Plant silicon as a factor in medusahead (Taeniatherum caput-medusae) invasion

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 143-154
Author(s):  
Casey N. Spackman ◽  
Thomas A. Monaco ◽  
Clinton A. Stonecipher ◽  
Juan J. Villalba
Keyword(s):  
Control Strategies ◽  
Essential Element ◽  
Current Control ◽  
Western United States ◽  
Annual Grass ◽  
Feedback Cycle ◽  
Annual Grasses ◽  
Plant Characteristics ◽  
High Concentrations ◽  
And Function

AbstractMedusahead [Taeniatherum caput-medusae (L.) Nevski] is one of the most detrimental invasive annual grasses impacting the sustainability and function of rangeland in the western United States. This annual grass possesses high concentrations of tissue silicon (Si) that may facilitate invasion through key plant characteristics such as increased plant fitness, structure, and antinutritive qualities. These characteristics may affect known invasive processes such as increased plant productivity, slow litter decomposition, and decreased herbivory, facilitating a positive feedback cycle of invasion. However, Si is not considered an essential element and is often overlooked as a factor of T. caput-medusae invasion. Thus, this article provides a synthesis of plant Si, T. caput-medusae, and the self-reinforcing feedback cycle of invasion. We also discuss how current control strategies address plant characteristics determined by Si and suggest research avenues that may aid in novel or improved control strategies that target the T. caput-medusae–silica relationship.

scholarly journals Characterizing Land Surface Phenology and Exotic Annual Grasses in Dryland Ecosystems Using Landsat and Sentinel-2 Data in Harmony

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 725 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neal J. Pastick ◽  
Devendra Dahal ◽  
Bruce K. Wylie ◽  
Sujan Parajuli ◽  
Stephen P. Boyte ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Remote Sensing ◽  
Data Mining ◽  
Land Surface ◽  
Western United States ◽  
Grass Cover ◽  
Annual Grass ◽  
Annual Grasses ◽  
Dryland Ecosystems ◽  
Exotic Annual Grass ◽  
Sentinel 2

Invasive annual grasses, such as cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum L.), have proliferated in dryland ecosystems of the western United States, promoting increased fire activity and reduced biodiversity that can be detrimental to socio-environmental systems. Monitoring exotic annual grass cover and dynamics over large areas requires the use of remote sensing that can support early detection and rapid response initiatives. However, few studies have leveraged remote sensing technologies and computing frameworks capable of providing rangeland managers with maps of exotic annual grass cover at relatively high spatiotemporal resolutions and near real-time latencies. Here, we developed a system for automated mapping of invasive annual grass (%) cover using in situ observations, harmonized Landsat and Sentinel-2 (HLS) data, maps of biophysical variables, and machine learning techniques. A robust and automated cloud, cloud shadow, water, and snow/ice masking procedure (mean overall accuracy >81%) was implemented using time-series outlier detection and data mining techniques prior to spatiotemporal interpolation of HLS data via regression tree models (r = 0.94; mean absolute error (MAE) = 0.02). Weekly, cloud-free normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) image composites (2016–2018) were used to construct a suite of spectral and phenological metrics (e.g., start and end of season dates), consistent with information derived from Moderate Resolution Image Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data. These metrics were incorporated into a data mining framework that accurately (r = 0.83; MAE = 11) modeled and mapped exotic annual grass (%) cover throughout dryland ecosystems in the western United States at a native, 30-m spatial resolution. Our results show that inclusion of weekly HLS time-series data and derived indicators improves our ability to map exotic annual grass cover, as compared to distribution models that use MODIS products or monthly, seasonal, or annual HLS composites as primary inputs. This research fills a critical gap in our ability to effectively assess, manage, and monitor drylands by providing a framework that allows for an accurate and timely depiction of land surface phenology and exotic annual grass cover at spatial and temporal resolutions that are meaningful to local resource managers.

scholarly journals Electroanalytical Techniques for the Detection of Selenium as a Biologically and Environmentally Significant Analyte—A Short Review

Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (6) ◽  
pp. 1768
Author(s):  
Miroslav Rievaj ◽  
Eva Culková ◽  
Damiána Šandorová ◽  
Zuzana Lukáčová-Chomisteková ◽  
Renata Bellová ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Essential Element ◽  
Analytical Techniques ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Stripping Voltammetry ◽  
Short Review ◽  
Electroanalytical Methods ◽  
High Concentrations ◽  
Speed Of Analysis

This short review deals with the properties and significance of the determination of selenium, which is in trace amounts an essential element for animals and humans, but toxic at high concentrations. It may cause oxidative stress in cells, which leads to the chronic disease called selenosis. Several analytical techniques have been developed for its detection, but electroanalytical methods are advantageous due to simple sample preparation, speed of analysis and high sensitivity of measurements, especially in the case of stripping voltammetry very low detection limits even in picomoles per liter can be reached. A variety of working electrodes based on mercury, carbon, silver, platinum and gold materials were applied to the analysis of selenium in various samples. Only selenium in oxidation state + IV is electroactive therefore the most of voltammetric determinations are devoted to it. However, it is possible to detect also other forms of selenium by indirect electrochemistry approach.

