Some physicochemical factors influencing foliar uptake enhancement of glyphosatemono(isopropylammonium) by polyoxyethylene surfactants

Structure-concentration–foliar uptake enhancement relationships between commercial polyoxyethylene primary aliphatic alcohol (A), nonylphenol (NP), primary aliphatic amine (AM) surfactants and the herbicide glyphosatemono(isopropylammonium) were studied in experiments with wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and field bean (Vicia faba L.) plants growing under controlled-environment conditions. Candidate surfactants had mean molar ethylene oxide (EO) contents ranging from 5 to 20 and were added at concentrations varying from 0·2 to 10 g litre^?-1 to [¹⁴C]glyphosate formulations in acetone–water. Rates and total amounts of herbicide uptake from c. 0·2–μl droplet applications of formulations to leaves were influenced by surfactant EO content, surfactant hydrophobe composition, surfactant concentration, glyphosate concentration and plant species, in a complex manner. Surfactant effects were most pronounced at 0·5 g acid equivalent (a.e.) glyphosate litre^?-1 where, for both target species, surfactants of high EO content (15–20) were most effective at enhancing herbicide uptake: surfactants of lower EO content (5–10) frequently reduced, or failed to improve, glyphosate absorption. Whereas, at optimal EO content, AM surfactants caused greatest uptake enhancement on wheat, A surfactants gave the best overall performance on field bean; NP surfactants were generally the least efficient class of adjuvants on both species. Threshold concentrations of surfactants needed to increase glyphosate uptake were much higher in field bean than wheat (c. 2 g litre^?-1 and < 1 g litre^?-1, respectively); less herbicide was taken up by both species at high AM surfactant concentrations. At 5 and 10 g a.e. glyphosate litre^?-1, there were substantial increases in herbicide absorption and surfactant addition could cause effects on uptake that were different from those observed at lower herbicide doses. In particular, the influence of EO content on glyphosate uptake was now much less marked in both species, especially with AM surfactants. The fundamental importance of glyphosate concentration for its uptake was further emphasised by experiments using formulations with constant a.i./surfactant weight ratios. Any increased foliar penetration resulting from inclusion of surfactants in 0·5 g litre^?-1 [¹⁴C]glyphosate formulations gave concomitant increases in the amounts of radiolabel that were translocated away from the site of application. At these low herbicide doses, translocation of absorbed [¹⁴C]glyphosate in wheat was c. twice that in field bean; surfactant addition to the formulation did not increase the proportion transported in wheat but substantially enhanced it in field bean.     

Influence of light, temperature and humidity on the translocation and activity of glyphosate in Elymus repens (=Agropyron repens)

The effects of light, température and humidity on the performance and translocation of glyphosate in Elymus repens (L.) Gould (=Agropyron repens L. (Beauv.)), during the period of 48 h after treatment, were studied in controlled-environment cabinets. Increases in the levels of all three factors resulted in increases in herbicide performance. In general, these differences were statistically significant at all treatment periods except the longest when almost full control was achieved. The results highlight the important influence of environmental factors on herbicide performance during the short-term, post-spraying period. The application of ¹⁴C-labelled glyphosate to the adaxial leaf-sheath surface resulted in very rapid uptake and was used as a method of treating plants to study herbicide translocation under different environmental conditions. Increased light levels and temperatures enhanced basipetal translocation to the crowns and rhizomes but increased humidity had no significant effect with this form of application.     

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.     

Absorption and translocation of glyphosate in Spermacoce verticillata and alternative herbicide control

Glyphosate has been associated with control failures for Spermacoce verticillata in some Brazilian States. The objective of this work was to evaluate and determine the possible causes of this and propose alternative herbicides to use. Glyphosate was applied at three plant stages of development (2–4 leaves, 4–6 leaves and full bloom) where foliar absorption and translocation of glyphosate to various plants parts and time were analysed using the ¹⁴C technique. Data were submitted to nonlinear regressions and analysis of variance, where means were compared by a Tukey test at 5% probability. Plant control by the application of different herbicides (19) in the same three stages of development of weed was evaluated. Twenty‐one days after herbicide application, control was visually evaluated and data analysed and means were compared. Due to absorption and/or translocation problems, S. verticillata plants were not controlled by glyphosate. Plants with 4–6 leaves showed lower absorption and translocation of the herbicide to the leaf/root regions compared with plants at the beginning of their development. Plants at full bloom showed lower translocation of the herbicide to the root. In addition to the application of glyphosate at early stages of development, the application of paraquat, flumioxazin and mixtures of glyphosate with flumioxazin or cloransulam is recommended. Late applications could result in poor control, principally if glyphosate is used. Therefore, early applications are strongly recommended for control of this species.     

