Response of wild barley (Hordeum spontaneum) and winter wheat (Triticum aestivum) to sulfosulfuron: The role of degradation

Wild barley (Hordeum spontaneum) is one of the most troublesome weed species in winter wheat (Triticum aestivum) in Iran. Two bioassay experiments were conducted in order to study the response of wild barley and wheat to different herbicides and to study the efficacy of pre‐emergence (PRE), postemergence (POST), and PRE followed by POST applications of sulfosulfuron on wild barely. Moreover, the degradation of sulfosulfuron was studied by liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS). The results showed that wild barley was highly tolerant to clodinafop‐propargyl and its dry weight was reduced by only 15%, compared to the control, at the recommended dose (64 g ai ha^?1). Sulfosulfuron reduced the wild barley biomass by ≤50% at the highest dose (90 g ai ha^?1) in the first bioassay but by not more than 20% and 12% at the recommended dose (22 g ai ha^?1) in the first and second bioassay, respectively. Significant differences were found among the application methods of sulfosulfuron, with the POST application being the least effective method. In contrast to the POST application, wild barley was severely injured by the PRE application of sulfosulfuron, with an ED₅₀ dose of 7.3 g ai ha^?1. The degradation study showed that wild barley can metabolize sulfosulfuron that is applied POST, but at a lower rate than wheat. By 4 h after application, wild barley had metabolized 26% of the sulfosulfuron, compared to 46% by wheat. In conclusion, wild barley can metabolize the recommended dose of sulfosulfuron that is applied POST; thus, the PRE application of sulfosulfuron or other integrated methods should be considered for the effective control of wild barley in wheat.     

Promising herbicides for weed control in chickpea

Abstract

Chickpea suffers severe competition due to Chenopodium album L. infestation. Two to three hoeings are generally given to check C. album but increasing labour costs and scarcity of farm labour make the manual weeding difficult. Usage of herbicides appears to be a logical solution. Pre‐emergence applications of pendimethalin or ametryn alone at 1.5 kg ai ha^?1 or one handweeding at 35–40 days after seeding following either 1 kg ai ha^?1 of pendimethalin, ametryn or fluchloralin or metribuzin at 0.3 kg ai ha^?1 applied pre‐emergence gave effective control of C. album and seed yields similar to clean‐weeded chickpeas. There was an 84% reduction in seed yield of chickpea without weeding.     

Chemical weed control in transplanted onion (Allium cepa L.) in the Sudan Gezira

Unrestricted weed growth reduced the yield of transplanted onions (Allium cepa L.) by 26–48%. Hand-weeding once, 42 days after transplanting reduced the yield loss to 15%. Application of oxadiazon (1.1–1.3 kg ai ha^?1), pendimethalin (1.2–1.8 kg ai ha^?1), oxyfluorfen (0.14–0.43 kg ai ha^?1) and chlorthal-dimethyl (8.3–13.1 kg ai ha^?1) resulted in yields comparable to the hand-weeded control (82–126%). When sprayed at transplanting these herbicides gave excellent and persistent control of grasses (86–100%). However, they were less effective on broad-leaved weeds (38–94% control). Désherbage chimique de l'oignon repiqué (Allium cepa L.) dans la Gezireh soudanaise La croissance incontrôlée des mauvaises herbes réduit le rendement des oignons repiqués de 26–48%. Un désherbage manuel, 42 jours après le repiquage, ramène la baisse de rendement à 15%. L'application d'oxadiazon (1,1–1,3 kg ma ha^?1), de pendiméthalin (1,2–1,8 ka ma ha¹), d'oxyfluorfen (0,14–0,43 ka ma ha^?1) et de chlortal-diméthyle (8,3–13,1 kg ma ha^?1), a permis d'atteindre des rendements comparables aux témoins désherbés manuellement (82–126%). Lorsqu'ils ont été administrés au moment du repiquage, ces herbicides ont permis un contrôle efficace et persistant des monocotylédones (86–100%). Toutefois, ils se sont montrés moins efficaces à l'égard des dicotylédones (38–94% du témoin). Chemische Unkrautbekämpfung in verpflanzten Zwiebeln (Allium cepa L.) in der Region Gezira (Sudan) Ungehinderte Unkrautentwicklung in verpflanzten Zwiebeln (Allium cepa L.) verringerte die Ernte um 26–48%. Eine Handjätung, 42 Tage nach dem Auspflanzen, reduzierte den Ernteverlust auf 15%. Die Applikation von Oxadiazon (1,1–1,3 kg ai ha^?1), Pendimethalin (1,2–1,8 kg ai ha^?1), Oxyfluorfen (0,14–0,43 kg ai ha^?1) und Chlorthal- dimethyl (8,3–13,1 kg ai ha^?1) erbrachte Ernten, die mit denjenigen, der von Hand gejäteten Kontrollparzellen vergleichbar waren (82–126%). Diese Herbizide, zur Ausflanzzeit ausgebracht, ergaben eine ausgezeichnete und andauernde Kontrolle von Gräsern (86–100%), während die Wirkung gegen breitblättrige Unkräuter geringer ausfiel (38–94%).     

