dispersal of seeds and weeds. there are several methods of seed and weed dispersal. these methods can be mechanical, or physical. animal dispersal, wind dispersal of seed and weed, water dispersal of seed and biological dispersal, in this post we will be learning about the various methods of weed dispersal, so let\’s begin with seed dispersal.
The dispersal of seeds is an essential process for plants to colonize new areas and ensure their survival. There are various mechanisms by which seeds are dispersed, including natural means and human activities. Weeds, which are simply plants growing in undesired locations, can also disperse their seeds in similar ways. Here are some common methods of seed dispersal:
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Wind Dispersal: Many plants have evolved adaptations to disperse their seeds through the air. These seeds are often lightweight with structures like wings, hairs, or parachutes that help them catch the wind and travel long distances. Examples include dandelion seeds and those of the maple tree.
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Animal Dispersal: Seeds can attach to the fur, feathers, or bodies of animals, which then carry them to new locations. Some seeds have specialized adaptations, like hooks or barbs, that facilitate attachment to animals. This type of dispersal is common in plants like burdock and hitchhiker-type seeds.
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Water Dispersal: Some plants disperse their seeds by releasing them into bodies of water. The seeds may float and be carried away by currents to distant locations. Examples include water lilies and coconut palms, whose seeds can travel across oceans.
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Self-Dispersal: Certain plants have mechanisms for self-dispersal. They have seed pods or capsules that explode when mature, propelling the seeds away from the parent plant. This method is observed in plants such as jewelweed and witch hazel.
WHAT IS WEED DISPERSAL?
Weed dispersal is simply the transporting of weeds from one place to another through several means and agents. These methods of transporting seed or weed from place to place are called seed and weed dispersal method
When we say agent of weed dispersal it is generally assumed of anything that takes the seed of plant or crops from one destination to another for the sole purpose of propagation
dispersal agent of weeds is not limited to the ones listed in this blog post so we can assume that there are different types of weed and seed dispersal depending on which angle you as a writer is looking at it from. so many dispersal methods can have different names from different fields of endeavour
![\"seed](\"https://fabioclass.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screenshot_20210426-150558-250x158.png\")
Dispersal of weed agents
Dispersal agents of seed and weed are the various medium through which weed and seed are moved from place to place.
Weeds are mainly dispersed by gutters, animals, explosions and man, there are also times when wind erosion can also be a distinct method of disposing weeds. so I am going to discuss the little methods that are unique and that can be found in every country the process by which seeds are dispersed from one destination to another invariably these weed disperses are not limited to the ones I am going to leave below
so here is a list of the various with these passes as outlined in this very blog post.
the following agents:
wind.
1.
A mechanical method of weed and seed dispersal
When speaking of mechanical methods of seed and weed dispersal we are talking about the various links through mechanical means like motor vehicles caterpillars and the moving of heavy-duty machinery along Bush paths and the dispersal of weeds and their seed. People also spread many weeds around through their machines
how motor vehicles help in the dispersal of weed and seed
Motor vehicles such as (automobiles and trucks) raise gusts of wind as they travel up and down highways.
As a result, small seeds or seeds with tufts of hair are easily carried by the wind and blown along the motor paths and highways with each passing motor vehicle.
In this way, many weeds are distributed along roadsides. Similarly, heavy-duty vehicles and their freight cars generate even stronger gusts of winds as they travel up and down railroad tracks
![\"palm](\"https://fabioclass.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Screenshot_20210518-093044-e1653859662192-183x250.png\")
2.
WIND DISPERSAL OF WEEDS AND SEEDS
The structures of some weed seeds enable their distribution by the wind. Such features as being winged, and having parachutes make them easily carried about by the wind.
examples of weeds and seeds dispersed by wind
Examples of weeds dispersed by wind and Tridax procumbens and Ageratum conyzoides (Goat Weed). Agrostemma
Nemophila
Dianthus
Poppy
Columbine
Thistle
Felicia
Bulrush
Bulrush
WATER DISPERSAL OF SEEDS
when we talk about water dispersal methods of weed we are invariably talking about running Waters after a heavy downpour or through irrigation methods on the farm majorly through surface irrigation water is an important agent to human activity and serves as one of the key ways by which seed or weeds on the farm are dispersed from one location to another
Weed seeds can be carried by moving water such as surface run-off, streams, irrigation and drainage water. They have adaptation lenluus (that enable movement by water such as membranous sacs containing air of corky protuberances. These make the seeds buoyant in the water so that they can float. They can also stay in water for a period without losing viability.
lists of weeds and seeds dispersed by water
An example of a weed dispersed by water is pigweed.
