Resistance in winter wheat lines to deoxynivalenol applied into florets at flowering stage and tolerance to phytotoxic effects on yield

In Europe and North America, deoxynivalenol (DON) is the most prevalent mycotoxin associated with wheat head blight caused by Fusarium graminearum and Fusarium culmorum. Because DON is toxic to plants and enhances the ability of the pathogen to spread within a spike, wheat lines with resistance to DON should be more resistant to head blight. Resistance to DON has been associated with resistance gene Fhb1 that confers resistance to spread within a spike. The objectives of this study were to determine if wheat lines resistant to head blight were also resistant to DON, if genes other than Fhb1 confer resistance to DON, and to identify lines able to fill grain in the presence of DON. Susceptible controls and diverse North American and European winter wheat lines with resistance to head blight were screened for molecular markers linked to known head blight resistance genes, and evaluated in a greenhouse for resistance to DON and relative yield after application of DON to spikes at flowering. Fhb1 appeared to have the unique ability to confer resistance to DON, as measured by the number of DON‐bleached primary florets. However, this resistance did not protect plants from the phytotoxic effects of DON on kernel formation as measured by the relative yield of treated spikes. Furthermore, measuring the relative yield loss following DON application may be useful for identifying lines with tolerance to head blight.     

Assessment of infection in wheat by <Emphasis Type="Italic">Fusarium</Emphasis> protein equivalent levels

Determination of the Fusarium protein equivalent (FPE) levels in kernels for better characterisation of genotypes showing Fusarium head blight (FHB) resistance, and better detection of susceptibility to kernel infection among genotypes with slight symptom expression was carried out. Twelve wheat cultivars and eight hexaploid winter wheat lines derived from a cross of Triticum aestivum with related species T. macha, T. polonicum, and T. dicoccoides were evaluated for levels of spike and kernel infection, the content of the mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON) and FPE in kernels after artificial inoculation with the fungus Fusarium culmorum in the field in 2006–2007. The ELISA immunochemical method was employed for the quantitative analyses of DON and FPE. Three wheat lines had a significantly low infection of spikes and kernels compared to cvs Sumai 3 and Nobeoka Bozu, indicating the presence of specific resistance mechanisms to FHB. The significantly low AUDPC (area under the disease progress curve) and the high level of FPE and DON content in kernels indicated a lack of resistance in one wheat line (crossed with T. polonicum). The results showed highly significant correlations (P < 0.01) between FPE and DON content and between FPE and AUDPC. In addition, correlations between FPE and reductions in yield components were also highly significant. Quantification of Fusarium spp. in wheat kernels can be helpful for evaluating wheat genotypes for their levels of resistance to FHB.     

UNTERSUCHUNGEN ÜBER AUFNAHME UND TRANSLOKATION VON 14C-MARKIERTEN HERBIZIDEN IN AGROSTEMMA GITHAGO L. UND TUSSILAGO FARFARA L.

Studies of the uptake and translocation of ¹⁴C-labelled 2, 4-D, MCPA and aminotriazole in Agrostemma githago L. and Tussilago farfara L. clarified the behaviour of the herbicides in both species. In A. githago, MCPA was more freely mobile than 2,4-D after application to the leaf; it was distributed in the plant more rapidly and in greater quantity. Similarly, following root uptake MCPA was transported in the shoot in greater amounts than was 2,4-D. There is a clear relationship between the susceptibility of A. githago to MCPA and the mobility of the herbicide in the plant. In T. farfara, 2,4-D and aminotriazole applied to the leaves were equally well absorbed and relatively rapidly translocated. During the period up to 72 h the amounts of herbicide in the plant increased to similar levels; after that, ¹⁴C activity in plants treated with 2,4-D fell slightly whereas there was further accumulation of aminotriazole. Following uptake through the roots, translocation and accumulation in the leaves were considerably greater with aminotriazole than with 2,4-D. The lack of accumulation of 2,4-D could be a factor in the resistance of T. farfara to this herbicidie. Recherches sur l'absorption et la migration d'herbicides marqués au ¹⁴ C dans Agrostemma githago L. et Tussilago farfara L.     