An integrated approach to control glyphosate‐resistant Ambrosia trifida with tillage and herbicides in glyphosate‐resistant maize

Glyphosate‐resistant Ambrosia trifida is a competitive and difficult‐to‐control annual broad‐leaved weed in several agronomic crops in the Midwestern United States and Ontario, Canada. The objectives of this study were to compare treatments for control of glyphosate‐resistant A. trifida with tillage followed by pre‐emergence (PRE) and/or post‐emergence (POST) herbicides in glyphosate‐resistant maize and to determine the impact of A. trifida escapes on maize yield. Field experiments were conducted in 2013 and 2014 in grower fields infested with glyphosate‐resistant A. trifida. Tillage prior to maize sowing resulted in 80–85% control compared with no tillage. Tillage followed by PRE application of saflufenacil plus dimethenamid‐P with or without atrazine resulted in 99% control compared with ≤86 and 96% control with PRE herbicides alone at 7 and 21 days after application respectively. Tillage or POST‐only herbicides resulted in 4–14 A. trifida plants m^?2, whereas a PRE and POST programme had <3 plants m^?2. Maize yield was greatest (13.1–14.2 tonnes ha^?1) with tillage followed by PRE and POST herbicide programme. The relationship between maize yield and late‐season density of A. trifida escapes showed a 50% maize yield reduction irrespective of control measures when A. trifida density was 8.4 plants m^?2. It was concluded that the combination of tillage with PRE and/or POST herbicides reduced A. trifida density and biomass accumulation early in the season and provided an integrated approach for effective management.     

Tolerance of adzuki bean to preplant-incorporated, pre-emergence, and post-emergence herbicides in Ontario, Canada

Weed management options for adzuki-bean growers in Ontario, Canada are limited due to few herbicide registrations. Four field trials were conducted at three locations in south-western Ontario in 2007 and 2008 to determine the tolerance of adzuki bean to several preplant-incorporated (PPI), pre-emergence (PRE), and post-emergence (POST) herbicides. All the herbicides were applied at the doses registered for use in soybean. The application of pendimethalin, cloransulam-methyl, and halosulfuron-methyl (PPI), flumetsulam, cloransulam-methyl, and halosulfuron-methyl (PRE), and acifluorfen and fomesafen (POST) caused ≤15% crop injury; however, the injury was transient and did not reduce the adzuki bean yield. The POST application of cloransulam-methyl and imazethapyr caused ≤23% crop injury and reduced the biomass by ≤50%, but did not reduce the plant height or crop yield. Metribuzin, flumetsulam, atrazine, and pyroxasulfone (PPI), metribuzin, linuron, pyroxasulfone, and atrazine (PRE), and bentazon, imazethapyr plus bentazon, halosulfuron-methyl, and thifensulfuron-methyl (POST) caused ≤61% crop injury. These treatments reduced the biomass, plant height, and crop yield. Based on these results, pendimethalin, cloransulam-methyl, and halosulfuron-methyl applied PPI, flumetsulam, cloransulam-methyl, and halosulfuron-methyl applied PRE, and acifluorfen and fomesafen applied POST might be potential weed management options for weed management in adzuki bean. Cloransulam-methyl and imazethapyr applied POST will need further evaluation due to phytotoxicity concerns. Metribuzin, flumetsulam, atrazine, and pyroxasulfone applied PPI, metribuzin, linuron, atrazine, and pyroxasulfone applied PRE, and bentazon, imazethapyr plus bentazon, halosulfuron-methyl, and thifensulfuron-methyl applied POST did not have an adequate margin of safety.     

