Acrolein Reduces Biomass and Seed Production of Potamogeton pectinatus in Irrigation Channels

BENTIVEGNA D. J.; FERNÁNDEZ O.A.; BURGOS M.A.

WEED TECHNOLOGY

WEED SCI SOC AMER

Año: 2004 vol. 18 p. 605 - 610

0890-037X

Chemical weed control with acrolein has been shown to be a lower cost method for reducing submerged plant biomass of sago pondweed in the irrigation district of the Lower Valley of Rio Colorado, Argentina (39°10’S-62°05’W). However, no experimental data exist on the effect of the herbicide on plant growth and its survival structures. Field experiments were conducted during 3 yr to evaluate the effect o acrolein on growth and biomass of sago pondweed and on the source of underground propagules (i.e. rhizomes, tubers, and seeds). Plant biomass samples were collected in irrigation channels before and after several herbicide treatments. The underground propagule bank was evaluated at the end of the third year. Within each treatment, plant growth occurred after each application point, plant biomass at both channels ranged from 34 to 3% of control values. Individual plant weight and height were affected by acrolein treatment, flowering was poor, and seeds did not reach maturity. After 3 yr, acrolein did not reduce the number of tubers. However, they were significantly smaller and lighter. Rhizomes fresh weight decreased by 92%, and seed numbers decreased by 79%. After 3 yr of applications, operational functioning of the channels could be maintained with fewer treatments and lower concentrations of acrolein.