Interaction between diclofop-methyl and 2,4-D in wild oat (Avena fatua L.) and cultivated oat (Avena sativa L.), and fate of diclofop-methyl in cultivated oat

Influence of 2,4-D on toxicity of diclofop-methyl to Avena sativa (cv. Selma) and Arena fatua at 2·5 leaf stage has been evaluated under controlled conditions. Effects of 2,4-D on the fate of diclofop-methyl in cultivated oat have also been studied. Mixture with 2,4-D reduced the toxicity of diclofop-methyl to both species. When applied immediately after diclofop-methyl treatment, 2,4-D still reduced herbicide toxicity to wild oat. This reduction was smaller in cultivated oat. and was only observed at higher phytotoxicity. No interaction was observed when a 10-day period separated the two applications. In mixture, 2,4-D enhanced diclofop-methyl penetration and diclofop acid conjugation in cultivated oat, and it slightly increased conjugation when applied separately. None of these effects clearly explain the reduction of diclofop-methyl toxicity by 2, 4-D in cultivated oat. Other processes are possibly involved and could be connected with the site of action of diclofop-methyl.