Oregano green manure for weed suppression in sustainable cotton and corn fields

A 2 year field experiment was conducted in northern Greece to study the biomass effects of four oregano (Origanum vulgare) biotypes, used as incorporated green manure, on the emergence and growth of barnyard grass (Echinochloa crus‐galli), bristly foxtail (Setaria verticillata), common purslane (Portulaca oleracea), cotton (Gossypium hirsutum), and corn (Zea mays). The oregano biotypes were selected on the basis of their high phenolic content. The phytotoxic potential of the oregano biotype extracts also was determined in the laboratory by using a perlite‐based bioassay with cotton, corn, and barnyard grass. The bioassays indicated that the germination, root elongation, and fresh weight of cotton, corn, and barnyard grass were reduced by the oregano biotype extracts. In the field, the emergence of common purslane, barnyard grass, and bristly foxtail was reduced by 0–55%, 38–52%, and 43–86%, respectively, in the oregano green manure treatments, as compared with the oregano green manure‐free treatments (the controls). At harvest, the cotton lint and corn grain yields in the oregano green manure treatments were 24–88% and 5–16%, respectively, greater than those in the corresponding green manure‐free, weedy treatments. These results indicated that when the biomass of the oregano biotypes with a high phenolic content were incorporated into the soil as green manure, they could be used to suppress barnyard grass, bristly foxtail, and common purslane in cotton and corn and consequently to minimize herbicide usage.     

Differential phytotoxicity of glyphosate in maize seedlings following applications to roots or shoot

The transport and differential phytotoxicity of glyphosate was investigated in maize seedlings following application of the herbicide to either roots or shoots. One-leaf maize seedlings (Zea mays L.) were maintained in graduated cylinders (250 mL) containing nutrient solution. Half of the test plants were placed in cylinders (100 mL) containing different ¹⁴C-glyphosate concentrations; the remainder received foliar appliation of ¹⁴C-glyphosate. After 26 h, the roots and the treated leaves were washed with distilled water, and the plants placed again in cylinders (250 mL) containing fresh nutrient solution for 5 days. Plants were weighed, and split into root, seed, cotyledon, coleoptile, mesocotyl, first leaf and apex. The recovery of ¹⁴C-glyphosate was over 86%. For both application treatments, the shoot apex was the major sink of the mobilized glyphosate (47.9 ± 2.93% for root absorption and 45.8 ± 2.91% for foliar absorption). Expressed on a tissue fresh weight basis, approximately 0.26 μg a.e. g⁻¹ of glyphosate in the apex produced a 50% reduction of plant fresh weight (ED₅₀) when the herbicide was applied to the root. However, the ED₅₀ following foliar absorption was only 0.042 μg a.e. g⁻¹ in the apex, thus maize seedlings were much more sensitive to foliar application of the herbicide.     

The effect of atrazine,cyanazine and cyprazine on photosynthesis and growth of nine grasses*

A semi-open circuit system for measuring changes in net CO₂ exchange (NCE) in single leaves of intact grasses following herbicide treatment is described and evaluated. There were significant differences in levels of inhibition and subsequent recovery of NCE in maize and eight weedy panicoid grasses following limited root uptake of atrazine (2-chloro-4-ethyl-amino-6-isopropylamino-1,3,5-triazine). cyanazine [2-chloro-4-(1-cyano-1-methylethylamino)-6-ethylamino-1,3,5-triazine] and cyprazine (2-chloro-4-cyclopropylamino-6-isopropyl-amino-1,3.5-triazine). Rate of NCE recovery was positively correlated (P = 0.05) with growth of seedlings in nutrient solution containing the herbicides. Rates of NCE recovery >0.9 mg CO2 per dm2 per h/h reflected rapid rates of herbicide detoxification in the leaves and a significant tolerance to preplant incorporated and postemergence applications of atra-zine, cyanazine and cyprazine. In contrast, some species, e.g. large crabgrass [Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop.] and proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) treated with cyanazine demonstrated considerable tolerance to these treatments in spite of low NCE recovery rates indicating that factors other than foliar detoxification may play an important role in the tolerance of some grasses to 2-chloro- 1,3,5-triazine herbicides.     

