Anatomy and Pollination of Cleistogamous Flowers of Benghal Dayflower (Commelina benghalensis)

Weed Science ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 64 (3) ◽  
pp. 455-462 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. John Hayden ◽  
Camille Fagan
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Biology ◽  
Pollen Tubes ◽  
Reproductive Capacity ◽  
Weed Species ◽  
Commelina Benghalensis ◽  
Unique Mode ◽  
Noxious Weed ◽  
Chasmogamous Flowers ◽  
Benghal Dayflower ◽  
Cleistogamous Flower

The anatomy and pollination of subterranean cleistogamous flowers of Benghal dayflower (Commelina benghalensis) is described as a contribution to understanding its reproductive biology. Subterranean stems bear one spathe per node, each enclosing a single cleistogamous flower. Only the three anterior stamens produce functional pollen; the posterior three stamens are staminodes. Tapetum is amoeboid and endothecium is present. The three-carpellate superior ovary bears five dimorphic orthotropous ovules. Nearly mature flowers have straight to somewhat curved styles; at maturity, styles elongate and coil. Our observations indicate that coiled style growth causes rupture of anthers and brings pollen into contact with stigmas. Pollen tubes were observed in styles that had previously undergone coiling, located within mucilaginous secretions of the mature stylar canal. The subterranean cleistogamous flowers of Benghal dayflower and their apparently unique mode of pollination, viewed together with reproductive capacity of its aerial chasmogamous flowers, underscore the complexity and flexibility of the reproductive biology of this noxious weed species.

scholarly journals Environmental Influences on Growth and Reproduction of InvasiveCommelina benghalensis

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mandeep K. Riar ◽  
Danesha S. Carley ◽  
Chenxi Zhang ◽  
Michelle S. Schroeder-Moreno ◽  
David L. Jordan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vegetative Growth ◽  
Soil Nutrition ◽  
Commelina Benghalensis ◽  
Growing Seasons ◽  
Below Ground ◽  
Series Of Experiments ◽  
Noxious Weed ◽  
Highly Weathered Soils ◽  
High Degree ◽  
Benghal Dayflower

Commelina benghalensis(Benghal dayflower) is a noxious weed that is invading agricultural systems in the southeastern United States. We investigated the influences of nutrition, light, and photoperiod on growth and reproductive output ofC. benghalensis. In the first experimental series, plants were grown under high or low soil nutrition combined with either full light or simulated shade. Lowered nutrition strongly inhibited vegetative growth and aboveground spathe production. Similar but smaller effects were exerted by a 50% reduction in light, simulating conditions within a developing canopy. In the second series of experiments,C. benghalensisplants were exposed to different photoperiod conditions that produced short- and long-day plants growing in similar photosynthetic periods. A short-day photoperiod decreased time to flowering by several days and led to a 40 to 60% reduction in vegetative growth, but reproduction above and below ground was unchanged. Collectively, the results indicate that (1) fertility management in highly weathered soils may strongly constrain competitiveness ofC. benghalensis; (2) shorter photoperiods will limit vegetative competitiveness later in the growing seasons of most crops; and (3) the high degree of reproductive plasticity and output possessed byC. benghalensiswill likely cause continual persistence problems in agricultural fields.

Benghal Dayflower (Commelina benghalensis) Seed Viability in Soil

Weed Science ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 60 (4) ◽  
pp. 589-592 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mandeep K. Riar ◽  
Theodore M. Webster ◽  
Barry J. Brecke ◽  
David L. Jordan ◽  
Michael G. Burton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
North Carolina ◽  
Regression Model ◽  
Seed Viability ◽  
The United States ◽  
The Other ◽  
Weed Species ◽  
Physical Dormancy ◽  
Commelina Benghalensis ◽  
Benghal Dayflower

Benghal dayflower is an exotic weed species in the United States that is a challenge to manage in agricultural fields. Research was conducted in North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida to evaluate the longevity of buried Benghal dayflower seeds. Seeds were buried in the field for 2 to 60 mo at a depth of 20 cm in mesh bags containing soil native to each area. In North Carolina, decline of Benghal dayflower seed viability was described by a sigmoidal regression model, with seed size having no effect on viability. Seed viability at the initiation of the study was 81%. After burial, viability declined to 51% after 24 mo, 27% after 36 mo, and < 1% after 42 mo. In Georgia, initial seed viability averaged 86% and declined to 63 and 33% at 12 and 24 mo, respectively. Burial of 36 mo or longer reduced seed viability to < 2%. The relationship between Benghal dayflower seed viability and burial time was described by a sigmoidal regression model. In Florida, there was greater variability in Benghal dayflower seed viability than there was at the other locations. Seed viability at the first sampling date after 2 mo of burial was 63%. Although there were fluctuations during the first 24 mo, the regression model indicated approximately 60% of seed remained viable. After 34 mo of burial, seed viability was reduced to 46% and then rapidly fell to 7% at 39 mo, which was consistent with the decrease in seed viability at the other locations. Although there is a physical dormancy imposed by the seed coat of Benghal dayflower, which has been detected in previous studies, it appears that a decline in buried seed viability to minimal levels occurs within 39 to 48 mo in the southeastern United States, suggesting that management programs must prevent seed production for at least four growing seasons to severely reduce the Benghal dayflower soil seedbank.

