RESUMO: Os insetos da família Bruchidae (Coleoptera) são importantes depredadores; suas larvas se alimentam e vivem em sementes de uma grande variedade de plantas. Na Argentina, não há registros dos níveis de depredação de sementes de Ipomoea nil (Convolvulaceae) causada por esses insetos. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi registrar a incidência das espécies do gênero Megacerus como depredadores de sementes de I. nil, importante planta daninha da cultura de algodoeiro em área de irrigação de Santiago del Estero. Megacerus maculiventris foi a única espécie de bruquídeo identificada como depredadora de sementes dessa planta daninha, tendo a porcentagem de depredação variado de 0,84% a 15,66% nos anos agrícolas de 2004 a 2008. Os resultados demonstraram que o número de sementes depredadas por cápsula é independente do número de sementes por fruto. Contudo, foi verificado que o inseto depreda uma semente por cápsula e que a maior frequência de depredação ocorre nos frutos com mais de três sementes. Os níveis de depredação de I. nil por M. maculiventris são baixos em relação aos registrados em outros hospedeiros por bruquídeos do gênero Megacerus.

ABSTRACT: The insects of the family Bruchidae (Coleoptera) are important predators; their larvae feed upon and live in the seeds of a wide variety of plants. In Argentina, there not exists background information concerning the levels of predation of Ipomoea nil (Convolvulaceae) seeds caused by these insects. Thus, the aim of this work was to record the incidence of the species of the genus Megacerus as predators of I. nil seeds, an important weed affecting cotton growing in the irrigation area of Santiago del Estero. Megacerus maculiventris was the only bruchine species identified as predator of this weed. The predation percentage ranged from 0.84 to 15.66% in the agricultural years 2004-2008. It was attested that the number of predated seeds per capsule is independent from the number of seeds per fruit. However, it was proved that the insect predates just one seed per capsule and the highest predation frequency occurs in fruits containing more than three seeds. The levels of predation of I. nil by M. maculiventris are low in relation to those registered in other hosts by bruchines of the genus Megacerus.

RESUMO: As plantas daninhas constituem o principal fator limitante na produção de agroecossistemas de cana-de-açúcar argentinos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar a composição florística e fitossociológica de plantas daninhas na cultura da cana-de-açúcar em diferentes regiões agroecológicas. Entre 60 e 90 dias a partir do surgimento da cultura, para cada região foram amostrados 15 lotes. Em cada um deles foi lançado um quadrado de 0,5 m2, seis vezes ao acaso. As espécies encontradas foram identificadas. Posteriormente, o peso da biomassa fresca e seca foi determinado por aro e por espécie. Frequência, densidade, dominância, índice de valor de importância, índice de diversidade das espécies de Shannon-Wiener e Simpson e índice de similaridade de Jaccard foram calculados. Para a interpretação da similaridade, foi utilizado o método de agrupamento da média do grupo (UPGMA). Em geral, 35 espécies foram identificadas, sendo 24 dicotiledôneas e 11 monocotiledôneas, das quais 18 eram anuais e 17 perenes. De acordo com o índice de importância, as famílias mais importantes foram Poaceae, Cyperaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Amaranthaceae e Asteraceae. Os resultados analisados em cada região coincidem em destacar a importância das espécies Panicum maximum, Sorghum halepense, Cyperus rotundus, Cynodon dactylon e Euphorbia hyssopifolia. As regiões de maior e menor diversidade foram a planície deprimida sub-região planície deprimida não salina e a planície Chaco-Pampeana subúmida-úmida, respectivamente. A semelhança foi de 53% entre a planície deprimida sub-região planície deprimida salina e a planície deprimida sub-região planície deprimida não salina e de 47% entre Pedemonte úmida e perúmida e a Planície Chaco-pampeana subúmida-úmida. O cluster hierárquico e o índice de Jaccard mostraram resultados semelhantes.

