Biotypes of field bindweed that vary in sensitivity to glyphosate were studied to determine the physiological or biochemical bases for these differences. Studies con ducted using whole plants and in vitro cultured shoots identified several potentially important differences between the most tolerant (biotype 4) and most susceptible (biotype 1) biotypes. Biotype 4 plants had greater 3-deoxy-D-arabino-heptulosonate-7-phosphate synthase (DAHPS) activity and higher concentrations of phenolic compounds, indicating greater shikimate pathway activity than biotype 1. This may reflect a higher growth ability of biotype 4, as observed in shoot cultures. 5-Enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS) activity in whole plants increased in all parts of biotype 4 by 7 d after a glyphosate treatment of 1.1 kg ae ha−1, whereas activities in biotype 1 plants did not increase at any time. However, this may not be the only mechanism of glyphosate tolerance because EPSPS activity in cultured shoots of both biotypes increased equally in response to glyphosate, even though biotype 4 shoots were able to survive and grow on a glyphosate-containing medium that inhibited growth of biotype 1 shoots. We propose that multiple mechanisms operating at a cellular/metabolic level combine to enable biotype 4 to tolerate higher glyphosate rates than biotype 1.

Greenhouse and field experiments were conducted to evaluate the potential for antagonistic or synergistic interactions from tank mixtures of glyphosate plus a selective herbicide applied postemergence. In the greenhouse, glyphosate at 420 g ae ha−1 plus 28% liquid urea-ammonium nitrate (28% UAN) provided at least 89% control of common lambsquarters and common ragweed. Glyphosate at 1,680 g ha−1 plus 28% UAN provided less than 81% control of velvetleaf and less than 75% control of ivyleaf morningglory. Tank mixing bentazon at 1,120 g ai ha−1 with glyphosate at 420 g ha−1 synergistically increased control of velvetleaf. Tank mixtures of glyphosate plus a selective herbicide were predominately additive in control of common lambsquarters, common ragweed, and velvetleaf. Several tank mix combinations of chlorimuron or imazethapyr plus glyphosate plus 28% UAN were antagonistic in control of ivyleaf morningglory. In the field, glyphosate at 840 g ha−1 plus 28% UAN provided at least 88% control of common lambsquarters and velvetleaf in 1994. However, glyphosate at 840 g ha−1 plus 28% UAN provided only 60% control of velvetleaf in 1995. Tank-mixing bentazon or CGA-248757 with glyphosate at 420 g ha−1 increased velvetleaf and common lambsquarters control in 1995. In general, adding chlorimuron, imazethapyr, or thifensulfuron to glyphosate plus 28% UAN did not increase control of common lambsquarters or velvetleaf. Tank mixing imazethapyr with glyphosate plus 28% UAN antagonized velvetleaf control in 1994 and in 1995. The tank mixture of thifensulfuron at 2 g ha−1 plus glyphosate at 420 g ha−1 plus 28% UAN increased soybean injury in the field in 1994. However, tank mixing chlorimuron, imazethapyr, or thifensulfuron with glyphosate plus 28% UAN did not increase soybean injury in the greenhouse or in the field in 1995.

Greenhouse and laboratory studies were conducted to determine the physiological basis for selectivity of nicosulfuron and primisulfuron in 5 plant species. Differential sensitivity of the species was quantified by determining GR50 values (herbicide rate required to reduce plant growth 50%) for each species/herbicide combination. GR50 data indicated the following levels of sensitivity: corn—tolerant to both herbicides; seedling johnsongrass—sensitive to both herbicides; barnyardgrass—sensitive to nicosulfuron and tolerant to primisulfuron; giant foxtail—sensitive to nicosulfuron and tolerant to primisulfuron; and eastern black nightshade—tolerant to nicosulfuron and sensitive to primisulfuron. Studies using 14C-radiolabeled herbicides were conducted to determine whether differential herbicide absorption, translocation, or metabolism contributed to whole plant responses. Nicosulfuron and primisulfuron selectivity in corn, johnsongrass, barnyardgrass, and giant foxtail was primarily due to differential herbicide metabolism rate. Tolerant species metabolized the herbicide more rapidly and extensively than sensitive species. Differential herbicide absorption, translocation, or metabolism did not explain differential sensitivity of eastern black nightshade to the herbicides. Further studies indicated that the tolerance of eastern black nightshade to nicosulfuron and its sensitivity to primisulfuron was directly related to lower sensitivity of the acetolactate synthase (ALS) to nicosulfuron than to primisulfuron. Eastern black nightshade translocated very little (3%) of the nicosulfuron applied. The ALS sensitivity of johnsongrass and eastern black nightshade was similar in the presence of nicosulfuron. A combination of a higher ALS level and less herbicide translocation contributes to tolerance of eastern black nightshade and to sensitivity of johnsongrass to nicosulfuron.

