Foliar and root absorption and translocation of metribuzin (4-amino-6-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-3-(methylthio)-1,2,4-triazin-5(4H)-one) by downy brome (Bromus tectorum L. # BROTE) and winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) was determined. After a 48-h absorption period, roots of three-week-old downy brome plants had absorbed two times more metribuzin on a total plant fresh weight basis than had roots of winter wheat. Root-absorbed metribuzin was translocated similarly regardless of species with 80% of absorbed 14C accumulating in leaf blades, 10% in the leaf sheaths, and 10% in the roots. After 24 h, leaves of downy brome and winter wheat had absorbed, respectively, 26 and 36% of foliar-applied metribuzin, and absorption increased threefold with the addition of a nonionic surfactant. Translocation of foliar-absorbed metribuzin was primarily towards the apex of the treated leaf. No translocation from the treated leaf to other plant parts occurred with either species. The greater tolerance of winter wheat to metribuzin is due in part to less root absorption of metribuzin by winter wheat than by downy brome.

Glyphosate [N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine] was applied in the spring and fall to leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula L. # EPHES) in the field at rates of 0.14 to 4.48 kg ai/ha. Fall applications of glyphosate at rates of 0.56 to 4.48 kg/ha stimulated axillary branching and caused an increase in the number of stems/m2 by the end of the following summer in a dense population. This was a result of shoot growth from buds on the crown region of the root system. The absorption and translocation of 14C-glyphosate applied to leaves of mature leafy spurge plants were evaluated at prebloom, full-bloom, and senescence phenological stages. Approximately 81% of the 14C-glyphosate applied to the leaves of senescing plants was absorbed. There was a decrease in the proportion of 14C translocated out of the treated leaf when applications were made after full bloom. Translocation of 14C to the treated stem, nontreated stems, root crown, and roots did not differ with phenological stage in 1983. Translocation and concentration of 14C in most plant parts in 1985 differed with phenological stage. Translocation to the crown buds as a percentage of the 14C absorbed was highest at the senescence stage. At senescence and before soil freezing, leafy spurge crown buds demonstrate transient but active elongation toward the soil surface. This active development may account for the enhanced translocation of 14C into the crown buds.

Chlorsulfuron {2-chloro-N-[[(4-methoxy–6-methyl-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)amino] carbonyl] benzenesulfonamide} uptake from different pH solutions by leaves and excised root segments of velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti Medik. # ABUTH) was examined. In buffer solutions more 14C-chlorsulfuron penetrated intact leaves at lower pH levels (2.4, 3.4, and 4.4) than at pH 5.6. Initial chlorsulfuron absorption by 1-cm segments cut from the apical 5 cm of roots was rapid in the first 10 min for all pH levels. During the first 10 min, roots absorbed more chlorsulfuron from acidic (pH 2.4 and 3.4) than from higher pH solutions (pH 4.4 and 5.6). Chlorsulfuron efflux occurred in two phases for all pH levels. The first phase was a rapid loss through approximately 10 min, and the second a slow loss through 240 min. In the first 10 min, the efflux of chlorsulfuron was faster from roots incubated in pH 2.4 than in higher pH solutions. Efflux from the other pH levels was similar.

Greenhouse experiments were conducted to elucidate the effects of water stress on photosynthetic parameters of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr. ‘Hutton′] and velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti Medik. # ABUTH). Stomatal conductance of both species responded curvilinearly to reductions in leaf water potential. At leaf water potentials less negative than −2.5 MPa, stomatal conductance, net photosynthetic rate, and transpiration rate were greater in velvetleaf than in soybean. Soybean photosynthetic rate was linearly related to stomatal conductance. Velvetleaf photosynthetic rate increased linearly with stomatal conductances up to 1.5 cm s–1; however, no increase in photosynthetic rate was observed at stomatal conductances greater than 1.5 cm s–1, indicating nonstomatal limitations to photosynthesis. As water stress intensified, stomatal conductance, photosynthetic rate, and transpiration of velvetleaf declined more rapidly than in soybean.

