Prospective research on the duality between morphological traits and plant competitive capacity: the case of weed species and wheat

Competitive abilities of plants were interpreted by measuring their morphological traits in interspecific competitive cultivation conditions. Measurements were realised by a comparative approach with interspecific cultivation of fourteen arable weeds growing with a domestic species cultivated at a large scale: the winter wheat (Triticum aestivum var Darius). Results show that arable weeds characterised by an important biomass and allocation of biomass to the stems are responsible for a decrease in wheat biomass, and for the ear, a decrease in height, biomass and number of seeds. These results are discussed in view of predicting competitive abilities of arable weeds with a simple method and for the conservation of arable weeds since some of them are among the most threatened species of the European flora.     

Vascular plant and ground beetle diversity on wet arable land versus conventional crop fields

While artificial farmland drainage has allowed the development of a highly productive agriculture, the availability of periodically flooded arable land as a niche habitat for a broad range of animal and vascular plant species has diminished. Accordingly, many species depending on temporary wetlands are endangered, already extinct or extirpated in Switzerland and other European countries. Some arable fields with temporary pools can still be observed in Switzerland. However, it is not known how suitable such small temporary ponds are as habitats in the modern, intensively-managed agricultural landscape, where disturbance rates are high, and connecting wetland habitats are scarce. We surveyed 120 fields across 10 hot spot regions for potential waterlogging in Switzerland, investigating the effect of temporary waterlogging on the diversity of arable plant and ground beetle species. Half of the fields were heavily influenced by waterlogging, while the other half represented conventional crop field controls. We found that wet fields exhibited a higher number of vascular plant and carabid species on average compared to control fields. This difference was explained by the presence of more hygrophilic plant and ground beetle species on wet fields. While we did find more hygrophilic species on wet fields, the threatened character species of temporary wetland habitats were mostly absent despite availability in regional species pools. These results suggest that temporary pools still provide the raw environmental characteristics that hygrophilic species require in the agricultural landscape. However, alternative management schemes are required to transform them into habitats that can effectively support high-priority, threatened species of temporary wetlands.     

Recreating Grasslands in Swedish Rural Landscapes – Effects of Seed Sowing and Management History

Recent loss of plant species richness in Swedish semi-natural grasslands has led to an increase in grassland recreation and restoration. To increase the establishment of declining species favoured by grazing and to re-establish original species richness, seed sowing has been discussed as a conservation tool. In this study, I examined to what extent seed sowing in former arable fields increases species richness and generates a species composition typical of semi-natural grasslands. Six grassland species favoured by grazing (target species) and six generalist species favoured by ceased grazing, were studied in a seed-addition experiment. Four different seed densities were used on four different grassland categories, two grazed former arable fields, one continuously grazed grassland and one abandoned grassland. Target and generalist species emerged in all grassland categories, but seedling emergence was higher in the grazed than in the abandoned grassland. Target species had higher emergence in the two grasslands with the longest grazing continuity. Seedling emergence and frequency of established plants of each target species were positively associated. The largest fraction of seeds germinated at an intermediate sowing density, 20–50 seeds/dm², suggesting that aggregation of seeds positively affects emergence up to a certain threshold. In conclusion, artificial seed sowing may induce the recreation of typical grassland communities on former arable fields, which may be an important contribution to increase the total grassland area and species richness in the landscape.     

Seed preferences by rodents in the agri‐environment and implications for biological weed control

Post‐dispersal seed predation and endozoochorous seed dispersal are two antagonistic processes in relation to plant recruitment, but rely on similar preconditions such as feeding behavior of seed consumers and seed traits. In agricultural landscapes, rodents are considered important seed predators, thereby potentially providing regulating ecosystem services in terms of biological weed control. However, their potential to disperse seeds endozoochorously is largely unknown. We exposed seeds of arable plant species with different seed traits (seed weight, nutrient content) and different Red List status in an experimental rye field and assessed seed removal by rodents. In a complementary laboratory experiment, consumption rates, feeding preferences, and potential endozoochory by two vole species (Microtus arvalis and Myodes glareolus) were tested. Seed consumption by rodents after 24 h was 35% in the field and 90% in the laboratory. Both vole species preferred nutrient‐rich over nutrient‐poor seeds and M. glareolus further preferred light over heavy seeds and seeds of common over those of endangered plants. Endozoochory by voles could be neglected for all tested plant species as no seeds germinated, and only few intact seeds could be retrieved from feces. Synthesis and applications. Our results suggest that voles can provide regulating services in agricultural landscapes by depleting the seed shadow of weeds, rather than facilitating plant recruitment by endozoochory. In the laboratory, endangered arable plants were less preferred by voles than noxious weeds, and thus, our results provide implications for seed choice in restoration approaches. However, other factors such as seed and predator densities need to be taken into account to reliably predict the impact of rodents on the seed fate of arable plants.     

