Response of wheat and oat seedlings to root-applied diclofop-methyl and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid

Roots of wheat and oat seedlings were treated with diclofop-methyl (methyl 2-[4-(2′,4′-dichlorophenoxy)phenoxy]propanoate) in a specially designed Plexiglas treatment apparatus. Diclofopmethyl severely inhibited the root growth of susceptible oat seedlings but roots of resistant wheat seedlings were unaffected. Diclofop-methyl at 0.3 μM reduced the growth of oat roots to 50% of the control. Direct contact between diclofop-methyl and the inhibited root zone was necessary for growth inhibition since other parts of the seedling (roots and shoots) isolated from contact with diclofop-methyl solution by a physical barrier were unaffected. Diclofop (2-[4-(2′,4′-dichlorophenoxy)phenoxy]propionic acid), the free acid metabolite of diclofop-methyl, was somewhat more phytotoxic than the parent compound. The herbicide, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), which engenders auxin responses, slightly enhanced the inhibition of oat root growth by diclofop-methyl. The primary wheat metabolite, ring-hydroxylated diclofop, was nonphytotoxic to oat root growth, whereas the acetylated derivative of the primary water-soluble oat metabolite (neutral glucose ester of diclofop) inhibited oat root growth to the same extent as diclofop-methyl. These results support the hypothesis that the basis for selectivity between resistant wheat and susceptible oat is the metabolism of diclofop-methyl by aryl hydroxylation and conjugation but not glucose ester conjugation. Translocation is also not an important factor in the phytotoxic activity of diclofop-methyl.     

Diclofop-methyl tolerance in cultivated oats (Avena sativa L.)

The feasibility of achieving selective wild oat (Avena fatua L.) control in a stand of the Australian oat (Avena sativa L.) cv. Savena I was examined. Diclofop-methyl was applied at rates of 0·4–0·7 kg a.i. ha^?1 at the three- and five-leaf stages of A. fatua (84–132 culms m²). Although all rates of diclofop-methyl caused initial chlorosis and necrosis to the crop, the subsequent control of A. fatua permitted increased crop tillering. Avena fatua control and crop yield response were maximized when diclofop-methyl was applied at the three-leaf stage. Crop grain yield was increased by as much as 32% and 22% during 1984 and 1985, respectively. In the absence of A. fatua competition, crop shoot dry weight at ear emergence was reduced only where diclofop-methyl was applied at 0·6 or 0·7 kg ha^?1. However, final grain yield was not reduced by any treatment. Only 11 of 240 cultivars or lines tolerated diclofop-methyl, and none reached the level attained by Savena I and a closely related Australian line [(Irwin × (West × New Zealand Cape/42)) × West]/24. The nature of the inheritance of diclofop-methyl tolerance was examined (1983–1985) by crossing and backcrossing (BC) Savena I with four diclofop-methyl susceptible, but agronomically superior, lines. Inheritance of diclofop-methyl tolerance appeared to be controlled by two genes, with susceptibility being dominant to tolerance in F₃, BCIF₂ and BCIF₃ lines.     

Abscisic acid as a protectant of Avena fatua L. against diclofop-methyl activity

The imposition of water stress before or al the time of spraying diclofop-methyl reduced efficacy against wild oat (Avena fatua L.). Similar reductions in herbicide performance were obtained by application of 20 μg of the methyl ester of abscisic acid (ABA) to plants with three to four leaves before spraying with I kg ha^?1 diclofop-methyl. Application of 40–100 μg ABA per plant effectively protected plants against damage from diclofop-methyl applied at 1 5–2 0 kg ha ^?1. The application of 20 μg ABA induced rapid stomatal closure and a reduction in leaf extension rate, which were sustained for 7–8 days after treatment. These changes were associated with an overall reduction in shoot growth. ABA-treated plants that were additionally sprayed with diclofop-methyl sustained ABA symptoms, but no additional weight loss or leaf chlorosis. The mechanism of the protective action of ABA on diclofop-methyl has not been determined.     