14C-chlorsulfuron {2-chloro-N-[[(4-methoxy-6-methyl-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)amino] carbonyl] benzenesulfonamide} and its metabolites were extracted from flax (Linum sativum L.), field penny cress (stinkweed) (Thlaspi arvense L. # THLAR), and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) with an average efficiency of 94% using an aqueous extraction procedure. Chlorsulfuron and its metabolites were separated on a reverse-phase preparative chromatography column by eluting with a step gradient of aqueous 0.1% (v/v) formic acid and methanol. Major peaks were eluted at 35 and 45% methanol, and minor peaks at 10, 25, and 100% methanol. The 45% methanol peak represented unmetabolized chlorsulfuron or its hydroxylated derivative and was the only fraction that exhibited biological activity. In wheat and flax, 75 and 62%, respectively, of the extracted activity were eluted by 35% methanol and, in the case of wheat, this fraction was shown to be a glycosylated derivative of chlorsulfuron. Although 14C-chlorsulfuron was metabolized to a lesser extent in field pennycress, our data indicate that over 50% of the absorbed 14C-activity was recovered in forms other than 14C-chlorsulfuron 5 days after treatment. The separation procedure can be used readily to assess the amount of chlorsulfuron detoxification that occurs in plants.

Formulated and technical grade HOE-39866 [ammonium-(3-amino-3-carboxypropyl) methylphosphinate] at concentrations of 10–1, 10–2, and 10–3M were applied to leaf blade tissues of nonreproductive adult redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus L. # AMARE) and fall panicum (Panicum dichotomiflorum Michx. # PANDI). Tissues were sampled at regular intervals after treatment and prepared for light microscopic examination. The major response of both species involved rupture and contortion of the interveinal mesophyll cells with concomitant disorganization of the bundle sheath cells. Rapid epidermal collapse occurred in redroot pigweed but not in fall panicum. The absence of adjuvants resulted in nonuniform symptom expression as herbicide droplets accumulated in depressions and along leaf margins. No other adjuvant-specific effect was observed. Herbicide concentration did not alter the final response but the time-to-expression increased as concentration decreased.

The effects of treatment with twelve metabolites of trifluralin [2,6-dinitro-N,N-dipropyl-4-(trifluoromethyl) benzenamine] on the gross morphology and ultrastructure of trifluralin-susceptible (S) and -resistant (R) biotypes of goosegrass [Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertner. # ELEIN] root meristems were examined. Unlike trifluralin, ten of the twelve metabolites including the major metabolites of trifluralin caused no root tip swelling even at water-saturated concentrations. Two of the minor metabolites, 3-methoxy-2,6-dinitro-N,N-dipropyl-4-(trifluoromethyl)benzenamine (TR-36M) and N-(2,6-dinitro-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-N-propylpropanamide (TR-40), caused root swelling when applied as a saturated solution. The most effective metabolite, TR-36M, caused root swelling at 10 μM or greater concentrations. Because trifluralin caused swelling of the root tips even at a 0.01 μM concentration, trifluralin is 1000-fold more effective than the most herbicidally active metabolite. Both herbicidally active metabolites are also much less effective than trifluralin at increasing the mitotic index. Structural studies indicate that the two herbicidally active metabolites arrest mitosis at prometaphase due to the loss of spindle microtubules, similar to trifluralin. Cortical microtubules are also affected by the highest concentrations of these two metabolites. A resistant biotype, in which mitosis is unaffected by trifluralin, was unaffected by any of the trifluralin metabolites.

Germination and longevity of weedy and three domestic okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench. # ABMES] cultivars were investigated. Hard seed coats are the major reason for okra seed dormancy. Hard seeds of weedy okra, induced to germinate by scarification of seed coats, produced plants yielding 94 to 99% hard seeds. Of these, 40% remained hard but viable after overwintering in the soil at 5 cm deep. Nonhard seeds of weedy okra produced plants that yielded 95 to 99% hard seeds, but only 20% remained hard after overwintering in the soil at 5 cm deep. The ‘White Velvet’ cultivar of okra produced a few hard seeds, but none survived longer than 3 months in the soil. The other domestic cultivars, ‘Dwarf Green Long Pod’ and ‘Clemson Spineless', produced no hard seeds. None of these seeds survived over winter in the soil. Some seeds of White Velvet became slightly harder during dry storage based on time in concentrated H2SO4 necessary to induce 80% germination. Although the hard-seed trait existed in the population of this domestic cultivar, it is unlikely that the seeds would overwinter. Seeds that overwinter in a dry condition may be the exception. Because a high percentage of hard seeds overwinter and germinate the following spring, weedy okra has the potential to become a persistent problem.