ABSTRACT: Weeds constitute the main constraint on the productivity of sugarcane agroecosystems in Argentina. This work aimed to analyze the floristic and phytosociological composition of sugarcane weed communities in different agroecological areas in Tucumán. Fifteen plots from each area were sampled 60 to 90 days after crop shooting, by throwing a 0.5 m x 0.5 m quadrat metallic frame six times in random directions in each of the plots. Species found within the frame were identified. Later, fresh and dry biomass weight were calculated per quadrat sample and species. Frequency, density, dominance, importance value index, Shannon-Wiener and Simpson species diversity index and Jaccard similarity index were calculated. The unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) was used to interpret similarity. Overall, 35 species were identified, 24 of which were dicotyledons and 11 monocotyledons. Eighteen of them were annual species, versus 17 which were perennial. Considering IVI, the most outstanding families were Poaceae, Cyperaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Amaranthaceae and Asteraceae. The results obtained in all the areas revealed the importance of the species Panicum maximum, Sorghum halepense, Cyperus rotundus, Cynodon dactylon and Euphorbia hyssopifolia. The areas with greater and less diversity were the Depressed Plain-Non-Saline Depressed Plain Subregion and the Subhumid-Humid Chaco-Pampean Plain, respectively. There was a 53% similarity between the Depressed Plain-Saline Depressed Plain and the Depressed Plain-Non-Saline Depressed Plain, and a 47% similarity between the Humid and Perhumid Foothills and the Subhumid-Humid Chaco-Pampean Plain. Hierarchical clustering and Jaccard index led to similar results.

ABSTRACT This work aimed to study the germination of Megathyrsus maximus seeds when exposed to high temperatures, as well as to evaluate the effects of different seed planting depths and sugarcane crop residue amounts on weed emergence. In the laboratory, germination and biomass of seeds with and without glumes were determined when exposed to 0, 40, 60, 80 and 100 oC, for five minutes. Two experiments were performed in the greenhouse to assess the emergence rate in relation to different weed seed planting depths (0, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 and 8 cm) on the one hand, and in relation to different sugarcane crop residue quantities (0.5, 8, 11, 13, 15 and 18 t ha-1) on the other. Temperature tests were analyzed by means of covariance analysis, whereas greenhouse tests were analyzed with regression. The highest germination percentages for seeds with and without glumes were 48 and 35%, respectively, and they were obtained at 40 oC. The lowest values were 28 and 7% for seeds with and without glumes, respectively, and they were obtained at 80 oC. Seed planting depth had a negative effect on weed emergence: the control led to 51% emergence, which dropped to 23.3% at 7 cm and eventually to zero at 8.0 cm. Crop residues had a negative effect on emergence as well: when residue quantities ranged from 0 to 18 t ha-1, emergence decreased from 64.8 to 0%.Thus we can conclude that sugarcane management strategies affect M. maximus germination and emergence.

RESUMEN Se estudió la germinación de semillas de Megathyrsus maximus al exponerlas a altas temperaturas y el efecto de diferentes profundidades de siembra y cantidades de residuos de cosecha en la emergencia de las plántulas. En laboratorio, se determinó la germinación y biomasa de semillas con y sin glumas y glumelas, expuestas a 0, 40, 60, 80 y 100 oC durante cinco minutos. Se realizaron dos experimentos en invernáculo para evaluar la emergencia de la maleza, primero a diferentes profundidades de siembra: 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 y 8 cm. Posteriormente, se evaluó emergencia con diferentes cantidades de residuos de cosecha: 0, 5, 8, 11, 13, 15 y 18 t ha-1. Los resultados de los ensayos de temperatura se analizaron mediante análisis de covarianza y los datos de los ensayos de invernáculo mediante regresión. Los máximos porcentajes de germinación para semillas con y sin glumas y glumelas se obtuvieron a 40 oC y fueron del 35 y 48%, respectivamente; los mínimos valores se registraron a los 80 oC y fueron del 7 y 28%, respectivamente. La profundidad de siembra afectó la emergencia: un 51% se registró en el testigo, valor que disminuyó al 23,3% a los 7 cm y a 0% a los 8 cm. Los residuos de cosecha también afectaron la emergencia: con 0 a 18 t ha-1, esta disminuyó del 64,8 al 0%. Puede concluirse que las estrategias implementadas en el manejo del cultivo de caña de azúcar afectarán la germinación y emergencia de M. maximus