Evaluation of herbicides against Phalaris minor in wheat in north-western Indian plains

Phalaris minor, the most serious weed in wheat in north‐western India, has developed extensive isoproturon resistance due to continuous isoproturon use. For its control, alternative herbicides (flufenacet, metribuzin and sulfosulfuron) at different application rates and timing were evaluated in wheat. In addition, herbicide carryover risk onto rotational crops (sorghum; maize and green gram, Vigina radiata) was also assessed. Isoproturon at 1 and 2 kg a.i. ha^?1 provided only 10.5% and 51.8%P. minor control respectively. Of the other herbicides, early post‐emergent [15–21 days after sowing (DAS)] flufenacet at 180–480 g a.i. ha^?1 provided acceptable control of P. minor, but failed to control broad‐leaved weeds and was phytotoxic to the wheat crop. Metribuzin at 210 g a.i. ha^?1 was effective in controlling both Phalaris and dicotyledonous weeds. Mixtures of both flufenacet and metribuzin at reduced rates were better than flufenacet for weed control and grain yield. The efficacy of flufenacet and metribuzin was drastically reduced with later growth stages of P. minor (four to five leaf). Whereas sulfosulfuron at 25–30 g a.i. ha^?1, applied either early post‐emergence (19 DAS) or post‐emergence (30–42 DAS), was quite effective. Overall, sulfosulfuron was the most effective treatment with regard to weed control and crop yield. However, maize and sorghum grown in rotation after harvest of sulfosulfuron‐treated wheat plots showed 65–73% crop biomass inhibition. The residual effect of sulfosulfuron was also noticed on Trianthema portulacastrum (Horse purslane), causing 73.5% dry matter reduction. By contrast, no carryover damage with flufenacet was observed on maize, sorghum and green gram. Glasshouse pot experiments and field trials investigating crop sensitivity to pre‐plant applications of sulfosulfuron found the decreasing order: sorghum > maize > green gram. The risk of carryover onto rotational crops should be considered when choosing alternative herbicides for P. minor control in wheat.     

Herbicidal activity on acetolactate synthase‐resistant barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crus‐galli) in Arkansas,USA

The intensive use of the acetolactate synthase (ALS)‐inhibiting herbicides, imazethapyr, penoxsulam and bispyribac‐sodium, in imidazolinone‐resistant (Clearfield) rice increases the risk of the evolution of ALS‐resistant barnyardgrass. In 2009, imazethapyr failed to control barnyardgrass that was collected from a field in Arkansas, USA, following the failure of the herbicide in 2008. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to confirm and document the level of resistance of the biotype against three ALS‐inhibiting herbicides that currently are labeled in rice. The level of control of the resistant biotype at the labeled rate of bispyribac‐sodium of 35 g ai ha^?1 was 10%, penoxsulam at 22 g ai ha^?1 was 0% and imazethapyr at 70 g ai ha^?1 was 25%. The level of mortality of the susceptible biotype was 100% with all the herbicides at the labeled rate. The dose needed to kill 50% of the resistant plants was 49 g ha^?1 of bispyribac‐sodium, 254 g ha^?1 of penoxsulam and 170 g ha^?1 of imazethapyr. For the susceptible biotype, bispyribac‐sodium at 6 g ha^?1, penoxsulam at 10 g ha^?1 and imazethapyr at 12 g ha^?1 killed 50% of the treated plants. Based on these findings, it was confirmed that a barnyardgrass population has evolved cross‐resistance to three ALS‐inhibiting herbicides in rice culture in Arkansas. Furthermore, an experiment was conducted to determine if the ALS‐resistant biotype could be controlled using other mechanisms of action. The results indicated that propanil, a photosystem II inhibitor, and quinclorac, a synthetic auxin, failed to control the resistant biotype at the labeled rates, whereas all the other evaluated herbicides provided effective control of both biotypes.     

Effects of tillage, application time and rate on metribuzin dissipation

Metribuzin efficacy and dissipation were determined in two silty clay loam soils following preplant (PP), pre-emergence (PRE) and split (PP+PRE) application to tilled and no-till soybeans in rotation with corn at Clay Center and Lincoln, Nebraska. A similar experiment was conducted in tilled and no-till soybeans in rotation with wheat at Lincoln. Corn and wheat residue in no-till plots reduced the amount of metribuzin that reached the soil by approximately 54 and 89%, respectively. No differences in weed control or soybean yield were observed between tillage treatments or time of metribuzin application in the corn-soybean rotation. However, both weed control and yield were reduced in the wheat-soybean rotation. Most of the metribuzin remained at the 0–5 cm depth, and dissipation was exponential. The mean metribuzin half-life at the 0–5 cm depth across locations, tillage treatments, application time and rates was 11 days. The metribuzin half-life was 4–19 days following PP application and 3–17 days following PRE application. The metribuzin concentration did not exceed 65 μg kg_?1 at the 5–10 cm or 10–20 cm depths in any treatment, indicating that little metribuzin had leached from the surface soil after PP or PRE application. The finding of a higher metribuzin concentration at 5-20 cm depth in tilled plots than in no-till could be attributed to higher initial soil concentrations in the absence of crop residue.     