Susceptibility of seven annual grasses to herbicides

The relative susceptibility of Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop, (large crabgrass), Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) Beauv. (barn-yardgrass), Eriochloa villosa (Thumb.) Kunth. (hairy cup-grass), Setaria faberi Herrm. (giant foxtail), Setaria lutescens (Weigel) Hubb. (yellow foxtail), Setaria viridis (L.) Beauv. (green foxtail) and Setaria viridis var. robusta-purpurea Schreiber (robust-purple foxtail) to alachlor, atrazine, butylate and cyanazine was studied under glasshouse conditions. Hairy cupgrass was the least susceptible to the herbicides tested, of which alachlor appeared to be the most effective. Large crabgrass was controlled by alachlor, butylate and cyanazine at all of the rates tested, but by atrazine only at rates above 0–56 kg/ha. All four herbicides provided acceptable control for barnyardgrass, giant foxtail, green foxtail, robust-purple foxtail, and yellow foxtail. The susceptibility of the grasses to cyanazine and alachlor was correlated with seed size. Alachlor was more effective in controlling green foxtail and hairy cupgrass when applied to the soil surface before emergence than when incorporated into the soil prior to sowing. Sensibility de sept graminées annuelles à divers herbicides La sensibilité relative des espéces suivantes: Eriochloa villosa (Thumb,) Kunth. Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) Beauv. (panic). Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop, (digitaire), Setaria faberi Herrm, (sétaire). Setaria viridis (L.) Beauv., Seiaria viridis var. robusla-purpurea Schreiber ct Seiaria lutescens (Weigel) Hubb., (sétaires) a étéétudiéé en serre. vis-d-vis de I'atrazine. de la cyanazine, du butylate et de I'alachlore. Eriochloa villosa a été I'espéce la moins sensible aux herbicides essayds parmi lesquels I'alachlore s'est montré le plus efficace. La digitaire a été maitrisé par I'alachlore, le butylate et la cyanazine k toutes les doses essayees, mais pour I'atra-zine. seulement à des doses supérieures à 0.56 kg/ha. Ces quater herbicides ont donne des resultats acceptables contre le panic, et les sétaires (S. faberi, S. viridis, S. viridis var. robusta-purpurea, S. lutescens). La sensibilité des graminées à la cyanazine et à I'alachlore fut en corrélation avec la taille des semences. L'alachtore s'est montré plus efficace contre la sétaire S. viridis var. robusta-purpurea ct contre l'Eriochloa villosa quand il a été appliqué sur la surface du sol avant la levée que lorsqu'il a éié incorporé au sol avant le semis. Die Empfindlichkeit von sieben einjährigen Gräsern gegenüber Herbiziden. Es wurde die relative Empfindlichkeit von Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop., Echinochloa erus-galli (L.) Beauv., Eriochloa villosa (Thumb.) Kunth-, Setaria faberi Herrm., Setaria lutescens (Weigel) Hubb., Setaria viridis (L.) Beauv. und Setaria viridis var. robusta-purpurea Schreiber gegenuber Atrazin, Cyanazin, Butylat und Alachlor unter Gewächs-hausbedingungen untersucht. Eriochloa him war gegenúber den gepruften Herbiziden am wenigsten empfindlich, Alachlor scliien die beste Wirkung zu haben. Digiiaria sanguinalis wurde durch Alachkir. Butylat und Cyanazin bei alien gepruften Aiifwandmengen bekampft, durch Atrazin aber nur bei Aufwandmengen ilber 0.56 kg/ha. Alte vier Herbizide ergaben eine brauchbare Bekampfung von Echinochloa crus-galli, Seiaria Jabcri, Seiaria viridis. Setaria viridis var. robusta-purpurea und Setaria luiescens. Die Emptindlichkeit der Gräser gegenüber Cyanazin und Alachlor stand in Beziehung zur Samengrösse. Alachlor bekämpfte Seiaria viridis und Erioehloa villosa im Vor-auflaufverfahren besser als im Vorsaatverfahren mit Ein-arbeitung.     