In the first of 2 field studies, weed biomass and soybean seed yield were used to evaluate 16 soybean genotypes for competitive ability against 12 weed species at Rosemount, MN, in 1992 and 1993. The yield and ranking of soybean genotypes often varied with the weed species. Grass weed species reduced yields the most, and small-seeded broadleaf weeds reduced yields the least across years. ‘Parker’ was highly competitive, as it suppressed weed biomass and produced high soybean yield. ‘Kato,’ ‘Kasota,’ ‘Dawson,’ and ‘Glenwood’ minimized weed biomass and maintained soybean yield while in competition with grass weeds but yielded poorly relative to other soybean genotypes in weed-free conditions. ‘Lambert’ produced high soybean yield in weed-free conditions, but yield dropped markedly when in competition with grass weeds. ‘Grande,’ ‘Heifeng 25,’ and ‘Norman’ soybeans were poor competitive genotypes in weedy situations and low yielding in weed-free conditions. A 2nd field study conducted at Rosemount and St. Paul, MN, during 1993 evaluated 16 soybean genotypes under 4 levels and durations of weed pressure for weed competitiveness. Parker, ‘Sturdy,’ and M89-794 were most competitive in suppressing weed biomass and producing high yields. Lambert yielded fairly well but allowed high weed biomass. M89-1743, M89-1006, ‘Archer,’ and ‘Ozzie’ yielded poorly and did not sup press weed biomass production. No relationship was found between weed competitiveness and soybean canopy area, height, and volume measured 30–45 d after planting (DAP).

Studies were conducted in Florida to evaluate interference of common cocklebur with peanut. Peanut yield reduction ranged from 0 to 88% for common cocklebur densities of 0–32 plants 8 m−1 of peanut row, and predicted loss was similar under normal moisture conditions. When moisture levels were above normal, the impact on yield was 9–24% less than when soil moisture was normal. Common cocklebur caused peanut yield loss if allowed to interfere for more than the first 2 wk after crop emergence, and peanut had to be common cocklebur free for at least 12 wk to prevent a yield reduction. These results show common cocklebur to be more competitive with peanut than other weeds evaluated previously.

The establishment of common milkweed in corn, soybean, and wheat and rotations of corn-soybean and soybean-wheat was determined in field studies at Rosemount and Morris, MN. Common milkweed seedling density 115 d after initial seedling emergence was 500, 15,000, and 31,300 seedlings ha−1 in corn, soybean, and wheat, respectively, in 1990; 500, 7,300, and 15,600 in 1991 at Rosemount and 2,900, 26,500, and 37,000 in 1990; and 2,200, 6,700, and 8,100 in 1991 at Morris in the year of seedling establishment. Common milkweed seedling defoliation by mon arch butterfly larva was 1,31, and 0% at Rosemount and 20, 78, and 0% at Morris for corn, soybean, and wheat, respectively. In the 2nd and 3rd rotational years, corn-soybean rotations had fewer shoots ha−1 115 d after shoot emergence than soybean wheat rotations. Seedling densities 115 d after initial seedling emergence were greater in corn-soybean rotations where soybean rather than corn was the rotational crop and in soybean-wheat rotations where wheat rather than soybean was the rotational crop immediately following common milkweed seeding. Conventional tillage treatments had lower common milkweed shoot density than conservation tillage in all years of all rotations except in the initial count, when soybean was the first rotational crop in which shoot density was greater in conventional than in conservation tillage treatments. Cyanazine, imazethapyr, or bromoxynil applications in corn, soybean, or wheat rotational crops, respectively, reduced common milkweed shoot density.