油菜和小麦种苗根系对乙草胺的耐性差异分析

为揭示油菜和小麦根系对乙草胺耐药性差异的原因,采用水培法研究了梯度浓度乙草胺对油菜和小麦种苗根系形态、根尖生理代谢和解剖结构的影响。结果表明,1 mg/L乙草胺对油菜根长抑制率为33.63%,而对小麦根长抑制率可达55.22%;100 mg/L乙草胺对油菜侧根抑制率为63.03%,而对小麦侧根抑制率达100.00%;经0.01 mg/L乙草胺处理后的油菜根尖细胞膜透性高于小麦,当乙草胺浓度高于0.1 mg/L后,小麦根尖细胞膜透性剧烈增加且高于油菜;在较高浓度乙草胺胁迫下,小麦根尖抗氧化酶活性均低于油菜;10 mg/L乙草胺处理下,小麦根尖的解剖结构变异较油菜明显,表现为细胞排列松散、混乱,根冠变形,分生组织细胞染色程度变浅,伸长区细胞分化提前,中柱鞘细胞木质化。研究表明,小麦的根系建成比油菜更容易受乙草胺抑制,且侧根数比根长更敏感;油菜和小麦对乙草胺耐药性差异可能与细胞膜透性、抗氧化酶活性以及根尖细胞组织分化等差异有关。     

EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE ON THE ACTIVITY AND PERSISTENCE OF AMITROLE AND 2,4-D

Summary. One leaf of each of several tomato plants 5–6 weeks old maintained at 55, 70 or 85° F was dipped in 0.05 M amitrole or 0.005 M 2,4-D solution. The treated leaf was removed 1 week later. Scions taken from untreated plants were grafted to the treated plants at intervals up to 4 months after treatment.
Amitrole-treated plants maintained at 55° F were killed within 1 month but those at 70 and 85° F recovered.
Plants treated with 2,4-D showed typical symptoms when maintained at 70 and 85° F but no symptoms at 55° F. Scions grafted on plants maintained at 55, 70 and 85° F for 60 days after 2,4-D treatments exhibited typical symptoms. Grafts made more than 60 days following the 2,4-D application did not exhibit symptoms except a slight malformation on the plants held at 55° F.
New growth on the scions grafted up to 103 days after amitrole treatment on plants which had been maintained at 70 and 85° F exhibited typical amitrole symptoms (i.e. white foliage) but scions grafted after this lime did not. New shoots developing from buds on the treated plants also produced green growth 115 days after treatment but produced white foliage prior to that time.
Effet de la température sur l'activi'ité et la persistance de l'aminotriazole et du 2,4-D     

Effect of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid applied as a herbicide on fruit shedding and coffee yield

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) applied as a herbicide at two timings after coffee blossoming, on fruit shedding from lower or upper plagiotropic branches on the canopy, as well as on crop yield. 2,4-D was sprayed between the rows on a 0.75 m-wide strip of land, starting on the border of canopy projection. Toxicity to the plants, final crop yield per plant and fruit shedding (FS) were assessed. The identical FS was observed for both application timings. Control plots showed an FS 13% lower than those where the highest 2,4-D dose was employed. FS was greater on the lower branches (46.8%) than on the upper ones (39.4%). This was probably due to injury to the lower plant canopy caused by the 2,4-D drift. Ripe or dried cherries and coffee bean yield per plant were not affected. It was concluded that despite the increased FS in the lower plant canopy, final coffee production was not significantly affected in response to 2,4-D application.     

Absence of 3-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)propionic acid in plants treated with 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid‡