Distribution of diclofop-methyl and metabolites in oat (Avena sativa L.) protoplasts

The metabolism of the herbicide diclofop-methyl and the distribution of it and its metabolites have been investigated in a system utilizing isolated oat protoplasts (Avena sativa L. ‘Cascade’). Accumulations of ¹⁴C-diclofop-methyl were found in membrane fractions of the protoplasts. Diclofop-methyl partitioned into the lipid phase of the protoplast plasma membrane. Comparatively small amounts of diclofop were found associated with the protoplasts. Diclofop-methyl was converted to diclofop in the treatment solution by hydrolytic enzymes associated with the external surface of the protoplast. Approximately 78% of the radiolabel recovered from the treatment solution was diclofop. The two major accumulations of radiolabel were found in the water insoluble portion (membrane fraction) of the protoplast as diclofop-methyl and in the treatment solution as diclofop. Repartition du diclofop-methyl et de ses métabolites dans les protoplastes d'avoine (Avena sativa L.) Le métabolisme de l'herbicide diclofop-methyl (DM) et la répartition du DM et de ses métabolites ont étéétudiés dans un système faisant appel à des protoplastes d'avoine isolés (Avena sativa L.) ‘Cascade’. Des accumulations de ¹⁴C-diclofop-methyl ont été trouvées dans la fraction membranaire des protoplastes. Le diclofop-methyl est passé dans la phase pidique de la membrane plasmique du protoplaste. En comparaison, de petites quantités de diclofop ont été trouvées en association avec les protoplastes. Le diclofop-methyl a été converti en diclofop par des hydrolases associées à la surface externe des protoplastes. Approximativement 78% des traces radioactives retrouvées dans la solution de traitement étaient du diclofop. Les deux principales accumulations de radioactivitéétaient trouvées dans la fraction insoluble dans l'eau des protoplastes (fraction membranaire) sous forme de diclofop-méthyl et, dans la solution de traitement, sous forme de diclofop. Verteilung von Diclofop-methyl und Metaboliten in Hafer- (Avena sativa L.)-Protoplasten Der Abbau von ¹⁴C-markiertem Diclofop-methyl und die Verteilung des Wirkstoffs sowie eines Metaboliten wurden in isolierten Protoplasten von Hafer (Avena sativa L. ‘Cascade’) untersucht. Der Wirkstoff war in den Protoplastenmembranen angereichert, wobei eine Anlagerung an die Lipidphase der Plasmamembran festgestellt wurde. Von Diclofop waren vergleichsweise geringe Mengen an die Protoplasten gebunden. Diclofop-methyl wurde in der Versuchslösung durch hydrolytische Enzyme, die an der Protoplastenaussenfläche lagen, zu Diclofop umgewandelt. Radioaktiv markierte Stoffe wurden hauptsächlich als Diclofop-methyl am Protoplasten-membransystem und als Diclofop (mit 78% der eingebrachten ¹⁴C-Aktivität) in der Lösung gefunden.     

Compatible and antagonistic mixtures of diclofop-methyl and flamprop-methyl with herbicides used to control broad-leaved weeds

In glasshouse experiments, the addition of four ‘pyridine herbicides’ (substituted picolinic and pyridyloxyacetic acids) to either diclofop-methyl or flamprop-methyl had little effect on wild oat (Avena fatua) control. This contrasts with the serious antagonisms which occur with 2, 4-D and 2, 3, 6-TBA. With wild and cultivated oat, l'-methylheptyl (4-amino-3, 5-dichloro-6-fluoro-2-pyridyl)oxyacetate (Dowco 433) was completely compatible with diclofop-methyl and flamprop-methyl, and there was evidence that its presence improved the control of wild oats. Picloram, 3, 6-dichloropicolinic acid and triclopyr had only slight effects on phytotoxicity. The control of cleavers (Galium aparine) by picloram, triclopyr and Dowco 433 was not significantly reduced by addition of flamprop-methyl. Preliminary metabolism studies suggest that picloram does not greatly increase the rate of diclofop detoxification as do 2, 4-D and 2, 3, 6-TBA, and the observed compatibility could well be a direct consequence of this. The absence in these greenhouse experiments of serious antagonism between the pyridine herbicides and diclofop-methyl or flamprop-methyl suggests that ‘tank mixes’ of these herbicides could be used for the control of both broad-leaved weeds and wild oats.     