Field experiments were conducted in 1992 and 1993 to characterize the weed seed bank, to determine the influence of moldboard plowing and secondary soil disturbance on the emergence pattern of weeds, and to measure weed seed bank depletion by emergence in a long-term moldboard plow corn cropping system. Viable seeds of common lambsquarters, redroot pigweed, and each of 10 other species accounted for about 85, about 9, and less than 1%, respectively, of the total weed species in the seed bank. A negative binomial distribution described the spatial distribution of viable seeds of 10 species, but not of common lambsquarters or of redroot pigweed. Decreased density of seeds among species was associated with increased aggregation. Secondary soil disturbance increased the rate and magnitude of common lambs quarters emergence in 1992 but did not influence emergence in 1993. Secondary soil disturbance did not influence the magnitude and rate of emergence of redroot pigweed or velvetleaf. Whereas cumulative growing degree days from April through July were similar between years, the amount of rainfall was about 50% less in 1992 than in 1993. Secondary soil disturbance may have increased common lambsquarters emergence by increasing the availability of soil moisture and improving conditions for seed germination during the dry year. Even though seed bank depletion by seedling emergence was relatively low for all species, secondary soil disturbance in creased seed bank depletion of common lambsquarters and redroot pigweed about 7- and 3-fold, respectively, in 1992. Seasonal variation in the amount of rainfall may have influenced the effect of soil disturbance on emergence and seed bank depletion of common lambsquarters, which is the most abundant species in the weed community.

Primary physical dormancy caused by seed coat impermeability to water is a major reason for the persistence of velvetleaf in soil seedbanks. Understanding temporal trends in seed dormancy status will help predict potential emergence in the spring. Experiments were begun in 1992 and 1993 to determine the effects of velvetleaf seed maturation time, storage environment, and storage duration on changes in seed dormancy and germination over 20 mo. Seeds buried 1 and 10 cm deep exhibited a 30 to 70% decline in physical dormancy from maturity until winter, little change in dormancy from winter through the following summer, and a further decline the next autumn. The loss of physical dormancy was more rapid for early than for late maturing seeds and more rapid in 1992 than in 1993. Physical dormancy of seeds held at 4 C declined steadily, at a rate of approximately 0.8% per day, over the course of the study. Germination of seeds buried 1 cm averaged 23 to 37% in the first spring after harvest, which was equivalent to 68 to 100% of seeds that had lost physical dormancy over autumn and winter. The percentage of seeds with enforced dormancy reflected the loss of physical dormancy during autumn and the loss of seeds to germination during spring and summer. Additional information on how autumn temperature and moisture conditions influence the pattern of dormancy decline could aid in explaining the variation in velvetleaf infestations over time.

Field experiments, conducted from 1991 to 1994, generated information on weed seedbank emergence for 22 site-years from Ohio to Colorado and Minnesota to Missouri. Early spring seedbank densities were estimated through direct extraction of viable seeds from soil cores. Emerged seedlings were recorded periodically, as were daily values for air and soil temperature, and precipitation. Percentages of weed seedbanks that emerged as seedlings were calculated from seedbank and seedling data for each species, and relationships between seedbank emergence and microclimatic variables were sought. Fifteen species were found in 3 or more site-years. Average emergence percentages (and coefficients of variation) of these species were as follows: giant foxtail, 31.2 (84%); velvetleaf, 28.2 (66); kochia, 25.7 (79); Pennsylvania smartweed, 25.1 (65); common purslane, 15.4 (135); common ragweed, 15.0 (110); green foxtail, 8.5 (72); wild proso millet, 6.6 (104); hairy nightshade, 5.2 (62); common sunflower, 5.0 (26); yellow foxtail, 3.4 (67); pigweed species, 3.3 (103); common lambsquarters, 2.7 (111); wild buckwheat, 2.5 (63), and prostrate knotweed, 0.6 (79). Variation among site-years, for some species, could be attributed to microclimate variables thought to induce secondary dormancy in spring. For example, total seasonal emergence percentage of giant foxtail was related positively to the 1st date at which average daily soil temperature at 5 to 10 cm soil depth reached 16 C. Thus, if soil warmed before mid April, secondary dormancy was induced and few seedlings emerged, whereas many seedlings emerged if soil remained cool until June.