Tolerance of spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to trifluralin deep-incorporated in the autumn or spring

Field experiments at Lacombe on a Ponoka loam soil (9·6% organic matter) during 1982 and 1983 investigated the tolerance of spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cv. Neepawa in a weed free situation to trifluralin applied at 0·0–3·0 kg ai ha^?1 in the autumn or spring and incorporated to a depth of 10 cm. Rates of trifluralin above 1·0 kg ai ha^?1 applied in the autumn or spring reduced the percent stand of wheat compared to an untreated control. Two weeks after emergence the crop showed 37 or 47% injury indicated by delayed growth, following application at 1·0 kg ai ha^?1 in the autumn or spring, respectively. The wheat recovered throughout the course of the growing season. At harvest, trifluralin applied in the autumn or spring at rates below 1·0 kg ai ha^?1 caused a yield increase while higher rates caused a yield decrease compared to the untreated control. Spring application caused a greater yield loss than autumn application. The tolerance of spring wheat to trifluralin at rates required for weed control (1·1 kg ai ha^?1 or higher) on this soil type is marginal.     

Negative cross-resistance to bentazone and pyridate in atrazine-resistant Amaranthus cruentus and Amaranthus hybridus biotypes

Plants of Amaranthus cruentus and Amaranthus hybridus resistant to atrazine and cyanazine were found in maize fields in north-eastern Spain. Both resistant foiotypes survived doses of 5 kg ha^?1 of atrazine and 2–4 kg ha^?1 of cyanazine but were controlled by lower doses of bentazone and pyridate than were susceptible biotypes. Such a negative cross-resistance was not found for chloroacetamides and MCPA. Chlorophyll fluorescence studies revealed that atrazine, bentazone, cyanazine and pyridate (10 mg litre^?1) caused inhibition of photosynlhetic electron transport in susceptible leaves, while in resistant plants, atrazine and cyanazine had no effect. Conversely, bentazone and pyridate inhibited photosynthesis to a greater extent in resistant than in susceptible biotypes. Isolated chloroplast membranes from resistant biotypes showed resistance factors of 366 and 501 to atrazine and 39 and 60 to cyanazine for A. hybridus and A. cruentus, respectively. Bentazone and pyridate were found to be more effective in chloropiasts of the resistant biotypes than those of the susceptible plants. It is suggested that enhanced susceptibility to bentazone and pyridate in triazine-resistant A. cruentus and A. hybridus biotypes may be associated with the alteration of the D-I polypeptide subunit of photosystem II, as found in triazine-resistant plants.     

Weed competition and control in sugarcane

Losses of about 40% in cane yields due to natural stands of weeds were found in experiments conducted in sugarcane var. Co 527 in the year of planting at Guneid Sugarcane Research Station, Sudan. Weed competition lowered millable stalks per metre row by 32%, stalk height by 24%, stalk thickness by 15% and number of nodes per stalk by 14%. Tillering was the growth phase most affected by weed competition. Cane yields were increased as number of hand weedings increased, but four weedings were not markedly better than three. The average yield (67·04 t ha^?1) obtained from four weedings was not significantly (P= 0·05) better than that of three weedings carried out at 3, 6 and 9 weeks after cane planting. Juice analysis components were also affected by weeds and a 15% reduction in sucrose recovery was recorded. Reductions in the other components were only 4–7%. Atrazine and diuron (3·3 kg ha^?1), metribuzin (2·4 kg ha^?1) and metribuzin (1·3 kg ha^?1) in tank mixture with diuron (1·5 kg ha^?1) gave excellent residual weed control of the dominant weed species, Ipomoea cordofana Choisy., Brachiaria eruciformis (Sm.) Griseb., Corchorus fascicularis Lam., Ocimum basilicum L. and Dinebra retroflexa (Vahl) Panz., for most of the first growing season. Excellent control of weeds achieved by the herbicide treatments resulted in comparable yields to frequently-weeded cane. These herbicides were not phytotoxic to sugarcane var. Co 527.     

