Field studies were conducted under full-season conventional tillage in Delaware and New Jersey to determine the critical time to apply glyphosate with or without residual herbicides for optimum weed control in glyphosate-resistant soybean (GRS). The residual herbicides tank-mixed with glyphosate (0.84 kg/ha) were clomazone (0.55 kg/ha) and imazethapyr (0.063 kg/ha). Herbicide application was made at cracking, unifoliate, and one- to six-trifoliate stages of GRS. Weeds varied in growth stages from preemergence (PRE) at cracking to an average height of 30 cm at the six-trifoliate stage of GRS. Herbicide activity varied by year and weed species. Herbicidal action was better under high (>125 mm/mo) than low (<100 mm/mo) rainfall regime. Glyphosate application without residual herbicides was less effective at cracking and unifoliate than at one- to three-trifoliate leaf stages. Mixing residual herbicides with glyphosate at cracking and unifoliate stages enhanced weed control but made no difference when application was delayed until one- to three-trifoliate stages. For optimum weed control in GRS, the window of application for glyphosate alone was between the one- and three-trifoliate leaf stages, approximately 18 to 28 days after planting (DAP). If glyphosate was tank-mixed with residual herbicides, the window of application extended from cracking until the four-trifoliate stage; and weed interference until the four-trifoliate stage (approximately 32 DAP) did not depress GRS yield.

Field studies were conducted in Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin in 1992 and 1993 to evaluate growth and response of common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) to imazethapyr. Plants from ecotypes originating in each state were grown at all four locations. Nontreated plants grown in Wisconsin or Ohio were consistently taller than plants grown in Michigan or Indiana, regardless of the origin of the seeds. Nontreated plants originating from Wisconsin or Michigan showed a trend toward flowering earlier than those originating from Indiana or Ohio, regardless of test site. The results suggest the existence of common ragweed ecotypes based on origin of the seeds. Weather conditions after treatment with imazethapyr had a greater influence on common ragweed control and regrowth than the origin of common ragweed seeds. Common ragweed regrew following imazethapyr application through the development of axillary buds under conditions of warm temperatures and moist soils during the 4 to 6 wk following imazethapyr application. Mild to cool temperatures or dry conditions following imazethapyr application reduced treated common ragweed regrowth. Both early- and mid-postemergence imazethapyr treatments delayed flowering of all ecotypes. However, flowering of imazethapyr-treated plants followed the same order as nontreated plants, with plants from the Michigan or Wisconsin ecotypes showing a trend toward flowering earlier than those from Indiana or Ohio.

In greenhouse experiments, Ohio accessions of 22 weed species representing 13 dicot families were screened as alternative hosts of soybean cyst nematode (SCN, Heterodera glycines). Purple deadnettle (Lamium purpureum), henbit (Lamium amplexicaule), field pennycress (Thlaspi arvense), shepherd's-purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris), and a susceptible soybean (Glycine max) cultivar produced SCN population densities of 510, 155, 73, 1, and 366 cysts/450 cm3 soil, respectively, 5 wk after inoculation with eggs from a race 3 SCN population. Purple deadnettle was also a strong host of race 1 SCN and a weak host of race 6 SCN. Average numbers of eggs/cyst among race 3 hosts were highest in purple deadnettle (357), followed by soybean (292), field pennycress (266), henbit (122), and shepherd's-purse (none detected). To our knowledge, henbit is the only SCN host identified here that has been previously identified as a host. The weeds identified as SCN hosts in this study have a winter annual life cycle in Ohio and may serve as sites for SCN reproduction in infested fields during the early or late growing season and when soybean plants are absent.