Waterhemp (Amaranthus tuberculatus) control under drought stress with 2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and glyphosate

Waterhemp (Amaranthus tuberculatus) is a common and troublesome weed in cropping systems throughout the United States. With the potential for future periods of low rainfall or drought, the need for improved weed control under drought stress is necessary. Drought stress typically reduces herbicide efficacy by reducing the foliar uptake of herbicides and their translocation. The objectives of this research were to determine the efficacy of 2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4‐D) and glyphosate, applied alone or when tank‐mixed, on waterhemp under varying levels of drought stress, the effect of the timing of drought stress in relation to herbicide application and the absorption and translocation of each herbicide in drought‐stressed waterhemp. At reduced herbicide rates, 2,4‐D had a greater level of control of waterhemp under drought stress, compared to glyphosate. The level of herbicide efficacy was lower when the amount of water that was applied to the plants was reduced. The level of waterhemp control was greatest when drought stress occurred before the herbicide application and when the plants were watered to saturation after the application, compared to when drought stress occurred after the herbicide application or restricted watering levels occurred throughout the entire study. Glyphosate absorption and translocation were reduced in the drought‐stressed plants, but 2,4‐D absorption and translocation were not altered. The absence of a reduction in 2,4‐D translocation in the drought‐stressed weeds has not been previously reported. Applying herbicides prior to a rainfall event could increase the weed control level, even if the weed is stressed. Determining how and why 2,4‐D absorption and translocation levels, compared to those of glyphosate, are unaffected by drought stress in waterhemp can aid in improving the control of drought‐stressed weeds with other postemergence herbicides.     

Herbicide efficacy for aquatic Alternanthera philoxeroides management in an early stage of invasion: integrating above‐ground biomass,below‐ground biomass and viable stem fragmentation

Alternanthera philoxeroides is a problematic invasive plant in many regions of the world that is difficult to control once naturalised. It poses a threat to agricultural productivity, biodiversity and social amenity values of aquatic environments. Significant research has been conducted internationally, regarding the efficacy of different herbicides for control of A. philoxeroides. However, no studies have looked at key aspects of control for effective management in an early stage of invasion of aquatic environments, hindering eradication and control programmes. This study evaluates the efficacy of herbicides and surfactants on key A. philoxeroides response metrics, including control of above‐ground biomass, below‐ground biomass and production of viable stem fragments. This study concluded that glyphosate (isopropylamine salt) minimises viable stem fragment production post‐herbicide application, compared with imazapyr and metsulfuron, thus reducing the potential for dispersal throughout catchments and waterways. In contrast, imazapyr and metsulfuron provided more effective control than glyphosate for A. philoxeroides growing on exposed embankments. We propose that an effective management strategy for early invasion of aquatic A. philoxeroides, using herbicides, would be to conduct initial applications of glyphosate to control overwater biomass and limit dispersal of viable stem fragments. Once infestations have been forced back to the embankment, imazapyr or metsulfuron treatments will provide longer term control.     

Glyphosate resistance in common ragweed ( A mbrosia artemisiifolia L.) from Mississippi,USA

Glyphosate is one of the most commonly used broad‐spectrum herbicides over the last 40 years. Due to the widespread adoption of glyphosate‐resistant (GR) crop technology, especially corn, cotton and soybean, several weed species have evolved resistance to this herbicide. Research was conducted to confirm and characterize the magnitude and mechanism of glyphosate resistance in two GR common ragweed ( A mbrosia artemisiifolia L.) biotypes from Mississippi, USA. A glyphosate‐susceptible (GS) biotype was included for comparison. The effective glyphosate dose to reduce the growth of the treated plants by 50% for the GR1, GR2 and GS biotypes was 0.58, 0.46 and 0.11 kg ae ha^?1, respectively, indicating that the level of resistance was five and fourfold that of the GS biotype for GR1 and GR2, respectively. Studies using ¹⁴ C‐glyphosate have not indicated any difference in its absorption between the biotypes, but the GR1 and GR2 biotypes translocated more ¹⁴ C‐glyphosate, compared to the GS biotype. This difference in translocation within resistant biotypes is unique. There was no amino acid substitution at codon 106 that was detected by the 5‐enolpyruvylshikimate‐3‐phosphate synthase gene sequence analysis of the resistant and susceptible biotypes. Therefore, the mechanism of resistance to glyphosate in common ragweed biotypes from Mississippi is not related to a target site mutation or reduced absorption and/or translocation of glyphosate.     