The nonionic surfactants Tween 20 [oxysorbic (20 POE) polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate] and Tween 80 [oxysorbic (20 POE) polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate] at concentrations of 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.4% v/v stimulated germination of barnyardgrass [Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) Beauv. # ECHCG] seeds in petri dishes. Stimulation occurred under both 30/20 and 25/15 C diurnal temperature cycles whether or not light was supplied during the 8-h high-temperature portion of the cycle. Barnyardgrass responded most to treatment under environmental conditions in which untreated seeds germinated the least. A 0.1% surfactant concentration often stimulated germination of weed seeds as effectively as did higher concentrations. Germination of redroot pigweed [Amaranthus retroflexus L. # AMARE] seeds was inhibited by Tween 80 in the light under both the low- and high-temperature regimes and by Tween 20 at low temperature in the light. Germination of tumble pigweed (Amaranthus albus L. # AMAAL) seeds was inhibited by both surfactants in the high-temperature regime whether or not light was supplied. Common purslane (Portulaca oleracea L. # POROL) seeds were insensitive to treatment.

Factors that govern the germination of cutleaf groundcherry (Physalis angulata L. # PHYAN), smooth groundcherry [Physalis virginiana var. subglabrata (Mackenz. and Bush) Waterfall # PHYSU], and eastern black nightshade (Solanum ptycanthum Dun. # SOLPT) were evaluated. Maximum germination of all three species occurred at a constant 30 C or alternating temperature regimes that included 30 C. Seed of all species germinated in light and dark, but germination was reduced in the dark. Germination and seedling vigor of all species decreased as substrate pH decreased. Cutleaf groundcherry seed were slightly less sensitive than seed of other species to simulated moisture stress. All species produced 90% or more viable seed by 8 weeks after anthesis.

Research was conducted from 1982 through 1984 on a Shipps clay soil (Udic chromustert) in east-central Texas to determine the density-dependent effects and critical periods of johnsongrass [Sorghum halepense (L.) Pers. # SORHA] competition with cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). Two experiments were conducted each year, one to assess cotton yield response to increasing johnsongrass density and the second to establish the johnsongrass-free requirement of cotton and the johnsongrass competition period. A critical minimum density of 2 plants/9.8 m of row was observed. Full-season johnsongrass competition densities exceeding 2 plants/9.8 m of row resulted in seed cotton yield reductions each year. Yield decline was most rapid as density increased from 2 to 8 plants/9.8 m of row. Yield loss averaged 1, 4, 14, 40, 65, and 70% for johnsongrass densities of 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, and 32 plants/9.8 m of row, respectively. Percent yield loss was proportional to yield potential at johnsongrass densities of 4 and 8 plants/9.8 m of row. Three to four weeks of rhizome johnsongrass competition or 6 weeks of seedling johnsongrass competition resulted in significant yield reductions. Maintaining cotton johnsongrass free for 4 weeks did not prevent significant yield reductions.

Greenhouse and field experiments were conducted to investigate degradation rates and efficacy of EPTC (S-ethyl dipropyl carbamothioate), butylate [S-ethyl bis(2-methylpropyl)carbamothioate], vernolate (S-propyl dipropylcarbamothioate), and cycloate (S-ethyl cyclohexylethylcarbamothioate) in soils with and without prior history of thiocarbamate use. Herbicide persistence was measured by an oat (Avena sativa L.) bioassay, and giant foxtail (Setaria faberi Herrm. # SETFA) control was visually estimated in field studies. Both greenhouse and field studies indicated that enhanced thiocarbamate degradation occurred when the same herbicide (EPTC, butylate, or vernolate) was applied over successive years. Addition of dietholate (O,O-diethyl O-phenyl phosphorothioate) or fonofos (O-ethyl-S-phenylethylphosphonodithioate) increased thiocarbamate persistence and giant foxtail control in soils with prior thiocarbamate exposure. Use of dietholate or fonofos two or three consecutive years with EPTC or butylate again resulted in enhanced degradation. EPTC persistence and giant foxtail control were not affected by prior treatments or tank mixes with carbofuran (2,3-dihydro-2,2-dimethyl-7-benzofuranyl methylcarbamate). Rotation away from successive applications of the same thiocarbamate herbicide (EPTC, butylate, or vernolate) improved herbicide efficacy.

When postemergence applications of sethoxydim {2-[1-(ethoxyimino) butyl]-5-[2-(ethylthio)propyl]-3-hydroxy-2-cyclohexen-1-one} were compared with DSMA (disodium salt of methylarsonic acid), MSMA (monosodium salt of methylarsonic acid), and glyphosate [N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine] for control of johnsongrass [Sorghum halepense (L.) Pers. # SORHA] in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L. ‘Acala SJ-2′), repeated annual applications of sethoxydim were more successful than other herbicides in protecting yields of cotton and reducing populations of rhizome johnsongrass over time. After the first year of treatment with sethoxydim in 1982, when an 18% yield loss of cotton occurred, populations of rhizome johnsongrass were reduced to the extent that they were no longer a threat to yields in plots treated with sethoxydim in 1983 and 1984. Although DSMA and glyphosate improved yields when compared to cultivated control plots, substantial yield losses occurred every year, and populations of johnsongrass remained unchanged after 3 yr of treatment. Averaged over 3 yr, plots treated with sethoxydim produced 94% as much cotton as weed-free plots, compared to 60 and 45% for plots treated with glyphosate and DSMA/MSMA, respectively.

