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Bifora spp. (Hoffm.)

Overview
General Information
ID Info
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Aperçu
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Family :

Famille :

Apiaceae

Synonym(s) :

Synonyme(s) :

Bifora americana (DC.) Benth. & Hook. f. ex S. Watson is now considered a synonym of Atrema americana (DC.) (USDA-ARS 2024)

Common Name(s) :

Nom(s) commun(s) :

Bishop

(English) (ITIS 2024)

Bifora radians M. Bieb.:

Wild bishop (English) (ITIS 2024)

Forskelligblomstret hulfræ (Danish) (Wiersema & León 2016)

Strahlen-Hohlsame (German) (Wiersema & León 2016; USDA-ARS 2024)

Bifora testiculata (L.) Spreng.:

European bishop (English) (ITIS 2024)

Warziger Hohlsame (German) (USDA-ARS 2024)

Szparzyca promienista (Polish) (CABI 2024)

Dubbelkoriander (Swedish) (USDA-ARS 2024)

Bifora testiculata mericarps

  • Bifora testiculata mericarps

  • Bifora testiculata mericarps, various views

  • Bifora testiculata mericarps

  • Bifora testiculata mericarp

  • Bifora testiculata mericarp

  • Bifora radians mericarps

  • Bifora radians mericarps various views

  • Bifora radians mericarp with style

Explore More :

Explore plus :

Overview

Aperçu

Regulation :

Remarques Réglementation:

    Regulation Notes:

    Distribution :

    Répartition :

    The Bifora genus consists of two species with a disjunct distribution. The native distribution of Bifora radians M. Bieb. and B. testiculata (L.) Spreng. overlap in eastern and central Europe, Spain and France and is expanding westward and northward (Hanf 1983; USDA-NCRS 2024). B. testiculata extends into North Africa, Portugal, Greece, Denmark and Australia, and may replace B. radians in the southern part of the shared range (Hanf 1983; Black et al. 1994; USDA-NCRS 2024). A third species native to North America, Bifora americana (DC.) Benth. & Hook. f. ex S. Watson, now referred to as Atrema americana (DC.) is endemic to the southern United States in Texas, Arkansas, and Oklahoma (USDA-ARS 2024).

    No Bifora or Atrema species have been found in Canada (Brouillet et al. 2010+; POWO 2024). Accounts of Eurasian Bifora species in the United States are from old references by Britton (1907). Accounts in New Jersey are from ballast dumps, but it is uncertain if it has become naturalized (USDA-APHIS 2016).

    Habitat and Crop Association :

    Habitat et Cultures Associées :

    Bifora species prefer full sun and partial shade in meadows, fields, embankments, disturbed habitats, and agricultural lands (Britton 1907). Bifora radians is principally a weed in Triticum aestivum subsp. aestivum (winter wheat) (Mennan and Isik 2003; Bozcan and Karaca 2021), in Hordeum vulgare (barley) (Pala 2020) and Zea mays subsp. mays (maize) (USDA-APHIS 2016). B. radians has been recorded in Allium cepa (onion) fields where contaminated Triticum aestivum subsp. aestivum crops were grown (Mennan and Isik 2003). It is also a weed of Coriandrum sativum (coriander) in Russia and reduces the quality of essential oil produced (AgroAtlas 2024).

    B. testiculata has been recorded in Triticum aestivum subsp. aestivum in Turkey and Australia (Black et al. 1994; Bozcan and Karaca 2021), and has also been found in Australian Hordeum vulgare, Pisum sativum (field pea) and Vicia faba (fava bean) fields (Black et al. 1994; Government of South Australia 2022). It is an occasional contaminant in imported feed grain in Tasmania (Tasmania Government 2024).

    Economic Use, cultivation area, and Weed Association :

    Utilisation économique, zone de culture et association de mauvaises herbes :

    Bifora radians fruits are used in some areas as a Coriandrum sativum (coriander) substitute for many dishes, and its leaves are used in salads (AgroAtlas 2024). The species has been used medicinally in Jordan and Turkey for stomachic, sedative, and carminative properties, and the aerial parts have been used to flavour foods (Köroğlu et al. 2012).

    Duration of Life Cycle :

    Durée du cycle vital:

    Annual

    Dispersal Unit Type :

    Type d’unité de dispersion :

    Mericarp

    General Information

    RENSEIGNEMENTS GÉNÉRAUX

    The Bifora genus is in the tribe Coriandreae along with the related Coriandrum sativum (coriander) (Terentieva et al. 2015). A third species, Atrema americana, was previously in Bifora, but molecular study concluded this species belonged in the Oenantheae tribe (Hardway et al. 2004; Terentieva et al. 2015).

