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Glyphosate-induced structural variations in Commelina erecta L. (Commelinaceae)
Elisa S Panigo1, Ignacio M Dellaferrera, Juan M Acosta
1Cátedra Morfología Vegetal, Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Pbro Kreder 2805, S3080HOF Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina. epanigo@fca.unl.edu.ar
Commelina erecta exhibits significant structural variations when exposed to glyphosate, demonstrating high intraspecific variability. This adaptability allows the glyphosate-tolerant weed to survive intensive herbicide applications, necessitating integrated management strategies.
Area of Science:
- Plant Science
- Agronomy
- Weed Science
Background:
- Glyphosate is a widely used herbicide.
- Commelina erecta is a known glyphosate-tolerant weed.
- Understanding weed response to herbicides is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze structural variations in Commelina erecta induced by glyphosate herbicide.
- To investigate the impact of different glyphosate concentrations on weed morphology.
- To assess the phenotypic plasticity of C. erecta in response to herbicide stress.
Main Methods:
- Treatment of Commelina erecta regrowth shoots and seedlings with two glyphosate concentrations (900 and 1800 g a.e. ha⁻¹).
- Observation and documentation of morphological variations including foliar shape, internode length, inflorescence quantity, seed production, and branching patterns.
- Comparison of treated plants with control groups to identify differential sensitivity and phenotypic responses.
Main Results:
- Observed variations include changes in leaf morphology, internode length, inflorescence number, seed production, and branching.
- Lower glyphosate concentration (900 g a.e. ha⁻¹) on vegetative shoots showed minimal deviation from controls.
- Higher concentration (1800 g a.e. ha⁻¹) and seedling treatments induced significant phenotypic changes, particularly in branch production in normally inhibited zones.
Conclusions:
- Commelina erecta displays high intraspecific variability, enabling survival under glyphosate pressure.
- Differential phenotypic responses highlight varying sensitivity within the species.
- Integrated weed management strategies, considering species-specific behavior, are essential for controlling glyphosate-tolerant weeds.