Glyphosate resistance in four different populations of Lolium rigidum is associated with reduced translocation of glyphosate to meristematic zones

Weed populations with resistance to glyphosate have evolved over the last 7 years, since the discovery of the first glyphosate‐resistant populations of Lolium rigidum in Australia. Four populations of L. rigidum from cropping, horticultural and viticultural areas in New South Wales and South Australia were tested for resistance to glyphosate by dose–response experiments. All populations required considerably more glyphosate to achieve 50% control compared with a known susceptible population, indicating they were resistant to glyphosate. Translocation of glyphosate within these resistant populations was examined by following the movement of radiolabelled glyphosate applied to a mature leaf. All resistant plants translocated significantly more herbicide to the tip of the treated leaf than did susceptible plants. Susceptible plants translocated twice as much herbicide to the stem meristematic portion of the plant compared with resistant plants. These different translocation patterns suggest an association between glyphosate resistance in L. rigidum and the ability of glyphosate to accumulate in the shoot meristem.     

Influence of glyphosate on uptake and translocation of calcium ion in soybean seedlings

Calcium ion in hydroponic solution with glyphosate [N-phosphonomethyl (glycine)] did not significantly influence the efficacy of the herbicide in reducing growth of soybean (Glycine max) seedlings. Data from atomic absorption spectroscopy studies revealed that glyphosate reduced Ca²⁺ uptake and translocation, whether supplied alone or with other metal ions. Results with radiolabelled ⁴⁵Ca²⁺ indicated that glyphosate severely retards translocation of Ca²⁺ from the roots to the leaves and cotyledons but the effect is not detectable until 24 h after exposure to glyphosate. Influence du glyphosate sur l'absorption el le mourement de I'ion calcium dans des plantules de soja. L'ion calcium présent dans une solution hydroponique contenant du glyphosate (N-phosphono-methyl (glycine) ne modifie pas dc facon significative I'efficacité de I'herbicide dans son action sur la réduction de croissance de plantules de soya. Des données fournies par la spectroscopie d'absorption atomique montrent que le glyphosate reduit l'absorption et le mouvement des ions Ca²⁺ seuls ou en présence d'ionsd'autresmétaux. Les résultats obtenus avec des ions marqués ⁴⁵Ca²⁺ révèlent que le glyphosate retarde notablement le mouvement des ions Ca²⁺ entre les racines et les feuilles ou les cotylédons mais cet effct n'est pas détectable avant une péríode de 24h suivant l'exposition au glyphosate.     

Saflufenacil efficacy on horseweed and its interaction with glyphosate

Saflufenacil is a new herbicide on the market and its effectiveness on horseweed, several populations of which have evolved resistance to glyphosate, is not clear. In this research, the effect of adjuvants on the control of horseweed with saflufenacil in the field, the effect of the interaction between glyphosate and saflufenacil on glyphosate‐resistant and glyphosate‐susceptible horseweed and the patterns of uptake and translocation of glyphosate applied alone and in combination with saflufenacil in horseweed were evaluated. The addition of methylated seed oil to saflufenacil provided the best control of horseweed, with crop oil concentrate being intermediate in effect and non‐ionic surfactant ranking as the least‐effective adjuvant. The interaction between glyphosate and saflufenacil was additive with regards to the control of glyposate‐resistant horseweed. The glyphosate‐susceptible horseweed population absorbed 6–13% more ¹⁴C‐glyphosate than the glyphosate‐resistant population. The addition of saflufenacil reduced ¹⁴C‐glyphosate translocation in both the glyphosate‐resistant and the glyphosate‐susceptible horseweed populations by at least 6%; however, due to the exceptional efficacy of saflufenacil, these reductions did not reduce the level of control. Saflufenacil holds great potential as an alternative control option for glyphosate‐resistant horseweed and is a valuable tool in the management of resistant weeds.     