ANIMAL DISPERSAL OF WEEDS AND SEED
Animals also help in weed dispersal. For instance, weeds that have hooks can be distributed by animals with hairy bodies because such weeds can attach themselves to the hair of the animals. An example of weeds dispersed by animals is Erogratis tenella. Also, seeds of some weeds pass through the digestive tracts of animals, particularly birds without losing viability.
On defecation, these seeds can germinate into new plants.
MAN AS AN AGENT OF WEED DISPERSAL
Man can transport weed seeds over long distances as a result of movements of agricultural seeds, foodstuff, nursery stock and others. Some weeds or their seeds could cling to the wear of the farmers and these are deposited elsewhere.
Good examples are Boerhevia diffusa (Pigweed) and Acathespermum hispidium.
Man Disperses Numerous Weed Seeds And Fruits With Raw Agricultural Produce. Weeds Mature At The Same Time And Height Along With Crop. Due To Their Similar Size And Shape As That Of Crop Seed, Man Unknowingly Harvest The Weeds Also, And Aids In the Dispersal Of Weed Seeds.
Such Weeds Are Called “Satellite Weeds
6.
Self Explosion or Explosive Mechanism of weeds and seed dispersal
This is brought about by the forces set up in dry walls of weeds and fruits which cause explosions. This scatters the seeds in the fruits away from the parents\’ plants. Such weeds are said to be self-dispersed.
Examples are Sida acuta and Desmodium.
MANY WEEDS HAVE SEEDS OR SEEDPODS THAT CLING TO THE FUR OR BODY OF ANIMALS AND THE CLOTHING OF HUMANS AS A RESULT OF STICKY HAIRS, HOOKED SPINES, OR BARBED AWNS.
EXAMPLES OF WEEDS USING THIS METHOD OF DISPERSION INCLUDE
LAPPA MINOR (LESSER BURDOCK),
TORILIS ARVENSIS (COMMON HEDGE PARSLEY),
AND BIDENS FRONDOSA (COMMON BEGGAR\’S TICKS).
weed Dispersal by machinery
Weed seeds often are dispersed by tillage and harvesting equipment.
Seeds move from field to field on the soil that sticks to tractor tires, and vegetative structures often travel on tillage and cultivation equipment and later drop in other fields to start a new infestation. Disc-type cultivation equipment is less likely to drag vegetative plant parts than shovels or sweeps.
Some common garden weeds, Common names and Botanical names
1 Guinea grass Panicum maximum
2 Elephant grass Pennisetum purpureun
3 Tridax Tridax prociimbem
4 Carpet grass Axonopus compressus
5 Goose grass or Africana Cynodon dactylon
6 Siam weed Eluesine indica
7 African or bush marigold Chromoleana odorata
8 Pig weed Aspilia Africana
9 Goat weed or blue top Boerhavia diffusa
10 Water leaf Ageratum conyzoides
11 Soft weed Talinum triagulare
12 Wild green Erogratis tenella
13 Tropical kudzu Amaranthus spinosus
14 Centro Calapogonium mucunoides
15 Blue flower or water grass Centrosema pubescens
16 Spear grass Commelina spp
17 Striga Imperata cylindrical
18 Wild potato or moring glory Striga senegalensis
19 Broom weed Ipomea spp
20 Emilia Sida acuta
21 Giant star grass Emilia sonchifolia
22 Stubborn grass Cynodon nlemfuensis
23 Sensitive plant Sporobolus pyramidalis
24 Bur weed Mimosa pudica
25 Acanthospermum hisidum
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