scholarly journals Phylogenetic Complexity of Morphologically Identified Anopheles squamosus in Southern Zambia

Insects ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 146
Author(s):  
Jordan Hoffman ◽  
Ilinca Ciubotariu ◽  
Limonty Simubali ◽  
Twig Mudenda ◽  
William Moss ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Phylogenetic Relationships ◽  
Catchment Area ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Light Trap ◽  
Current Control ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Morphological Identification ◽  
The Past ◽  
Blood Meal Source ◽  
Residual Malaria Transmission

Despite dramatic reductions in malaria cases in the catchment area of Macha Hospital, Choma District, Southern Province in Zambia, prevalence has remained near 1–2% by RDT for the past several years. To investigate residual malaria transmission in the area, this study focuses on the relative abundance, foraging behavior, and phylogenetic relationships of Anopheles squamosus specimens. In 2011, higher than expected rates of anthropophily were observed among “zoophilic” An. squamosus, a species that had sporadically been found to contain Plasmodium falciparum sporozoites. The importance of An. squamosus in the region was reaffirmed in 2016 when P. falciparum sporozoites were detected in numerous An. squamosus specimens. This study analyzed Centers for Disease Control (CDC) light trap collections of adult mosquitoes from two collection schemes: one performed as part of a reactive-test-and-treat program and the second performed along a geographical transect. Morphological identification, molecular verification of anopheline species, and blood meal source were determined on individual samples. Data from these collections supported earlier studies demonstrating An. squamosus to be primarily exophagic and zoophilic, allowing them to evade current control measures. The phylogenetic relationships generated from the specimens in this study illustrate the existence of well supported clade structure among An. squamosus specimens, which further emphasizes the importance of molecular identification of vectors. The primarily exophagic behavior of An. squamosus in these collections also highlights that indoor vector control strategies will not be sufficient for elimination of malaria in southern Zambia.

scholarly journals Mosquito Control Priorities in Florida—Survey Results from Florida Mosquito Control Districts

Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 947
Author(s):  
Rishi Kondapaneni ◽  
Ashley N. Malcolm ◽  
Brian M. Vazquez ◽  
Eric Zeng ◽  
Tse-Yu Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
State Government ◽  
Mosquito Control ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Mosquito Species ◽  
Research Priorities ◽  
Current Control ◽  
Control Programs ◽  
Common Control ◽  
Surveillance Programs ◽  
Research Questions

Florida lies within a subtropical region where the climate allows diverse mosquito species including invasive species to thrive year-round. As of 2021, there are currently 66 state-approved Florida Mosquito Control Districts, which are major stakeholders for Florida public universities engaged in mosquito research. Florida is one of the few states with extensive organized mosquito control programs. The Florida State Government and Florida Mosquito Control Districts have long histories of collaboration with research institutions. During fall 2020, we carried out a survey to collect baseline data on the current control priorities from Florida Mosquito Control Districts relating to (1) priority control species, (2) common adult and larval control methods, and (3) major research questions to address that will improve their control and surveillance programs. The survey data showed that a total of 17 distinct mosquito species were considered to be priority control targets, with many of these species being understudied. The most common control approaches included truck-mounted ultra-low-volume adulticiding and biopesticide-based larviciding. The districts held interest in diverse research questions, with many prioritizing studies on basic science questions to help develop evidence-based control strategies. Our data highlight the fact that mosquito control approaches and priorities differ greatly between districts and provide an important point of comparison for other regions investing in mosquito control, particularly those with similar ecological settings, and great diversity of potential mosquito vectors, such as in Florida. Our findings highlight a need for greater alignment of research priorities between mosquito control and mosquito research. In particular, we note a need to prioritize filling knowledge gaps relating to understudied mosquito species that have been implicated in arbovirus transmission.

Herbicides for Postemergence Control of Annual Grass Weeds in Seedling Forage Grasses

Weed Science ◽  
1989 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
pp. 375-379 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas J. Peters ◽  
Russell S. Moomaw ◽  
Alex R. Martin
Keyword(s):  
Warm Season ◽  
Big Bluestem ◽  
Forage Grasses ◽  
Annual Grass ◽  
Cool Season ◽  
Intermediate Wheatgrass ◽  
Green Foxtail ◽  
Annual Grasses ◽  
Large Crabgrass ◽  
Warm Season Grasses