Absorption and fate of imazapyr in leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula)

Imazapyr absorption, translocation, root release and metabolism were examined in leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula L.). Leafy spurge plants were propagated from root cuttings and [¹⁴C]imazapyr was applied to growth-chambergrown plants in a water + 28% urea ammonium nitrate + nonionic surfactant solution (98.75 + 1 + 0.25 by volume). Plants were harvested two and eight days after herbicide treatment (DAT) and divided into: treated leaf, stem and leaves above treated leaf, stem and leaves below the treated leaf, crown, root, dormant and elongated adventitious shoot buds. Imazapyr absorption increased from 62.5% 2 DAT to 80.0% 8 DAT. Herbicide translocation out of the treated leaf and accumulation in roots and adventitious shoot buds was apparent 2 DAT. By the end of the eight-day translocation period only 14% of applied ¹⁴C remained in the treated leaf, while 17% had translocated into the root system. Elongated and dormant adventitious shoot buds accumulated 3.2- and 1.8-fold more ¹⁴C, respectively, 8 DAT than did root tissue based on Bq g^?1 dry weight. Root release of ¹⁴C was evident 2 DAT, and by 8 DAT 19.4% of the ¹⁴C reaching the root system was released into the rooting medium. There was no metabolism of imazapyr in crown, root or adventitious shoot buds 2 DAT; however, imazapyr metabolism was evident in the treated leaf 2 and 8 DAT. Imazapyr phytotoxicity to leafy spurge appears to result from high imazapyr absorption, translocation to underground meristematic areas (roots and adventitious shoot buds), and a slow rate of metabolism.     

Effects of glyphosate on uptake,translocation, and intracellular localization of metal cations in soybean (Glycine max) seedlings

Root-fed or foliar-applied glyphosate [N-(phosphonomethyl) glycine] reduced uptake and translocation of Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺, but not K⁺, by soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr. “Hill”] seedlings as measured by atomic absorption spectrometry. Histochemical techniques revealed that cells of secondary roots that were formed after glyphosate treatment were deficient in Ca²⁺. The relative distribution of Ca²⁺ in control root and leaf cells was mitochondria > plastids > cytoplasm. Glyphosate severely reduced Ca²⁺ content and eliminated intracellular concentration of Ca²⁺ in the mitochondria of both root and leaf cells. Glyphosate had no effects on K⁺ distribution at the ultrastructural level. These results support the view that glyphosate effects on distribution of divalent metal cations may be related directly or indirectly to the phytotoxicity of the herbicide.     

Studies on the mode of action of asulam,aminotriazole and glyphosate in Equisetum arvense L. (field horsetail). I: The uptake and translocation of [14c]asulam, [14C]aminotriazole and [14C]glyphosate

The uptake and translocation of [¹⁴C]asulam (methyl 4-aminophenyl-sulphonylcarbamate), [¹⁴C]aminotriazole (1-H-1,2,4-triazol-3-ylamine) and [¹⁴C]glyphosate (N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine) were assessed in Equisetum arvense L. (field horsetail), a weed of mainly horticultural situations. Under controlled-environment conditions, 21°C day/18°C night and 70% r. h., the test herbicides were applied to 2-month-old and 2-year-old plants. Seven days following the application of 0.07-0.09 °Ci (1.14mg) of the test herbicides to young E. arvense, the accumulation of ¹⁴C-label (as percentage of applied radioactivity) in the treated shoots, untreated apical and basal shoots was as follows: [¹⁴C]asulam, 13.2, 0.18 and 1.02%; [¹⁴C] aminotriazole, 67.2, 3.65 and 1-91%; [¹⁴C]glyphosate, 35.9, 0.06 and 0.11%. The equivalent mean values for the accumulation of ¹⁴C-label in 2-year-old E. arvense were [¹⁴C]asulam, 12.0, 1-15 and 1.74%; [¹⁴C]aminotriazole, 58.6, 9.44 and 4.12%; [¹⁴C]glyphosate, 33.1, 0.79 and 2.32%. In the latter experiment, test plants received 0.25-0.30 °Ci (4mg) of herbicide, they were assessed after a 14-day period and the experiment was carried out at 3-week intervals between 2 June and 25 August on outdoor-grown plants. Irrespective of test herbicide or time of application, very low levels of ¹⁴C-label accumulated in the rhizome system. Only 0.2% of the applied radioactivity was recovered in 2-year-old plants and 0.4% in 2-month-old plants. In the young plants [¹⁴C]asulam accumulated greater amounts and concentrations of ¹⁴C-label in the rhizome apices and nodes than [¹⁴C]aminotriazole or [¹⁴C]glyphosate treatments. Inadequate control of E. arvense under field conditions may be due to limited basipetal translocation and accumulation of the test herbicides in the rhizome apices and nodes.     

