Potential of Rattail Fescue Powder for Weed Management

Abstract

Controlling weeds through allelopathy is one strategy to reduce dependency on synthetic herbicides. We investigated possible allelopathic effects of rattail fescue (Vulpia myuros (L.) C.C. Gmel.). Water extract of rattail fescue inhibited root and shoot growth of cress (Lepidium sativum L.). Powder of rattail fescue also inhibited the root and shoot growth of cress in a concentration dependent manner. The effectiveness of the water extract and powder of rattail fescue on the cress root and shoot growth was not significantly different. Allelopathic active substances may be leached from the powder into bioassay medium and those substances may inhibit the cress roots and shoots. In addition, the powder inhibited root and shoot growth of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.), alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), Phleum pratense L., Digitaria sanguinalis L., Lolium multiflorum Lam. Lolium rigidum Gaund., Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) Beauv. and Echinochloa colonum L. in a concentration dependent manner. Therefore, rattail fescue could be useful for a weed suppressive residue or soil additive materials in the variety of agricultural settings to reduce dependency on synthetic herbicides, which should be investigated further in the field.

Biology and Management of Vulpia myuros—An Emerging Weed Problem in No-Till Cropping Systems in Europe

“…In glasshouse studies, residues of V. myuros significantly suppressed germination and seedling growth of other plant species, including both crop and weed species [40,41]. Yamamoto and Kato-Noguchi [41] found that water extract and powder of V. myuros were equally effective in suppressing the root and shoot growth of Lepidium sativum. Twenty-one phytotoxic compounds were identified from aqueous extract of V. myuros, accounting for 0.05% of the dry weight residue [42].…”

“…V. myuros produces allelochemicals that suppress the growth of other plants. In glasshouse studies, residues of V. myuros significantly suppressed germination and seedling growth of other plant species, including both crop and weed species [ 40 , 41 ]. Yamamoto and Kato-Noguchi [ 41 ] found that water extract and powder of V. myuros were equally effective in suppressing the root and shoot growth of Lepidium sativum .…”