Temperature Response of Benghal Dayflower (Commelina benghalensis): Implications for Geographic Range

Weed Science ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 56 (5) ◽  
pp. 707-713 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shannon M. Sermons ◽  
Michael G. Burton ◽  
Thomas W. Rufty
Keyword(s):  
North Carolina ◽  
Temperature Response ◽  
Geographic Area ◽  
Growth Stages ◽  
Cool Temperature ◽  
Weed Species ◽  
Commelina Benghalensis ◽  
Soil Temperatures ◽  
Temperature Responses ◽  
Benghal Dayflower

The noxious weed Benghal dayflower has become a severely troublesome agricultural weed in Georgia in the southeastern Unite States, and there are indications that it is moving northward. Benghal dayflower is glyphosate tolerant and possesses a high degree of reproductive elasticity, making it a formidable threat in many crop systems. The purpose of these experiments was to develop the first temperature response profiles for Benghal dayflower, and use them to evaluate whether temperature might limit its northward invasion into North Carolina and adjacent states on the U.S. east coast. Experiments focused on vegetative and early reproductive growth, stages considered crucial for establishment and competitiveness. Exposure to a range of aerial temperatures revealed that Benghal dayflower growth and production of aerial and subterranean reproductive structures were maximized at 30 C, with sharp declines occurring at cooler temperatures. When exposed to differing root temperatures in hydroponics, with a constant aerial temperature, Benghal dayflower growth did not show the same cool temperature sensitivity, but reproductive performance declined when temperatures decreased below about 29 C. The root temperature responses of several other weed species known to thrive in the climate of this geographic area also were determined. Growth of sicklepod, hemp sesbania, and jimsonweed was more sensitive than Benghal dayflower to cool temperatures, whereas the growth response of velvetleaf was similar. Based on the comparison of the Benghal dayflower temperature responses in controlled environments to (1) seasonal air and soil temperatures in the field, and (2) the temperature responses of agronomic weeds known to thrive in the region, it is concluded that cool temperatures will not restrain the northward spread of Benghal dayflower into North Carolina.

scholarly journals Biology and Management of Benghal Dayflower (Commelina benghalensis) in Ornamental Crop Production

EDIS ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuvraj Khamare ◽  
Chris Marble ◽  
Robert Stamps
Keyword(s):  
Agricultural Production ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Ornamental Plants ◽  
Department Of Agriculture ◽  
Commelina Benghalensis ◽  
Green Industry ◽  
Noxious Weed ◽  
Production Areas ◽  
Industry Professionals ◽  
Benghal Dayflower

Benghal dayflower is listed among the world’s worst weeds, affecting over 25 crops in 29 countries (Holm et al., 1977). Benghal dayflower has many characteristics that make it a very troublesome weed in Florida landscapes, nurseries and other agricultural production areas. It was first recorded in Florida in 1928 and was designated as a legally noxious weed by the U.S Department of Agriculture in 1983 (Faden, 1993). Due to its status as a legally noxious weed, presence of benghal dayflower on nursery property can lead to quarantines, so identification and management is critical for nurseries. This 5-page article is written for green industry professionals and others to aid in the identification and management of benghal dayflower in and around ornamental plants. Major revision by Yuvraj Khamare, Chris Marble, and Robert Stamps, and published by the UF/IFAS Environmental Horticulture Department. Previous version: Stamps, Robert. 2011. “Prevention, Early Detection, and Eradication of Benghal Dayflower in Field Nurseries”. EDIS 2011 (5/6). https://journals.flvc.org/edis/article/view/119299.

scholarly journals Competitiveness of alexandergrass or Bengal dayflower with soybean