Response of the two rare arable weed species Lithospermum arvense and Scandix pecten-veneris to climate change conditions

Rare weeds are currently under pressure due to intensifying arable management practices, and as a consequence of climate change, these practices will likely become even more intensive, together with a greater uniformity of land use. As a result, ecological stresses will increase for most species of rare weeds, in some cases leading to their further decline or even extinction. Moreover, climate change will alter the suitability of the environment for many plants, since average temperatures are predicted to increase and precipitation extremes to become more common. For most arable weed species it is unclear, whether the anticipated changes in environmental conditions are disadvantageous or beneficial. Little is known about specific biological responses of rare weeds to climate changes, and this study attempts to close some of these knowledge gaps. Here, the rare arable weed Lithospermum arvense and the endangered arable species Scandix pecten-veneris were investigated with regard to the effects of higher temperature and different crop densities on flowering time, shoot development, plant height, dry mass and seed production. Semi-field experiments were conducted with winter wheat crop for 3 years, involving 48 climate cages, in which every second was a variant of warmer temperature and contrasting crop density. We observed that S. pecten-veneris flowered earlier under warmer conditions and had fewer seeds and less biomass in the dense wheat crop compared to control conditions, while L. arvense grew taller, it produced fewer seeds in the high density crop. We suggest that such data concerning the biological responses of weeds can improve the precision of bioclimatic distribution models. Finally, we discuss strategies, such as relocation or non-intrusive management practices, for preventing further disappearances of rare arable weeds. Our results should be of considerable interest for the fields of plant ecology, biodiversity research and conservation.     

Remnant habitats for grassland species in an abandoned Swedish agricultural landscape

Questions: Which factors influence the persistence of vascular grassland plants in long‐abandoned (at least 50 yr) arable fields and meadows? What might be the implications of current levels of species richness on abandoned arable fields and meadows for future restoration? Location: Forested highlands of Kilsbergen, south central Sweden. Methods: The abundance of all vascular plant species was investigated in three habitat types: former arable fields, hay meadows and outlands (pastures) at 27 farms, abandoned for either approximately 50 yr or 90 yr. Time since abandonment, tree cover, soil depth, degree of soil podsol development, size of the infield area and two measures of connectivity were used as predictors for species richness and species composition. Results: Former outland had denser tree cover, fewer species and fewer grassland species than former arable fields and hay meadows, irrespective of time since abandonment. Former hay meadows and arable fields with a longer time since abandonment were less rich in species, more wooded and had greater podsolization than meadows and fields abandoned at a later stage. Species richness was higher in hay meadows and arable fields at farms with larger infield area and deeper soils compared with farms with smaller infield area and shallower soils. The greatest richness of species and most open habitat were former arable fields at larger farms abandoned 50 yr before the study. Former arable fields had the highest number of grassland species. Conclusion: After 50 yr of abandonment, former arable fields were the most important remnant habitats for grassland species and may be a more promising target for restoration than formerly managed grasslands.     

Soil seed-bank composition reveals the land-use history of calcareous grasslands

We compared soil seed banks and vegetation of recent (established on abandoned arable fields) and ancient (continuously managed as pastures at least since 1830) calcareous grasslands if there is any impact of former arable field use. The study was carried out in two regions of Southern Germany with well-preserved dry grassland vegetation: the western Jurassic mountains (Kaltes Feld) and the climatically drier eastern part of Southern Germany (Kallmünz).Total number of species in the seed bank was similar in both regions, but species composition partly differed, reflecting phytogeographical differences between the regions. The total number of emerged seedlings showed a large disparity (5457 compared to 2523 seedlings/m² in Kaltes Feld and Kallmünz, respectively).Though there were differences in seed bank composition and size, we found a uniform pattern of plant traits (affiliation to phytosociological groups, Raunkiaer plant life-forms and seed longevity), which depended on the age of the grassland.The main conclusion is that seed banks in contemporary calcareous grasslands still reflect the history of former land use – in this case arable cultivation, even though it occurred a long time ago (up to 150 years). Indicators of former arable fields are germinable seeds of weeds which have persisted in the soil to the present. By contrast, weedy species are completely absent from the seed banks of ancient grasslands. Soil seed banks of recent grasslands may be of substantial conservation importance because they may store seeds of rare and endangered weed species such as Kickxia spuria, Silene noctiflora and Stachys annua, the majority of which have already gone extinct from the current vegetation of the study sites.     