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     

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.     

Biochemical response of inbred and hybrid corn (Zea mays L.) to R-25788 and its distribution with EPTC in corn seedlings

The average endogenous GSH content of eight lines of inbred corn was almost twofold greater than ten varieties of hybrid corn. When inbred and hybrid corn lines were treated with R-25788, the average GSH content increased by 56 and 95%, respectively. R-25788 protected two special inbred corn lines, GT 112 (atrazine susceptible) and GT 112 RfRf (atrazine resistant) from EPTC injury by increasing the GSH content and GSH S-transferase activity in roots. Most of the radiolabel from [¹⁴C]R-25788-treated plants remained in the root tissues whereas the radiolabel in [¹⁴C]EPTC-treated plants was evenly distributed between foliar and root tissues. From radiolabel experiments, hybrid corn seedlings were found to absorb more R-25788 from soil than EPTC. There was no difference between inbred and hybrid corn in the amounts of R-25788 or EPTC taken up or in the enhancement of GSH S-transferase activity caused by R-25788.     

Uptake, translocation and phytotoxicity of root-absorbed haloxyfop in soybean, Festuca rubra L. and Festuca arundinacea Schreb

The concentrations of haloxyfop in nutrient solution required to reduce the total plant dry weight of soybean (Glycine max L. Merr. ‘Evans’), red fescue (Festuca rubra L. ‘Pennlawn’), and tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb. ‘Houndog’) by 50% (GR₅₀) were determined. The GR₅₀) values for soybean, red fescue and tall fescue were 76 μM, 3μM and 0.4 μM, respectively. The reduction in growth in roots and shoots of soybean was similar. In contrast, the relative reduction in root tissue weight was greater than that for foliar tissue in both grass species. The amount of ¹⁴C-haloxyfop in soybean roots or shoots was higher than in red fescue or tall fescue. Red fescue accumulated less haloxyfop in the foliage than in the roots. On the other hand, similar amounts of ¹⁴C-haloxyfop accumulated in both organs in both soybean and tall fescue. ¹⁴C-haloxyfop appeared to be actively absorbed by the roots of all species. Soybean absorbed more nutrient solution, but utilized it less on a per gram dry matter produced basis than the grass species. Differences in the uptake and translocation of haloxyfop by roots do not account for differences in tolerance between species. However, a higher level of retention of haloxyfop in the roots of red fescue than in tall fescue may provide the former with an additional selectivity advantage under conditions where there is significant root exposure to the herbicide.     

Comparative metabolism of atrazine and EPTC in proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) and corn

The purpose of this study was to examine the differential activities of proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) and corn (Zea mays L.) with respect to atrazine [2-chloro-4-(ethylamino)-6-(isopropylamino)-S-triazine] and EPTC (S-ethyldipropyl thiocarbamate) metabolism. GSH-S-transferase was isolated from proso millet shoots and roots. When assayed spectrophotometrically using CDNB (1-chloro 2,4-dinitrobenzene) as a substrate, the shoot enzyme had only 10% of the activity of corn shoot enzyme while the root enzyme had 33% the activity of corn root enzyme. However, when proso millet shoot GSH-S-transferase was assayed in vitro using ¹⁴C-ring-labeled atrazine, it degraded the atrazine to water-soluble products at the same rate as the corn shoot enzyme. Incubation of excised proso millet and corn roots with [¹⁴C]EPTC indicated that uptake of EPTC was similar in both plants. However, proso millet metabolized the EPTC to water-soluble products at only half the rate of corn. Glutathione levels of proso millet roots were 35.9 μg GSH/g fresh wt, compared with 65.4 μg GSH/g fresh wt for corn. However, a 2.5-day pretreatment with R-25788 (N,N-diallyl-2-2-dichloroacetamide) elevated proso millet GSH levels to 62.7 μg GSH/g fresh wt. R-25788 did not elevate the activity of proso millet GSH-S-transferase, in contrast to its effects on corn. We conclude that differences in response to atrazine and EPTC in proso millet and corn are a result of their differential metabolism.     