Broom snakeweed achene dispersal was monitored by placing surface-level traps outwards in the cardinal directions from 12 plants and collecting the achenes weekly or biweekly from September 1993 until seeds were no longer retained by the plants after 42 wk. About 50% of the achenes dispersed between October and December. Especially high numbers of achenes were dislodged during periods of intense winter winds and rains, with 78% of the seed placed into the east tray and 86% falling within 50 cm of the parent plant. Achene production averaged 3,928 (± 1,146) per plant in 1993 and 2,036 (± 987) per plant in 1994. Achenes collected over time directly from the inflorescence and achenes stored in nylon packets on the soil surface averaged 82% viability during fall and winter. Achene viability declined rapidly in late spring, and few remained viable before the next seed crop. Greenhouse experiments compared the influence of water application interval and water amount on broom snakeweed germination and seedling survival. Treatments consisted of 4 water intervals: daily, 5-d, 10-d, and 15-d intervals; and 4 water amounts: field capacity (1/1 fc), 3/4 fc, 1/2 fc, and 1/4 fc. Germination was 52% at daily 1/1 fc, and no seed germinated at daily 1/4 fc. Data suggest that optimum germination occurs when soils are maintained at a minimum soil matric potential (Ψm) > −180 kPa for at least 4 d. Optimum Ψm for seedling survival appears to range between −300 and −900 kPa, while seedling mortality would generally be expected with a Ψm of > −1800 kPa.

The impact of seed production by subthreshold weed populations on future weed problems has impeded the adoption of integrated pest-management principles for weed management. Studies were conducted in fields with no velvetleaf history to determine how seedbanks and seedling populations change following seed production 1 yr or 5 consecutive yr in plow-disk and no-tillage corn. Cumulative seed production by 0.19 velvetleaf plants m−2 increased in a linear fashion from 1989 to 1994, with annual additions averaging from 330 seeds m−2 for velvetleaf in corn to 2,500 seeds m−2 for velvetleaf without competition from corn. Five-year cumulative seed production was 1,480 seeds m−2 in plow-disk and 1,810 seeds m−2 in no-till corn. In no-till corn, 42 velvetleaf seedlings m−2 emerged the 1st year after the 1989 seed rain, but only 35 seedlings m−2 emerged over the next 4 yr. In plow-disk plots, annual emergence averaged 12 seedlings m−2. Five years after the 1989 seed rain, the proportion of seeds lost to emergence was about 20% in both tillage treatments. Where velvetleaf seeds were allowed to return to the soil every year, cumulative seedling emergence was lower in plow-disk than in no-till corn, with total emergence of 70 and 360 seedlings m−2, respectively, after 5 yr. Seedbank numbers ranged from 10 seeds m−2 5 yr after a single seed rain (290 seeds m−2) by velvetleaf in plow-disk corn to 1,020 seeds m−2 following 5 consecutive yr of seed rain where 12,580 seeds m−2 were returned without corn competition in no-till. Seedbank samples in the fall of the 5th year had 69 to 98% fewer seeds than were accounted for by cumulative seed rain and seedling emergence, with greater apparent seed losses in plow-disk corn than in no-till corn. Over 90% velvetleaf control would be required annually to maintain subthreshold populations for 5 yr following a single seed rain. By comparison, over 95% control would be required annually to maintain subthreshold populations where velvetleaf seed return is permitted each year.

Soybean yield loss from weed interference depends upon weed density and competitiveness of crop and weed species in response to environment. Soil water availability and nitrogen fertility were evaluated for their effect on competitiveness of individual species in field experiments. Early-season temperatures in 1995, which were cool compared to 1994, slowed hemp sesbania growth without affecting soybean growth. This resulted in negligible competition with soybean by hemp sesbania at densities of 3 or 6 plants m−2. In 1994, hemp sesbania grew above the soybean canopy, decreasing soybean light interception 29 to 68%, and reducing soybean yield 30 to 48%. Fertilizer nitrogen increased soybean competitiveness, as indicated by biomass production, only in irrigated plots with hemp sesbania at 3 m−2, but did not affect soybean yield. Apparently, competition for light is a primary cause of soybean yield loss from hemp sesbania infestations. In growth chamber studies, simulating temperatures from the field, hemp sesbania growth was stimulated more by warm temperatures than was soybean. Hemp sesbania and soybean dry weights increased 4.4- and 2.7-fold, respectively, at 30/20 C day/night temperatures compared to 25/15 C.