Der Krienser Hochwald (Kanton Luzern): Ein wertvoller Lebensraum für zahlreiche, in der Schweiz gef?hrdete Flechtenarten

Dietrich M., Bürgi-Meyer K., Bergamini A., Scheidegger C. and Stofer S. 2008. The Forest of Kriens (canton of Lucerne): A valuable habitat for many threatened lichens of Switzerland. Bot. Helv. 118: 149 – 164. In Switzerland almost half of the epiphytic lichen species are listed as threatened. Lichens, especially epiphytic species, contribute significantly to the biological diversity of forest ecosystems. Many of them are important indicator species and thus used for designing successful conservation strategies in woodlands. This study documents the importance of the Forest of Kriens near the city of Lucerne (Central Switzerland) as a habitat for epiphytic lichens. A rich flora comprising 182 species was recorded, thirty seven species being threatened in Switzerland and four being protected at the national level. Chaenotheca sphaerocephala, Micarea xanthonica and Psilolechia clavulifera are reported for the first time from Switzerland. More than sixty recorded lichen species are indicators of environmental continuity in woodlands. The sub-oceanic-montane climate at this north-facing slope at the border of the Northern Pre-Alps and the extensive, close to nature forest management, which guarantees environmental continuity, facilitate a high species diversity among epiphytic lichens. Thus, the Forest of Kriens is an important refuge for endangered species whence they might invade lichen-impoverished areas of the Central Plateau. For several epiphytic lichen species it represents the only known locality in the canton of Lucerne and one of few in Switzerland. Eingereicht am 21. Juni 2008, Angenommen am 24. September 2008 Redaktion: A. Leuchtmann     

Native Plant Regeneration on Abandoned Desert Farmland: Effects of Irrigation, Soil Preparation, and Amendments on Seedling Establishment

Direct seeding methods to revegetate abandoned farmland were tested at a desert site west of Phoenix, Arizona. Native seeds were broadcast onto plots prepared by mulching, imprinting, chiseling, and fertilizing with phosphorous in a split-plot design. Each main plot was split into subplots that were not irrigated, irrigated with saline (3.25 dS/m) well water, or irrigated and hand weeded of Salsola iberica . Native seeds germinated poorly on all treatments, and three annual exotic weeds ( Brassica nigra , S. iberica , and Schismus spp.) dominated the plots. None of the main plot treatments (mulching, imprinting, chiseling, or fertilizing) had a significant effect on seed germination or canopy cover. Irrigation increased plant cover on plots, but weeds dominated the cover (<4% native species, up to 50% weeds). Near the end of the second growing season a seed bank study was conducted in the greenhouse. Undisturbed desert soil had relatively few weed seeds and more native plant seeds than the disturbed agricultural soil samples, which had few viable native seeds and were dominated by Schismus spp., B. nigra , and S. iberica . The results illustrate the difficulty of establishing native plants on abandoned desert farmland due to the dominance of weedy species, the presence of salts in the soil, and the lack of adequate soil moisture in the treatments without supplemental irrigation.     

Interaction of local and landscape features in the conservation of Hungarian arable weed diversity

Question: How do local and landscape management contribute to weed diversity in Hungarian winter cereal fields? Location: Central Hungary. Methods: Vascular plants were sampled in 18 winter cereal fields along an intensification gradient according to nitrogen fertilization, in the first cereal rows (edge) and in the interior part of the fields. Weed species were divided into groups according to their residence time in Central Europe (native species, archaeophytes, neophytes) and nitrogen preference (low to medium, LMNP, and high, HNP species). The percentage of semi‐natural habitats was calculated in the 500 m radius circle. Effects of fertilizer use, transect position and semi‐natural habitats were estimated by general linear mixed models. Results: We recorded 149 weed species. Fertilizer had a negative impact on the species richness of archaeophytes and LMNP species, and on the cover of native weeds. There was greater species richness and weed cover at the edge of the fields than in the centre. A higher percentage of seminatural habitats around the arable fields resulted in greater total species richness, especially of archaeophytes and LMNP species. We found an interaction between the percentage of semi‐natural habitats and transect position for species richness of archaeophytes and LMNP species. Conclusions: Reduced use of fertilizers and a high percentage of semi‐natural habitats would support native and archaeophyte weed diversity even in winter cereal fields, while large amounts of fertilizer may promote invasion of neophytes. However, the beneficial effect of the semi‐natural habitats and greater species pool on the arable flora may prevail only in the crop edges.     