Field studies were conducted from 1996 to 1998 to evaluate grass control in no-till corn (Zea mays) with herbicides applied early preplant (EPP), preemergence (PRE), and postemergence (POST) at the Belleville Research Center at Belleville, IL. Grass control was affected by application timing rather than herbicide. The herbicides applied PRE provided more consistent giant foxtail (Setaria faberi) and barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crus-galli) control (90 to 98%) than the same herbicides applied EPP (0 to 92%). There also was no difference in giant foxtail and barnyardgrass control between the emulsifiable concentrate (EC) formulation and microencapsulated (ME) formulation of acetochlor. Rimsulfuron plus thifensulfuron applied POST provided 90 to 97% control of giant foxtail and barnyardgrass. Metolachlor, EC-acetochlor, SAN 582H, and rimsulfuron plus thifensulfuron provided 85 to 92% control of yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus) compared with 63 to 74% control for BAY FOE 5043 plus metribuzin and ME-acetochlor. Corn grain yield was greater with herbicides applied either PRE or POST than applied EPP. Grass control and grain yield were greater with herbicides applied either PRE or POST compared with EPP.

Knowledge of optimal combinations of graminicide rate and stage of application could improve the effectiveness and net benefit of commonly used graminicides. A study was conducted at two locations in Saskatchewan, Canada, from 1994 to 1997. Factorial combinations of five graminicides (CGA 184927, fenoxaprop-p-ethyl, ICIA 0604, imazamethabenz, and flamprop-methyl), three graminicide rates (full, two-thirds, and one-third recommended label rate), and three leaf stages of wild oat (Avena fatua; two-, four-, and six-leaf) were compared to determine their effect on wild oat fresh weight, wheat (Triticum aestivum) seed yield, and net return. Wild oat fresh weight increased and wheat seed yield decreased to a greater extent at Saskatoon (median wild oat fresh weight of 56 g/m2) than at Scott (median wild oat fresh weight of 85 g/m2) when graminicide rate was reduced from the recommended label rate. Net return consistently decreased at both locations and among all graminicides when application rate was reduced from two-thirds to one-third of the recommended label rate. Imazamethabenz applied at progressively later growth stages caused greater wild oat fresh weight at both locations and reduced wheat yield and net return. Applying other graminicides at the earliest (two-leaf) stage of wild oat generally resulted in more or similar levels of wild oat fresh weight compared with delayed applications, especially at Saskatoon. With the exception of imazamethabenz, crop yield and net return were unaffected by leaf stage at both locations. The optimal graminicide rate is mostly dependent on the level of wild oat infestation, and the best time to control wild oat is dependent mostly on the particular graminicide.

Several graminicides were evaluated at various application timings for control and seedhead suppression of red rice (Oryza sativa) in soybean (Glycine max). One application of clethodim, fluazifop-P, quizalofop-P, or sethoxydim at any timing did not control red rice more than 86% 2 wk after treatment. Emergence of red rice seedlings subsequent to applications reduced control later in the season. At a naturally infested location, seedhead reduction was greatest, regardless of graminicide, when application was delayed until the four-leaf stage. At a second location, seedhead reductions were highest following graminicide applications at the two-leaf stage of growth. No single graminicide application completely eliminated red rice seedhead production. Soybean yields were reduced when graminicide application was delayed until the boot stage at both locations, and following two-leaf stage applications at the naturally infested location.

Site-specific herbigation using a linear-move irrigation system equipped with an automated irrigation control system was evaluated in a series of field trials conducted at the University of Idaho Aberdeen Research and Extension Center near Aberdeen, ID. In the first study, the experimental area was divided into site-specific management zones that were randomly assigned herbigation treatments of metolachlor at 0, 1.8, 2.7, or 3.6 kg ai/ha. In a second study, site-specific herbigation treatments of metribuzin at 0, 0.28, 0.42, or 0.56 kg ai/ha were applied. The tests covered a range in system flow rate from 29 to 90% of maximum design flow. Average metolachlor rates applied were within 1, 2, and 4% of the target 1.8, 2.7, and 3.6 kg/ha rates, respectively, and average metribuzin rates were on target at the 0.28 kg/ha rate and within 5 and 2% of the 0.42 and 0.56 kg/ha target rates, respectively. In a third study, potato (Solanum tuberosum) fields were divided into management zones, and low, medium, or high populations of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) and foxtail millet (Setaria italica) were seeded in each zone. Different rates of a metolachlor plus metribuzin mixture were herbigated in each zone—higher rates in zones with high populations and lower rates in zones with low populations. Weed control was excellent in all zones. Results suggest good potential for site-specific herbigation when linear-move or center-pivot irrigation systems are equipped with the automated irrigation control system.

