Uptake, translocation, metabolism and selectivity of glyphosate in Canada thistle and leafy spurge

The uptake, translocation and metabolism of glyphosate [N-(phosphonomethyl) glycine] by Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop.) (susceptible) and leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula (L.)) (resistant) were examined in an attempt to elucidate the nature of the differential sensitivity. The pattern of uptake and translocation was similar in both species. Glyphosate moved readily in the apoplast and the symplast. High humidity and/or surfactant greatly increased the amount of ¹⁴C-glyphosate absorbed and translocated over that in low humidity and/or without surfactant. No ¹⁴Cmetabolites were detected in either species 1 week after treatment with ¹⁴C-glyphosate. More of a glyphosate spray solution containing a fluorescent dye was received and retained on Canada thistle by virtue of its growth habit than on leafy spurge. More glyphosate should therefore be available for uptake by Canada thistle and this may account for the differential sensitivity of these two species.     

Studies on the mode of action of asulam in bracken (Pteridium aquilinum L. Kuhn) I. Absorption and translocation of [14C]asulam

Studies of the absorption and translocation of foliage-applied ring-labelled [¹⁴C]asulam [methyl (4-aminobenzenesulphonyl) carbamate] were carried out using glasshouse and field-grown bracken plants. Translocation of ¹⁴C from the treated frond was primarily according to a 'source to sink’pattern with intense accumulation of radioactivity in the metabolically active sinks viz. rhizome apices, frond buds, root tips and young frond tissue. In the case of field bracken, translocation and distribution of ¹⁴C was extensive in the rhizome system, accumulation occurring in the active as well as dormant buds situated on the non-frond-bearing and storage rhizome branches. Treatment of fully expanded fronds with 100μl of [¹⁴C]asulam (1 mg, 1.0–1.5 μCi) as 2 μl droplets resulted in a rapid initial uptake during the first week, followed by progressive entry and distribution with time. Basipetal translocation to the rhizome system was positively correlated with total uptake. High humidity (95%) and high temperature (30°C) stimulated uptake and subsequent basipetal translocation to a considerable degree. Uptake was greater through the stomatal-bearing abaxial than through the adaxial cuticle. Incorporation of a surfactant (Tergitol-7, 0.1%) increased penetration by up to 30%. Uptake declined markedly as the frond aged, while translocation was predominantly acropetal in young treated fronds, becoming exclusively basipetal when the fronds matured. Optimum uptake and maximum distribution of [¹⁴C]asulam in the rhizome and its associated buds was achieved when treatments were applied to almost fully expanded fronds. The translocated ¹⁴C (asulam and possibly some of its metabolites) showed a considerable degree of persistence in the rhizome system, 8% of the applied activity still remaining in the rhizome 40 weeks after treatment.     

ON THE REGENERATION OF ROOT FRAGMENTS OF LEAFY SPURGE (EUPHORBIA ESULA L.)

Summary. The roots of leafy spurge ( Euphorbia esula L.) normally produce shoot buds abundantly near the soil surface but with decreasing frequency at increasing depths. By placing Fragments of roots collected from various depths in the soil in shallow flats in a glasshouse, it was demonstrated that root Fragments from all depths down to 2–8 m do not differ appreciably in rcgenerative capacity and this capacity is not dependent upon the presence of performed shoot buds. By collecting root fragments from the same stand throughout the growing season it was shown that regenerative capacity is lowest in June at the time of maximum flowering. The implications of these findings arc discussed in relation to the control of this species.
Sur la régénération des fragments de racines de Euphorbia esula L .     

Herbicide resistance in Aster squamatus conferred by a less sensitive form of acetolactate synthase

