At this time point, the green biotype appeared slightly more damaged by the fungus than the red biotype. This effect was supported by fresh weight analysis from plants at the 48-h time point . Severe loss of fresh weight occurred in both biotypes compared to that of untreated their respective control plant shoots. The green biotype was slightly more damaged with respect to fresh weight biomass. Three-week-old green biotypes were generally more susceptible to infection by MV than were red biotype plants at this age . Severe infection of 3-week-old biotypes occurred after 48 h, and increased to 4.5 after 96 – 120 h. In comparison, a disease rating of only 2.6 occurred on 3-week-old red biotype plants after 96 h, but this increased to a disease rating of 3.5 after 120 h . In the biotypes, MV disease progression and severity were generally greater on 3-week-old plants as compared to 6-week-old plants . The green biotype might be compromised under natural environmental conditions and stress since betalains have been shown to be involved in plant photoprotection mechanisms. For example, photosynthetic capacity damage was reduced in red-pigmented versus green leaves after exposure to excess light Betalain synthesis in a related plant, cannabis grow system Amaranthus tricolor, has been shown to be under photo control .
Other reports show that betalain production in plants is upregulated after exposure to light or UV radiation There was a definite trend that the green biotype was somewhat more susceptible to MV when treated under greenhouse conditions. This may suggest that lack of the red betacyanin pigment renders the green biotype less resistant to pathogen attack. As outlined and presented earlier, betacyanin has been implicated in disease resistance. Further testing of the effects of MV on these two biotypes under field conditions and expanded characterization of the pigment contents and traits of these two biotypes will help to clarify the interaction of the bioherbicide, Myrothecium verrucaria on these two glyphosate-resistant Palmer amaranth biotypes. In 1990, the Federal government enacted a non-indigenous aquatic nuisance prevention and control act to compact the effect of invasive species in the United States of America. Many organizations and agencies were created to specifically tackle problems that result from the nuisance invaders. In 2005, Governor Mike Foster of Louisiana formed a 29-member non-indigenous aquatic species advisory task force from public and government entities. This task force designed a management master plan for the state and several agencies were later empowered to carry out control, management and eradication of aquatic invasive species when possible.
Tulane and Xavier University Center for Bioenvironmental Research, Louisiana State University AgCenter, Louisiana Sea Grant, United States Army Corp of Engineers, and Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries are among the organizations that have been assessing and controlling the impacts of aquatic invasive plants in the state. There is a need to review what has been done by these agencies and assess the current trend of aquatic invasive plants in Louisiana State. The southeastern part of the country has the highest diversity of habitat, marijuana grow system with 47 percent of the nation’s wetlands, 78 percent of its coastal marshes, and over 70 major river basins. The warm climate and ample rainfall help support many of the world’s plants and animals. The abundant waterways open the region to non-native species more than any other regions of the country. Invasive species are non-native aquatic plants and other organisms whose introduction can cause adverse impacts on environment, economy and human health.
These invaders have been introduced into the Louisiana coastal waterway through shipping vessels, animal and human immigrations. Ecologically, they make the waterways to have unsightly aesthetics, serve as vector habitat, alter food web relationships, and disrupt recreation, flood control, and hydroelectricity. Toxicity of the surface waters can result in fishkills, and health hazards for humans.This includes plants that are rooted in the sediment with part or all of the plant underwater, as well as plants that float freely without contacting the sediment Aquatic plants may invade both marine and freshwater environments, including habitats such as wetlands, lakes, rivers, estuaries, coastal zones, irrigation systems, hydroelectric systems, and aquaculture facilities . These aquatic invasive plants have several traits such as short reproductive cycle, high genetic variability, ability to thrive in a wide range of environments and ability to aggressively compete to displace other plants from the coastal waterway .