Experiments were conducted to establish if the formation of 2.4-dichlorophenol (DCP) from 2.4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) in plants proceeds via 3-(2,4-dichtorophenoxy) propionic acid (2,4-DP) as an intermediate. Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.), kidney bean (Phaseolus vtitgaris L.), pea (Pisum. sativum L.), smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leyss.), wild oat (Avena fatua L.), yellow foxtail (Setaria glauca(L.) Beauv.), barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), timothy (Phleum pratense L.). and orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) were treated with equal weights of 2,4-D and 2,4-DP. After 3 days, all plants contained DCP; however, amounts were larger in plants treated with 2.4-DP than in those treated with 2,4-D. The 2.4-DP was absorbed from the leaf surface more efficiently than 2,4-D. No evidence was found for formation of 2,4-DP from 2,4-D in any of the plant species studied. L'absence de l'acide3-(2,4 dichlorophénoxy) propionique dans les plantes traitées avec I'acide 2,4-dichlorophénoxyacétique Des experiences ont été effectuées pour rechercher si la formation de 2,4-dichlorophénoI (DCP) dans les plantes, à partir de l'acide 2.4-dichlorophénoxy acétique (2,4-D) se produit par l'intermêdiaire de l'acide 3-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy) propionique. Le soja (Glycine max(L.) Merr.). le haricot (Phaseolus vuigaris L.), Ic pois (Pisum sativum L.), le brome (Bromus inermis Leyss.), la folle avoine (Avena fatua L.), la sétaire (Setaria glauca(L.) Beauv.). I'orge (Hordeum vulgare L.), la fléole (Phleum pratense L.) et le dactyle (Dactylis ghmerata L.) ont été traités par des poids égaux de 2.4-D et de 2,4-DP. Trois jours aprés, les plantes contenaient du DCP; toutefois, les quantités trouviés furent plus importantes dans les plantes traitées avec le 2,4-DP que dans celles traitées avec le 2,4-D. Le 2,4-DP a été absorbéà partir de la surface foliaire plus efficacement que le 2,4-D. La formation du 2,4-DP à partir du 2,4-D n'a pu être prouvée dans aucune des plantes étudiécs. Die Abwesenheit von 3-(2,4′Dichlorphenaxy)-propionsäure irt mil 2,4-Dichlorphenoxytesäure behandelten Pflanzen Es wurden Versuche durchgeführt um herauszufinden. ob die Bildung von 2,4-Dichlorphenol (DCP) aus 2.4-Dichlor-phenoxyessigsäure (2,4-D) in Pflanzen über 3-(2,4-Dichlor-phenoxy)-propionsaure (2,4-DP) als Zwischcnprodukt ver-läufl. Sojabohnen (Glycine max(L.) Merr.), Gartenbohnen (Phaseolus vutgaris L.), Erbsen (Pisum sativum L.), Wehrlose Trcspe (Bromus inermis Leyss.), Flughafer (Avena fama L.), Gelbe Borsienhirse (Setaria glauca(L.) Beauv.), Gerste (Hordetim vidgarc L.), Wiesenlieschgras (Phleum pratense L.) und Knaulgras (Dactylis ghmerata L.) wurden mit gleichen Mengen an 2,4-D und 2,4-DP behandelt. Nach drei Tagen enthielten alle PHanzen DCP; aber die Menge an DCP war in den mit 2,4-DP behandelten Pflanzen grosser als in den mit 2,4-D behandelten. 2,4-DP wurde von der Blatt-oberflache besser absorbiert als 2.4-D. In keiner der untersuchten Pflanzenarten konnte ein Hinweis für die Bildung von 2,4-DP aus 2,4-D gefunden werden.     

Control of the bindweeds Convolvulus arvensis and Calystegia sepium in fruit crops

Convolvulus arvensis is the most important species of bindweed in Britain. Established plants spread by means of lateral roots: establishment from seed and fragments of the underground growth is not important. The hormone weedkillers like 2,4-D and MCPA give good control in the year of treatment. With the correct dose and timing there is also good control in the year after treatment. Adding paraquat to 2,4-D reduces the effect in the year after treatment. Repeated annual treatment with high doses of chlorthiamid that prevent shoot growth for the entire season are no more effective against the underground growth than the standard dose of 2,4-D. Calystegia sepium spreads rapidly by rhizomes and stolons. It is more susceptible than C. arvensis to MCPB.     