Wild oat (Avena sterilis L.) competition with winter barley: plant density effects

The competitive interactions between Avena sterilis ssp. ludoviciana (Dur.) Nyman and winter barley have been studied, taking into consideration the densities of both species. As the density of A. sterilis increased, barley yield decreased exponentially. A 10% reduction in yield was found with wild oat densities ranging from 20–80 panicles m^–2, and yield losses reached 50%, with densities of >300 panicles m^–2, Barley grain yield was reduced by wild oats through a reduction in the number of fertile tillers. Climatic conditions during the growing seasons affected the response of barley to wild oat competition. In general, barley yields were relatively unaffected by seeding rates, with similar responses observed in the presence and in the absence of wild oat infestations. However, the highest yield losses were obtained with the lowest seeding rate (100 kg ha^–1). Furthermore, low barley densities allowed the wild oat plants to produce more seeds, increasing the potential infestation during the following season.     

Comparison of physiological effects of fluazifop-butyl and sethoxydim on oat (Avena sativa L.)

Laboratory experiments were conducted to compare the physiological effects of two herbicides: fluazifop-butyl {butyl ( RS )-2-[4-(5-trifluoromethyl-2-pyridyloxy)phenoxy]-propionate} and sethoxydim {(±)-2-[1-(ethoxyimino)butyl]-5-[2-(ethylthio)propyl]-3-hydroxy-2-cyclohexen-1-one} on oat ( Avena sativa L. cv. Zenshin). The herbicides strongly inhibited growth of oat and induced chlorosis at the basal part of shoots and ethylene production from the seedlings. The phytotoxicity of these herbicides in oat seedlings was alleviated by 2,4-D (2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid), but not by IAA (indole-3-acetic acid). Coleoptile elongation induced by 2,4-D or IAA was inhibited by fluazifop-butyl and sethoxydim, suggesting both herbicides possess the activity to inhibit this auxin action. Fluazifop (free acid) and sethoxydim inhibited proton excretion from oat roots but fluazifop-butyl did not. This proton excretion was not restored by 2,4-D or IAA. Furthermore, cellular electrolyte leakage in oat shoots was increased by both herbicides, indicating that the membrane permeability was increased. We conclude that fluazifop-butyl and sethoxydim may have the same mechanism of action which leads to disruption of membrane integrity, although fluazifop-butyl acts as a free acid after hydrolysis (fluazifop).     

Analysis of soils for diclofop-methyl and diclofop

A method is described for the analysis of soils for residues of the herbicide diclofop-methyl, methyl (RS)-2-[4-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)phenoxy]propionate, and its breakdown product diclofop, (RS)-2-[4-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)phenoxy]propionic acid. Diclofop-methyl undergoes hydrolysis in the soil to diclofop, which also has herbicidal activity. A procedure, using a 1% phosphoric acid solution for extraction purposes, has been developed and gives good recoveries of both diclofop-methyl and diclofop at the 0.5 and 0.05 mg kg^?1 levels. After methylation, gas-liquid chromatography with electron-capture detection is used to determine total residue concentrations.     