2010 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 515-522 ◽  
Author(s):  
A.C.R. Dias ◽  
S.J.P. Carvalho ◽  
L.W. Marcolini ◽  
M.S.C. Melo ◽  
P.J. Christoffoleti
Keyword(s):  
Competitive Ability ◽  
Dry Mass ◽  
Total Density ◽  
Weed Species ◽  
Replacement Series ◽  
Commelina Benghalensis ◽  
Randomized Design ◽  
Full Flowering ◽  
Completely Randomized Design ◽  
Soybean Plants

Weeds compete with field crops mainly for water, light and nutrients, and the degree of competition is affected by the weed density and the intrinsic competitive ability of each plant species in coexistence. The objective of this research was to compare the competitiveness of alexandergrass (Brachiaria plantaginea) or Bengal dayflower (Commelina benghalensis) in coexistence with soybean, cv. M-Soy 8045. A factorial experiment (2 x 5) with two weed species and five competition proportions was carried out in a completely randomized design with four replicates. Proportions were based on a replacement series competition design, always maintaining the total density of four plants per 10 L plastic pots, which corresponded to 60 plants m ². The weed-crop proportions were: 0:4; 1:3; 2:2; 3:1; 4:0; that corresponded to the proportion of 100, 75, 50, 25 and 0% of soybean plants and the opposite for weeds, B. plantaginea or C. benghalensis plants. Leaf area, shoot dry mass of the weeds and soybean and number of soybean trifoliate leaves were evaluated when the soybean reached the phenologic stage of full flowering. B. plantaginea was a better competitor than soybean plants. Otherwise, C. benghalensis revealed a similar competitive ability that of the soybean. In both cases, there were evidences that intraspecific competition was more important.

scholarly journals Reproductive Biology of Three Important Threatened/Near-Threatened Groupers (Plectropomus leopardus, Epinephelus polyphekadion and Plectropomus areolatus) in Eastern Indonesia and Implications for Management

Animals ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. 643
Author(s):  
Khasanah ◽  
Kadir ◽  
Jompa
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Biology ◽  
Gonad Development ◽  
Iucn Red List ◽  
Reproductive Capacity ◽  
Spawning Aggregation ◽  
Eastern Indonesia ◽  
Management Measures ◽  
Size Limits ◽  
First Maturity ◽  
Fish Trade

The three grouper species most heavily fished for the live reef fish trade (LRFT) in Indonesia are Plectopomus leopardus (greatest catch volume), and two species classified as Vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List: Plectropomus areolatus and Epinephelus polyphekadion. Understanding the reproductive biology of these fishes is essential for sustainable management, but relevant data are limited. This study aimed to determine reproductive dynamics, so as to inform management measures to maintain the reproductive capacity of these groupers. Grouper gonad samples collected from fish caught for the LRFT were analyzed histologically. Data were also collected from participatory mapping and interviews with fishermen, and underwater monitoring of three known spawning aggregation sites in the Wakatobi National Park, Eastern Indonesia. Based on observed gonad development, the respective lengths and weights at first maturity were: 37.7 cm and 759 g (P. leopardus); 36.65 cm and 771.2 g (P. areolatus); 36.95 cm and 889.9 g (E. polyphekadion). The mean weight of the groupers market-based sampled was higher than the size at first sexual maturity. Sex transition was observed in P. leopardus; sex reversal was not observed in E. polyphekadion, and the sex pattern of P. areolatus was unresolved. Based on the fisher surveys and spawning aggregation monitoring, spawning occurs around the new moon from September to April, with reproductive peaks in November and December. Fisheries management measures that are suggested to sustain grouper stocks include enforcing appropriate size limits, temporal spatial closures (spawning aggregation sites), and a trading ban during the peak spawning season (November–December).

A study of the reproductive biology of blue-flowered Conospermum species (Proteaceae)

2006 ◽  
Vol 54 (6) ◽  
pp. 543 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lynley M. Stone ◽  
Kevin A. Seaton ◽  
Margaret Byrne ◽  
Jen A. McComb
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Analysis ◽  
Reproductive Biology ◽  
Western Australia ◽  
Pollen Tubes ◽  
Wild Plants ◽  
Seed Progeny ◽  
Stigma Receptivity ◽  
Open Set ◽  
Hand Pollination ◽  
Insect Pollinators

Blue-flowered Conospermum species are endemic to Western Australia, and are highly sought after in the horticulture industry. Aspects of the reproductive biology of several species were investigated. The paniculate inflorescences of Conospermum eatoniae E.Pritz. contain 6–10 florets; however, the uppermost two or three florets never open and only the basal one or two florets in an inflorescence set seed. When insect pollinators are excluded, flowers do not self-pollinate and set seed. Stigma receptivity occurred for up to 6 days following triggering of the style and was variable between C. eatoniae, C. amoenum Meisn. subsp. amoenum, C. caeruleum R.Br. and C. brownii Meisn. Hand-pollination with 10 pollen genotypes and two maternal C. eatoniae parents showed that although pollen tubes were observed in the style, no seed was set. Genetic analysis of open-set seed progeny showed that C. eatoniae outcrossed infrequently when grown in clonal rows in a plantation, but outcrossing was common in wild plants. This study demonstrates that the reproductive biology of blue-flowered Conospermum is complex and requires further investigation if the species are to be widely cultivated for horticulture.

