ISSN:
1365-3180
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
Topics:
Agriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Fishery, Domestic Science, Nutrition
Notes:
Populations of the winter annual Emex australis were established by initiating irrigation at monthly intervals, beginning in mid-summer. Natural seedling densities varied from 100 m−2 when irrigation was begun during late January to almost 700 m−2 when it began at the end of March. Densities were increased by sowing non-dormant seeds, but most sown seeds became dormant when introduced before autumn. Plants which emerged after the earliest irrigation grew most rapidly. Those originating from the latest irrigation grew most slowly, in association with vigorous growth of other annual species. Because it minimizes interspecific competition, early commencement of irrigation, coupled with sowings of nondormant seeds is the best method for establishing E. australis during summer. Maintenance of such populations may enhance the persistence of non-aestivating biological control agents and/or boost their numbers prior to the onset of mass germination. This approach could also prove useful for other winter annuals which are targeted for biological control.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-3180.1990.tb01702.x
