascade as a result. The responses of different arthropod guilds to different floral resource subsidies were compared using Plutella xylostella (Hyponomeutidae), its parasitoid Diadegma semiclausum (Ichneumonidae) and data from two other published herbivore–parasitoid systems. These were Dolichogenidea tasmanica (Braconidae) and its host Epiphyas postvittana, and Copidosoma koehleri (Encyrtidae) and its host Phthorimaea operculella. The parasitoids and hosts in the three systems exhibited differential responses to the nectar sources. The differential response was not explained by morphology, demonstrating that physical access to nectaries alone does not determine the potential of flowers as a food source. For some flowering plants, enhancement of herbivore and parasitoid fitness occurred. Other flowering plants, such as buckwheat and phacelia, conferred a selective enhancement on parasitoids by increasing only their fitness. More effective conservation biocontrol may be achieved by the provision of selective floral resources. Attempts to ‘engineer’ agroecosystems to enhance biological control require an extensive knowledge of the ecology of the herbivore, its enemies and their interactions with potential resource subsidies.

The use of insectary plants in agroecosystems to provide floral resources for enhancing natural enemy activity is an increasingly used practice, but candidate flowering plant species are not always screened for their attractiveness to key arthropods in the system being studied. In the work presented here, the relative attractiveness of four species of insectary plants to beneficial and pest insect species was assessed by observing the relative frequencies of flower visits to replicated blocks of the insectary flowers in two Oregon broccoli fields. The four plant species tested were alyssum (Lobularia maritima L. Desv.), coriander (Coriandrum sativa L.), buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench), and phacelia (Phacelia tanacetifolia Benth.). Predatory hoverflies (Syrphidae) were identified to species, where possible, because of their previously observed importance as aphid predators in broccoli fields in the study area. The other beneficial insect groups observed were in the families Apidae, Coccine...

Introduction During green manure application the relatively fast growing and huge yielding biomass providing plants are produced so as to get the green parts applied back into the soil by rotation (plowing) or by shallow mixing (e.g. by disc harrow or cultivator). Westsik (1965) studied green manure application of different pulses. Nevertheless there are numerous other plants involved in production for the above purpose, for example mustard, oil radish, phacelia, buckwheat, purple clover, forage radish, sweet clover, and different ration of mixture of the above plants. Production of these plants can be as a mainor as a secondary crop. The main seeding is not widely applied either in Hungary or abroad (Kahnt 1986), in Hungary there are backgrounds existing for the production of the second seeded green manure plants (Gyarfas, 1953). The green parts applied into the soil improve the physical and biological conditions and the nutrient state of the soil, contribute to increase of organic matter, protect the surface from windand water erosion. Due to the intense root development they also have a biological loosening effect in the soil decreasing this way the chance for formation of a compacted layer. Being produced the above plants as a secondary crop they reduce leaching of nutrients, mainly in very wet years. Primarily they take up nitrogen in huge amount, this way it can be utilized by the following plant directly (Birkas et al. 2002; Hansen and Djurhuus, 1997; Jamriska 2002; Sainju and Singh 1997). Some green manure plants can also be utilized to create a more diverse animal feeding. In this case specific parts of the green manure plants are chopped and fed by animals in fresh condition or as silage.

Field and laboratory experiments on the conservation biocontrol of lepidop- teran leafroller pests were carried out in apples at Lincoln, New Zealand. 2 Apple understoreys were planted with replicated treatments of alyssum (Lobularia maritima), phacelia (Phacelia tanacetifolia) and buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum). 3 Rates of parasitism of experimentally released larvae of the light-brown apple moth, Epiphyas postvittana (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), by Dolichogenidea tasmanica (Cameron) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) were signifi- cantly lower in phacelia and control treatments, and leafroller pupae were significantly more abundant in controls than in buckwheat and alyssum treatments. 4 Naturally occurring leafroller damage was up to 29% lower above all the floral understorey treatments compared with controls and there were more than twice as many D. tasmanica cocoons in the alyssum and buckwheat treatments than in controls. 5 Suction sampling of the understoreys gave D. tasmanica adult densities that were significantly more abundant in alyssum compared with other treatments. Numbers of Anacharis zealandica (Hymenoptera: Figitidae) (a parasitoid of larvae of the predatory brown lacewing) did not differ between treatments. 6 In the laboratory, flowering buckwheat and alyssum enhanced D. tasmanica longevity by up to 78% compared with the control, and buckwheat also enhanced potential fecundity by 62%. 7 In choice experiments, leafroller larvae in the laboratory consumed more than three-fold more apple leaf material than they did of the three understorey species, although alyssum increased leafroller fecundity and longevity. 8 The use of floral understoreys for conservation biocontrol of apple pests is discussed, along with the potential negative effects of some flowering species on pest populations and orchard agronomic practices.

The provision of floral resources for the enhancement of beneficial insect populations has shown promise as a strategy to enhance biological control and pollination in agroecosystems. One approach involves the provision of a single flower species while a second involves the multiple flower species, but the two have never been compared experimentally. Here we examine the influence of single and multiple species flower treatments on the abundance and foraging behaviour of key beneficial insects in two agricultural agroecosystems (broccoli and lucerne crops). The five flower treatments comprised buckwheat only, phacelia only, a simple mixture of buckwheat and phacelia, a complex mixture of buckwheat, phacelia and a commercial seed blend or the existing crop as a control. The abundance of bumble-bees (Bombus hortorum) and honey bees (Apis mellifera) was highest in the three treatments that contained phacelia, while hoverfly (Melanostoma fasciatum) numbers were high in all four flower treatments. Bumble-bees and honey bees probed almost exclusively phacelia flowers, even when provided with a choice of other flower species in the simple and complex mixture treatments. In contrast, hoverflies probed the flowers of all plant species in single and multiple species treatments, with no apparent difference in acceptance. However, in mixture treatments, the majority of individual bumble-bees, honey bees and hoverflies probed the flowers from only one species, despite the presence of alternative flower species. Our results illustrate how an appreciation of insect floral attractiveness can be used to customise the species composition of floral patches to potentially maximise biological control and pollination in targeted agroecosystems.

Conservation biological control aims to enhance the efficacy of arthropod biological control agents, such as parasitoids, partly by providing them with access to floral nectar. However, the suitability of a flower species for providing nectar to a parasitoid is dependent on the morphologies of the parasitoid and the flower, as well as on the quality of the nectar. The effects of seven flower species on the longevity of Microctonus hyperodae (Hymenoptera Braconidae), a parasitoid of the Argentine stem weevil, Listronotus bonariensis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), were measured in the laboratory. The flowers were phacelia (Phacelia tanacetifolia), buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum), alyssum (Lobularia maritima), coriander (Coriandrum sativum), white clover (Trifolium repens), red clover (Trifolium pratense) and white mustard (Sinapis alba). The results suggested M. hyperodae was unable to reach nectar of red clover, white clover, alyssum and phacelia, but was able to gain access to the nectar of the other three species. However, only buckwheat and coriander increased its longevity. Flower corolla aperture and depth probably determined the parasitoid’s access to nectar. Accessible nectars were analyzed for sugar composition and the effect of the sucrose/(glucose + fructose) ratio on nectar suitability was assessed. The relevance of these results to other hymenopteran parasitoid species is discussed in terms of selecting the most appropriate floral diversity in agricultural extensification programmes.