How to translate text using browser tools
8 April 2019 Doveweed (Murdannia nudiflora) Response to Environmental Resource Availability and Cultural Practices
Jeffrey L. Atkinson, Lambert B. McCarty, Fred Yelverton, Scott McElroy, William C. Bridges
Author Affiliations +
Abstract

Susceptibility of a system to colonization by a weed is in part a function of environmental resource availability. Doveweed [Murdannia nudiflora (L.) Brenan] can establish in a variety of environments; however, it is found mostly in wet or low-lying areas with reduced interspecies competition. Four studies evaluated the effect of mowing height, interspecies competition, and nitrogen, light, and soil moisture availability on M. nudiflora establishment and growth. A field study evaluated the effect of mowing height on M. nudiflora establishment. In comparison with unmowed plots, mowing at 2 and 4 cm reduced spread 46% and 30%, respectively, at 9 wk after planting. Effect of mowing height and nitrogen fertilization on ‘Tifway’ bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon Burtt-Davy × C. transvaalensis L. Pers.) and M. nudiflora interspecies competition was evaluated in a greenhouse trial. Murdannia nudiflora coverage was 62% greater in flats maintained at 2.6 cm than flats maintained at 1.3 cm. Supplemental application of 49 kg N ha -1 mo -1 increased M. nudiflora coverage 75% in comparison with 24.5 kg N ha -1 mo -1. A difference in M. nudiflora coverage could not be detected between flats receiving 0 and 24.5 kg N ha -1 mo -1, suggesting moderate nitrogen fertilization does not encourage M. nudiflora colonization. Effect of light availability on M. nudiflora growth and development was evaluated in a greenhouse study. Growth in a 30%, 50%, or 70% reduced light environment (RLE) did not affect shoot growth on a dry weight basis in comparison with plants grown under full irradiance; however, internode length was 28% longer in a 30% RLE and 39% longer in a 50% and 70% RLE. Effect of soil moisture on M. nudiflora growth and development was evaluated in a greenhouse study. Plants maintained at 50%, 75%, and 100% field capacity (FC) increased biomass > 200% compared with plants maintained at 12.5% or 25% FC.

© Weed Science Society of America, 2019.
Jeffrey L. Atkinson, Lambert B. McCarty, Fred Yelverton, Scott McElroy, and William C. Bridges "Doveweed (Murdannia nudiflora) Response to Environmental Resource Availability and Cultural Practices," Weed Science 67(2), 214-220, (8 April 2019). https://doi.org/10.1017/wsc.2018.89
Received: 22 August 2018; Accepted: 11 November 2018; Published: 8 April 2019
KEYWORDS
competition
environmental resource availability
intraspecies competition
invasive species
Irrigation
mowing height
nitrogen
RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS
Get copyright permission
Back to Top