S. bonariensis (white mallow), tolerant to glyphosate, is important for the practice of direct sowing in Argentina. The germinating behavior of the species at different temperature conditions (namely 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 20/10, 25/15, and 30/20°C in a 12 hour photoperiod of light); saline stress (0, 30, 50, 70, 90, 130, and 150 mM of sodium chloride solutions); and water stress (0, -0.2, -0.4, -0.6, -0.8, -1.0MPa of polyethylene glycol solutions) were determined in the laboratory. The experiment was entirely randomized with four replicates. Temperature was analyzed using generalized digital models, and the DGC test was used to find mean differences. Both water and saline stresses were analyzed by non-lineal regression. At steady temperature, maximum germination occurred at 15 and 20°C (77 and 76% respectively), at 25°C, it lowered to 49%, at 30 and 35 °C, values equal or lower to 5-30% were recorded, and germination did not occur at 5 and 40°C. Significant differences among germination rates were not noted under thermal alternation; all of them were above 50%. Germination rates decreased exponentially with increased sodium chloride concentrations. Control provided 66% of germination, which lowered to 10% at 130mM, and was inhibited at 150mM. When water stress was increased from 0 to -0.6MPa, germination rate decreased from 64% to 8%, and was inhibited at -0.8 MPa. Seeds will be able to germinate in warm-temperate regions, being tolerant to salinity and moderately tolerant to water stress.

S.bonariensis (malva blanca), tolerante a Glifosato, es importante en Argentina en cultivos de siembra directa. En laboratorio se determinó el comportamiento germinativo de la especie en diferentes condiciones de temperatura (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 20/10, 25/15 y 30/20 °C con fotoperiodo de 12 hs de luz); de estrés salino (soluciones de Cloruro de sodio de 0; 30; 50; 70; 90; 130 y 150 mM) e hídrico (soluciones de polyethylene glycol de 0; 0,2; -0,4; -0,6; -0,8; -1,0 MPa). El diseño fue completamente aleatorizado con cuatro repeticiones. Se analizó la temperatura con modelos lineales generalizados y prueba DGC para diferencias entre las medias. Para el estrés hídrico y salino se analizó con regresión no lineal. A temperatura constante, la germinación máxima se dio a los 15 y a los 20 ºC (77 y 76%), disminuyó un 49% a 25 ºC, se registraron valores iguales o inferiores al 5% a 30 y a 35 ºC y fue nula a 5 y a 40 ºC. No se observaron diferencias significativas en los porcentajes de germinación en condiciones de alternancia térmica, en todos los casos superó el 50%. Al incrementar las concentraciones de cloruro de sodio la germinación decreció en forma exponencial. El 66% de la germinación se registró en el testigo y disminuyó al 10% a 130 mM, siendo inhibida a 150 mM. Cuando el estrés hídrico aumentó de 0 a -0.6 MPa la germinación decreció del 64% al 8% y fue inhibida a -0.8 MPa. La semilla podrá germinar en regiones templadas cálidas, siendo tolerante a la salinidad y medianamente tolerante al estrés hídrico.

This work aimed to measure the effects of permanent and specific interference of S. polyacanthus on CP 74-2005 sugarcane cultivar in Monte Rico (27º21'S-65º36'W) (Tucumán province, Argentina). A complete randomized experimental design was carried out on a naturally infested sugarcane field. Each 64 m²-plot consisted of four ten-meter long furrows. The effects were measured at three infestation levels: high (more than 5 pl m-2), medium (1-4 pl m-2) and low (less than 1 pl m-2) . The measurements were taken on two central furrows in each plot. Height was taken by means of the average of ten measurements per infestation and per replication. Crop yield was evaluated by means of one sugarcane sample per plot, at the same place. The interference effects on height at different infestation degrees were highly significant in relation to the control, reaching 48.58% of losses in low infestation. In high infestation, there were significant losses of stem number, at the different levels, reaching 61.87%. Sugarcane yield per hectare presented a 43.89% loss under medium infestation. Sugar production presented 42.28% and 20.38% of losses in high and low infestation, respectively.

