Publication Date
1993
Description
Nodding thistle (Carduus nutans L.) is an important weed species in New Zealand pastures. The available information on interactions between this species and forage grasses and legumes is summarised and discussed. Nodding thistle inhibits pasture productivity, and allclopathy is probably Important at inhibiting pasture at the later stages of its life cycle. Although, nodding thistle is most susceptible to inhibition by forage species early in its life cycle, a minimum pasture cover may be required for seedlings to establish. Nodding thistle therefore acts as a competitor only at the later stages of its development. Grasses arc both stronger at inhibiting thistle seedlings and tolerating interference from older thistles than are legumes. Many grass species have the potential for inhibiting thistle seedling emergence and growth, probably through allelopathic means, and thus may have potential for biocontrol of thistles.
Citation
Wardle, D A.; Nicholson, K S.; and Rahman, A, "Aspects of Interference between Nodding Thistle (Carduus nutans L.) and Pasture Grasses and Legumes" (2024). IGC Proceedings (1993-2023). 11.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1993/session11/11
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Aspects of Interference between Nodding Thistle (Carduus nutans L.) and Pasture Grasses and Legumes
Nodding thistle (Carduus nutans L.) is an important weed species in New Zealand pastures. The available information on interactions between this species and forage grasses and legumes is summarised and discussed. Nodding thistle inhibits pasture productivity, and allclopathy is probably Important at inhibiting pasture at the later stages of its life cycle. Although, nodding thistle is most susceptible to inhibition by forage species early in its life cycle, a minimum pasture cover may be required for seedlings to establish. Nodding thistle therefore acts as a competitor only at the later stages of its development. Grasses arc both stronger at inhibiting thistle seedlings and tolerating interference from older thistles than are legumes. Many grass species have the potential for inhibiting thistle seedling emergence and growth, probably through allelopathic means, and thus may have potential for biocontrol of thistles.