A biotype of Aster squamatus (Sprengel) Hieronymus with suspected resistance to the ALS-inhibiting herbicide imazapyr was detected in a chicken farm in the province of Seville, Spain, which had been treated once a year with imazapyr for 10 years. Resistance to imazapyr in this biotype was studied using dose-response experiments, absorption and translocation assays, metabolism studies and ALS activity assays. The rate of imazapyr required to inhibit A squamatus growth by 50% (ED50) was 15 times higher for the R (resistant) than for the S (susceptible) biotype. Cross-resistance existed for the ALS-inhibitors imazamox, imazethapyr, amidosulfuron, nicosulfuron, rimsulfuron, triasulfuron and tribenuron, but not for bensulfuron. Control of A squamatus using alternative herbicides was poor with clopyralid, intermediate with quinclorac, amitrole and MCPA, and excellent with 2,4-D, glufosinate and glyphosate. Absorption of [14C]imazapyr increased over time for both the R and S biotypes, and translocation from the treated leaf to shoots and roots was similar in both biotypes, with most of the radioactivity remaining in the treated leaf. No metabolites of imazapyr were detected in either biotype. Sensitivity of the ALS enzyme (target site) to imazapyr was lower for the R biotype (I50(R) = 4.28 x I50(S)). The mechanism of imazapyr resistance in this R biotype appears to be an altered ALS conferring decreased sensitivity to imazapyr at the whole-plant level.     

Glyphosate effects on Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense) roots, root buds, and shoots

Glyphosate ? ? Mention of irademark or proprietary product does not constitute a gtiarantee or warranty oC the product by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and does nut imply its approval to the exclusion of other products thai may also be suitable.
was sprayed at 0009–1·12 kg a.i. ha^?1 on the foliage of large potted glasshouse-grown Canada thistle [Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop.], which had extensive, well-developed roots. Increasing the glyphosate rate progressively reduced the total number of visible adventitious root buds plus emerged secondary shoots per plant proportionately more than root biomass, 10 days after treatment. Cortical tissue of thickened propagative roots became soft, water-soaked, darkened, and some regions decomposed, exposing strands of vascular tissue. Lateral roots completely decomposed. When thickened roots were segmented to stimulate secondary shoot emergence from root buds 10 days after foliar treatment, Fewer secondary shoots emerged than expected from the number of visible adventitious root buds present on both control and herbicide-treated plants. Increasing the rate of glyphosate also reduced the regrowth potential of root buds proportionately more than root biomass. Regrowth potential was measured as the number of emerged secondary shoots 35 days after segmenting unearthed roots from plants that had been sprayed 10 days earlier. When foliar-applied at 0·28 kg ha^?1, glyphosate decreased the regrowth potential of root buds to zero in 2 and 3 days, as measured by secondary shoot dry weight and number, respectively, even though root fresh weight was unchanged 3 days after foliar treatment. These dose-response and time-course experiments demonstrate that glyphosate did not reduce root biomass as much as it decreased root bud numbers and secondary shoot regrowth potential from root buds.     

STUDIEN ZUR VERTEILUNG VON 14C-MARKIERTEM 2,4-D IN VERSCHIEDEN EMPFINDLICHEN UNKRÄUTERN

Studies of the absorption and translocation of ¹⁴C-2,4-D in Chenopodium album L., Galinsoga parviflora Cav., Datura stramonium L. and Galium aparine L. in relation to their susceptibility gave the following results: In G aparine (resistant) there was little transport of 2,4-D applied to the leaves, and a probable relationship between resistance and the immediate binding of the 2,4-D in the treated leaf. D. stramonium (relatively resistant) transported 2,4-D in considerable amounts alter uptake through the leaf, while C. album (very susceptible) and G. parviflora (susceptible) were intermediate in respect of 2,4-D translocation. No relationship between susceptibility of these four species and 2,4-D uptake and translocation from the leaves could be established. After application to the root systems of the four species, 2,4-D was taken up and translocated in the shoot to varying extents. In G. aparine much 2,4-D was taken up and translocated. In contrast to leaf application, the herbicide was not immediately converted into a strongly-held immobile form. In C. album, G. parviflora and D. stramonium, however, no 2,4-D was translocated in the shoot. There was thus no correlation between susceptibility and shoot transport of 2,4-D in the four species studied. Distribution du 2,4-D marqué au ¹⁴C dans des espèces de mauvaises herbes présentant des sensibilités diverses     

