Abstract
The Amaranthus species has adaptive abilities that give them competitive advantages and invasive tendencies. Their high seed production, seed viability, quick growth rate, and C4 metabolism have allowed some of the species to become resistant to some types of herbicides, causing soybean, corn, and cotton crop yield losses in North America. For this investigation, different organic herbicide solutions were analyzed to determine their affects on the Amaranthus species. Different concentrations of acetic acid, eucalyptus volatile oil, and okanin were combined to test the hypothesis that the unique characteristics of each organic herbicides should safely and effectively deter Amaranthus growth, even at low concentrations. The organic herbicide cocktail significantly affected the growth rates and germination percentages of resistant A. palmeri, susceptible A. palmeri, A. viridis, and A. tricolor. Spouts died when the solution was applied daily, and seeds did not germinate after application. The solution did not have a large effect on A. hypochondriacs and A. caudatus, but most of those sprouts’ length was diminished, and growth ceased.
Recommended Citation
Long, C. S., Novelo, N. N., Derecho, H., & Youngblood, Y. (2018). The Effects of a Selective and Non-Selective Organic Herbicides on Amaranthus species. Pursue: Undergraduate Research Journal, 1(2). Retrieved from https://digitalcommons.pvamu.edu/pursue/vol1/iss2/4