Resistance levels and chemical control options of sterile oat (Avena sterilis L.) in Northern Greece

Abstract

Whole-plant response experiments in pots and field experiments over two years were conducted to study the resistance levels and chemical control options of sterile oat (Avena sterilis L.) in typical wheat production areas of northern Greece. Data revealed high levels of resistance to the ACCase-inhibiting herbicides clodinafop-propargyl and fenoxaprop-p-ethyl in all sterile oat populations, noticeable levels of resistance of some populations to tralkoxydim and pinoxaden, and high susceptibility of four out of the five populations to the prepackage mixture [mesosulfuron?+?iodosulfuron]. The addition of chlorpyrifos did not improve the efficacy of all herbicides against the resistant populations, implying target-site resistance in the populations tested rather than resistance due to P450-mediated enhanced herbicide metabolism. These results indicated that all populations were at least four times more resistant to clodinafop-propargyl, fenoxaprop-p-ethyl and diclofop-methyl than the susceptible populations, but noticeable levels of resistance of some sterile oat populations to tralkoxydim, pinoxaden and the prepackage mixture [mesosulfuron?+?iodosulfuron] were also recorded. However, viable options for chemical control of this weed still exist.     

Antagonistic effects of 2, 4-D), MCPA and MCPB on uptake and translocation of haloxyfop-ethoxyethyl in oat (Avena sativa L.)

The antagonism of haloxyfop-ethoxyethyl (HE) by selected phenoxy herbicides was evaluated through studies of the foliar absorption and translocation of ¹⁴C]HE in oat (Avena sativa L.). Uptake of [¹⁴C]HE, from simultaneous application in mixture with a phenoxy herbicide, was inhibited by the latter in the order MCPB MCPA2,4-D. In mixtures, the foliar absorption of [¹⁴C]HE was reduced more by salts of the phenoxy herbicides than by the corresponding butyl esters. 2,4-D-butyl enhanced uptake of [¹⁴C]HE. The application rate of phenoxy herbicides (from 0.5 to 1.5 kg a.e. ha^?1) did not affect the uptake of [¹⁴]HE, but did influence translocation. Movement of [¹⁴C]herbicide out of the treated leaf was less than 5% of the total ¹⁴C applied; translocation was significantly reduced by all phenoxy herbicides and was antagonized most by 2,4-D-salt and least by MCPB-butyl. Phenoxy salts invariably reduced [¹⁴C]HE translocation more than the corresponding butyl esters. Prior application of phenoxy salts reduced uptake of [¹⁴C]HE, but this antagonism was reduced as the time interval between spray applications increased. Translocation of ¹⁴C out of the treated leaf was antagonized most by prior application of 2,4-D, and by phenoxy salt formulations. When applied up to 2 days after HE, phenoxy salts reduced uptake, but translocation of ¹⁴C was generally unaffected. Les effets antagonistes du 2,4-D, du MCPA et du MCPB sur la pénétration et la migration de l'haloxyfop-éthoxyéthyl dans l'avoine (Avena sativa L.) L'effet antagoniste de plusieurs herbicides de type phénoxy à l'égard de l'haloxyfopéthoxyéthyl (HE) a étéétudié dans des études de pénétration foliaire et de migration du [¹⁴C]HE chez l'avoine (Avena sativa L.) Lorsqu'il est appliqué en mélange avec un herbicide phénoxy, la pénétration du [¹⁴C]HE est inhibée dans l'ordre suivant: MCPB MCPA 2,4-D. La pénétration foliaire du [¹⁴C]HE était davantage réduite par les sels d'herbicides phénoxys que par les esters butyles correspondants. Le 2,4-D butyle augmentait la pénétration du [¹⁴C]HE. La dose d'herbicides phénoxys (de 0,5 à 1,5 kg m.a. ha^?1) n'affectait pas la pénétration de [¹⁴C]HE mais modifiait sa migration. La migration d'herbicide ¹⁴C hors de la feuille traitée était inférieure à 5 % de la radioactivité appliquée. Elle était significativement réduite par tous les herbicides phénoxys, le plus par le sel de 2,4-D et le moins par le MCPB-butyle. Les phénoxys sous forme de sels diminuaient toujours la migration du [¹⁴C]HE davantage que les esters butyles correspondants. Si l'application de phénoxys sous forme de sel précédait celle de [¹⁴C]HE, sa pénétration était réduite mais cet antagonisme était réduit lorsque l'intervalle de temps entre les deux applications était augmenté. La migration de ¹⁴C hors de la feuille traitée était le plus diminuée par le 2,4-D et par les phénoxys sous forme de sels. Quand ils étaient appliqués jusqu'à deux jours après [¹⁴C]HE, les phénoxys sous forme de sel réduisaient sa pénétration, mais la migration de ¹⁴C n'était généralement pas affectée. Antagonistische Wirkung von 2,4-D, MCPA und MCPB auf die Aufnahme und Translokation von Haloxyfop-ethoxyethyl in Hafer (Avena sativa L.) Die antagonistische Beeinflussung von Haloxyfop-ethoxyethyl (HE) durch ausgewählte Phenoxy-Herbizide wurde anhand der Blattaufnahme und Translokation von [¹⁴C]HE in Hafer (Avena sativa L.) untersucht. Die Aufnahme von [¹⁴C]HE bei gleichzeitiger Anwendung in Mischung mit einem Phenoxy-Herbizid wurde durch die letztgenannten Stoffe in der Reihenfolge MCPB MCPA 2,4-D gehemmt, wobei die Salz-Verbindungen stärker wirkten als die entsprechenden Butylester. 2,4-D-butyl förderte die Aufnahme von [¹⁴C]HE. Die Aufwandmenge der Phenoxy-Herbizide (0,5 bis 1,5 kg AS ha^?1) blieb ohne Einflus auf die Aufnahme von [¹⁴C]HE, beeinflußte aber die Translokation. Aus den behandelten Blättern wurde weniger als 5 % der gesamten [¹⁴C]Menge transloziert; die Translokation wurde durch alle PhenoxyHerbizide signifikant reduziert, am meisten durch 2,4-D-Salz, am wenigsten durch MCPB-butyl. Die Salz-Verbindungen verminderten die [¹⁴C]HE-Translokation mehr als die entsprechenden Butylester. Eine vorausgehende Behandlung mit den Salz-Verbindungen senkte die Aufnahme von [¹⁴C]HE, aber mit zunehmender Zeit zwischen den Anwendungen nahm dieser Antagonis mus ab. Hierbei war der Einfluß von 2,4-D und von den Salz-Verbindungen am stärksten. Wurden diese Stoffe bis zu 2 Tagen nach HE ausgebracht, beeinträchtigten sie die Aufnahme, jedoch im allgemeinen nicht die Translokation von ¹⁴C.     