Cotton Planting Date Affects The Critical Period of Benghal Dayflower (Commelina benghalensis) Control

Weed Science ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 57 (1) ◽  
pp. 81-86 ◽  
Author(s):  
Theodore M. Webster ◽  
Timothy L. Grey ◽  
J. Timothy Flanders ◽  
A. Stanley Culpepper
Keyword(s):  
Weed Control ◽  
Critical Period ◽  
Yield Loss ◽  
Maximum Yield ◽  
Growing Season ◽  
Field Studies ◽  
Cotton Field ◽  
Commelina Benghalensis ◽  
Critical Range ◽  
Benghal Dayflower

Benghal dayflower (formerly known as tropical spiderwort) is one of the most troublesome weeds in Georgia cotton. Field studies were conducted from 2003 to 2005 to evaluate the relationship between the duration of Benghal dayflower interference and cotton yield to establish optimum weed-control timing. To determine the critical period of weed control (CPWC), Benghal dayflower interference with cotton was allowed or prohibited in 2-wk intervals between 0 to 12 wk after crop planting. Maximum yield loss from Benghal dayflower in May-planted cotton was 21 to 30% in 2004 and 2005, whereas cotton planting delayed until June resulted in maximum yield losses of 40 to 60%. June-planted cotton had a CPWC of 190 to 800 growing degree days (GDD) in 2004 (52-d interval beginning at 16 d after planting [DAP]) and 190 to 910 GDD in 2005 (59-d interval beginning at 18 DAP). In contrast, May-planted cotton in 2005 had a narrower CPWC interval of 396 to 587 GDD (18 d) that occurred 3 wk later in the growing season (initiated at 39 DAP). May-planted cotton in 2004 did not have a critical range of weed-free conditions. Instead, a single weed removal at 490 GDD (44 DAP) averted a yield loss greater than 5%. It is recommended that fields infested with Benghal dayflower be planted with cotton early in the growing season to minimize weed interference with the crop.

scholarly journals Weed Phytosociological and Floristic Survey in Agricultural Areas of Southwestern Goiás Region

2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 65-80 ◽  
Author(s):  
SANTOS W.F. ◽  
PROCÓPIO S.O. ◽  
SILVA A.G. ◽  
FERNANDES M.F. ◽  
BARROSO A.L.L.
Keyword(s):  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Floristic Composition ◽  
Sampling Period ◽  
Weed Species ◽  
Floristic Survey ◽  
Commelina Benghalensis ◽  
Number Of Species ◽  
West Region ◽  
Weed Communities ◽  
Agricultural Areas

The use of the Roundup Ready(r) technology and the cultivation of a second crop influence the floristic composition of weed communities in Brazilian Central-West region cropping systems. This study has aimed to diagnose the dominant weed species in southwestern Goiás in areas of genetically-modified and conventional soybeans, using phytosociological and floristic surveys. Weed sampling was obtained by collecting all the plants present within a 0.5 m hollow frame, randomly thrown 20 times in each of thirty-five agricultural areas in the 2012/2013 harvest. Field survey was carried out in three periods: before desiccation for soybean sowing, before postemergence herbicide in soybean first application and before postemergence herbicide application in late harvest. A total of 525 m2 was inventoried and 3,219 weeds were collected, which included 79 species, 58 genera and 28 families. Families Poaceae, Asteraceae, Euphorbiaceae, Fabaceae, Amaranthaceae, were the most representative in the survey. Species Cenchrus echinatus, Glycine max, Chamaesyce hirta, Commelina benghalensis, and Alternanthera tenella stood out in importance. The RR+millet soybean treatment had the highest number of species (44), while the conventional soybean + sorghum treatment had the lowest number of species (18). The highest number of species was recorded in first sampling period. Treatments conventional soybean + maize and conventional soybean + millet showed higher similarity (70%), while treatments RR soybean + millet and conventional soybean + sorghum showed the least (51%). Species of difficult control were recorded in all cultivation systems analyzed.

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