An assessment, using a modelling approach, of inbreeding as a possible cause of reduced competitiveness in triazine‐resistant weeds

Abstract

1.It is widely assumed that organisms which evolve resistance to a triazine suffer from a fitness deficit in the absence of that herbicide. Arguments for this view are examined, and the published evidence is discussed. 2.A simple model is developed to examine the genetics of resistance in triazineresistant plants, based on the assumption that there is a founder effect operating. The model examines the hypothesis that the extent to which plants in the sprayed population are related will increase rapidly under continual selection, even when there is a significant input of genes from non-selected populations. 3.The possible consequences of the above hypothesis on the validity of competition experiments are discussed.

A review of basic research tools without the confusing philosophy

“…Sometimes, when collecting quantitative data, qualitative observations provide insights that help with analysis and interpretation (Onwuegbuzie & Leech, 2005). Also, new developments may suggest approaches that were unavailable at the planning stage: for example, Madden (1995) was based on a re-analysis of my PhD findings that became possible after I was given access to new software.…”

“…Two experiences, in particular, are key. The first is of a career move that resulted in a change from being a quantitative researcher developing mathematical models of agricultural systems (e.g., Madden, 1995), to becoming a qualitative and mixed methods researcher, exploring aspects of human information behaviour (e.g., Madden et al, 2018). The second experience is that of organising and participating in researcher discussions in the Information Schools of two universities (University of Sheffield in the UK, and Sun Yat-sen University in China).…”