Arable weeds in organically managed wheat fields foster carabid beetles by resource- and structure-mediated effects

Arable weeds in organically managed fields may foster arthropod generalist predators by the provision of shelter and favorable microclimate (structure-mediated effects) and the provision of additional animal and floral food resources (resource-mediated effects). In three organically managed winter wheat fields in Central Germany, we investigated the impact of weed removal and introduction of artificial weed-like structure on the activity density and species richness of carabid beetles with respect to trophic groups, microclimatic conditions, and densities of potential prey. Removal of weeds reduced both carabid activity density and species richness but did not affect trophic group composition. The decline in carabid activity density was dampened by the addition of artificial structure. Mean daily surface temperature and light intensity were significantly lower under weeds and artificial plants than under wheat plants alone. Weed removal reduced the abundance of leafhoppers and true bugs, but the response was inconsistent across fields. We conclude that the presence of arable weeds in organically managed wheat fields fosters carabid activity density and species richness via resource-mediated effects, such as a higher availability of weed-borne resources (e.g. seeds and pollen) and herbivorous prey. Structure-mediated effects (altering the microclimate) add to this positive effect. The presence of weeds in organically managed wheat fields enhances carabid activity density and diversity and needs to be integrated into future management strategies for natural enemy conservation.     

Regional diversity,population trends and threat assessment of the weeds of traditional agriculture in Greece

On the basis of extensive field studies throughout Greece and of about 19 500 field and literature records extracted from the Flora Hellenica Database, we provide the first survey of wild plant species of traditional agriculture in Greece (hereafter TA species). For each of the 138 taxa, life form, rareness (on national scale), local abundance (habitat occupancy) and regional restrictedness are given. We infer population trends from the record chronology of the taxa in the Flora Hellenica Database, and we assess the Red List status of the arable plants using IUCN criteria. According to current knowledge, two TA species are presumed Extinct in Greece and seven Critically Endangered. Almost half of the species are threatened, including 46 Vulnerable and 15 Endangered taxa. There is a high proportion of locally distributed taxa among Greek TA species. Distribution patterns show a pronounced south–north gradient, and the unique character of the East Aegean arable flora is revealed. Most arable species are annuals (83%). Perennial herbs, mostly bulbous or tuberous plants (geophytes), account for 17%, and a major proportion of the latter must be considered as threatened at different levels. The chronology of decline of certain TA species is reflected by processes of agricultural intensification and regional urbanization. We suggest conservation measures for the unique arable flora of Greece. To reflect the geographical and ecoregional variation, in situ measures should focus on areas with species‐rich arable fields in all phytogeographical regions of Greece. © 2014 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2014, 175 , 607–623.     

Predation of annual grass weed seeds in arable field margins

Seeds of three species of annual grass weeds (Alopecurus myosuroides, Avena fatua and Bromus sterilis) were placed in field margins around arable fields in a randomised block split-plot design experiment. The field margin vegetation was either sown or naturally regenerated and either cut or uncut. The seeds were either placed in cages designed to exclude small mammals and birds or were uncaged. The proportion of seeds removed was monitored on 10 occasions and mean seed loss was analysed. In general, a greater proportion of weed seeds was removed from uncaged trays in uncut swards, suggesting predation by small mammals, which inhabit tall grass. This effect was mainly due to removal of seeds of the two large-seeded species (A. fatua and B. sterilis), with A. fatua being especially favoured. It is therefore likely that small mammals play a role in the population dynamics of major crop weeds by feeding on their seeds in field margins, especially when these are dense and uncut.     

Restoration of a species‐rich flood meadow by topsoil removal and diaspore transfer with plant material