Retention and degradation of metribuzin in sandy loam and clay soils of Lebanon

The retention and degradation of metribuzin herbicide were studied under two environmental conditions. Field studies were carried out on two soils, a sandy loam soil (soil A) and a clay soil (soil B). Metribuzin was applied with a jet sprayer at 1060 g a.i. ha^?1 and 1960 g a.i. ha^?1 on soils A and B respectively. Reconstituted soil columns were used to study the herbicide movement and metabolism in the two soils. Analyses of metribuzin and its metabolites were carried out using standardized methods. The results indicated a very weak capacity of adsorption of metribuzin in the two soils, and the weak adsorbed fraction is easily desorbed. Degradation and mobility of metribuzin in the field and laboratory soil columns were very intense and rapid. Soil A favoured reductive deamination whereas soil B favoured oxidative desulphuration and the respective metabolites deaminometribuzin and diketometribuzin yield the same product deaminodiketometribuzin. Both leaching by rainfall and degradation were important in the disappearance of metribuzin from the soils.     

Use of activated carbon to protect tomato against metribuzin

Protection of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill., cv. UC 134) against metribuzin was increased by placing a small quantity of activated carbon near each seed position before pre-emergent application of the herbicide. The most protective location of the carbon was the surface of the soil, immediately above the seed. In this location, 0.10 g of activated carbon protected tomatoes from the phytotoxic effects of 0.700 kg metribuzin ha^?1 whereas, without the activated carbon, 0.175 kg metribuzin ha^?1 killed both tomato and blackberry nightshade (Solanum nigrum L.). Placing plastic discs in this location did not reduce the phytotoxicity; however, a barrier that prevented lateral invasion by the herbicide, of the zone of soil through which the plumule emerged, partially protected the plains from 0.350 kg metribuzin ha^?1, showing that metribuzin entered the plants in substantial quantities via the plumule as well as the roots. This result suggests that activated carbon maintained a lower metribuzin concentration in the plumule/root zone than the bulk concentration. It also explains way the soil surface was the most protective carbon location. These findings provide the basis for extending the use of preemergent herbicides to situations in which previously they could not be used safely or economically.     

Herbicidal control of Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop,roots and shoots in no-till spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)*

Three herbicide treatments were applied each year over a period of 4 years to Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop, infestations in no-till spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in North Dakota, USA. Both chlorsulfuron at 30 g ai ha^?1+a non-ionic surfactant and a mixture of clopyralid+2,4-D at 70+280 g ai ha^?1 gradually reduced Cirsium arvense shoot density, root biomass, and adventitious root buds over the 4-year treatment period in two trials. These two treatments did not merely induce adventitious root buds to become dormant. They virtually eliminated roots to a depth of 50 cm by year 4. Tribenuron methyl at 10 g ai ha^?1+ a non-ionic surfactant was less effective in reducing shoot density and root biomass. Lutte herbicide contre les racines et les tiges de Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop, dans du bli de printemps non laboure (Triticum aestivum L.) Trois traitements herbicides ont été appliqués chaque année pendant 4 ans, contre des infestations de Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop, dans du blé de printemps (Triticum aestivum L.) non labouré dans le Dakota Nord, USA. Tant le chlorsulfuron à 30 g m.a. ha^?+un surfactant nonionique qu'un mélange de clopyralide+2,4-D à 70+280 g m.a. h^? ont reduit progres-sivement la densité des pieds de Cirsium arvense, la biomasse racinaire, et les bourgeons racinaires adventices pendant les 4 années de traitements dans les 2 essais. Ces traitements ont à peu près éliminé les racines sur une profondeur de 50 cm en 4 ans. Ces deux traitements n'ont pas induit de dormance des bourgeons racinaires adventices. Le tribenuron methyl à 10 g m.a. ha^?+un surfactant non ionique a été moins efficace dans la réduction de la densité de plante et de la biomasse racinaire. Chemische Bekämpfung von Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop, in direktgesätem Sommerweizen (Triticum aestivum L.) In direktgesäter Sommerweizen (Triticum aestivum L.) wurdel in North Dakota. USA, Bestände von Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop, über 4 Jahre jährlich 3 Herbizidbehandlungen unterzogen. Sowohl Chlorsulfuron mit 30 g AS ha^?1 nichtionischem Netzmittel als auch eine Mischung von Clopyralid+2,4D mit 70+280 g AS ha^?1 verringerten die Sproßdichte der Acker-Kratzdistel, die Wurzelbiomasse und die Adventivknospen an den Wurzeln in 2 Ver-suchen graduell. Durch diese beiden Behand-lungen wurden nicht nur die Adventivknospen dormant, sondem auch die Wurzeln bis zu einer Tiefe von 50 cm bis zum 4. Jahr fast ganz elimi-niert. Tribenuron-methyl mit 10 g AS ha^?1 nichtionischem Netzmittel war hinsichtlich der Reduktion von Sproßdichte und Wurzelbiomasse weniger wirksam.     

