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

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...