Effect of different levels of mannitol-induced water stress on the tolerance of cultivated oat (Avena sativa L.) to didofop-methyl

The effect of degree of water stress in Avena sativa on diclofop-methyl efficacy was assessed. Within 24 h of applying stress by adding mannitol to the root medium (0 to 12.5%), the rate of leaf extension of the youngest leaves (leaves 3 and 4) decreased with increasing mannitol concentration. Without water stress, application of diclofop-methyl had little effect on extension rate of leaves 3 and 4 during the first 4 days after spraying. Subsequently, it caused a significant decrease in the extension rate of leaf 4 with more pronounced effects on later leaves. Diclofop-methyl had little effect on leaf extension rate of plants given mannitol. Shoot dry weight at harvest for unsprayed plants decreased with increased mannitol concentration and for sprayed plants it was greater without mannitol than with mannitol (all levels). However, at mannitol concentrations greater than 4%, shoot dry weight for sprayed and unsprayed plants was not significantly different. Sprayed plants exposed to 2–8.5% mannitol produced seed heads but those at zero mannitol did not. When the root medium of all treatments was flushed of mannitol one week after spraying, then main-tained without mannitol, shoot dry weight at harvest for unsprayed plants decreased slightly with increased mannitol concentration applied initially. However, shoot dry weight for sprayed plants increased with increased mannitol concentration. Without mannitol two weeks after spraying, chlorophyll concentrations of leaves 3 and 4 were greater and water saturation deficit (WSD) values were lower for unsprayed plants than sprayed plants but there were no differences at 6.2% mannitol. It is proposed that tolerance to diclofop-methyl by A. sativa as a result of water stress, is primarily due to a decreased rate of leaf expansion resulting in lower demand for membrane synthesis and less strain on membranes damaged by the herbicide.     

