Seed biology of jubatagrass (Cortaderia jubata)

Jubatagrass is one of the most invasive nonnative species along sensitive natural coastal sites of California. This study was designed to understand the biology of reproduction and seed longevity under field conditions. Jubatagrass can produce over 100,000 wind-dispersed seeds from a single inflorescence. Seeds are produced apomictically, and germination is directly related to seed size. Of the total seeds produced, only 20 to 30% were of ample size to readily germinate when exposed to light and under a temperature range similar to coastal environments. Seeds not exposed to light also germinated but at about 30% the level of light-exposed seeds. This suggests that exposed disturbed coastal sites with moderate temperatures have high potential for germination and establishment of jubatagrass. The percentages of germinable and viable seeds were not significantly different, indicating that jubatagrass does not have a primary dormancy. This was supported by field experiments demonstrating that seeds do not persist under natural conditions for more than 6 mo. These results indicate that an intensive 1-yr control program targeting established seedlings and mature plants should sufficiently manage existing populations. However, effective long-term management of jubatagrass must focus on anticipating environments susceptible to invasion, reducing new seed recruitment, and preventing subsequent seed germination and seedling establishment.

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Effects ofEriochloa villosadensity and time of emergence on growth and seed production inZea mays

Weed Science ◽

10.1017/s0043174500091347 ◽

1999 ◽

Vol 47 (6) ◽

pp. 687-692 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

James A. Mickelson ◽

R. Gordon Harvey

Keyword(s):

Seed Production ◽

Field Experiments ◽

Seed Mass ◽

Model Parameters ◽

Growth Stages ◽

Vegetative Biomass ◽

Eriochloa Villosa ◽

Term Management ◽

Weed Emergence

Field experiments were conducted in 1997 and in 1998 to determine the effects of density and time of emergence onEriochloa villosagrowth and seed production inZea mays. E. villosawas transplanted at four densities (3, 9, 27, and 81 plants m−2) to simulate emergence at four Z.maysgrowth stages (VE, V2, V5, and V10). Compared toE. villosaplants that emerged withZ. maysplants, total above-groundE. villosabiomass at maturity of plants grown at 3 plants m−2was reduced by 54, 97, and 99% when emergence was delayed until the V2, V5, and V10 stages ofZ. mays, respectively, in 1997. In 1998, total abovegroundE. villosabiomass at maturity was reduced by 70, 87, and 99% when emergence was delayed until the V2, V5, and V10 stages ofZ. mays, respectively.E. villosaaboveground vegetative biomass per plant at maturity was linearly related to seed production per plant in each year.E. villosaseed production m−2decreased nonlinearly as density decreased and time of emergence was delayed. Based on estimated model parameters, maximum seed production was 57,100 and 12,700 seeds m−2in 1997 and 1998, respectively. Within time of emergence,E. villosadensity did not affect seed mass per seed, however, seed mass of late-emerging cohorts was less than that of early-emerging cohorts. Time of weed emergence relative to the crop was a very important factor in determining biomass and seed production. Results suggest that late-emerging plants may not be very important to long-term management ofE. villosa.

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