Horseweed emergence and survival were evaluated in no-tillage soybean and corn at Rosemount, MN, and Ames, IA, from the fall of 1992 through the summer of 1995. Most of the horseweed at both locations emerged in the fall. Winter survival of fall-emerged seedlings ranged from 59 to 91%. Timing and extent of horseweed emergence in spring varied by year and location. Spring emergence ranged from 5 to 32% of total emergence, with greater spring emergence at Rosemount than at Ames. Emergence occurred as late as early June at Rosemount and late May at Ames. Results indicated that horseweed may emerge well into the growing season, and spring emergence should be considered in weed management systems for no-tillage crop production.

Genetic variation was assessed in a range of populations of wild mustard (Sinapis arvensis L.) using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis. Sixty markers were used to assess the extent of genetic variation in wild mustard populations sampled throughout 12 different locations in the United Kingdom, including herbicide treated and untreated sites. In addition, selected sites were sampled over two consecutive seasons. Individual plant analysis was required, since a high degree of intra-population genetic variation was observed. The apparent extent of genetic variation in a population at one site increased when the results from two consecutive seasons were assessed. The range of genetic variation was as high in the herbicide-treated populations as in those which were untreated. Genetic diversity was maintained in populations of wild mustard where rotational cropping and herbicide use was practiced. These results confirm the utility of RAPD for the determination of genetic variation in outcrossing species where no prior genotypic knowledge is available.

Intensive surveys were conducted in 2 fields in eastern Nebraska to determine the spatial stability of common sunflower, velvetleaf, green and yellow foxtail, and hemp dogbane over 4 yr (1992 to 1995). The 1st field was planted to soybean in 1992 and corn in 1993, 1994, and 1995. The 2nd field was planted to corn in 1992 and 1994 and soybean in 1993 and 1995. Weed density was sampled prior to postemergence herbicide application at approximately 800 locations per year in each field on a regular 7 m grid. The same locations were sampled every year. Weed density at locations between the sample sites was determined by linear triangulation interpolation. Weed seedling distribution was significantly aggregated, with large weed-free areas in both fields. Common sunflower, velvetleaf, and hemp dogbane patches were very persistent in diameter in the east-west and north-south directions and in location and area over 4 yr in the 1st field. Foxtail distribution and density continuously increased in each of the 4 yr in the first field and decreased in the 2nd field. A geographic information system was used to overlay maps from each year for a species. This showed that 36% of the sampled area was continuously free of common sunflower, 62.5% was free of hemp dogbane, and 11.5% was free of velvetleaf in the 1st field, but only 1% was free of velvetleaf in the 2nd field. The persistence of broadleaf weed patches suggests that weed seedling distributions mapped in one year are good predictors of future seedling distributions. Improved and more efficient sampling methods are needed.

We studied the effect of no-till, chisel, and moldboard plow and the presence or absence of corn on soil temperature, moisture and, subsequently, the emergence phenology and density of pigweed seedlings at 2 sites from 1993 to 1995 inclusively. Tillage significantly affected the phenology of pigweed seedling emergence only during a June drought at one site in 1994. Soil temperature and moisture, measured at 2.5-cm depths, also were unaffected by tillage. Weed phenology is usually earlier in no-till because more seeds are located closer to the surface (< 5 cm deep) in no-till, thereby reducing the delay in penetrating through the soil, and because soil temperatures and moisture are nearer the germination and emergence optima. However, pigweed seedlings are already physiologically restricted to germination depths of less than 2.5 cm regardless of tillage; therefore, this prior constraint eliminated any potential differences in emergence phenologies caused by tillage. The presence or absence of corn also did not affect soil temperatures, soil moisture, or pigweed seedling emergence phenologies. Pigweed seedling density was significantly higher in no-till; this may have been caused by increased numbers of seeds near the soil surface in no-till. The presence or absence of corn did not affect pigweed seedling density; the lack of a significant effect probably reflects high variances in density. Although necessary for most weed species, tillage may be a less important factor to consider in predicting pigweed population dynamics and subsequent management recommendations.