The response of resistant and susceptible plants to diclofop-methyl

Wild oat (Avena fatua L.) plants sprayed at the 2-or 3-leaf stages of growth with diclotop-methyl developed chlorosis over the entire leaf blade of all leaves. The leaves became necfrotic ⁷days after spraying Shool growth was inhibited. In wheat (Triticum aesicum L cv.Waldron) discrete chlorotic areas developed only where the herbicide convicted the 2nd or 3rd leaf with no visible injury so new growth uf'ter treutment. Growth inhibition of susceptible oat (Avena sativa L. cv. Garry) was sensitive to placement of diclutop-methyl near the upica and meristematic sites of the plant. Chlorosis and necrosis were independent of herbicide placement. Selective herbicide placement induced chlorosis only or both chlorosis and growth inhibition Root growth in wild oat and barley (Hordeum rulgare L. cv. Dickson) was strongly inhibited by 1–0 μM diclofop-methyl. Wild oat shoots were killed when seedlings were root-treated with 10 μM diclofop-melhyl. The 100 μM rool treatment killed barley shoots but only stunted the growth of wheat shoots by approximately 50%. In root-ireated wheat plants the shoots were turgid and developed a light purple colour, whereas in foliar-treated plants the shoots developed discrete chlorotic areas.     

Optimizing the performance of diclofop-methyl, cycloxydim, and clodinafop-propargyl on littleseed canarygrass (Phalaris minor) and wild oat (Avena ludoviciana) control with adjuvants

Optimizing the herbicide dose by the addition of adjuvants is an acceptable way to reduce the risk of side-effects from herbicides. Therefore, to detect a suitable adjuvant for diclofop-methyl, cycloxydim, and clodinafop-propargyl against littleseed canarygrass ( Phalaris minor ) and wild oat ( Avena ludoviciana ), six dose–response experiments were conducted. The treatments consisted of diclofop-methyl at 0, 112, 225, 450, 675, and 900 g ai ha⁻¹, cycloxydim at 0, 15, 30, 60, 90, and 120 g ai ha⁻¹, and clodinafop-propargyl at 0, 8, 16, 32, 48, and 64 g ai ha⁻¹ with and without the adjuvants of Frigate, olive oil, and castor oil at 0.2% (v/v) in order to control both littleseed canarygrass and wild oat. Tested herbicides performance was enhanced by all adjuvants against littleseed canarygrass and wild oat. The addition of Frigate and the vegetable oils had the lowest and the highest effect on the performance of all of the herbicides on both littleseed canarygrass and wild oat, respectively, which confirms the solubilizing nature of the cuticular waxes by vegetable oils. A comparison between the two vegetable oils revealed that olive oil exerted a greater control of littleseed canarygrass than did the castor oil. In contrast, castor oil exerted a greater control of wild oat than did the olive oil, which can be related to differences in the leaf surface micromorphology of the weeds.     

Partial purification and properties of S-cysteinyl-hydroxychlorpropham transferase from oat (Avena sativa L.)