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L. ‘Vernal′) was seeded broadcast or in drill rows spaced 18 cm apart in the same operation that EPTC (S-ethyl dipropylcarbamothioate) was applied. For broadcast seeding, EPTC was applied as herbicide-treated crop seed, as granules mixed with crop seed, or as granules applied with the crop seed, but with the seed and granules carried in separate boxes on the seeder. For drill-row seeding, EPTC was applied between the rows in subsurface lines as a liquid or granular formulation; and within the rows as herbicide-treated seed, as granules mixed with the seed, or as granules carried in a box separate from the seed. Weed control and crop tolerance with the more effective simultaneous applications of EPTC were similar to those with conventional preplant-incorporated applications. To seed alfalfa (either broadcast or in drill rows) and apply EPTC in one operation, the methods wherein untreated seed and a granular formulation of EPTC were applied together but from separate boxes on the seeder were the most practical, because the mechanical components, the seed, and the formulated herbicide are all commercially available.

Corn (Zea mays L.) can be injured by carry-over of trifluralin [2,6-dinitro-N,N-dipropyl-4-(trifluoromethyl) benzenamine] in the soil from one crop year to the next. Factors influencing corn tolerance to carry-over concentrations of trifluralin in the soil were studied in controlled-environment chambers and greenhouse experiments. For several hybrids, greater injury occurred at low than at high temperatures. This injury was especially evident for ‘Pioneer 3320’ and ‘Pioneer 3572’ when the soil moisture was at 100% field capacity. Addition of phosphorus fertilizer appeared to have no influence upon trifluralin injury but did interact with alachlor [2-chloro-N-(2,6-diethylphenyl)-N-(methoxymethyl)acetamide]. Alachlor plus trifluralin injured corn in an apparently additive manner. Significant differences were found in genetic tolerance of corn to trifluralin within a group of hybrids. Tolerance of specific hybrids to trifluralin was altered by environmental conditions.

A red fescue (Festuca rubra L.)- Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) turf was treated annually with amidochlor {N-[(acetylamino)methyl]-2-chloro-N-(2,6-diethylphenyl)acetamide} at 2.2, 2.8, and 3.4 kg ai/ha, mefluidide {N-[2,4-dimethyl-5-[[(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl] amino] phenyl] acetamide} at 0.4 kg ai/ha, and ethephon [(2-chloroethyl) phosphonic acid] at 5.6 kg ai/ha for three consecutive years. Recuperative potential of treated turfgrass was determined in the field and in a greenhouse study. Amidochlor and mefluidide treatments injured turfgrass (11 to 64%) four weeks after application. However, turfgrass recovered after eight weeks. Amidochlor at 2.8 to 3.4 kg/ha and mefluidide at 0.4 kg/ha suppressed (75 to 100%) seedhead development. Ethephon at 5.6 kg/ha was ineffective. Turfgrass recovered normally each spring after amidochlor treatments, with no delay in spring green-up. Root length, root weight, and root:shoot weight ratio of the plugs from the greenhouse study were unaffected by three consecutive annual applications of amidochlor, mefluidide, and ethephon. One annual spring application of amidochlor, mefluidide, and ethephon for three consecutive years caused no adverse effects that would limit their use on red fescue-Kentucky bluegrass turf.

Management systems for direct-seeded and transplanted sugarbeets (Beta vulgaris L. ‘Mono Hy D2′) were compared for weed control and sugarbeet selectivity from 1983 through 1985 in western Nebraska. Broadleaf weed density was similar, but yellow foxtail [Setaria glauca (L.) Beauv. # SETLU] density was lower in transplanted compared to direct-seeded sugarbeets. Preplant soil-incorporated applications of cycloate (S-ethyl cyclohexylethylcarbamothioate) plus trifluralin [2,6-dinitro-N,N-dipropyl-4-(trifluoromethyl)benzenamine] at 3.3 plus 0.6 kg ai/ha or ethofumesate [(±)-2-ethoxy-2,3-dihydro-3,3-dimethyl-5-benzofuranyl methanesulfonate] plus trifluralin at 2.2 plus 0.6 kg/ha was noninjurious to transplanted sugarbeets but caused severe injury to direct-seeded sugarbeets. The combination of cycloate or ethofumesate with trifluralin improved weed control over that obtained when cycloate or ethofumesate was used alone. By combining the improved weed control obtained from cycloate plus trifluralin or ethofumesate plus trifluralin with the transplanting crop establishment technique, a superior sugarbeet weed control program was developed.

