Abstract
Lucerne (Medicago sativa L.), also known as alfalfa in other countries, is a highly productive forage legume producing high quality feed for
livestock. Yields deteriorate due to weed infestation. Herbicides are a key strategy for weed control, but the evolution of weeds resistant to herbicides requires consideration of alternative options such as allelopathic lucerne varieties for weed suppression. To evaluate
the allelopathic prospects of lucerne, a laboratory based root exudates bioassay was conducted using the equal-compartment-agar method (ECAM). The allelopathic effects of different growth periods (0, 2,
4, 6, 8, 11, 15 days) and density (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 50 pre-germinated seeds per beaker) of lucerne (var. Genesis) against annual ryegrass (Lolium rigidum Gaudin) were investigated. The root and shoot lengths of annual ryegrass were measured. Results indicated that lucerne growth for 4–8 days had the most inhibitive effect on the root growth of annual ryegrass. The root inhibition of annual ryegrass was increased with increasing density of lucerne. Growth period and density of lucerne however did not affect the shoot growth of annual ryegrass.
livestock. Yields deteriorate due to weed infestation. Herbicides are a key strategy for weed control, but the evolution of weeds resistant to herbicides requires consideration of alternative options such as allelopathic lucerne varieties for weed suppression. To evaluate
the allelopathic prospects of lucerne, a laboratory based root exudates bioassay was conducted using the equal-compartment-agar method (ECAM). The allelopathic effects of different growth periods (0, 2,
4, 6, 8, 11, 15 days) and density (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 50 pre-germinated seeds per beaker) of lucerne (var. Genesis) against annual ryegrass (Lolium rigidum Gaudin) were investigated. The root and shoot lengths of annual ryegrass were measured. Results indicated that lucerne growth for 4–8 days had the most inhibitive effect on the root growth of annual ryegrass. The root inhibition of annual ryegrass was increased with increasing density of lucerne. Growth period and density of lucerne however did not affect the shoot growth of annual ryegrass.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Proceedings of the 19th Australasian Weed Conference (2014) |
| Subtitle of host publication | Science, Community and Food Security: the Weed Challenge |
| Editors | Matthew Baker |
| Place of Publication | Hobart |
| Publisher | Tasmanian Weed Society Inc |
| Pages | 451-453 |
| Number of pages | 3 |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 978-0-646-92454-0 |
| Publication status | Published - 2014 |
| Event | 19th Australasian Weeds Conference (2014) - Hotel Grand Chancellor, Hobart, Australia Duration: 01 Sept 2014 → 04 Sept 2014 https://caws.org.nz/old-site/awc_contents.php?yr=2014 |
Conference
| Conference | 19th Australasian Weeds Conference (2014) |
|---|---|
| Abbreviated title | Science, Community and Food Security: the Weed Challenge |
| Country/Territory | Australia |
| City | Hobart |
| Period | 01/09/14 → 04/09/14 |
| Internet address |