Weed Research (2013) 53, 164-168

T. Shilo, B. Rubin, J.E. Ephrath and H. Eizenberg (2013)
Continuous non-destructive monitoring of Cyperus rotundus development using a minirhizotron
Weed Research 53 (3), 164-168
Abstract: A new method for non-destructive monitoring of the subsurface development of Cyperus rotundus (purple nutsedge) is described. A minirhizotron (MR) system was adopted for use to observe vegetative growth of the weed in a net-house and under field conditions. In particular, the key stages of tuber production and sprouting were monitored and quantified. The MR system allowed non-destructive repeated measurements of the key stages in C. rotundus subsurface development, serving as a both quantitative and qualitative tool in the study of C. rotundus. A comparison between the MR method and a destructive method revealed that the former reduces experimental variance, thus providing a more accurate prediction of the sprouting process. The techniques presented in the current study offer advanced methodologies for continuous monitoring of C. rotundus development under the soil surface. The novelty of this method lies in its simplicity and efficiency, allowing continuous observation of specific organs of this noxious weed and potentially of other geophytes.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Tal Shilo, Hanan Eizenberg, Baruch Rubin, Jhonathan E. Ephrath

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
general biology - morphology - evolution

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Cyperus rotundus (weed)