부산대학교 도서관

Summary: A few years ago, a new invasive weed was found in Spanish maize fields grazed by sheep after harvest and identified as a subform of teosinte (Zea mays ssp. mexicana ad int). If teosinte seeds survive digestion, then the weed could spread via sheep manure. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of this process on the emergence and viability of teosinte seeds. In an in sacco study, seeds were introduced into the rumen of fistulised wethers and extracted after 24, 48, 72 and 96 h. Then, seed emergence was recorded and the viability of non‐germinated seeds was analysed. In an 'intake and in vivo' study, lambs were kept in metabolic cages and fed for 6 days with 200 g teosinte seeds and ears. The daily faecal production was individually collected, seeds were recovered and viability was tested (15 days). In the in sacco trials, a decrease in teosinte viability was observed after remaining for 48 h or more in the rumen. In the 'intake and in vivo' trial, between 0.1% and 3% of the ingested seeds that were excreted were viable. Uncoated seeds that lost their exocarp during the mastication and digestion processes were less viable (18%) than intact excreted seeds (74%). The last viable and intact seeds appeared 4 and 6 days after intake respectively. In areas with teosinte infestation, sheep grazing on maize stubble should be avoided and, in case of ingestion, sheep should be kept isolated for 4–6 days to avoid the spread of this invasive weed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]