Effects of herbicide mixtures and additives on Rhododendron ponticum

The possibility of increasing the activity of glyphosate, imazapyr, sulfonylurea herbicides and triclopyr against Rhododendron ponticum L. was investigated using container-grown plants. Glyphosate, imazapyr and triclopyr alone and metsulfuron-methyl with added surfactant were all phytotoxic, imazapyr and triclopyr being the most effective at the doses used. Thifensulfuron-methyl and tribenuron-methyl with ‘Mixture B’ were ineffective. The surfactants ‘Mixture B’ and ‘Silwet L77’ consistently increased the activity of imazapyr and metsulfuron-methyl. Mixtures of the herbicides did not lead to synergistic activity, and mixing imazapyr and triclopyr depressed the activity of each component. There was some enhancement of activity on R. ponticum when imazapyr and metsulfuron-methyl were applied sequentially, 48 h apart. Effets de mélanges d'herbicides et d'adjuvants au Rhododendron ponticum La possibilité d'accroître l'activité du glyphosate, de l'imazapyr, des sulfonylurées et du triclopyr contre Rhododendron ponticum a étéétudiée en utilisant des plantes cultivées en containers. Le glyphosate, l'imazapyr et le triclopyr seuls et le metsulfuron-methyl additionné d'un surfactant ont tous été phytotoxiques: l'imazapyr et le triclopyr étant les plus efficaces aux doses utilisées. Le thifensulfuron-méthyl et le tribenuron-methyl avec ‘Mixture B’ ont été inefficaces. Les surfactants ‘Mixture B’ et‘Silwet L 77’ ont considérablement augmenté l'activité de l'imazapyr et metsulfuron-methyl. Les mélanges des herbicides n'a pas abouti à une activité synergistique et les mélanges avec l'imazapyr et le triclopyr ont diminué l'activité de chaque composé. Il y a eu un certain renforcement de l'activité sur R. ponticum quand l'imazapyr et le métsulfuron-méthyl étaient appliqués de façon séquentielle, à 48 heures d'intervalle. Wirkung von Herbizidmischungen und Additiven auf Rhododendron ponticum An Container-Pflanzen von Rhododendron ponticum L. wurden versucht, die Wirksamkeit von Glyphosat, Imazapyr und Sulfonylharn-stoff-Herbiziden zu verstärken. Glyphosat, Imazapyr und Triclopyr allein und Metsulfuron-methyl nach Zugabe von Netzmitteln waren phytotoxisch, besonders Imazapyr und Triclopyr. Thifensulfuronmethyl und Tribenuron-methyl waren mit dem Netzmittel ‘Mixture B’ wirkungslos. Die Netzmittel ‘Mixture B’ und ‘Silwet L77’ erhöhten die Wirksamkeit von Imazapyr und Metsulfuron-methyl durchweg. Mischungen der Herbizide ließen keinen Synergismus erkennen, und die Mischung von Imazapyr mit Triclopyr verringerte die Wirksamkeit der Einzelkomponenten. Die Wirkung auf R. ponticum ließ sich erhöhen, wenn Imazapyr und Metsulfuron-methyl 48 h nacheinander angewandt wurden.     

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.     

Einfluß des Applikationsortes auf die Penetration und Translokation von Diclofop-methyl bei Flughafer (Avena fatua L.)

Effect of the type of application on the penetration and translocation of dictofop-methyl in wild oats (Avena fatua L.) An investigation was curried out with wild oats on the effect of different types of application between the apex and the base of the shoot on the penetration and translocation of ¹⁴C-diclofopmethyl Penetration at the base of the leaf blade is 64% higher in the first leaf and 95% higher in the second than at the lip of the respective leaves Basipetal translocation of ¹⁴C-diclofop-methyl is limited so the nearer to the base of the shoot the herbicide application is made, the higher will be the amount of ¹⁴C-diclofop-methyl at the shoot base which is the principle site of activity Application at the base of the leaf blade gave the optimum distribution of ¹⁴C-diclofop-methyl in the plant. One reason for this is that, with this type of application, the herbicide solution runs down into the leaf sheath giving rise mechanically to basipetal penetration within the sheath into the zone of meristematic tissue at the base of the shoot. These findings lead to a demand for the most accurate possible placing of diclofop-methyl in the zone of the base of the shoots.     