Comparison of norflurazon absorption by excised roots of three plant species

The absorption of norflurazon by 1-cm segments cut from the apical 5-cm roots of sicklepod (Cassia obtusifolia L.), corn (Zea mays L. cv. Sunbelt 1860), and cotton (Gossyipium hirsutum L. cv. DPL 90) was investigated. Norflurazon absorption by all root tissues was rapid in the first 10 min but there was very little increase thereafter up to 60 min. Norflurazon also penetrated the entire root tissue volume within 30 min, indicating its movement into both the apoplast and the symplast of root cells by simple diffusion. The initial (0–10 min) rate of norflurazon absorption was faster in sicklepod and cotton than in corn. Corn also accumulated less ¹⁴C than did the other species. Norflurazon diffused freely out of sicklepod and corn root tissues but not out of cotton roots. Metabolism was not the basis for this differential retention as norflurazon was not degraded by the root tissues over a 24-hr period. These experiments show that differential accumulation and retention of norflurazon by root tissues was not related to the selectivity of this herbicide among these three species.     

Asulam mixtures for weed control in flax

Five field experiments were conducted from 1972 to 1975 to evaluate weed control in flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) using post-emergence treatments of asulam [methyl (4-aminobenzenesulphonyl) carbamatel alone and in combination with other herbicides. The ¹⁴C-asulam absorption by leaf segments and roots of glasshouse grown wild oats (Avena fatua L.) was also investigated. Asulam at 1.12 kg/ha gave good wild oat control and acceptable control of green foxtail (Setaria viridis (L.) Beauv.). However, wild oat control was poorer when asulam was combined with other herbicides: on a 3-year average, as compared with asulam alone at equal rates, the asulam+MCPA mixture resulted in a greater antagonism and a significant 6% reduction in flax seed yield, whereas the asulam+bromoxynil/MCPA mixture gave the least antagonistic effect, improved broadleaf weed control and increased yield by 13%. In mixtures, the potassium salt of MCPA was more compatible with asulam for weed control than the amine form. Both leaf segments and roots of wild oats absorbed and distributed less ¹⁴C-asulam from solutions containing MCPA than from those containing bromoxynil or bromoxynil/MCPA.     

Photosynthetic and growth responses of zea mays L and four weed species following post-emergence treatments with mesotrione and atrazinet

We compared photosynthesis and growth of Zea mays L (corn) and four weed species, Setaria viridis (L) Beauv (green foxtail), Echinochloa crus-galli (L) Beauv (barnyardgrass), Abutilon theophrasti Medic (velvetleaf), and Amaranthus retroflexus L (redroot pigweed), following foliar applications with atrazine, mesotrione, or a combination of atrazine and mesotrione in two greenhouse experiments. Plant responses to the three herbicide treatments were compared with responses of untreated plants (control). Photosynthesis on day 14 and dry mass of Z mays was not reduced by any of the herbicide treatments. Photosynthesis and dry mass of E crus-galli, A retroflexus and A theophrasti were significantly reduced by mesotrione and atrazine alone and in combination. Photosynthesis on day 14 and dry mass of large Sviridis plants were not suppressed by either herbicide applied alone. The mesotrione plus atrazine treatment was the most effective treatment for grass weed control because plants did not regain photosynthetic capacity and had significantly lower dry mass. Shoot dry mass of broadleaf weeds was significantly reduced by all three herbicide treatments, except for A retroflexus treated with mesotrione alone.     