Yield loss of hard red spring wheat due to competition from common milkweed was measured in grower fields in Minnesota. Wheat yield loss was measured using the area of influence and additive competitive methods. Simple linear regression of wheat yield and percentage wheat yield loss against distance from a common milkweed shoot gave r2 values of 0.013 and 0.015, respectively, indicating limited value of the area of influence model for common milkweed in spring wheat. In an additive competition model, wheat yield was reduced 47% at the highest density of 12 common milkweed shoots m−2. Coefficients of determination for percentage yield loss regressed against common milkweed shoot density were 0.548, 0.547, and 0.529 for simple linear, nonlinear rectangular hyperbolic, and linear square root function models, respectively. Regression of percentage yield loss against common milkweed biomass resulted in r2 values of 0.566, 0.645, and 0.658 for simple linear, nonlinear rectangular hyperbolic, and linear square root function models, respectively. Restrictions of common milkweed density due to factors other than competition limited yield loss response to the simple linear phase of both the nonlinear rectangular hyperbolic and the linear square root function models previously described.

Resistance to fluazifop-P and quizalofop-P, (aryloxyphenoxypropionates) and sethoxydim (cyclohexanedione) was identified in 2 populations of johnsongrass in both field and greenhouse studies. The cropping history (1983–1991) of the sites indicated 1 or more annual applications of a graminicide (primarily fluazifop-P) since the early 1980s. Under field conditions, control of resistant seedling and rhizome johnsongrass (R91F) with fluazifop-P, quizalofop-P, fenoxaprop-ethyl, and sethoxydim was less than 35%. Clethodim provided up to 80% control of R91F. Under greenhouse conditions, ratios (R/S) of the I50 values (amount of herbicide required to inhibit plant growth by 50%) of resistant (2 sites: R91F and R91S) to susceptible (S91H) seedling (20–30-cm height) plants were > 388 (fluazifop-P), > 15 (quizalofop-P), and from 2.3 (R91S) to 3.4 (R91F) (both sethoxydim). For rhizome (30–45 cm height) plants, the R/S ratios were > 388 (fluazifop-P), > 16 (quizalofop-P), and 2.8 (R91S) to 8.5 (R91F) (both sethoxydim). Labeled rates (in kg ai ha−1) of fluazifop-P (0.10 and 0.21), quizalofop-P (0.039 and 0.08), and sethoxydim (0.21 and 0.21) were applied on seedling and rhizome plants, respectively, and resulted in little or no control of resistant johnsongrass. Greenhouse studies indicated registered rates of clethodim (0.10 and 0.14 kg ai ha−1 for seedling and rhizome plants, respectively) effectively controlled the resistant populations, but tolerance was measured for both seedling and rhizome plants at sublethal doses (down to 0.007 and 0.009 kg ai ha−1, respectively), with I50 ratios ranging from 1.5 (R91S) to 2.1 (R91F) for seedling plants and 4.5 (R91S) to 4.8 (R91F) for rhizome plants. Control of resistant seedling and rhizome johnsongrass under field conditions was adequate with glyphosate at 0.84, glufosinate at 0.84, and sulfosate at 0.84 kg ai ha−1, indicating no cross-resistance.

Giant foxtail, woolly cupgrass, and wild-proso millet infest millions of hectares of land devoted to corn production in the midwestern U.S. Control of these species and effects on corn grain yield were evaluated at various timings using POST applications of nicosulfuron vs. applications of various PRE herbicides at 17 locations across the midwestern U.S. in 1992 and 1993. Nicosulfuron applied to 5 to 10 cm giant foxtail and woolly cupgrass provided greater control than that observed with selected PRE herbicides. Giant foxtail control with nicosulfuron averaged 88%, and control of woolly cupgrass averaged 77% across all sites. Nicosulfuron, applied to 5 to 10 cm wild-proso millet, provided a level of control similar to that of selected PRE herbicides. Corn grain yield was greater when giant foxtail was controlled POST with nicosulfuron vs. PRE control with selected soil-applied herbicides. Corn grain yields were similar when nicosulfuron was applied POST to 5 to 10 cm woolly cupgrass or wild-proso millet vs. PRE control of these grass weeds. Across a broad range of geographical locations, nicosulfuron, applied POST to 5 to 10 cm tall grass, provided greater or similar levels of weed control vs. the selected PRE herbicides, with no deleterious effect on grain yield.