Protoporphyrinogen oxidase-inhibiting activity of the new,wheat-selective isoindoldione herbicide,cinidon-ethyl

Cinidon-ethyl (BAS 615H) is a new herbicide of isoindoldione structure which selectively controls a wide spectrum of broadleaf weeds in cereals. The uptake, translocation, metabolism and mode of action of cinidon-ethyl were investigated in Galium aparine L, Solanum nigrum L and the tolerant crop species wheat (Triticum aestivum L). When plants at the second-leaf stage were foliarly treated with cinidon-ethyl equivalent to a field rate of 50 g ha⁻¹ for 48 h, the light requirement for phytotoxicity and the symptoms of plant damage in the weed species, including rapid chlorophyll bleaching, desiccation and necrosis of the green tissues, were identical to those of inhibitors of porphyrin synthesis, such as acifluorfen-methyl. The selectivity of cinidon-ethyl between wheat and the weed species has been quantified as approximately 500-fold. Cinidon-ethyl strongly inhibited protoporphyrinogen oxidase (Protox) activity in vitro, with I₅₀ values of approximately 1 nM for the enzyme isolated from the weed species and from wheat. However, subsequent effects of herbicide action, with accumulation of protoporphyrin IX, light-dependent formation of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid-derived ethylene, ethane evolution and desiccation of the green tissue, were induced by cinidon-ethyl only in the weed species. After foliar application of [¹⁴C] cinidon-ethyl, the herbicide, due to its lipophilic nature, was rapidly adsorbed by the epicuticular wax layer of the leaf surface before it penetrated into the leaf tissue more slowly. No significant differences between foliar and root absorption and translocation of the herbicide by S nigrum, G aparine and wheat were found. After foliar or root application of [¹⁴C]- cinidon-ethyl, translocation of ¹⁴C into untreated plant parts was minimal, as demonstrated by combustion analysis and autoradiography. Metabolism of [¹⁴C]cinidon-ethyl via its E-isomer and acid to further metabolites was more rapid in wheat than in S nigrum and G aparine. After 32 h of foliar treatment with 50 g ha⁻¹ of the [¹⁴C]-herbicide, approximately 47%, 36%, and 12% of the absorbed radioactivity, respectively, were found as unchanged parent or its biologically low active E-isomer and acid in the leaf tissue of G aparine, S nigrum and wheat. In conclusion, cinidon-ethyl is a Protox-inhibiting, peroxidizing herbicide which is effective through contact action in the green tissue of sensitive weed species. It is suggested that a more rapid metabolism, coupled with moderate leaf absorption, contribute to the tolerance of wheat to cinidon-ethyl. © 1999 Society of Chemical Industry     

Common reed (Phragmites australis) control is influenced by the timing of herbicide application

Herbicides are typically used as the primary method of weed control. Since common reed (Phragmites australis subsp. australis) infestations in terms of density are relatively large in the State of Nebraska, USA, determining the most appropriate timing of herbicide application is critical for developing a weed management programme. Therefore, several field studies were conducted in 2007 and 2008 at three locations along the Platte River, Nebraska, with the aim of assessing the effect of herbicide selection and timing of application on common reed control. Three herbicides (glyphosate, imazapyr, and imazamox) were applied either alone at two doses or as two-way mixtures on three growth stages of common reed, including vegetative, flowering, and seed filling stages. Both doses of imazapyr (280 and 560 g active ingredient [a] ha^?1) provided the highest level of control (≥ 92%) across all three timings, while imazamox provided the lowest level of control. For example, imazamox applied alone at 280 and 560 g a ha^?1 provided poor control (≤ 60%) across all three timings at the highest rating date. Imazapyr and glyphosate provided the highest levels of control (90%) by the end of the first growing season and into the next growing season (390 to 450 days after treatment, DAT), regardless of the herbicide application time. Imazamox and glyphosate provided the lowest level of control (< 30%) at the first application time at 450 DAT, but slightly improved control with later timings (74% and 85% control at the flowering and seed filling stages, respectively). Stem density decreased in all herbicide applications and timings except for imazamox at both doses during the vegetative growth stage, which was not significantly different than the untreated control.     

