Changes in seed bank size and dormancy characteristics of the glyphosate‐resistant biotype of goosegrass (<i>Eleusine indica</i>[L.] Gaertn.)

Abstract

A study on changes in the seed bank size of a glyphosate ( N ‐(phosphonomethyl)glycine)‐resistant (R) Eleusine indica biotype was carried out on a naturally occurring infestation of a young oil palm plantation. The total number of shed seeds collected was 53% of the predicted potential total number of seeds produced by the plants. Ametryn ( N ‐ethyl‐ N′ ‐(methylethyl)‐6‐(methylthio)‐1,3,5‐triazine‐2, 4‐diamine) was found to be able to control the R seed population in the soil. The periodicity of seedling emergence was influenced by rainfall subsequent to the 1 month period of seed shedding. Seed burial at 2, 10 and 20 cm depths showed that 39, 33 and 79%, respectively, of viable seed persisted in the soil after 2 years. Seeds in the state of enforced dormancy played an important role in maintaining the seed population throughout the 2 year period of burial in the soil.