Abstract. In previous studies, limited dispersal was revealed to be the main obstacle to restoration of species‐rich flood‐meadows along the northern Upper Rhine in Germany. To overcome dispersal limitation we transferred freshly mown plant material from species‐rich sources to a restoration site on a former arable field. Before plant material application, topsoil was removed to accelerate nutrient impoverishment and create favourable conditions for seedling recruitment. Topsoil removal led to a drastic reduction in organic matter and essential mineral nutrients to the level of target communities (P) or even below (N, K). At a removal depth of 30 cm content of the soil seed bank that comprised exclusively of annual arable weeds, ruderals and some common grassland species, declined by 60 ‐ 80%, while at a removal depth of 50 cm the seed bank was almost completely eliminated. With few exceptions, all species recorded in source plant material were found established at the restoration site. However, the overall correlation between seed content in plant material and establishment success was not very high. Vegetation development at the restoration site was characterized by a rapid decline in arable weeds and ruderals, while resident grassland species and species transferred with plant material increased rapidly from the third year onwards. After four years as many as 102 species were established that could be exclusively attributed to plant material transfer, among them many rare and highly endangered plants. Establishment of species from plant material was most successful in regularly flooded plots, due to the suppression of competitors as well as the creation of favourable moisture conditions for seedling emergence. Diaspore transfer with plant material proved to be an extremely successful method in restoring species‐rich grassland. However, high quality of plant material and suitable site conditions with low competition in early stages of succession seem to be essential prerequisites.     

Ecology and conservation of grassland birds in southeastern South America: a review

ABSTRACT The grasslands of southeastern South America (SESA), comprising one of the most extensive grassland ecosystems in the Neotropics, have been negatively impacted by the development of the livestock industry, arable agriculture, and forestry. SESA grasslands have a rich avifauna that includes 22 globally threatened and near‐threatened species, and many other species have suffered local population extinctions and range reductions. In addition to habitat loss and fragmentation, grassland birds in SESA are threatened by improper use of agrochemicals, unfavorable fire management regimes, pollution, and illegal capture and hunting. Studies to date have provided information about the distribution of grassland birds, the threats populations face, and the habitat requirements of some threatened species, but more information is needed concerning dispersal and migration patterns, genetics, and factors that influence habitat use and species survival in both natural and agricultural landscapes. There are few public protected areas in the region (1% of original grasslands), and many populations of threatened grassland birds are found on private lands. Therefore, efforts to preserve grassland habitat must reconcile the interests of land owners and conservationists. Current conservation efforts include establishment of public and private reserves, promotion of agricultural activities that reconcile production with biodiversity conservation, development of multilateral conservation projects across countries, and elaboration of action plans. Measures that result in significant losses to private land owners should include economic compensation, and use of economic incentives to promote agriculture and forestry in native grassland areas should be discouraged, especially in priority areas for grassland birds. Although more studies are needed, some actions, particularly habitat protection and improved management of public and private lands, should be taken immediately to improve the conservation status of grassland birds in SESA.     

Crop seed spillage along roads: a factor of uncertainty in the containment of GMO

Feral populations of crop species along roadsides contribute to the uncertainty regarding the containment of genetically modified (GM) crops, as the feral populations could promote the persistence of transgenes outside of cultivated fields. Roadside populations of several common crop species are known to occur far from arable fields, and the dispersal pathways that promote their recruitment in road verges are unclear. Human-aided dispersal, in particular adhesive dispersal by vehicles, has been suggested as a possible vector, but this has not yet been proven experimentally. We sampled the seed rain from vehicles inside two motorway tunnels in an urban environment to reveal the contribution of crop species to seeds unintentionally dispersed by traffic beyond agricultural production areas. Three species of arable crops, wheat Triticum aestivum , rye Secale cereale and oilseed rape Brassica napus , were among the most frequent species deposited by vehicles inside the motorway tunnels. Each of the three species was clearly more predominant in one direction of traffic. While seeds of Triticum aestivum and Secale cereale were primarily transported into the city, Brassica napus was significantly more abundant in samples from lanes leading out of the city. Seed sources in the local surroundings of the tunnels were virtually nonexistent, and the high magnitude of seed deposition combined with high seed weights suggests a dispersal mechanism different from other species in the sample, at least for Triticum aestivum and Secale cereale . This provides evidence that spillage during transport is a major driver for long-distance dispersal of crops. Our results suggest that seed dispersal by vehicles is the major driver in the recruitment of roadside populations of arable crops, providing a possible escape route for GM crops. Risk management should thus aim at curbing transport losses of GM crops.     

The effects of domestic compost upon the germination and emergence of barley and six arable weeds

In a bioassay, leachate from composted household waste was found to decrease both cress germination and the germination of barley and six arable weeds, especially in the light. The effect of compost depth upon the emergence of these species was examined in a glasshouse experiment. Compost had no significant effect on barley emergence. However, weed emergence, particularly of those with small seeds, was reduced greatly by the physical effect of compost and, to a lesser extent, by its chemical effect. The emergence of the large-seeded species was relatively unaffected by increasing depths of compost, whereas that of the smaller-seeded weeds steadily decreased, being almost completely prevented by a 3 cm layer. The use of compost to control arable weeds in the field is discussed.     