Study on the behaviour of imazapyr in two Moroccan soils

Imazapyr owes its importance in Morocco to its success in controlling the perennial weed Solanumelaeagnifolium Cav., which infests the Tadla area. Persistence and mobility of imazapyr has been studied in two Moroccan soils from the Rabat area, with differing organic matter content (red and organic soils), under laboratory conditions at 75% of their field capacities and 25–28 °C. Residue analysis was performed on the basis of a bioassay test using lentil (Lens culinaris Medic.) as indicator species. The residual activity of imazapyr accounted for 69%, 25%, 50% and 62%, 46%, 66% of the initial activity for the red and organic soils at 1, 5 and 10 mg L^?1 respectively. The half-lives varied between 25 and 58 days for the red soil and 55 and 58 days for the organic soil. In the organic soil, imazapyr was highly mobile under the irrigation regime applied. Most of the activity was found in the first 3 × 75 mL of the effluents. A following biotest with the leached soil showed low remaining residual activity.     

Uptake and translocation of benomyl and carbendazim (methyl benzimidazol-2-yl carbamate) in the symplast

Cytoplasmic uptake of carbendazim (methyl benzimidazol-2-yl carbamate; MBC) from an aqueous solution was demonstrated with isolated mesophyll cells. About 2.5% of the labelled MBC (ring-2-[¹⁴C]) in the treatment solution (1.85 μg/ml) was taken up in 44 h. When cotyledons of cucumber seedling were treated with either 347 or 36 μg [¹⁴C]-MBC/plant 1.11 and 0.13% were extracted, respectively, from the remainder of the plant, 5 days after treatment. Greatest amounts were detected in shoot apices. Likewise, when MBC and benomyl were applied at the dose of 2 μmol, 0.34 and 0.57% were detected in the untreated part of the plant with a bioassay procedure. Foliar application with 347 or 36 μg[¹⁴C]-MBC/leaf resulted in the translocation of 1.68 and 0.11% out of the treated area. By scalding the living cells of the petiole translocation was prevented suggesting that long distance movement occurred in the symplast. During a period of 14 days 1.56% of [¹⁴C]-MBC applied to cucumber leaves was metabolised and respired as CO₂. This degradation was assumed to occur enzymically within the symplast.     

Physiological basis of differential phytotoxic activity between fenoxaprop-P-ethyl and cyhalofop-butyl-treated barnyardgrass

This study investigated the physiological causes of differences in phytotoxic symptoms shown in barnyardgrass from foliar applications of the herbicides fenoxaprop-P-ethyl and cyhalofop-butyl. When these were applied to the third leaves of the whole plant, the chlorosis and desiccation in the third leaf was greater in fenoxaprop-P-ethyl than cyhalofop-butyl. However, initial growth inhibition of the fourth leaf was greater when using cyhalofop-butyl than when using fenoxaprop-P-ethyl. In the shoot regrowth test, regrowth at five days after treatment (DAT) was smaller in cyhalofop-butyl than in fenoxaprop-P-ethyl; the regrowth at 10 DAT exhibited the reverse trend. The chlorosis (decrease of chlorophylls: carotenoids ratio) in barnyardgrass leaf segments that were floated on herbicide solution was greater in the fenoxaprop-P-ethyl treatment. These results indicate that different herbicidal responses induced by the two herbicides are likely to be related to differential translocation and metabolism. The relatively light chlorosis and desiccation in treated leaves, severe cessation of initial growth (but a lower final herbicidal efficacy in the cyhalofop-butyl treatment) are probably related to its rapid translocation to the meristem region from the treated leaf, followed by faster metabolism. In contrast, the relatively greater chlorosis and desiccation compared to inhibition of initial growth in the fenoxaprop-P-ethyl treatment is likely to be related to its relatively slower translocation and metabolism in the treated leaf.     

Absorption,translocation and metabolism of 14C-glyphosate in several weed species*

The pattern and extent of ¹⁴C-glyphosate [N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine] translocation from the treated leaf and metabolism of ¹⁴C-glyphosate were studied in field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis L.), hedge bindweed (Convolvulus sepium L.). Canada thistle [Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop.] tall morning glory [lpomoea purpurea (L.) Roth.] and wild buckwheat (Polygonum convolvulus L.). ¹⁴C was translocated throughout the plants within 3 days with accumulation in the meristematic tips of the roots and shoots evident. Cross and longitudinal sections of stems and roots showed that the ¹⁴C was localized in the phloem. Field bindweed translocated 3–5% of the applied ¹⁴C from the treated leaf, hedge bindweed 21.6%, Canada thistle 7.8%, tall morningglory 6.5%, and wild buckwheat 5%. Field bindweed, Canada thistle, and tall morningglory metabolized the parent glyphosate to aminomethylphosphonic acid to a limited extent. This metabolite made up less than 15% of the total 14C. Of the total ¹⁴C applied to excised leaves, 50% had disappeared within 25 days.     