Alteration of photosynthetic performance and source–sink relationships in wheat plants infected by Pyricularia oryzae

Two experiments were carried out to assess the changes associated with photoassimilate production and partitioning in the source–sink relationship of flag leaves and spikes of wheat plants infected with Pyricularia oryzae, the causal agent of blast. Flag leaves and spikes were inoculated at 10 and 20 days after anthesis (daa) with a conidial suspension of P. oryzae. Analysis of chlorophyll a fluorescence using maximal photosystem II quantum efficiency (F_v?F_m), fraction of energy absorbed that is used in photochemistry (YII), quantum yield of non‐regulated energy dissipation (Y(NO)) and quantum yield of regulated energy dissipation (Y(NPQ)), showed an impairment of the photosynthetic performance in both infected flag leaves and spikes, coupled with reduced concentrations of chlorophyll a  + b and carotenoids. Compared to non‐inoculated controls, there was lower capacity for CO₂ fixation by RuBisCO in the infected flag leaves. Similarly, in the infected flag leaves and grains (obtained from infected spikes), there were lower concentrations of soluble sugars, while the hexoses‐to‐sucrose ratio increased in infected flag leaves. Compared to non‐inoculated controls, infected flag leaves showed lower sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS) activity and lower expression of the sucrose synthesis (SuSy) gene, while higher expression and activity of acid invertases also occurred. At the advanced stages of fungal infection, the concentration of starch in grains decreased but remained high for the infected flag leaves. There were reductions in ADP‐glucose pyrophosphorylase activity and the expression of ADP‐glucose pyrophosphorylase genes and a down‐regulation of β‐ and α‐amylase expression at the advanced stages of fungal infection on flag leaves and spikes. In conclusion, the effect of blast on both grain quality and yield can be associated with alterations in both production and partitioning of carbohydrates during the grain filling process.     

EFFECT OF GROWTH REGULATORS AND HERBICIDES ON NORMAL AND WOUND PERIDERM ONTOGENY IN FRAXINUS PENNSYLVANICA SEEDLINGS*

Summary. IAA, GA, kinetin, 2,4-D and naptalam were applied at 100 or 1000 ppm in lanolin to wounds made at the top of the hypocotyl of Fraxinus pennsylvanica Marsh. seedlings. Formation of normal periderm was prevented in the hypocotyl below the wounded tissue by 1000 ppm IAA or naptalam and 100 or 1000 ppm 2,4-D. IAA or naptalam at 100 ppm and GA or kinetin at 100 or 1000 ppm retarded normal periderm development. Wound periderm development was prevented only by 1000 ppm 2,4-D. Wound-stimulated development of normal periderm in tissues near the wound was prevented by 1000 ppm kinetin and 100 or 1000 ppm 2,4-D. Anomalous growths which appeared morphologically similar to nascent roots developed in the wounded hypocotyl section of seedlings treated with 1000 ppm naptalam and 100 or 1000 ppm 2,4-D. Identical growths were found in unwounded portions of the hypocotyl of seedlings treated with 100 or 1000 ppm 2,4-D. The data emphasize differences in physiological control of normal and wound periderm development. Effets de substances de croissance et d'herbicides sur l'onlogénie du pérderme normal ou blessé dans des plantules de Fraxinus pennsylvanica.     

Uptake, translocation and fate of 2,4-D and chlorsulfuron in Silene vulgaris (Moench) Garcke

Experiments were conducted to examine the up take, translocation and metabolism by S. vulgaris of two distinctly different herbicides: 2,4-D, a phenoxyalkanoic acid with growth regulator activity to which this species exhibits complete tolerance, and chlorsulfuron, a sul-fonylurea to which S. vulgaris is highly sensitive. Despite their structural dissimilarities 2,4-D and chlorsulfuron was readily absorbed by S. vulgaris with 65 and 69%, respectively, of the applied dosage being absorbed within 72 hours after treatment. Approximately 35% of the 2,4-D and 10% of the chlorsulfuron label was translocated out of the treated leaf after 72 hours. Neither herbicide accumulated in the terminal bud. Seventy-two hours after treatment 63% of the recovered ¹⁴C remained as unaltered 2,4-D in S. vulgaris, while in tomato, a 2,4-D sensitive species, 65% of the recovered ¹⁴C remained as intact herbicide. In S. vulgaris approximately 86% of the radioactivity remained as intact chlorsulfuron 72 hours after treatment compared to 12% in the tolerant wheat. The tolerance of S. vulgaris to 2,4-D could not be accounted for by limited absorption, translocation nor metabolic degradation of the herbicide. The sensitivity of S. vulgaris to chlorsulfuron would appear to be related to the inability of this species to metabolize the herbicide molecule.     

