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Data from: An individual-based model of seed and rhizome propagated perennial plant species and sustainable management of Sorghum halepense in soybean production systems in Argentina

Cite this dataset

Liu, Chun et al. (2019). Data from: An individual-based model of seed and rhizome propagated perennial plant species and sustainable management of Sorghum halepense in soybean production systems in Argentina [Dataset]. Dryad. https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.5km40nd

Abstract

Perennial plants which propagate through both seeds and rhizomes are common in agricultural and non-agricultural systems. Due to their multifaceted life cycle, few population models are available for studying such species. We constructed a novel individual-based model to examine the effects of ecological, evolutionary and anthropogenic factors on the population dynamics of perennial species. To exemplify the application of the model, we presented a case study of an important weed, Sorghum halepense (L.) Pers. (Johnsongrass), in soybean productions in Argentina. The model encompasses a full perennial weed life cycle with both sexual (seeds) and asexual (rhizomes) propagations. The evolution of herbicide resistance was modelled based on either single genes or quantitative effects. Field experiments were conducted in the species’ native environment in Argentina to parameterise the model. Simulation results showed that resistance conferred by single-gene mutations was predominantly affected by the initial frequency of resistance alleles and the associated fitness cost. Population dynamics were influenced by evolved resistance, soil tillage, and rhizome fecundity. Despite the pivotal role of rhizomes in driving the population dynamics of Johnsongrass, most herbicides target the aboveground biomass, and chemical solutions to control rhizomes are still very limited. To maintain effective (short-term) and sustainable (long-term) weed management, it is recommended to combine soil tillage with herbicide applications for suppressing the rhizomes and delaying the evolution of resistance. This novel model of a seed- and rhizome-propagated plants will also be a useful tool for studying the evolutionary processes of other perennial weeds, cash crops and invasive species.

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