Absorption,translocation and metabolism of aminocyclopyrachlor in young plants of Ipomoea purpurea and Ipomoea triloba

Members of the Convolvulaceae family are known to be sensitive to aminocyclopyrachlor, although little is known about the absorption, translocation and metabolism of the herbicide in these species of weed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the absorption, translocation and metabolism of ¹⁴C‐aminocyclopyrachlor in young plants of Ipomoea purpurea and Ipomoea triloba. Assessments were performed at 3, 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h after treatment (HAT) for the study of absorption and translocation. Metabolism was assessed at three time points (3, 24 and 72 HAT). In terms of absorption, was observed a difference between species at the 3 and 48 HAT time points, where I. purpurea had a higher absorption of ¹⁴C‐aminocyclopyrachlor. No differences were observed between species at any other time points. Of the total absorbed herbicide, 90.9% for I. purpurea and 91.8% for I. triloba were detected on the treated leaf. I. purpurea presented higher translocation to the leaf above the treated leaf, while I. triloba showed higher translocation to the lower leaves and roots. No increase in absorption of ¹⁴C‐aminocyclopyrachlor was observed above 24 HAT for I. purpurea and above 6 HAT for I. triloba, and translocation was low (<1%) for both species in all plant parts. This suggests that post‐emergence application of aminocyclopyrachlor cannot be effective for the control of I. purpurea and I. triloba and alternative approaches are required. Nevertheless, no ¹⁴C‐aminocyclopyrachlor metabolites were observed in the studied plants, which indicated sensitivity in I. purpurea and I. triloba to the herbicide.     

Animal metabolism of propham (isopropyl carbanilate): The fate of residues in alfalfa when consumed by the rat and sheep

Alfalfa was root-treated with [¹⁴C]propham (isopropyl carbanilate[¹⁴C-phenyl(U)]) for 7 days and then harvested and freeze-dried. Rats and sheep were orally given either ¹⁴C-labeled alfalfa roots ([¹⁴C]root) or ¹⁴C-labeled alfalfa shoots ([¹⁴C]shoot). When the [¹⁴C]root was given, 6.5–11.0% of the ¹⁴C was excreted in the urine and 84.6–89.4% was excreted in the feces within 96 h after treatment. Less than 3% of the ¹⁴C remained in the carcass (total body—gastrointestinal tract and contents) 96 h after treatment. When [¹⁴C]shoot was given, 53.2–55.2% of the ¹⁴C was excreted in the urine, 32.1–43.4% was excreted in the feces, and the carcass contained 0.2–1.1% of the ¹⁴C 96 h after treatment. When the insoluble fraction (not extracted by a mixture of CHCl₃, CH₃OH, and H₂O) of both alfalfa roots and shoots was fed to rats, more than 86% of the ¹⁴C was excreted in the feces and less than 3% remained in the carcass 96 h after treatment. The major radiolabeled metabolites in the urine of the sheep fed ¹⁴C shoot were purified by chromatography and identified as the sulfate ester and the glucuronic acid conjugates of isopropyl 4-hydroxycarbanilate. Metabolites in the urine of the sheep treated with [¹⁴C]root were tentatively identified as conjugated forms of isopropyl 4-hydroxycarbanilate, isopropyl 2-hydroxycarbanilate, and 4-hydroxyaniline. The combined urine of rats dosed with [¹⁴C]shoot and [¹⁴C]root contained metabolites tentatively identified as conjugated forms of isopropyl 4-hydroxycarbanilate, isopropyl 2-hydroxycarbanilate, and 4-hydroxyaniline.     

Factors affecting benfuresate activity against purple nutsedge (Cyperus rotundas L.)