S-Cysteinyl and glutathione conjugates of isopropyl-3′-chloro-4′-hydroxycarbanilate (4-hydroxychlorpropham) were synthesized directly in the presence of soluble enzyme systems isolated from etiolated shoots of oat seedlings. The enzyme systems responsible for these reactions were partially purified and charaterized. Enzyme A appeared to be a multicomponent system, equally reactive with either cysteine or glutathione. Enzyme B was twice as active as enzyme A in the formation of S-cysteinyl-hydroxychlorpropham. Affinity chromatography of enzyme A produced an enzyme fraction with properties similar to those of enzyme B. Both enzymes (A and B) were significantly inhibited by increased cysteine concentrations. The reaction of glutathione with enzyme B was limited. However, when low concentrations of a nonreacting effector, cysteine ethyl ether, were added, glutathione conjugation increased significantly. At higher concentrations, cysteine ethyl ester formed a conjugate with 4-hydroxychlorpropham. Isopropyl-5′-chloro-2′-hydroxycarbanilate (2-hydroxy-5-chlorpropham) did not conjugate with either cysteine or glutathione but did react with cysteine ethyl ester. Isopropyl-3′-chlorocarbanilate (chlorpropham) was not a substrate for thioether conjugation. These data suggest that para- and/or ortho-hydroxylated carbanilates and cysteine-related substrates may form thioether conjugates when incubated under appropriate conditions with these complex enzyme systems.     

Use of adjuvants to improve control of black-grass (Alopecurus myosuroides Huds.) by diclofop-methyl

In pot and field experiments the addition of Ethylan D256 surfactant to spray solutions improved control of black-grass (Alopecurus myosuroides Huds.) by diclofop-methyl. Various other surfactants and oil adjuvants enhanced phytotoxicity but, generally, to a lesser extent. Ethylan D256 had most effect with applications made at early growth stages. Control of older plants was generally poor, whether or not the surfactant was added. Addition of Ethylan D256 had little effect on selectivity between A. myosuroides and cereals from lower than recommended doses of diclofop-methyl, but there was a suggestion of yield reduction from higher doses. Tank mixing with esters of ioxynil and bromoxynil sometimes improved control by diclofop-methyl but in other circumstances either had no effect or reduced phytotoxicity. Applications of diclofop-methyl in 60 or 120 1 ha^?1 spray volume were as effective as applications in 240 1 ha^?1.     

Control of Avena fatua and Fagopyrum tataricum with tank mixtures of linuron or linuron + MCPA and sequential applications of linuron, and post-emergence A. fatua herbicides

Linuron (0.21 and 0.28 kg/ha) and linuron + MCPA (0.21+0.56 kg/ha) in a tank mixture with field rates of barban, difenzoquat and flamprop-methyl reduced the phytotoxicity of these herbicides to Avena fatua. When linuron was applied immediately following or 6 days after the A. fatua herbicides no reduction in phytotoxicity to A. fatua occurred, suggesting that the antagonism may be occurring as a result of physical or chemical incompatability when the herbicides are mixed together. The possibility of obtaining broad-spectrum weed control with one trip over the field by applying linuron and one of these wild oat herbicides separately but at the same time using a double-boom, double-tank system deserves evaluation. When linuron was applied in a tank mixture (0.21 and 0.28 kg/ha), immediately after, or 6 days after diclofop-methyl (0.70 kg/ha), there was no reduction of A. fatua control, and wheat tolerance to the tank mixture was good. This tank mixture offers potential for control under field conditions of A. fatua and some broad-leaved weeds in one spray operation. Linuron + MCPA (0.21+0.56 kg/ha) in a tank mixture severely reduced A. fatua control with diclofop-methyl. No loss of phytotoxicity to Fagopyrum tataricum occurred when the A. fatua herbicides tested were tank mixed with linuron or linuron + MCPA. Lutte contre Avena fatua et Fagopyrum tataricum avec des mélanges extemporanés de linuron ou de linuron + MCPA et des applications successives de linuron et d'herbicides de postlevée actifs contre A. fatua     

Antagonistic effects of 2,4-D amine and bentazone on control of Avena fatua with tralkoxydim

