Mow less: Studies show less is more when mowing noxious weed

Two recent studies have revealed that mowing silverleaf nightshade, a poisonous and noxious weed, enhances its fitness and defenses, making it more robust and resistant to insect predation.  Rupesh Kariyat, an associate professor in the department of entomology and plant pathology, has provided valuable insights into this research, shedding light on the properties of this weed, which is also known as white horse nettle, tomato weed, or bull nettle.First study: Local adaptation to continuous mowing makes the noxious weed Solanum elaeagnifolium a superweed candidate by improving fitness and defense traits -https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-85789-zSecond study: Continuous mowing differentially affects floral defenses in the noxious and invasive weed Solanum elaeagnifolium in its native range - https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-58672-w