Benfuresate (2-3-dihydro-3,3-dimethylbenzofu-ran-5-yl ethanesulfonate) is a selective herbicide for the control of purple nutsedge in cotton. Under outdoor conditions, purple nutsedge was sensitive to benfuresate incorporated in soil up to eight days after initiation of shoot sprouting from the tuber. Older seedlings recovered from the damage. During the period of susceptibility to benfuresate, young shoots more sensitive than the roots. Under controlled environmental conditions, benfuresate applied directly to apical buds developing from the tuber caused severe damage to the treated bud and induced abrupt development of axillary buds. Negligible amounts of the applied herbicide were translocated from the treated part to the other buds and roots. Application of the herbicide to fully developed leaves had no effect, probably because of its rapid metabolism and low basipetal mobility. Its relatively high volatility may also contribute to its low foliar post-emergence activity. Tubers also absorbed herbicide vapours. Root uptake of ¹⁴C-benfuresate resulted in a rapid accumulation of ¹⁴C in the shoot, which had no effect on the purple nutsedge plant, regardless of concentration. The herbicide is rapidly converted, mainly to a non-phytotoxic polar product. These results may explain the high sensitivity of the weed to benfuresate at early growth stages, and the lack of sensitivity in mature plants.     

Uptake, translocation and phytotoxicity of imazapyr and glyphosate in Imperata cylindrica (L.) Raeuschel: effect of herbicide concentration, position of deposit and two methods of direct contact application

The activity of imazapyr and glyphosate against Imperata cylindrica was studied in field and glasshouse experiments using two methods of direct contact application; a rope-wick wiper and a cloth soaked in herbicide solution. The effect of concentration and position of application on herbicide uptake and translocation was also measured. At the lowest dose of imazapyr (5 mg acid equivalent (a.e.) per plant), phytotoxicity was greater from applications by a rope-wick wiper than by a cloth. However, when the dose of imazapyr was increased, the cloth applicator was more effective than the rope-wick wiper. At all doses of glyphosate, rope-wick application was more effective than wiping with a cloth. Herbicide performance in the glasshouse was similar to that in the field. Radiotracer studies showed that increasing the concentration of imazapyr, while keeping herbicide dose constant, decreased uptake and translocation of radiolabel. In contrast, the rate of uptake of ¹⁴C-glyphosate increased with increasing herbicide concentration. Position of application did not significantly affect the amount of uptake and translocation of radiolabel to the rhizomes. It is concluded that rope-wick wipers are more effective than wiping with a cloth for applying imazapyr and glyphosate to I. cylindrica, provided that the concentration of imazapyr does not exceed 10 g a.e. l^?1.     

Conyza albida: a new biotype with ALS inhibitor resistance

Summary A biotype of Conyza albida resistant to imazapyr was discovered on a farm in the province of Seville, Spain, on land that had been continuously treated with this herbicide. This is the first reported occurrence of target site resistance to acetolactate synthase (ALS)-inhibiting herbicides in C. albida . In order to characterize this resistant biotype, dose–response experiments, absorption and translocation assays, metabolism studies, ALS activity assays and control with alternative herbicides were performed. Dose–response experiments revealed a marked difference between resistant (R) and susceptible (S) biotypes with a resistance factor [ED₅₀(R)/ED₅₀(S)] of 300. Cross-resistance existed with amidosulfuron, imazethapyr and nicosulfuron. Control of both biotypes using alternative herbicides was good using chlorsulfuron, triasulfuron, diuron, simazine, glyphosate and glufosinate. The rest of the herbicides tested did not provide good control for either biotype. There were no differences in absorption and translocation between the two biotypes, the maximum absorption reached about 15%, and most of the radioactivity taken up remained in the treated leaf. The metabolism pattern was similar and revealed that both biotypes may form polar metabolites with similar retention time (R_f). The effect of several ALS inhibitors on ALS (target site) activity measured in leaf extracts from both biotypes was investigated. Only with imazapyr and imazethapyr did the R biotype show a higher level of resistance than the S biotype [I₅₀ (R)/I₅₀(S) value of 4.0 and 3.7 respectively]. These data suggest that the resistance to imazapyr found in the R biotype of C. albida results primarily from an altered target site.