    Fruits of Bifora species have a strong primary dormancy, and require an after-ripening period to fully mature (Mennan 2003; Saatkamp et al. 2011). Mennan (2003) found the maximum germination of B. radians occurred after 18 months of storage, and viability decreased significantly after 22 months.

    B. radians can germinate in fields that were previously planted with contaminated T. aestivum subsp. aestivum (wheat) and reduce the yield as much as 40% (Mennan and Ișik 2003; Mennan and Zandstra 2005). B. radians exhibits tolerance of ALS-inhibiting herbicides (Mennan et al. 2012; Heap 2024). Large-scale use of herbicides can promote both B. radians and B. testiculata invasions (Black et al. 1994; Mennan and Ișik 2003). Crops growing with B. radians can pick up the strong smell of the weed (Hanf 1983).

    .

    Bifora radians plants in flower by Benutzer:Fornax – Self-photographed, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=12558449

    Identification

    Identification

    <
    >

    • Schizocarp

      Size

      • Bifora radians schizocarp length: 3 mm; width: 6 mm (Reed 1977; Hanf 1983)
      • B. testiculata schizocarp length: 2.5-3.5 mm; width: 4.5 – 7 mm (Reed 1977)

      Shape

      • Schizocarps of Bifora species are twinned globose, narrow where the mericarps are joined

      Surface Texture

      • Surface texture is roughened in generally five longitudinal rows around the outside of each mericarp with smooth veins between them
      • B. testiculata schizocarps are heavily wrinkled, B. radians schizocarps have a papillate tuberculate texture

      Colour

      • Bifora species schizocarps are yellowish-brown when mature

      Other Features

      • 2 style remnants are attached to each mericarp at the attachment point
      • The carpophore (stalk between the mericarps) is narrow and usually removed during seed processing

    • Mericarp

      Size

      • Bifora radians mericarp diameter: 2 mm (Reed 1977)
      • Bifora radians diameter: 2.8-3.8 mm (Bojňanský and Fargašová 2007)
      • B. radians style remnant length: 1-1.5 mm (Reed 1977; Hanf 1983)
      • B. testiculata style remnant length: 0.2 mm (Reed 1977)

      Shape

      • Mericarps are globose with a truncate attachment scar where they were joined together.
      • Mericarp attachment scar is egg-shaped, with a transverse oblong hole.
      • B. radians mericarp scar widens abruptly from the pointed style remnant end and has a narrow hole.
      • B. testiculata mericarp scar widens gradually, with a wider hole.

      Surface Texture

      • Surface texture is roughened in generally five longitudinal rows around the outside with smooth oil ducts between them.
      • B. testiculata mericarps are wrinkled with thick lines, B. radians mericarps have a papillate tuberculate texture.

      Colour

      • Bifora species mericarps are brownish when mature
      • B. radians mericarps are shiny orangish-brown
      • B. testiculata mericarps are dull yellowish-brown or grey-brown

      Other Features

      • The mericarp wall is thick and difficult to break apart

      Bifora testiculata mericarps

    <
    >

    • Seed

      Size

      • Seed occupies generally half of the mericarp

      Shape

      • Seed round, curved into a bowl-like shape

      Surface Texture

      • Surface is grid ridged reticulate with small interspaces

      Colour

      • Seed is light yellow

      Bifora testiculata seed

    <
    >

    • Embryo

      Size

      • Embryo rudimentary

      Shape

      • Embryo is linear (Martin 1946)

      Endosperm

      • Endosperm is greyish, hard and oily

      Other Features

      • Embryo in an axial position

    Identification Tips

    CONSEILS POUR L’IDENTIFICATION

    Bifora mericarps can be distinguished from other Apiaceae genera by:
    • Inflated, globose fruits with a rough surface
    • A large, flat, egg-shaped attachment scar with a small, transverse oblong opening
    • Thin, brown oil ducts between the rows of surface wrinkles

    B. radians mericarps:
    • Papillate tuberculate surface between the oil ducts
    • Mericarp colour generally shiny orangish-brown
    • Brown oil ducts generally visible
    • Style remnant end of the attachment scar small
    • Attachment scar abruptly widens with a narrow transverse hole
    • Styles 1-1.5 mm long (Reed 1977; Hanf 1983)

    B. testiculata mericarps:
    • Thickly wrinkled between the oil ducts
    • Mericarp colour generally yellowish-brown or grey-brown
    • Brown oil ducts rarely visible
    • Style remnant end of the attachment scar larger
    • Attachment scar gradually widens with a wider transverse hole
    • Styles 0.2 mm long (Reed 1977)