Uptake patterns of soil-applied 45Ca and 32P in some legume species as influenced by differential trifluralin placement

The effect of localized placement of trifluralin on uptake patterns of soil-applied ⁴⁵Ca in vetch (Vicia sativa L.), pea (Pisum sativum L.) and soybean (Glycine max) and ³²P in vetch and pea was investigated in two soil zones in the roots and in the shoot zone before and after plant emergence. When trifluralin was in the upper root zone severe inhibition of lateral roots occurred as well as a marked decrease in uptake of ⁴⁵Ca and ³²P from this zone. Root growth in the lower zone was unaffected, but uptake of ⁴⁵Ca and ³²P was slightly reduced. Compensatory adventitious root growth as well as a marked increase in uptake of ⁴⁵Ca and ³²P occurred in the shoot zone. Neither root growth nor uptake of ⁴⁵Ca or ³²P in the upper root zone were affected by the presence of trifluralin in the lower root region. When trifluralin was placed in the shoot zone after plant emergence, adven-titious roots on the shoots were inhibited and uptake of ⁴⁵Ca and ³²P was reduced.     

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.     

Root absorption and translocation of 5-substituted analogs of the imidazolinone herbicide,imazapyr

In preparation for assessing quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSAR) for root absorption and translocation of imidazolinones herbicides, 13 radiolabeled analogs of imazapyr (2-(4-isopropyl–4-methy1–5-oxo-2-imidazolin-2-yl) nicotinic acid) substituted in the 5-position of the pyridine ring were evaluated in corn (Zea mays L.) and sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.). The compounds (10 μm) were supplied to the roots through a hydroponic solution for 8 h and, following harvest, plant tissues were either combusted to measure total uptake of radiolabeled material or were extracted for determination of the extent of degradation of the parent compound. Root absorption in both species varied by two orders of magnitude among analogs while translocation, expressed as a percentage of absorption, varied by only three- or four-fold. Few differences were observed for translocation of radioactivity from sunflower stems to leaves. Although six of the analogs were partially metabolized in corn, little metabolism of the imidazolinone analogs occurred in sunflower. These data indicate that meaningful models of root absorption and subsequent translocation to shoots may be developed for 5-substituted analogs of imazapyr, particularly when applied to sunflower.     

Physiological effects of buthidazole on Zea mays L., Amaratithus retroflexus L., Medicago sativa L. and Agropyron repens(L.) Beauv.*

Buthidazole (3-[5-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-1,3.4-thiadiazol-2-yl]-4-hydroxy-l-methyl-2-imidazolidinone) at concentrations of 10^?6-10^?4M did not affect germination of corn (Zea mays L.,‘Pioneer 3780’), redroot pigweed (Amaranlhus retroflexus L.), alfalfa (Medicago saliva L., ‘Vernal’), and quackgrass (Agropyron repens(L.) Beauv.) seeds. Stressing the seeds obtained from mature corn plants treated either pre-emergence or pre- plant incorporated with buthidazole at several rates by accelerated ageing and cold treatments further indicated that this herbicide did not affect germination. Total photosynthesis and dark respiration of corn plants 12 days after pre-emergence application and of redroot pigweed, alfalfa, and quackgrass plants after postemergence application of buthidazole at several rates were measured with an infrared CO₂ analyser. The results suggested that buthidazole was a rapid inhibitor of photosynthesis of the sensitive redroot pigweed and quackgrass plants, with less effect on corn and alfalfa. Buthidazole did not affect respiration of the examined species except for a transitory increase in corn and alfalfa 12 days after pre-emergence or 4 h after postemergence treatment with buthidazole at 0.56 or 1.12 and 2.24 kg/ha, respectively. A long-term inhibition of quackgrass respiration 96 h after treatment with buthidazole at 1.12 and 224 kg/ha was also evident.     

Comparison of trifluralin,oryzalin, pronamide,propham, and colchicine treatments on microtubules

