Variable resistance to Rhinanthus is shown for the first time to be controlled by cellular-level resistance to haustoria by either cell fragmentation or lignification at the host/parasite interface.

SUMMARYLoss of moisture in mature seeds of Quercus robur L. was associated with loss of viability, a rise in lipid peroxidation and build-up of free radicals. Radical-initiated damage was largely confined to the embryonic axes as their moisture contents declined to below 47 °o-The accumulation of a stable free radical in axial tissue, detected by electron para-magnetic resonance (EPR), was indistinguishable from the EPR response previously shown in a moss on droughting and maize roots on desiccation. A minor higher-field component appeared to represent an intermediate stage in the sequence of free radical reactions associated with loss of water. Using seeds from freshly abscised fruits dried to different moisture contents, protective mechanisms against activated forms of oxygen were monitored in cotyledons and in embryonic axes. The two tissues exhibit distinctly different molecular defences against oxidative attack; that in the cotyledons being predominantly enzymatic, with relatively high and increasing activities of superoxide dismutase and giutathione reductase; that in the axes being largely through the antioxidants, ascorbic acid and alpha-tocopherol. We conclude that a decrease in enzymic protection against oxidative attack in the axes, associated with diminishing concentrations of alpha-tocopherol (and depletion of the precursor gamma-tocopherol) as moisture was lost, was directly linked with lipid peroxidation and free radical formation in the axes and that these events taken together may contribute to loss of viability in these recalcitrant seeds.

Summary• The root parasite Rhinanthus minor feeds on the xylem of a diverse range of species. Grasses and legumes are the best hosts, while on forbs R. minor typically shows poorer growth. It has been hypothesized that host quality is linked to the expression of defences against the parasite seen in forb roots, but never in grasses. The efficacy of these defence mechanisms in preventing resource loss has not, however, been measured directly.• Here we combine histological characterization of haustoria formed on Cynosurus cristatus (a grass), Leucanthemum vulgare and Plantago lanceolata (forbs) with 15 N tracers supplied to the host to quantify the efficacy of these defence responses.• Rhinanthus minor penetrated only the xylem of C. cristatus , abstracting an average of 17% of the 15 N tracer taken up, but only 2.5 and 0.2%, respectively, when attached to L. vulgare and P. lanceolata .• For the first time, this study has established that the resistance mechanisms of the forbs are effective in preventing the parasite from directly accessing their xylem solutes.

Detailed knowledge about the environmental conditions required for weed seed germination and establishment in soil is an important prerequisite for the development of integrated and biological weed control strategies. Germination and establishmentof Amaranthus retroflexuswere studied at different temperatures, planting depths, soil types, nitrogen supply, and water potentials. The minimum temperature for seed germination was > 5 C; maximum germination occurred between 35 and 40 C. At temperatures between 25 and 35 C, an additive effect on germination rate was observed when temperature and water availability were increased. For all soils tested, the percentage emergence of seeds placed on the soil surface and 4 cm deep was significantly lower than seeds placed between 0.5 and 3 cm. Emergence in the four sandy soils was generally greater than in the two heavier soils included in the study. There was a highly significant interaction between seed depth and soil type. Plant growth was also greatest in the lighter soils. Plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, fresh and dry weight, and nitrogen and carbon percentage in plant tissues ofA. retroflexusincreased significantly with increasing soil nitrogen supply.

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