Se realizó este ensayo con el objeto de medir los efectos de la competencia permanente y especifica de S. polyacanthus sobre el cultivar CP 74-2005 en la localidad de Monte Rico (27º21'S-65º36'W, Tucumán-Argentina). El diseño experimental, completamente aleatorizado, se estableció en un cañaveral infestado naturalmente. Las parcelas fueron de 64 m² con cuatro surcos de diez metros de largo. Los efectos de la competencia fueron medidos en tres niveles de infestación: Alta (superior a 5 pl m-2), Media (1-4 pl m-2) y Baja (inferior a 1 pl m-2). Las mediciones se efectuaron sobre los dos surcos centrales de la parcela; para altura se analizó el promedio de diez mediciones por infestación y por repetición; y para producción de caña y de azúcar se trabajó con una muestra de caña por parcela, extraída del mismo sitio. Los efectos de la maleza en distinto grado de infestación sobre la altura del cañaveral fueron altamente significativos respecto del testigo obteniéndose pérdidas del 48,58% en baja infestación. En el número de tallos se encontraron pérdidas significativas en los diferentes niveles llegando a 61,87% en infestación alta. En la producción de caña por hectárea se produjeron perdidas de 43,89% en infestación media, mientras que en la producción de azúcar se registraron perdidas de 42,28 y 20,38% en infestación alta y baja respectivamente.

Wedelia glauca (Asteraceae) popularly known as sunchillo, is a perennial weed widely spread in Argentina. Field observations show the existence of communities dominated by W. glauca, reducing the density of other associated herbaceous species. The objective of this work was to study the action of aqueous extracts of rhizome and leaves of W. glauca on the germination and radicle elongation of three horticultural crops: Lycopersicon esculentum, Cucumis sativus and Rhapanus sativus. Extracts were prepared from rhizomes and milled leaves and to which 600 ml of distilled water was added, respectively. Treatments were pure extract and dilutions with distilled water, (25, 50 and 75%). The design was completely randomized with four replications. Germination percentage and radicle length (cm) was determined. Data were analyzed by means of ANOVA and the Tukey for the mean comparison. The results provides showed that W. glauca has alellopathic potential under controlled conditions. Aqueous extracts of leaves presented more intense alellopathic potential activity than the rhizome extracts, demonstrated through marked inhibitions in germination and radicle growth of the test species.

Wedelia glauca (Asteraceae) popularmente conocida como sunchillo, es una maleza perenne ampliamente difundida en Argentina. Las observaciones realizadas en campo revelan la existencia de comunidades dominadas por W. glauca, donde logra reducir la densidad de otras especies herbáceas asociadas. El objetivo de este trabajo fue estudiar la acción de extractos acuosos de rizomas y hojas de W. glauca sobre la germinación y elongación de radícula de tres cultivos hortícolas: Lycopersicon esculentum, Cucumis sativus y Raphanus sativus. Los extractos se prepararon a partir de rizomas y de hojas molidas a las que se adicionó 600 ml de agua destilada, respectivamente. Los tratamientos fueron, extracto puro y diluciones con agua destilada al 25, 50 y 75%. El diseño fue completamente aleatorizado con cuatro repeticiones. Se determinó porcentaje de germinación y longitud de radícula (cm). Los datos se analizaron mediante ANOVA y Test de Tukey para la comparación de medias. Los resultados alcanzados proveen evidencia de que W. glauca tiene potencial alelopático bajo condiciones controladas. Los extractos acuosos de hojas, presentaron actividad potencialmente alelopática más intensa que los extractos de rizomas, efecto este demostrado a través de inhibiciones marcadas en germinación y crecimiento de radícula de las especies test.