    Bifora testiculata mericarps, various views

    Additional Botany Information

    AUTRES RENSEIGNEMENTS BOTANIQUES

    Flowers/Inflorescence

    • Compound umbels with (1-)3-8 smooth rays 2.5cm or less in length, with 0-1 linear bracts and 0-2(3) linear and deciduous bracteoles (AgroAtlas 2024; Flora Vascular 2024).
    • Umbels have bisexual outer flowers that are larger and inner male or sterile flowers that are smaller (AgroAtlas 2024; Flora Vascular 2024); pedicels are 1-3mm long (Britton 1907).
    • Sepals are absent or made of very tiny teeth.
    • Petals are white, egg-shaped, and widest at the tip; petals may be slightly notched or curve inwards at the tip and often have sub-equal or very unequal lobes (AgroAtlas 2024; Flora Vascular 2024).
    • Flowers around the outside of the umbel have longer petals in B. radians and are all the same size in B. testiculata (Reed 1977; Hanf 1983)
    • Atrema americana has little to no size variation between outer and inner flowers; petals are also wider and more uniform, typically with deeply notched tips compared to Bifora species.

    Vegetative Features

    • Annual herbs with erect, grooved, hairless stems 10-40(-60)cm tall that are slightly curved at the nodes and branched from the base, growing from a spindle-shaped root (Britton 1907; AgroAtlas 2024; Flora Vascular 2024).
    • B. radians stems are 15-40 cm tall, branched from the base, leaves 2-3 times pinnate, upper leaves have linear leaflets (Hanf 1983).
    • Lower leaves have winged petioles, reduced or absent on upper leaves (AgroAtlas 2024; Flora Vascular 2024).
    • Vegetation smells of Cimex spp. (bedbugs) when crushed (Hanf 1983).
    some rights reserved (CC-BY-NC)

    " src="https://seedidguide.idseed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Bifora-americana-inflorescence-iNaturalist-truett-martin.jpg" >

    Bifora/Atrema americana inflorescence from iNaturalist © truett-martin, some rights reserved (CC-BY-NC)

    Similar Species

    ESPÈCES SEMBLABLES

    Similar species are based on a study of seed morphology of various species, and those with similar dispersal units are identified. The study is limited by physical specimen and literature availability at the time of examination, and possibly impacted by the subjectivity of the authors based on their knowledge and experience. Providing similar species information for seed identification is to make users aware of similarities that could possibly result in misidentification.

    Coriandrum sativum L. (Coriander)

    C. sativum is closely related to Bifora and has similar fruit features. Bifora species mericarps are generally smaller, the mature mericarps split apart, surface is tuberculate or thickly wrinkled between the oil ducts and a thin style remnant. C. sativum schizocarps remain attached together when mature, the surface is wavy or straight-ridged between the oil ducts and style remnant is conical.

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    Reference(s)

    Référence(s)

    AgroAtlas (2024) Weeds – Bifora radians Bieb. – Wild bishop. Agroatlas.ru. http://agroatlas.ru/en/content/weeds/Bifora_radians/index.html Accessed February 09, 2024.

    Black, I.D., Mayfield, A., and Matic, R. 1994. Chemical control of bedstraw (Galium tricornutum Dandy) and bifora (Bifora testiculata L.) in wheat, barley and field peas. Plant Protection Quarterly 9:24-27

    Bojňanský, V., and Fargašová, A. 2007. Atlas of Seeds and Fruits of Central and East-European Flora: The Carpathian Mountains Region. Springer, The Netherlands. 1046 pp.

    Bozcan, N., and Karaca, M. 2021. The Species and Intensities of Weed Seeds Obtained from Wheat Flour Mill Plants in Turkey. Selcuk Journal of Agriculture and Food Sciences 35: 150-157.

    Britton, N. L. 1907. Manual of the Flora of the Northern States and Canada. Henry Holt and Company, New York. From https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/item/15515#page/691/mode/1up

    Brouillet, L., Coursol, F., Meades, S. J., Favreau, M., Anions, M., Bélisle, P. and Desmet, P. 2010+. VASCAN, the database of vascular plants of Canada. http://data.canadensys.net/vascan/ Accessed July 13, 2023.

    Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International (CABI). 2024. Invasive Species Compendium, CAB International, Wallingford, UK. Bifora radians– Datasheet. https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/10.1079/cabicompendium.31166 Accessed February 09, 2024.