Measurement of simazine residues in chickpeas,Cicer arietinum,by gas–liquid chromatography

A method is described for the measurement of simazine [2-chloro-4,6-bis(ethylamino)-1,3,5-triazine] residues in chickpeas (Cicer arietinum). Ground chickpea samples were extracted with dichloromethane, followed by clean-up on alumina. Gas-liquid chromatography using metribuzin [4-amino- 6-tert-butyl-4,5-dihydro-3-methylthio-1,2,4-triazin-5-one] as internal standard with thermionic detection was used to quantify simazine residues. The limit of detection was 0.02 mg kg^?1 and the recoveries of simazine from chickpea samples (0.1–4 mg kg-1) averaged 92%.     

Effects of isoproturon in the rhizosphere of wheat

In a field experiment, isoproturon (as Arelon) applied to soil at 2·5 kg ai ha^?1 caused variable effects in the rhizosphere of winter wheat. These included transient increases and decreases in the number of bacterial and fungal propagules. No changes in soil levels of NH₄⁺-N, NO₂^?-N, NO₃^?-N or PO₄^3? were detected. Similar results were recorded with wheat grown in pots and in laboratory-incubated soil. Arelon (1–60 μg ai ml^?1) did not affect pure cultures of bacteria but at the highest concentration (approximating to fifty times field rate) inhibited growth of some fungi. The value of laboratory and field experiments for studying effects of pesticides on micro-organisms is discussed. The results suggest that Arelon, in practical use, is unlikely to have harmful effects on the micro-organisms or fertility of soil.     

Residualwirkung von Chlortriazin-Herbiziden im Boden an drei rumänischen Standorten. II. Prognose möglicher Folgekulturen bei Atrazinrükständen im Boden

Residual effects of chlorotriazine herbicides in soil at three Rumanian sites. II. Prediction of the phytotoxicity of atrazine residues to following crops Total and plant-available atrazine residues in the top 10 cm soil were measured 120 days after application of 3 kg ai ha^?1 to maize (Zea mays L.) at three sites in Rumania. At one site, similar measurements were made 3?5 years after application of 100 kg ai ha^?1. Plant-available atrazine residues were estimated by extraction of soil samples with water, and by bioassay using Brassica rapa as the test plant. It was calculated that between 30 and 120μg atrazine 1^?1 was potentially available to plants in the different soils. Dose-response relationships for atrazine and the most important rotational crops with maize in Rumania—sunflower, winter wheat, soybean and flax—were determined in hydroponic culture using herbicide concentrations corresponding with the plant-available fractions measured in the different soils. ED₅₀ values were determined by probit analysis and the results showed that sunflower (ED₅₀, 22μg 1^?1) was the most sensitive crop, and soybean (ED₅₀, 78μg 1^?1) was the least. The residual phytotoxicity of atrazine to succeeding crops in the different soils was predicted using the appropriate availability and phytotoxicity data, and the results showed good agreement with those observed. The results suggest that measurements of plant-available herbicide residues afford a rapid method of assessing possible phytotoxicity to following crops.     

