Differential susceptibility of agricultural weeds to ultraviolet-B radiation

Differential morphological sensitivity of weed species to ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation (290–320 nm) may alter competitive relationships among weeds and associated crop species as the level of this radiation changes. In order to determine relative sensitivity of common chickweed [Stellaria media (L.) Vill.], green foxtail (Setaria viridis L.), lady's-thumb (Polygonum persicaria L.), lamb's-quarters (Chenopodium album L.), redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus L.), and shepherd's-purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris L.) to this radiation, seedlings were grown under 0, 7, and 11 kJ m-2 d-1 of biologically effective UV-B radiation in a greenhouse for 6 wk. The influence of UV-B radiation on seedling growth and morphology was investigated. UV-B radiation reduced shoot height in green foxtail (by up to 41%), lamb's-quarters, and redroot pigweed, and increased tillering in green foxtail seedlings. Leaf area and leaf biomass in common chickweed, green foxtail, lamb's-quarters, and shepherd's-purse, and stalk biomas...