The mode of action of trifluralin (α,α,α-trifluoro-2,6-dinitro-N,N-dipropyl-p-toluidine), oryzalin (3,5-dinitro-N⁴,N⁴-dipropylsulfanilamide), pronamide(N-(1,1-dimethylpropynyl) 3,5-dichlorobenzamide), and propham (isopropyl carbanilate) on purified microtubules from pig brains and on the ultrastructure of wheat (Triticum aestivum L. “Mediterranean,” C. I. 5303) and corn (Zea mays L. “yellow dent, U. S. 13”) roots was compared with that known for colchicine. Colchicine disrupts the in vivo cortical and spindle microtubules of root cells. Like colchicine, the herbicides trifluralin, oryzalin, and pronamide caused the loss of both cortical and spindle microtubules of root cells. The rate of microtubule disappearance depended on the type of herbicide and length of exposure of roots to the herbicide. Unlike colchicine, cortical microtubules were present in propham-treated roots but they were disoriented within the cell.In vitro polymerization studies with pig brain microtubules (Sus scrofa) showed that the herbicides failed to inhibit the assembly of purified microtubular protein into microtubules and that radioactively labeled herbicides did not bind to the microtubular protein. Colchicine inhibited the polymerization of microtubular protein and readily bound to the microtubular subunits. These results indicate that the mode of action of the herbicides is not similar to that of colchicine and that the loss of microtubules from root tip cells treated with trifluralin, oryzalin, and pronamide may be caused by these herbicides interfering with synthesis of microtubular protein or metabolism of endoplasmic reticulum membranes involved in microtubule assembly. The mode of action of propham appears to be on the microtubular organizing centers rather than on microtubules per se.     

The effect of CDAA (N,N,-diallyl-2-chloroacetamide) pretreatments on subsequent CDAA injury to corn (Zea mays L.)

The effects of CDAA (N,N-diallyl-2-chloroacetamide) pretreatment on subsequent CDAA injury to corn were examined and compared with the effects of the herbicide protectant R-25788 (N,N,-diallyl-2,2-dichloroacetamide). In addition, the effects of CDAA pretreatment on subsequent CDAA metabolism were determined. It was found that 5μM CDAA protected corn from injury by 200 μM CDAA when given as a 2.5- or 1-day pretreatment. R-25788 at similar concentrations did not protect corn from subsequent R-25788 injury. Pretreatment with CDAA increased GSH levels of corn roots by 61% within 1 day, and these levels did not increase with a longer 2.5-day pretreatment with CDAA. GSH-S-transferase activity was assayed spectrophotometrically using CDNB (1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene). A 1-day pretreatment with CDAA increased the root GSH-S-transferase activity by 35%, but did not affect shoot GSH-S-transferase activity. A 2.5-day pretreatment resulted in a 50% increase in root GSH-S-transferase activity but no response of the shoot enzyme was observed. Even longer pretreatments with CDAA did not result in any further increases in enzyme activity. When corn roots pretreated with CDAA for 2.5 days were excised and incubated with radiolabeled CDAA, they exhibited greater rates of uptake and metabolism than did nonpretreated roots. With in vitro studies, a fairly high rate of nonenzymatic degradation of CDAA was observed. However, the enzymatic rate was always double that of the nonenzymatic rate under the experimental conditions used. It is concluded that elevations in the GSH levels and GSH-S-transferase activities of corn roots following CDAA pretreatments may be involved in the protection of corn from subsequent CDAA injury.     

Fenitrothion plus (1R)-phenothrin,and pirimiphos-methyl plus carbaryl,as grain protectant combinations for wheat

Duplicate field trials were carried out on bulk wheat in commercial silos in Queensland and New South Wales. Laboratory bioassays on samples of treated grain at intervals over 9 months, using malathion-resistant strains of insects, established that treatments were generally effective. Fenitrothion (12 mg kg^?1)+ (1R)-phenothrin (2 mg kg^?1) was more effective than pirimiphos-methyl (6 mg kg^?1) + carbaryl (10 mg kg^?1) against Sitophilus oryzae (L.) and Ephestia cautella (Walker); the order of effectiveness was reversed for S. granarius (L.). Against Rhyzopertha dominica (F.), Tribolium castaneum (Herbst), T. confusum Jackquelin du Val and Oryzaephilus surinamensis (L.), both treatments effectively prevented the production of progeny. The order of persistence was pirimiphos-methyl> (1R)-phenothrin>carbaryl or fenitrothion. During processing from wheat to white bread, residues were reduced by 98% for carbaryl, >44% for (1R)-phenothrin, 98% for fenitrothion and 85% for pirimiphosmethyl.     

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.