A scanning electron microscope study of glyphosate deposits in relation to foliar uptake

The effects of several formulations on foliar uptake of glyphosate, and on the morphology of glyphosate deposits on leaves, were examined in Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum (L.) Gaertn.). [¹⁴C]glyphosate, in the form of the free acid or the isopropylamine salt (IPAS), was applied to foliage alone or with various adjuvants. Uptake of all glyphosate IPAS formulations was greater than that of the corresponding acid formulation. Addition of ‘Tween 20’ enhanced the uptake of glyphosate IPAS compared to glyphosate alone, but had no effect on the uptake of glyphosate acid. Ammonium sulfate and the ‘Roundup’ formulation blank increased the uptake of glyphosate acid and IPAS to 2-3 times that of herbicide alone. Surface deposits, as observed by scanning electron microscopy, varied with the formulation of the herbicide, although there were no differences between the acid and IPAS formulations. Glyphosate alone initially formed a deposit with both crystalline and smooth, amorphous areas. Later in the treatment period (48 and 72 h after application), the deposit was almost entirely crystalline. The addition of ‘Tween 20’ or of formulation blank resulted in the formation of a more amorphous, non-crystalline deposit. Herbicide solutions containing ammonium sulfate dried to form a highly crystalline deposit. However, crystals similar to those of glyphosate alone were not visible in these deposits. The ability of these adjuvants to prevent or delay crystal formation may play a role in their enhancement of herbicide uptake.     

Effects of Low Doses of Glyphosate on Agronomic Traits of Upland Rice

Research has shown the occurrence of the hormesis effect in some upland rice cultures resulting from low-dose application of glyphosate. Glyphosate herbicide is widely used in Brazilian agriculture for controlling the large quantity of weeds. The aim of this work was to verify the effects of low-dose application of glyphosate herbicide on agronomic characteristics in upland rice. The experimental design used was randomized blocks comprising five low-dose applications of glyphosate herbicide (10, 20, 40, 70, and 100?g acid equivalent [a.e.] ha^?1) and the control, in two stages of development of the rice culture (tillering [V4] and floral differentiation [R1]) with four repetitions. The agronomic traits of upland rice were evaluated. Data were subjected to variance analysis, polynomial regression analysis for the quantitative factor, and Tukey’s test for the qualitative factor at p?<?0.05. The grain yield and the number of spikelets per panicle increased with the application of 10?g a.e. ha^?1 of glyphosate at the floral differentiation stage. Until the low dose of 75?g a.e. ha^?1, there was an increase in the number of panicles. Low doses between 70 and 100?g a.e. ha^?1 applied in R1 provided less spikelets per panicle, lower 100-grain weight, and lower grain yield. The leaf flavonoid content increased due to the increase in the low doses of glyphosate herbicide.

     

Effect of non-ionic nonylphenol surfactants on surface physicochemical properties, uptake and distribution of asulam and diflufenican

The effect of non-ionic nonylphenol (NP) surfactants containing 4–14 ethylene oxide (EO) molecules on the distribution of asulam and diflufenican was investigated in Pteridium aquilinum L. Kuhn and Avena fatua L. The distribution of the herbicides was dependent on the EO content and concentration of surfactant and differed between plant species and herbicide. The surface properties of contact angle, droplet diameter and surface tension were examined. For solutions of asulam, the greatest reductions in contact angle, surface tension and greatest droplet diameter were obtained with surfactants of EO 6.5–10 (at 0.001–0.1%). For solutions of diflufenican, these responses were greatest when applied with surfactant of EO 4. Surfactants of EO 6.5–10 increased the uptake and translocation of [¹⁴C]asulam in P. aquilinum, particularly at surfactant concentrations of 0.01 % and 0.1 %. All surfactants increased uptake of [¹⁴C]asulam in A. fatua with no significant effects of surfactant EO number or concentration. For both species, there was a positive correlation between the optimum surface characteristics of the herbicide droplets and the uptake of asulam. With diflufenican, greatest uptake and translocation by mature frond tissue of P. aquilinum occurred at the highest concentration of surfactant EO 4; in A. fatua, however, uptake and translocation were not significantly affected by any of the surfactants.     