Woollyleaf bursage (Ambrosia grayi) is a noxious, rhizomatous perennial with an extensive creeping root system. It is found in the central and southern Great Plains of the U.S. Clopyralid alone or fluroxypyr, picloram, or glyphosate with either 2,4-D or dicamba were applied to woollyleaf bursage at anthesis and 30 d later in three field experiments. With the exception of treatments containing picloram, the effect of application timing was inconsistent. All treatments containing picloram consistently controlled woollyleaf bursage 93% or greater for 9 mo and 74% or greater for 11 mo. Control was poor or inconsistent with all other treatments. Although a rate response was seen with clopyralid, a level higher than 0.28 kg/ha may be necessary to control woollyleaf bursage. After 11 mo, control was less than 60% with treatments containing 1.7 kg/ha of glyphosate in 10 of 12 herbicide treatments and timing combinations over 3 yr.

Diuron, simazine, and terbacil were applied in field plots annually from 1981 to 1995. Soil was sampled at selected times after herbicide application in 1993, 1994, and 1995 to determine herbicide residue changes with time and soil depth. Diuron residues were found mainly in the upper 20 cm of soil; residue concentration decreased exponentially with time. Less than 1% of the initial concentration after application in summer was present the following spring. Terbacil residues were found in soil below the upper 20 cm. Terbacil degraded more slowly than diuron, and residues in spring were less than 30% the level of the previous summer. Simazine plus hydroxysimazine soil residues were present in all depths to 100 cm and were higher than diuron or terbacil at these depths. Simazine plus hydroxysimazine residues in spring were nearly 40% the level of the previous summer. With all three herbicides, soil residues were greatest in the upper 20 cm of soil during 2 to 3 wk following application. Data confirmed that diuron did not leach, whereas simazine can migrate through the soil. Terbacil migrated intermediately in depth relative to diuron and simazine. After 15 annual applications, herbicide residues were present but were not accumulating.

Diuron, simazine, and terbacil were applied together or separately in the field each May from 1981 through 1996. Weed control was over 90% in 1981 and 1982, but by 1984 weeds increased in plots treated with diuron and simazine. Weed abundance was relatively low from 1981 through 1996 in plots treated with terbacil. Broadleaf and grass species abundance was similar in most herbicide-treated plots from 1992 through 1996. Perennial species, particularly fescue (Festuca arundinacea) and ailanthus (Ailanthus altissima), dominated sites treated with diuron and simazine. The weed community changed within 3 yr of the implementation of the weed management program that relied solely on herbicides. A relatively stable weed community persisted from 1992 through 1996. Repeated use of the combined high rate of diuron and low rate of terbacil provided excellent weed control for 15 yr.

A field study was conducted over 2 yr to compare efficacy and economics of glyphosate-resistant, sulfonylurea-tolerant, and conventional soybean (Glycine max) weed control programs. Herbicide programs in the three soybean systems provided at least 90% control of browntop millet (Brachiaria ramosa), prickly sida (Sida spinosa), yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus), pitted morningglory (Ipomoea lacunosa), and hemp sesbania (Sesbania exaltata) in most cases and postemergence (POST)-only programs were as effective as preemergence (PRE) followed by POST programs. Control of hyssop spurge (Euphorbia hyssopifolia) ranged from 93 to 100% in glyphosate-resistant soybean and from 88 to 100% in conventional soybean, but control was 60 to 100% in sulfonylurea-tolerant soybean. Sicklepod (Senna obtusifolia) control was at least 91% in glyphosate-resistant and sulfonylurea-tolerant soybean but was 81% for the standard SAN 582 plus imazaquin PRE and acifluorfen plus bentazon early POST treatment in conventional soybean. In glyphosate-resistant soybean, glyphosate applied sequentially resulted in an average yield of 3,020 kg/ha with a net return of $407/ha. In sulfonylurea-tolerant soybean, chlorimuron applied sequentially yielded 2,500 kg/ha with a net return of $271/ha. Conventional soybean yield with the standard herbicide program was 2,770 kg/ha with a net return of $317/ha. Yields for the cultivars were equivalent when the same standard herbicide program was used. When weed control is satisfactory and herbicide costs relatively comparable, yield potential of the cultivar and seed cost, including any technology fee, would be key factors in selecting a weed management system.