    Flora Vascular. 2024.Toda la informacion detallada sobre la Flora Vascular BioScripts.net. Www.floravascular.com. https://www.floravascular.com/index.php Accessed February 09, 2024.

    Government of South Australia.2022. Department of Primary Industries and Regions, S. A. (2022, May 14). Bifora. Pir.sa.gov.au. https://pir.sa.gov.au/biosecurity/weeds/controlling-weeds/bifora

    Hanf, M. 1983. The Arable Weeds of Europe: With their Seedlings and Seeds. BASF, United Kingdom. 494 pp.

    Hardway, T.M., Spalik, K., Watson, M.F., Katz-Downie, D.F. and Downie, S.R. 2004. Circumscription of Apiaceae tribe Oenantheae. South African Journal of Botany 70: 393–406.

    Heap, I. The International Herbicide-Resistant Weed Database. Online. Available www.weedscience.org Accessed February 9, 2024

    Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS). 2021. https://www.itis.gov/ Accessed July 30, 2024.

    International Seed Morphology Association (ISMA). 2020. Method for Seed Size Measurement. Version 1.0. ISMA Publication Guide.

    Köroğlu, A., Hürkul. M.M and Özbay, Ö. 2012. Antioxidant Capacity and Total Phenol Contents of Bifora radians Bieb. FABAD J.Pharm. Sci., 37, 3, 123-127, 20 https://dergi.fabad.org.tr/pdf/volum37/issue3/123-127.pdf

    Martin, A.C. 1946. The comparative internal morphology of seeds. The American Midland Naturalist 36: 513-660.

    Mennan, H. 2003. The effects of depth and duration of burial on seasonal germination, dormancy and viability of Galium aparine and Bifora radians seeds. Journal of Agronomy and Crop Science 189:304-309.

    Mennan, H., and Ișik, D. 2003. Invasive weed species in onion production systems during the last 25 years in Amasya, Turkey. Pakistan Journal of Botany, 35: 155-160.

    Mennan, H., and Zandstra, B. H.. 2005. Influence of wheat seeding rate and cultivars on competitive ability of Bifra (Bifora radians). Weed Technology 19(1):128-136.

    Mennan, H., Streibig, J.C., Ngouajio, M., and Kaya, E. 2012. Tolerance of two Bifora radians Bieb populations to ALS inhibitors in winter wheat. Pest Management Science 68: 116-122.

    Pala, F. 2020. Observation of Weed Species, Frequency and Density in Common Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) Fields of Diyarbakir, Turkey: A Case Study. Journal of Agricultural Sciences (Tarım Bilimleri Dergisi) 26:164-172.

    POWO. 2024.Plants of the World Online. Facilitated by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. http://www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/ Accessed February 9, 2024.

    Reed, C.F. 1977. Economically Important Foreign Weeds: Potential Problems in the United States. Agriculture Handbook No. 498, USDA, Washington DC. 746 pp.

    Saatkamp, A., Affre, L., Dutoit, T., and Poschlod, P. 2011. Germination traits explain soil seed persistence across species: the case of Mediterranean annual plants in cereal fields. Annals of Botany 107: 415–426.

    Tasmania Government 2024. Bifora – Statutory Weed Management Plan | Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania. Nre.tas.gov.au. https://nre.tas.gov.au/invasive-species/weeds/weeds-index/declared-weeds-index/bifora/bifora-wmp Accessed February 12, 2024.

    Terentieva, E.L., Valiejo-Roman, C.M., Samigullin, T.H., Pimenov, M.G. and Tilney, P.A. 2015. Molecular phylogenetic and morphological analyses of the traditional tribe Coriandreae (Umbelliferae-Apioideae). Phytotaxa 195:251-271.

    United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Services (USDA-ARS). 2024. Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN), https://npgsweb.ars-grin.gov/gringlobal/taxon/taxonomysearch Accessed July 17, 2024.

    United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS). 2016. June 21, 2016. Weed Risk Assessment for Bifora radians M. Bieb (Apiaceae) – Wild bishop https://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant_health/plant_pest_info/weeds/wra/bifora-radians.pdf.

    United States Department of Agriculture-Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS). 2024. The PLANTS Database. National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC USA. https://plants.usda.gov/home Accessed February 09, 2024.

    Wiersema, John, H. and Blanca León. 2016. World Economic Plants. Available from: VitalSource Bookshelf, (2nd Edition). Taylor & Francis.

    Author(s)

    AUTEUR(S)

    Jennifer Neudorf, Angela Salzl,  Canadian Food Inspection Agency

    Lyrae Willis, BSc. Environmental Sciences

    contactus@idseed.org

    Last updated
    on 2023-03-27

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