Herbicidal control of Chromolaena odorata in oil palm

A range of herbicides was evaluated for the control of Chromolaena odorata (L.) K & R in oil palm at the Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research. Glufosinate-ammonium quickly dessicated treated foliage but weed plants soon recovered. Glyphosate-isopropylamine and glyphosate-trimesium produced similar results, both formulations controlling treated vegetation and suppressing regrowth for up to 12 weeks after treatment. Triclopyr and hexazinone + diuron were effective for up to 20 WAT, whereas imazapyr controlled regrowth for up to 36 WAT. Regrowth of the weed from its roots was better suppressed when the foliage was left undisturbed for 4–7 days after herbicide treatment. Repeated annual applications of triclopyr, hexazinone + diuron, the two formulations of glyphosate or imazapyr progressively reduced the biomass of C . odorata in the plots. In particular, imazapyr effectively eliminated the weed after the second application. Taking crop tolerance into consideration, the most promising herbicide treatments were glyphosate at 2.4 kg a.i. ha⁻¹ and low rates (0.5 kg a.i. ha⁻¹ or less) of imazapyr.     

Fluazifop-butyl activity on Imperata cylindrica (L.) P. Beauv. I. Studies on phytotoxicity, spray adhesion and herbicide uptake

Fluazifop-butyl was sprayed onto established plants of Imperata cylindrica (L.) P. Beauv. and Paspalum conjugatum Berg, growing rapidly under warm glasshouse conditions. Visually I. cylindrica was considerably more resistant to phytotoxicity than P. conjugatum, for both contact damage to the sprayed shoots and regrowth from the rhizome or stolon. Although not statistically significant, there was a trend for I cylindrica to retain more spray than P. conjugatum. Drops applied to upper and lower surfaces of I cylindrica spread similarly, but on leaves of P. conjugatum spread was less on upper and greater on lower leaf surfaces. There were no differences in uptake from drops placed on the upper surface. Preliminary translocation studies suggested greater movement out of treated leaves of P. conjugation than from the treated leaves of I. cylindrica. On the basis of these data, differences between the two species did not directly relate to the retention of spray or the uptake of the active ingredient into the leaf, but translocation differences were important. In addition, the relative resistance of I. cylindrica to fluazifop-butyl may also be caused in part by having a lower ratio of aerial shoot dry weight to total and subterranean dry weight than P. conjugatum. This results in less herbicide retained per unit mass of plant tissue in the former. Activité du fluazifop-butyle contre Imperata cylindrica (L.) P. Beauv. I. Etudes sur la phytotoxicité, l'adhésion de la bouillie et la pénétration de l'herbicide Le fluazifop-butyle a été pulvérisé sur des plantes de Imperata cylindrica (L.) P. Beauv. et Paspalum conjugatum Berg. bien installées et en pleine végétation en serre dans des conditions chaudes. Les observations visuelles ont indiqué que I. cylindrica résistait mieux que P. conjugatumà la phytotoxicité, tant en matière de dégâts résultant du contact de l'herbicide sur les pousses que de repousses à partir de rhizomes ou de stolones. Imperata cylindrica avait tendance à retenir plus de bouillie que P. conjugatum, mais la différence n'était pas significative. Des gouttes appliquées sur les surfaces supérieures et inférieures des feuilles de I. cylindrica se sont répandues de façon semblable mais chez P. conjugatum elles se sont répandues moins sur la surface supérieure que sur l'inférieure. Aucune différence n'a été constatée dans la pénétration des gouttes posées sur la surface supérieure. Des études préliminaires sur la translocation indiquent un transport plus important hors des feuilles traitées chez P. conjugatum que chez I cylindrica. Prenant pour base ces données, les différences entre les deux espèces ne correspondent pas directement à la rétention de la bouillie ni à la pénétration dans la feuille de la matière active, mais les différences en matière de translocation y jouent un rôle important. D'ailleurs il se peut que la résistance relativement plus forte envers le fluazifop-butyle chez I. cylindrica résulte en partie du rapport moins élevé du poids sec des pousses aériennes au poids sec global et souterrain dans cette espèce. Par consé- Quent, elle retient une moindre quantité d'herbicide par unité de masse de tissu végétal que P. conjugatum. Ueber die Wirkung von Fluazifop-butyl auf Imperata cylindriea (L.) P. Beauv. I. Untersuchungen über Phytotoxizität, Haftung der Spritzbrühe und Herbizidaufnahme Entwickelte, stark wachsende Pflanzen von Imperata cylindrica (L.) P. Beauv. und Paspalumconjugation Berg. wurden im warmen Gewächshaus (Temp. zwischen 22 C und 32 C) mit Fluazifop-butyl besprüht. Die visuelle Beurteilung ergab, dass I. cylindrica bedeutend resist-enter als P. conjugation war, sowohl in Bezug auf Direktwirkung auf die besprühten Sprosse, als auch auf Neuaustrieb aus Rhizomen und Stolonen. Statistisch zwar nicht gesichert, wurde ein Trend zu einer stärkeren Haftung der Spritzbrühe auf I cylindrica als auf P. conjugation beobachtet. Auf die oberen und unteren Blattoberflächen von I. cylindrica applizierle Tropfen breiteten sich in ähnlicher Weise aus. während bei P. conjugatum die Ausbreitung der Tropfen auf den Blattoberseiten geringer als auf den Blattunterseiten war. Vorläufige Translokationsstudien lassen vermuten, dass der Abtransport des Herbizids aus behandelten Blättern bei P. conjugation grösser ist als bei I. cylindrica. Aufgrund der erhaltenen Resultate waren die Empfindlichkeitsunterschiede der beiden Pftanzenarten nicht direkt korreliert mit der Haftung der Spritzbrühe oder der Aufnahme der Aktivsubstanz in das Blatt; hingegen waren die Unterschiede bezüglich Translokation beträchtlich. Die, im Vergleich zu P. conjugatum, relativ hohe Resistenz von I. cylindrica kann weiterhin mit dem geringeren prozentualen Anteil der Trockenmasse oberirdischer Teile an der totalen oder unterirdisch produzierten Trockenmasse bei letzterer Art erklärt werden. Dies hat zur Folge, dass pro Einheit Pflanzenmasse bei I. cylindrica weniger Aktivsubstanz zurückgehalten wird, als bei P. conjugatum.     