Studies were conducted to determine effects of preharvest applications of glyphosate on the seed and seedling quality of ‘Alpowa’ and ‘Penawawa’ soft white spring wheat (Triticum aestivum) varieties. Glyphosate was applied at 0.62 or 0.84 kg ae/ha at the milk (Zadoks' scale 70 to 79), soft dough (Zadoks' scale 85), or hard dough stage (Zadoks' scale 87) of wheat development; 7 d following the hard dough treatment; and 1 d prior to wheat harvest. In harvest aid applications, wheat yields were reduced only with glyphosate applied at the milk stage of development. Yield reduction ranged from 20 to 77% depending on the year, variety, and glyphosate rate. Likewise, kernel weight and germination were affected only by glyphosate applications at the milk stage with reductions from 19 to 73% and from 2 to 46% for kernal weight and percent germination, respectively, compared to untreated wheat. Using wheat from harvest-aided glyphosate treatments at the milk stage as seeds the following year resulted in reductions ranging from 28 to 99%, 19 to 39%, and 12 to 97% for seedling density, plant height, and seed yield, respectively, compared to seeds from untreated wheat. In this study, wheat seed and seedling quality following preharvest glyphosate applications were most greatly influenced by crop maturity stage at time of application than by herbicide rate or variety.

Field studies were conducted in 1994 and 1995 to evaluate CGA-152005 for weed control and effect on peanut (Arachis hypogaea) yield in Texas peanut production areas. CGA-152005 at 10 to 20 g/ha controlled eclipta (Eclipta prostrata), golden crownbeard (Verbesina enceliodes), and Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) > 90% when applied preemergence (PRE) or soon after peanut emergence (EPOST). CGA-152005 postemergence (POST) controlled eclipta > 95%; sandhills amaranth (Amaranthus arenicola) 99%; golden crownbeard, pitted morningglory (Ipomoea lacunosa), and hophornbeam copperleaf (Acalypha ostryifolia) < 80%; and Palmer amaranth and ivyleaf morningglory (Ipomoea hederacea) from 37 to 89%. CGA-152005 injured peanut up to 37% and reduced yield up to 94%.

Effective methods are needed to eradicate tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) and convert tall fescue fields into habitats more suitable to wildlife species. The objectives of this study were to determine the efficacy of (1) a single glyphosate application during the spring or fall and (2) AC 263,222, alone and in combination with glyphosate, applied during four different tall fescue growth stages for control of established tall fescue. Studies were conducted during 1996 to 1998 in fields dominated by tall fescue located in central Kentucky. Pre- and posttreatment plant communities were described to quantify differences in vegetative characteristics due to herbicide applications. Glyphosate at 2.2 kg ai/ha applied during the spring or fall was effective in reducing tall fescue to less than 12% cover. AC 263,222 at 0.2 kg ai/ha, AC 263,222 at 0.2 kg/ha plus glyphosate at 0.6 kg/ha, or AC 263,222 at 0.2 kg/ha plus glyphosate at 1.1 kg/ha applied during the spring growth, boot, summer dormancy, and fall growth stages were equally effective, reducing tall fescue cover to less than 3% at 2 to 7 mo after treatment. Glyphosate and AC 263,222 are effective tools for the initial removal of tall fescue.

Indigenous to tropical and East Asia, 20 species comprise the genus Pueraria in the Leguminosae (pea or bean family) (Mabberley 1989). The generic name commemorates Swiss botanist Marc Nicolas Puerari (1766–1845). The specific epithet lobata, from the Greek lobos, refers to kudzu's three-lobed leaves (Brown 1956).