Limiting processes for perennial plant reintroduction to restore dry grasslands

In restored grasslands of southern Europe, perennial plants remain highly underrepresented compared with the reference ecosystems. We tested various treatments to reintroduce common perennial plant species (Brachypodium retusum, Poaceae, and Thymus vulgaris, Lamiaceae), which are usually not or poorly reintroduced via soil and hay transfer. Treatments included microenvironmental manipulations (rock cover and plant interactions) and two grazing intensities. Target perennial species were transplanted in 2002 in the reference grassland ecosystem (intact grassland area used as a control) and in two abandoned fields. Survival was assessed in June 2003 and June 2004. Target species shoot and root biomass were measured in June 2004. Grazing greatly reduced the survival and biomass of both target species and its effects were reinforced by summer drought: plants that did not establish well enough during the autumn and spring did not survive summer. The restored rock cover had a mild positive effect, particularly on B. retusum. There were no negative or positive plant neighbor interactions in the steppe, while there was competition in both abandoned fields. Competition was particularly intense in the abandoned melon field, composed of a dense sward of annual grasses (Bromus sp.). In order to reintroduce perennial species to dry grasslands, the ideal combination of treatments is to exclude or reduce grazing during the first year to allow seedlings to establish and to recreate adequate microenvironmental conditions. Reducing competition from arable weeds may help but is not essential in such dry grasslands.     

Land use history and site location are more important for grassland species richness than local soil properties

Lately there has been a shift in Sweden from grazing species‐rich semi‐natural grasslands towards grazing ex‐arable fields in the modern agricultural landscape. Grazing ex‐arable fields contain a fraction of the plant species richness confined to semi‐natural grasslands. Still, they have been suggested as potential target sites for re‐creation of semi‐natural grasslands. We asked to what extent does fine‐scale variation in soil conditions, management history and site location effect local plant diversity in grazed ex‐arable fields. We examined local soil conditions such as texture, pH, organic carbon, nitrogen (N) and extractable phosphate (P) and effects on plant richness in ten pairs of grazed ex‐fields and neighbouring semi‐natural grasslands in different rural landscapes. Each grassland pair where in the same paddock. A multivariate test showed that site location and land use history explained more of differences in species richness than local soil property variables. Plant species richness was positively associated to grazed ex‐fields with low pH, low N and P levels. Sites with high plant richness in semi‐natural grasslands also had more species in the adjacent grazed ex‐fields, compared to sites neighbouring less species‐rich semi‐natural grasslands. Although both soil properties and species richness were different in grazed ex‐fields compared to semi‐natural grassland, the site location within a landscape, and vicinity to species‐rich grasslands, can override effects of soil properties. In conclusion, if properly located, ex‐arable fields may be an important habitat to maintain plant diversity at larger spatio‐temporal scales and should considered as potential sites for grassland restoration.     

稻田水面漂浮的杂草种子种类及动态

为了揭示杂草种子的漂浮动态,并为探寻生态控草方法提供理论依据,我们于2005年6-11月,在南京沧波门稻作区调查了水稻种植前及生长后期田问杂草群落以及稻田灌水期间水面漂浮的杂草种子的种类及漂浮时间.结果表明,在水稻种植前及生长后期田间出现有15科24种杂草;可漂浮于水面的杂草种子有17科26种,与田间发生的杂草种类相同的共有18种,占所有32种杂草的56.25%.这些杂草主要隶属于禾本科、蓼科、毛茛科、报春花科、莎草科、菊科和雨久花科.田埂附近漂浮的杂草种类及种子数量均高于田中间;各类杂草种子的漂浮能力不一,其中菵草(Beckmannia syzigachne)、泽珍珠菜(Lysimachia candida)、茴茴蒜(Ranunculus chinensis)、齿果酸模(Rumex dentatus)、蛇床(Cnidium monnieri)、鳢肠(Eclipta prostrata)和看麦娘(Alopecurus aequalis)等在田间水面漂浮能力较强.漂浮期间杂草种子除多集中于田埂附近,也附着于稻稞周围,并有互相结联的趋势.从整体上看,杂草种子漂浮2天后骤降,8天后基本全部沉降.显然,稻田生境的杂草种子大多可以漂浮于水面传播扩散.因此在灌水早期采取过滤或清除水上漂浮杂草种子可以减少杂草种子的输入和加速杂草种子从田间输出,减少杂草发生基数.