THE MOVEMENT OF LABELLED 2,4-D IN YOUNG BARLEY PLANTS

Summary. After the 4- or 5-leaf stage in young barley plants, there is a decrease in the translocation of 2,4-D from the leaves to the root system. It is shown that there is no relation between this phenomenon and ear initiation, which occurs at this stage of development. Movement of 2,4-D out of leaves of the tiller in the axils of the 1st and 2nd leaves was also shown to be very small. There is some evidence for a'block'in the movement of 2,4-D in established grass plants.
La migration du 2,4-D marqué dans l'orge     

SHOOT ZONE UPTAKE OF SOIL-APPLIED HERBICIDES*

Summary. Studies were conducted to determine the effects of herbicide placement at different zones of maize (Zea mays L.) and pea (Pisum sativwm L.) shoots below the soil surface after emergence. Soil was removed from around the shoots and replaced with herbicide-treated soil. A wax barrier ensured separate exposure of the zones to treated soil. EPTC, chlorpropham, propham and sulfallate did not affect pea shoot growth, but in maize the shoot zone adjacent to the crown root node was extremely sensitive. Treatment in this area markedly reduced growth and severely inhibited the crown roots. The difference in susceptibility between these species may he due to the location of the growing point relative to the treated soil. Shoots of maize and pea were sensitive to diuron. In maize the shoot adjacent to the crown root node and the tissue of the first internode were the most susceptible. In pea the- uppermost shoot (beneath the soil surface) was the most sensitive. Trifluralin did not affect growth of maize and pea when placed in the shoot zone after emergence, although the crown roots of maize were severely inhibited. Naptalam, dalapon and 2,4-D did not affect growth of maize under similar conditions, and of these only 2,4-D reduced growth of pea. Zone d'abiorption des tiges pour les herbicides appliqués sur h sol     

Effects of herbicides or mowing on musk thistle seed production*

Mowing musk thistle (Carduus nutans L.) within 2 days of the first terminal heads in a plant population showing anthesis eliminated the production of germinable seed from all mowed stalks. Mowing later than 4 days after anthesis led to significant amounts of germinable seed being produced. Regrowth, which produced viable seed, usually occurred from plants mowed before first terminal heads began anthesis. A single mowing usually did not give satisfactory control due to wide differences in the maturity of plants in a natural population. When the terminal heads had reached late bud or more mature stages, 2,4-D ester [isoocyt] ester of (2,4-dichlorophenoxy) acetic acid] at M kg/ha or 2–2 kg/ha did not provide satisfactory control. In general, the most effective herbicide treatments tested at all three stages of maturity were dicamba (3,6-dichloro-o-anisic acid) at 056 kg/ha plus 2,4-D amine (dimethyl amine salt) at M kg/ha, 2,4-D ester at 4–4 kg/ha, or dicamba at 0–56 kg/ha. Inconsistent control of musk thistle results from variability within naturally occurring populations. Uneven development of stands as well as variation among plants are suggested as possible causes.     

Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop. competition with winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

A series of field experiments was conducted to evaluate the competitive effect of Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop. on winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L. ‘Norstar’) yield. Grain yield at the centre of dense C. arvense patches ranged from 28–71% of the yield in adjacent weed-free plots, based on measurements made at 11 experimental sites over a 2-year period. The mean reduction in yield was 49%. Two models were used to describe grain yield reduction in terms of C. arvense shoot density: (a) linear regression of percentage yield reduction on the square root of shoot density, and (b) non-linear regression, based on a rectangular hyperbola. Both models give similar yield loss estimates at commonly occurring shoot densities of C. arvense, but the non-linear model accounted for more of the observed variation in grain yield. The major yield component affected by C. arvense competition was spikes per unit area, with kernel weight affected to a lesser extent.     