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.     

Influence of weather on the efficacy of dichlorprop-P/MCPA and trihenuron-methyl

The influence of weather on the efficacy of dichlorprop-P/MCPA and tribenuron-methyl on annual weeds in spritig barley was studied in the field during 4 years at six locations in southern Sweden. The herbicides were applied at one-eighth to three-quarters of the full dose at three application times with approximately 6-day intervals. Weather stations, placed in the experiments, recorded climatic data, Maximum herbicide efficacy was obtained when spraying 1 week after the cotyledon stage with half or three-quarters of the recommended dose. Dose-response curves were estimated and the ED₈₀ doses were calculated. On average, the herbicide dose required to obtain an effect of 80% was about 40% of the recommended dose. The influence of weather was analysed for seven different periods: 7 and 2 days before and after herbicide application, 1 day before and after application, and the day of herbicide treatment. The most pronounced eftects of weather were found for the day of and the day before herbicide application, revealing the strong influence of weather on herbicide uptake and plant metabolism. High air tetnperature and low global radiation during the day of treattnent reduced the ED₈₀ dose of dichlorprop-P/MCPA, whereas the ED₈₀ dose of tribenuron-methyl increased. For both herbicides, precipitation and high soil temperature increased the ED₈₀ dose, which reflects the importance of rain on herbicide uptake and the effect of soil temperature on plant growth. The R² values were higher in the analyses of dichlorprop-P/MCPA than of tribenuron-methyl, indicating that the effect of dichlorprop-P/MCA was more weather-dependent than that of tribenuron-methyl. Separate analyses of the ED₈₀ doses for Brassica napus L., Chenopodium, album L. and Stellaria media (L.) Vill. generally resulted in increased R² values. but otherwise gave results similar to those for the total weed population. Although the analyses revealed significant effects of indivtdual weather factors on herbicide efficacy, it was not possible to discern a consistent and causal relationship between weather and herbicide performance.