The control of three summer annual grass weeds with herbicides during establishment of forage grasses was studied near Concord and Mead, NE, in 1984, 1985, and 1986. Three cool-season forage grasses, intermediate wheatgrass, tall fescue, and smooth bromegrass, and two warm-season grasses, big bluestem and switchgrass, were included. The control of three major summer annual grasses, green foxtail, barnyardgrass, and large crabgrass, was excellent with fenoxaprop at 0.22 kg ai/ha. Slight to moderate injury to cool-season forage grasses and severe injury to warm-season grasses were evident. Sethoxydim at 0.22 kg ai/ha and haloxyfop at 0.11 kg ai/ha controlled green foxtail and large crabgrass, but not barnyardgrass. Sulfometuron-treated big bluestem and switchgrass plots had the best forage stand frequencies and yields and, at the rate used, sulfometuron satisfactorily controlled green foxtail but only marginally controlled barnyardgrass and large crabgrass.

Annual Grass Control in Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) with Postemergence Graminicides

1992 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 938-948 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chester L. Foy ◽  
Harold L. Witt
Keyword(s):  
Medicago Sativa ◽  
Field Experiments ◽  
Annual Grass ◽  
Giant Foxtail ◽  
Herbicide Treatments ◽  
Highly Effective ◽  
Annual Grasses ◽  
Large Crabgrass

Field experiments were conducted during 1982 to 1988 in Virginia to evaluate BAS 517, CGA 82725, clethodim, cloproxydim, fenoxaprop, fluazifop, fluazifop-P, haloxyfop, paraquat, quizalofop, SC-1084, sethoxydim, sethoxydim plus thifensulfuron, and terbacil for control of annual grasses in alfalfa. Herbicides were applied to alfalfa and grasses 2 to 30 cm in height after the first and/or second cuttings. Overall, the herbicides were highly effective in controlling fall panicum, giant foxtail, barnyardgrass, and large crabgrass. Alfalfa yields were not increased with herbicide treatments in several experiments. Only paraquat, applied later than recommended after cutting in one experiment, and sethoxydim plus thifensulfuron at one location reduced alfalfa yields.

Effect of Spray Components on Glyphosate Toxicity to Annual Grasses

Weed Science ◽  
1983 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 124-130 ◽  
Author(s):  
Douglas D. Buhler ◽  
Orvin C. Burnside
Keyword(s):  
Soil Moisture ◽  
Water Stress ◽  
Plant Growth ◽  
Surfactant Concentration ◽  
Growth Stage ◽  
Annual Grass ◽  
Spray Solution ◽  
Annual Grasses ◽  
Small Grains ◽  
Carrier Volume

Field and greenhouse research was conducted during 1980 and 1981 to evaluate the effects of carrier volume, surfactant concentration, and treatment date on glyphosate [N- (phosphonomethyl)glycine] toxicity to annual-grass weeds and volunteer small grains. Glyphosate phytotoxicity increased as carrier volume was decreased from 190 to 24 L/ha. The presence of a surfactant in the spray solution did not influence grass control when glyphosate was applied in a carrier volume of 24 L/ha. When glyphosate was applied in 48 or 95 L/ha, the presence of surfactant resulted in better grass control than glyphosate without surfactant. When applied in 190 L/ha, glyphosate with 0.5% (v/v) surfactant gave better grass control than glyphosate alone or commercially formulated glyphosate. When glyphosate was applied to plants under water stress, little control was achieved regardless of plant growth stage. Glyphosate application to grass after head initiation also resulted in reduced control. Maximum weed control with glyphosate was attained when applications were made to seedlings growing actively because of adequate soil moisture and favorable temperatures.

scholarly journals Multiple horizontal acquisitions of plant genes in the whitefly Bemisia tabaci

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clément Gilbert ◽  
Florian Maumus
Keyword(s):  
Bemisia Tabaci ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Purifying Selection ◽  
Amino Acid Identity ◽  
Current Control ◽  
Eukaryote Evolution ◽  
Plant Genes ◽  
Insect Interactions ◽  
High Level ◽  
Open Question

The extent to which horizontal gene transfer (HGT) has shaped eukaryote evolution remains an open question. Two recent studies reported four plant-like genes acquired through two HGT events by the whitefly Bemisia tabaci, a major agricultural pest (Lapadula et al. 2020; Xia et al. 2021). Here, we performed a systematic search for plant-to-insect HGT in B. tabaci and uncovered a total of 50 plant-like genes deriving from at least 24 independent HGT events. Most of these genes are present in three cryptic B. tabaci species, show high level of amino-acid identity to plant genes (mean = 64%), are phylogenetically nested within plant sequences, and are expressed and evolve under purifying selection. The predicted functions of these genes suggest that most of them are involved in plant-insect interactions. Thus, substantial plant-to-insect HGT may have facilitated the evolution of B. tabaci towards adaptation to a large host spectrum. Our study shows that eukaryote-to-eukaryote HGT may be relatively common in some lineages and it provides new candidate genes that may be targeted to improve current control strategies against whiteflies.

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