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Researcher(s) |
Asad Asaduzzaman Eric Koetz |
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Year(s) | 2017 |
Contributor | Department of Primary Industries NSW |
Trial location(s) |
Macquarie, ACT
Lachlan River, NSW Murrumbidgee, NSW Darling Downs, QLD |
Further information | View external link |
The objectives of this study were to assess the current level of infestations of Button grass (Dactyloctenium radulans) both in dryland and irrigated cotton farming systems and also to investigate the germination biology for future phenology/biology studies of this species.
• The random survey found that button grass infests approximately 45% of cotton fields.
• The species shows a high level of physical seed dormancy.
• Seedlings of this species can survive a moderate level of water stress.
• Southern populations of this species are sensitive to saline conditions.
The D. radulans infestations at each field were evaluated based on an ecological scale. Only mature D. radulans seeds were collected. The germination and dormancy of non-scarified seeds was examined at laboratory conditions (12 hours light/dark cycle at 28/22 °C for 12 days) within five days of seed collection. D. radulans is known to have dormant seeds and therefore 100% germination was not expected. The D. radulans germination biology was examined through controlled environment experiments.
The wide spread of D. radulans might be due to its dormancy mechanisms – dormancy is the capacity of seeds to remain in a suspended state in unfavourable conditions. We established that physical dormancy has a major influence on seedling emergence timing. Once dormancy is broken, environmental conditions determine the rate of germination. Populations of D. radulans from the southern region are moderately tolerant to water stress, but sensitive to saline conditions during germination. Germination behaviour can also differ among seeds produced in different seasons, years and locations, although additional research is required for this to be established. The study of phenology and current level of herbicide sensitivity in different populations of D. radulans are under way. These results will provide a benchmark for better understanding the persistence of D. radulans as an emerging weed in cotton farming systems and contribute to developing an effective management tool.
Lead research organisation |
Department of Primary Industries NSW |
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Host research organisation | N/A |
Trial funding source | Cotton Research Develeopment Crporation (CRDC) DAN1402 |
Trial funding source | DPI NSW |
Related program | N/A |
Acknowledgments |
Hard to control weeds in northern cotton farming systems’, DAN1402, 2013–18, is a project with joint investment by the CRDC and NSW DPI. |
Other trial partners | Not specified |
Crop types | Other crop: Cotton Weed: Other grass |
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Treatment type(s) |
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Trial type | |
Trial design |
Sow date | Not specified |
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Harvest date | Not specified |
Plot size | Not specified |
Plot replication | Not specified |
Other trial notes |
This research paper is an extract from the publication Southern NSW Research Results 2018, available at |
Sow date | Not specified |
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Harvest date | Not specified |
Plot size | Not specified |
Plot replication | Not specified |
Other trial notes |
This research paper is an extract from the publication Southern NSW Research Results 2018, available at |
Sow date | Not specified |
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Harvest date | Not specified |
Plot size | Not specified |
Plot replication | Not specified |
Other trial notes |
This research paper is an extract from the publication Southern NSW Research Results 2018, available at |
Sow date | Not specified |
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Harvest date | Not specified |
Plot size | Not specified |
Plot replication | Not specified |
Other trial notes |
This research paper is an extract from the publication Southern NSW Research Results 2018, available at |
Sow date | Not applicable |
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Harvest date | Not applicable |
Plot size | Not specified |
Plot replication | Not specified |
Other trial notes |
This research paper is an extract from the publication Southern NSW Research Results 2018, available at |
SILO weather estimates sourced from https://www.longpaddock.qld.gov.au/silo/
Jeffrey, S.J., Carter, J.O., Moodie, K.B. and Beswick, A.R. (2001). Using spatial interpolation to construct a comprehensive archive of Australian climate data , Environmental Modelling and Software, Vol 16/4, pp 309-330. DOI: 10.1016/S1364-8152(01)00008-1.