Control of Avena fatua with tralkoxydim was significantly reduced in glasshouse experiments when the herbicide was tank-mixed with either 2,4-D amine or bentazone. Antagonism increased with increasing rates of these broadleaf herbicides in the tank-mixture and it could, in turn, be decreased by increasing rates of tralkoxydim. When herbicide solutions were applied to single leaves with a micropipette applicator, bentazone was antagonistic only when mixed in the same droplet with tralkoxydim and not when the two herbicides were applied adjacently in separate droplets. In contrast, both separate and combined applications of 2,4-D amine and tralkoxydim were antagonistic. There was no antagonism when mixtures with either 2,4-D amine or bentazone were applied between the leaf sheath and culm. Antagonism could be circumvented by sequential applications of the herbicides. When tral-oxydim was applied first, there was no loss of A. fatua control if bentazone application was delayed 0.5 h or if 2,4-D amine was delayed 24 h. Results suggest that bentazone affects only cuticular penetration of tralkoxydim, whereas 2,4-D amine also influences subsequent translocation.     

In vitro sensitivity of wheat and oat mitochondria to the selective herbicide,diclofop-methyl

Compared to diclofop-methyl (methyl 2-[4-(2′,4′-dichlorophenoxy)phenoxy]propanoate), diclofop (the demethylated derivative) was a more potent inhibitor of polarographically monitored state 3 respiration of mitochondrial preparations isolated from shoots of dark-grown wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Neepawa) and oat (Avena sativa L. cv. Terra) seedlings. Wheat and oat mitochondria demonstrated essentially similar concentration-response patterns for the uncoupler-like stimulation of state 4 respiration and the inhibition of state 3 respiration by diclofop, thereby intimating that differential mitochondrial sensitivity was not a selectivity factor between these species. Diclofop suppression of unconstrained oxygen utilization elicited by the respiratory uncoupler FCCP indicated that inhibition of state 3 respiration involved interference with some site(s) on the mitochondrial electron transport chain and not with energy transfer directly. Cytochrome c oxidase activity was not affected by diclofop, but succinate- and malate-PMS oxidoreductase activities were inhibited by diclofop. Enhanced rates of passive mitochondrial swelling in isotonic KCl medium in the presence of diclofop pointed to a direct influence on the permeability properties of the inner mitochondrial membrane and indicated that membrane disruption could have been a factor in the effects elicited by diclofop on mitochondrial respiration. However, it does not appear that specific interference with mitochondrial functionality is the primary mechanism of phytotoxicity in susceptible plants.     

Competition between vegetative plants of wild oat (Avena fatua L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Competition between wild oat (Avena fatua L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) was studied in two experiments; a replacement series model and a technique for separation of root and shoot systems. Wild oat and wheat in association resulted in a relative yield total very close to unity showing that the two species were‘crowding for the same space’(or competing for the same resources) and were‘mutually exclusive'. Wild oat was more competitive than wheat, as shown by its aggressivity relative to wheat, relative yields, shoot dry weights and other plant attributes. The greater competitive ability of wild oat was predominantly due to its greater root competitive ability, while the two species had similar shoot competitive ability. Root competition had a much greater effect on the relative performance of the two species than did shoot competition. The effects of root and shoot competition were additive.     

A comparison of the dynamics of root growth and biomass partitioning in wild oat (Avena fatua L.) and spring wheat

The dynamics of early root growth and dry matter partitioning were compared in spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and wild oat (Avena fatua L.) grown in solution culture. Total root length was greater in wheat than wild oat throughout the experiment; a result of a greater number of seminal axes and greater production of lateral root length per axis. The final number of adventitious roots was greater in wheat than in wild oat, but their length was similar. Relative growth rates were also similar as was shoot:root dry weight ratio and rate of root respiration. However, wheat used the dry matter partitioned to its roots more efficiently, producing a greater specific root length (SRL, length per unit weight). Caution must be exercised when relating these results to plants growing and compet-ing in the field, but three general points are raised. First, the initial number of seminal axes can have a profound effect on the rate of early root development; second, the adventitious root system of wild oat is not inherently more vigorous than that of wheat; and third, future studies should compare SRL of wheat and wild oat in the field. If differences similar to those in the present study are found they may contribute to the greater competitive ability of wheat.