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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Auburn, Alabama » Soil Dynamics Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #207514
Title: COVER CROP EXTRACT EFFECTS ON RADISH RADICLE ELONGATION

Author
item Price, Andrew
item STOLL, MARIA - AUBURN UNIVERSITY

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/24/2007
Publication Date: 8/30/2007
Citation: Price, A.J., Stoll, M.E. 2007. Cover crop extract effects on radish radicle elongation. Proceedings of the Southern Weed Science Society. p. 173.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Research has shown that some cover crops possess allelopathic properties that inhibit weed germination and growth. Additionally, negative allelopathic effects have been documented in cash crops planted into cover crop residue. This study assessed the effects of cover crop extracts on radish (Raphanus sativus L.) radicle elongation. The allelopathic potential of twelve cover crops on radish were evaluated using an extract-agar bioassay in two trials. Trial 1 cover crops included black oat (Avena strigosa Schreb.) cv. SoilSaver, crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.) cv. AU Robin, white lupin (Lupinus albus L.) cvs. AU Homer and AU Alpha, rye (Secale cereale L.) cv. Elbon, wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cv. Vigoro Grazer, and triticale (X Triticosecale Wittmack) cv. Trical 2700. Trial 2 cover crops included forage rape (Brassica napus L. var. napus) cv. Licapo, sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea L.), Austrian winter field pea (Pisum sativum spp. arvense (L.) Poir), black medic (Medicago lupulina), hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth), black oat cv. SoilSaver, and crimson clover cv. AU Robin. Cotton was evaluated utilizing the same bioassay encompassing all mentioned covers in one trial (Trial 3). All cover crop extracts inhibited radicle elongation compared to water. Allelopathic potential is highly variable among cultivars within a cover crop species, and within a cultivar. Allelopathic differences among cover crops provide an additional tool for weed control in conservation systems; however, winter cover selection may also impact cash crop performance if producers plant into green residue.