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27 March 2019 Studies on Seed biology, Distribution, and Chemical Control of Smellmelon (Cucumis melo var. agrestis Naudin): An Invasive Weed
Reza Noor-Ziarat, Mohammad Rezvani, Naser Bagherani, W. James Grichar
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Abstract

Smellmelon is an invasive weed in the Golestan and Mazandran provinces of Iran. In a series of experiments, germination of freshly harvested seeds, cardinal temperatures, plant burial depth, and distribution and chemical control of smellmelon were evaluated to assist us in developing a management program to help growers manage this weed more effectively. The optimal seed germination temperature was estimated at 32.7 C by a two-piece segmented model. Mature fresh seeds of smellmelon exhibited no dormancy, whereas mucilage of the seed negatively affected germination. The greatest seed sowing depth from which seedlings emerged was 5 cm. Geographical distribution of smellmelon occurred up to an elevation of 350m above sea level, whereas the density of smellmelon decreased at elevations higher than 151 m. Imazethapyr reduced plant growth and the reproductive capacity of smellmelon. Germination of seed from smellmelon plants treated with imazethapyr was significantly reduced compared with seed treated with bentazon or bentazon plus acifluorfen. A combination of tillage of deeper than 5 cm, early planting time, and the use of imazethapyr can reduce smellmelon competition in various field crops.

Nomenclature: Acifluorfen; bentazon; imazethapyr; smellmelon; Cucumis melo L. var. agrestis Naudin

© Weed Science Society of America, 2019.
Reza Noor-Ziarat, Mohammad Rezvani, Naser Bagherani, and W. James Grichar "Studies on Seed biology, Distribution, and Chemical Control of Smellmelon (Cucumis melo var. agrestis Naudin): An Invasive Weed," Weed Technology 33(1), 202-209, (27 March 2019). https://doi.org/10.1017/wet.2018.50
Received: 23 November 2017; Accepted: 25 May 2018; Published: 27 March 2019
KEYWORDS
germination
herbicide
mucilage
sowing depth
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