Integrated weed management for cassava intercropped with maize

Trials were conducted in the tropical rainforest zone of Nigeria from 1982 to 1984 to compare manual weeding with chemical and integrated weed control systems in cassava (Manihot esculenta Krantz)/maize (Zea mays L) intercrop. Uncontrolled weeds reduced cassava and maize component yields by 2-year averages of 49 and 62% respectively; and their combined energy yield by 53% compared with 30 572 kcal ha^?1 obtained from the control plots hand-hoed at 3 and 8 weeks after planting. Highest economic returns were obtained from using cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) or Egusi melon (Colocynthis citrullus (L.) O. Ktze) which gave 2-year average net returns of N2843 ha^?1 and 2944 ha^?1 compared with N1598 ha^?1 generated from the control that received two hand-hoeings. Integrated use of cowpea and pre-emergence application of alachlor at 2.0 or chloremben at 3.4 kg ai ha^?1 and pre-emergence application of either fluometuron or chloramben at 2.5 and 3.4 kg ai ha^?1 respectively or their mixture gave more economic net returns than two hand-hoeings. Under similar management level, intercropping cassava and maize resulted in 36–43% more land being made available to the farmer for other uses than sole cropping them. Lutte intégrée contre les mauvaises herbes en culture de manioc semé entre les lignes du mäis Des essais ont été installés de 1982 à 1984 dans la zone forestiére tropicale humide du Nigéria dans le but de comparer le désherbage manuel avec des systèmes de lutte chimique et intégrée contre les adventices d'une culture de manioc (Manihot esculenta Krantz) semé entre les lignes d'une culture de mäis (Zea mays L.). Faute de désherbage, les mauvaises herbes ont amené une réduction moyenne sur deux ans de 49% et 62% respectivement dans les rendements de manioc et de mais; le rendement global en énergie des deux espèces a subi une réduction de 53% par rapport à la somme de 30 572 kcal ha^?1, obtenues sur les parcelles témoin recevant un sarclage manuel 3 et 8 semaines après le semis. Une lutte culturelle, utilisant une culture de niébé (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) ou de melon Egusi (Colocynthis citrullus (L.) O. Ktze) s'est révélée le plus rentable des systèmes de désherbage; ce système a rapporté net, en moyenne sur 2 ans, N2843 ha^?1 et N2944 ha^?1 tandis que le témoin recevant deux sarclages manuels n'a rapporté que N1598 ha^?1. Une lutte intégrée, utilisant le niébé et un traitement herbicide de prélevée, soit alachlore 2,0 kg ou chloramben 3,4 kg ma ha^?1, ainsi qu'une lutte chimique (fluométuron 2,5 ou chloramben 3,4 kg ma ha^?1, ou bien un mélange des deux) a fait preuve d'une rentabilité supérieure à celle de deux sarclages manuels. Etant donné le même système de désherbage, la combinaison manioc-mäis a mis 36–43% plus de superficie à la disposition du fermier pour d'autres emplois que la culture de chaque espèce à part. Integrierte Unkrautkontrolle in Cassava/Mais—Mischkultur In der tropischen Regenwaldzone von Nigeria wurden von 1982 bis 1984 Versuche zum Wirkungsvergleich zwischen manueller, chemischer und integrierter Unkrautkontrolle in Mischkulturen von Cassava (Manihot esculenta Krantz) und Mais (Zea Mays L.) Durchgeführt. Die nicht kontrollierte Unkrautpopulation reduzierte die Cassava- resp. Maisernte im Durchschnitt von zwei Jahren um 49 resp. 62%; der kombinierte Energieertrag wurde um 53% verringert, bezogen auf 30 572 kcal ha^?1, die in den 3 und 8 Wochen nach der Pflanzung handgejätet Parzellen erzielt wurden. Die wirtschaftlich günstigsten Resultate wurden in Mischkulturen von Mais und Kuhbohne (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) oder Egusi-Melonen (Colocynthis citrullus (L.) O. Ktze) erhalten; diese erzielten im Mittelzweier Jahre Nettoerträge von N 2843 ha^?1 und N 2944 ha^?1, verglichen mit N 1598 ha^?1 aus den zweimal manuell gejäteten Parzellen. Integrierter Einsatz von Kuhbohne und Vorauflaufapplikation von 2,0 kg ai ha^?1 Alachlor oder 3,4 kg ai ha^?1 Chloramben, sowie Verauflaufapplikationen von 2,5 kgai ha^?1 Fluometuron oder 3,4 kg ai ha^?1 Chloramben, allein oder gemischt verwendet, ergaben wirtschaftlich bessere Resultate als zwei Handjätungen. Unter vergleichbaren landwirtsehaftlichen Bedingungen ermöglichten Mischkulturen von Cassava und Mais dem Landwirt 36–43% mehr Land für andere Verwendung einzusetzen, als bei separatem Anbau der beiden Kulturpflanzen.     

Survey and Assessment of the Natural Enemies of Water Hyacinth,Eichhornia crassipes

Abstract

In northern Queensland, the addition of 2,4,5‐T butyl ester was found to be unnecessary to maintain the control of Echinochloa colona (L.) Link and Cyperus Iria L. In dry seeded rice when propanil rates were reduced below the registered rate of 4 kg a.i. ha^?1. Adequate weed control was obtained with 1.3 kg a.i. ha^?1 propanil alone. No adverse effects on rice yield were found with any of the propanil × 2,4,5‐T treatments. Low rates of propanil, 1.3 and 0.72 kg a.i. ha^?1, compared favourably with pre‐emergence treatments of thiobencarb, butachlor, oxyfluorfen and pretilachlor (plus a safener) when weed yields were low. Where water management was poor and Ischaemum rugosum Salisb. was the dominant weed, oxyfluorfen applied pre‐emergence at 0.96 kg a.i. ha^?1 produced a higher rice and a lower weed yield than the low rates of propanil. In three of the five experiments, weed growth was insufficient to depress rice yields significantly.     