Postemergence applications of atrazine [6-chloro-N-ethyl-N′-(1-methylethyl)-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine], tridiphane [2-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)-2-(2,2,2-trichloroethyl) oxirane] and atrazine, and tridiphane and cyanazine {2-[[4-chloro-6-(ethylamino)-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl] amino]-2-methylpropanenitrile} resulted in 90% or better control of giant foxtail (Setaria faberi Herrm. # SETFA) less than 2.5 cm in height. Delaying the application of tridiphane plus atrazine or atrazine alone reduced the control of giant foxtail in 1984, control of giant foxtail over 2.5 cm in height was significantly greater with a mixture of tridiphane and atrazine (0.4 and 1.7 kg ai/ha) than with atrazine alone (2.2 kg/ha) or tridiphane plus cyanazine (0.6 and 1.8 kg/ha). Two successive applications of tridiphane and atrazine combinations controlled giant foxtail 8 to 16 cm tall (four to five leaves). Cultivation following applications of tridiphane plus atrazine improved giant foxtail control but was less effective than a second application of atrazine or tridiphane plus atrazine. Giant foxtail control in greenhouse experiments was similar to control obtained in the field. Tridiphane plus atrazine controlled 70% of giant foxtail in the four- to five-leaf stage, while atrazine applied alone resulted in only 23% control, indicating a synergistic effect.

Field experiments were conducted in Princeton, KY, in 1982, 1983, and 1984 to evaluate johnsongrass [Sorghum halepense (L.) Pers. # SORHA] control programs in no-tillage, doublecropped soybeans [Glycine max (L.) Merr. ‘Essex′]. Sequential applications of sethoxydim {2-[1-(ethoxyimino)butyl]-5-[2-(ethylthio)propyl]-3-hydroxy-2-cyclohexen-1-one} or fluazifop {(±)-2-[4-[[5-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pyridinyl] oxy] phenoxy] propanoic acid} at 0.2 kg ai/ha provided 36 to 94% johnsongrass control. The lower control values from these treatments were obtained in the droughty 1983 growing season while the higher and acceptable control ratings were obtained in 1982 and 1984 when rainfall was more plentiful. Preplant applications that contained glyphosate [N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine] provided johnsongrass control greater than those containing paraquat (1,1′-dimethyl-4,4′-bypyridinium ion). Soybean yields and soil moisture were greater with preplant applications of glyphosate than with preplant applications of paraquat or foliar applications of sethoxydim, fluazifop, or glyphosate. Greatest yields were obtained with a combination of a preplant application of glyphosate and a postemergence application of sethoxydim.

A rainfall simulator was used to evaluate the effects of washoff on 10 foliar-applied herbicides on johnsongrass [Sorghum halepense (L.) Pers. # SORHA] in greenhouse experiments during 1983 and 1984 at Stoneville, MS. Time intervals between herbicide application and rainfall ranged from 20 to 240 min. Johnsongrass topgrowth control was equivalent to rain-free treatments using DPX-Y6202 {ethyl [2-[4-(6-chloro-2-quinozalinyl)oxy] phenoxy] propionate} at 0.03 and 0.06 kg/ha at time periods of 90 and 40 min between herbicide application and rainfall, respectively, at 28 days after treatment (DAT). A period of 120 min was required for johnsongrass control equivalent to rain-free treatments using sethoxydim {2-[1-(ethoxyimino)butyl]-5-[2-(ethylthio)propyl]-3-hydroxy-2-cyclohexen-1-one} at 0.06 kg/ha, haloxyfop {2-[4-[[3-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pyridinyl]oxy] phenoxy] propanoic acid} at 0.03 and 0.06 kg/ha, and cloproxydim {(E,E-2-[1-[[(3-chloro-2-propenyl)oxy] imino] butyl]-5-[2-ethylthio)propyl]-3-hydroxy-2-cyclohexen-1-one} at 28 DAT. Neither glyphosate [N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine] and SC-0224 (trimethylsulfoniumcarboxy methylaminomethylphosphonate) at 0.45 and 0.99 kg/ha nor other selective herbicides at 0.03 and 0.06 kg/ha gave equivalent johnsongrass topgrowth control to rain-free treatments when rainfall occurred within 240 and 120 min, respectively.