Herbicides for 'seed' yam production from 'minisetts' in the rainforest zone of Nigeria

Trials were conducted at the research farm of the National Root Crops Research Institute, Umudike, on acid sandy loam soil at a tropical rainforest site during 1982 and 1983. A range of pre-emergence herbicides were evaluated in a system of yam production using small (25 g) tuber pieces, ‘minisetts’, for multiplication up to ‘seed’ yam size with tubers of 100–1500 g wt. In the 2 years considered, uncontrolled weed growth resulted in an average tuber yield loss of 83% compared to the hand-weeded treatment yield of 3.6 t ha^?1. Pre-emergence application of fluometuron, chloramben, diuron/paraquat, simazine and atrazine/metolachlor at the rates of 1.4, 2.7, 1.6, 5.7 and 3.8 kg ai ha^?1 respectively effectively controlled weeds and gave tuber yields that compared favourably with the current recommended practice of three hand-weedings 3, 8 and 12 weeks after planting. These five herbicides were most promising when they were applied tank-mixed with paraquat at 0.5 kg ai ha^?1 3 weeks after planting, post-emergence to the weeds and at approximately 5% emergence of the yam. Des herbicides pour la production d'ignames ‘minisetts’ dans la zone forestière humide du Nigéria Des essais ont été mis en place en 1982 et 1983 à la ferme du National Root Crops Research Institute, Umudike, sur un sol franc sablonneux acidique de la zone forestière humide. Une gamme d'herbicides de pré-levée a étéévaluée dans un système de production utilisant des petits morceaux (25 g) de tubercules d'ignames, dits des ‘minisetts’, dans le but de multiplication jusqu'à ce qu'ils atteignent la grandeur d'ignames semences'. Pendant les deux années de l'expérimentation, l'absence de désherbage a amené des baisses de rendement en tubercules de 83% par rapport au rendement de 3,6 t obtenu avec sarclage manuel. L'application en pré-levée de fluométuron, de chloramben, de diuron/paraquat, de simazine et d'atrazine/métolachlore aux doses de 1,4, 2,7 1,6 5,7 et 3,8 kg m a ha^?1 respectivement a permis un désherbage convenable et des rendements en tubercules supérieurs à ceux obtenus par la technique actuellement conseillée, qui comporte trois sarclages manuels à 3,8 et 12 semaines après le semis. Ces cinq herbicides ont fourni les meilleures perspectives d'efficacité lors d'applications en mélange avec le paraquat à 0,5 kg ma ha^?1 3 semaines après le semis, en post-levee des adventices et lorsqu'à peu près 5% des ignames sont levées. Prüfung von Herbiziden in der Saatknollen Produktion von Yams in der Regenwaldzone von Nigeria In der Forschungsstation des National Root Crops Research Institute, Umudike (Nigeria), wurden während der Jahre 1982 und 1983 verschiedene Herbizide auf ihre Eignung zur Unkrautbekämpfung in Anlagen zur Produktion von Saatknollen von Yams untersucht. Die Versuche erfolgten unter den Bedingungen des tropischen Regenwaldes in einem sauren, sandigen Lehmboden. Ausgangspunkt der Pflanzung waren 25 g schwere Knollenstückchen (sog. ‘Minisetts’), welche bis zur Grösse der Saatknollen (von 100–1500 g Gewicht) wachsen gelassen wurden. Die von Hand gejäteten Parzellen lieferten einen Ernteertrag von 3,6 t ha^?1; das unkontrollierte Unkrautwachstum verursachte einen Ernteverlust von 83%. Die Vorauflaufapplikation von Fluometuron, Chloramben, Diuron + Paraquat, Simazin und Atrazin + Metolachlor, in Dosierungen von 1,4, 2,7, 1,6, 5,7 und 3,8 kg ai ha^?1 bewirkte eine befriedigende Unkrautkon-trolle und ergab Knollenernten, die mit den durch die ortsübliche Praxis (3 Handjätungen 3, 8 und 12 Wochen nach der Pflanzung) erzielten Ernten vergleichbar waren. Diese fünf Herbizide waren am erfolgreichsten, wenn sie in Tankmischung mit Paraquat (0,5 kg ai ha^?1) drei Wochen nach der Pflanzung, nach Auflaufen der Unkräuter und beim Erscheinen von c. 5% der Yamstriebe appliziert worden waren.