Tolerence of Wheat and Barley at Different Stages of Growth to 2, 4-D Sprays

Abstract

The tolerance of wheat and barley to 2, 4-D sprayed at six stages of growth, ranging from the 3-leaf stage up to the ripe grain stage, was studied. Five concentrations ranging from 500 to 8000 ppm (a.e.) of 2, 4-D were tested.

All the concentrations sprayed at the 3-leaf stage were phytotoxic to wheat and barley, whereas at the 5-leaf, jointing, and booting-to-heading stages, only 4000 and 8000 ppm were phytotoxic and caused lodging in the two crops. Reductions in plant height were significant at all concentrations used in the case of barley, and at 1000 ppm and above in the case of wheat.

The 8000 ppm treatment, applied at the jointing and anthesis stages, caused significant reductions in the grain yield of wheat; in the case of barley, significant reductions in the grain yield were observed at concentrations ranging from 2000 to 8000 ppm, sprayed at the 3-leaf, booting-to-heading, arid anthesis stages. At the 5-leaf stage, the 1000 ppm treatment gave a highly significant increase of 18.7% in the grain yield over the unweeded check. Significant reductions in the 1000-kernel weight and test weight of the two crops were observed only at the higher concentrations used.

The protein percentages of wheat and barley seeds were significantly increased as a result of the application of 2, 4-D at 2000 to 8000 ppm, sprayed at the 3-leaf, jointing, booting-to-heading, and anthesis stages of growth. However, significant reductions in the protein yield of the two crops were observed at these treatments. No significant effects were observed on the straw yield and germination percentages of wheat and barley as a result of 2, 4-D applications at the various stages of growth.     

Effect of Dicamba/2,4-D on Production of Wheat in U.A.R.

Abstract

At two sites in the U.A.R. we investigated the possibility of improving wheat production by spraying 2,4-D amine, mixtures of 2,4-D with dicamba as amine salts, or dicamba alone as the dimethylamine salt. The best results followed application of a mixture of dicamba at 0.084 lb per feddan (90.7 g/ha) with 2,4-D at 0.84–1.12 lb per feddan (907–1210 g/ha). The mixture controlled many species of weeds; it significantly increased the average number of grains per ear, the yield of grain, the protein content of grain and also the yeild of straw. Compared with the hand-weeded controls, treatment with dicamba/2,4-D raised the grain yield by 14% and increased its protein content by 10%.     

Interaction between glyphosate and various herbicides for broadleaved weed control

The effects of several herbicides for broadleaved weed control on glyphosate (n-phosphonomethyl glycine) phytotoxicity to wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and wild oats (Avena fatua L.) were studied in the greenhouse. In tank mixtures, dicamba (3,6-dichloro-o-anisic acid), 2,4-D (2,4-dichlorophenoxy-acetic acid) and bromoxynil (3,5-dibromo-4-hydroxy benzonitrile) reduced the phytotoxicity of threshold rates of glyphosate on all three species. With increasing rates of the herbicides for broadleaved weed control relative to a fixed rate of glyphosate, there was a general trend towards increased antagonism. Increasing glyphosate rates above the threshold level in mixtures containing a fixed rate of herbicides for broadleaved weed control overcame the antagonism. Both the inert and active ingredients of 2,4-D amine and ester appeared to be involved in the antagonism. There was no reduction in glyphosate phytotoxicity on the annual grasses when 2,4-D or bromoxynil were sprayed sequentially at various times in relation to glyphosate. When droplets of bromoxynil and glyphosate were placed side by side on a leaf, glyphosate phytotoxicity was not reduced, whereas when the two herbicides were mixed and applied as one droplet, considerable reduction in glyphosate phytotoxicity occurred. These results suggest that the reduction in glyphosate phytotoxicity caused by tank mixing with herbicides such as 2,4-D, bromoxynil and dicamba may be due to a physical or chemical incompatability within the tank mixture rather than to a biological interaction in the plant.     

Adsorption–desorption of 2,4-D by hydroxy aluminium montmorillonite complexes

Adsorption–desorption characteristics of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) on pure montmorillonite and synthetic chlorite-like complexes [Al(OH)_x-montmorillonite complexes, obtained by coating montmorillonite surfaces with different amounts of Al(OH)_x] were investigated. The equilibrium adsorption of 2,4-D was described by both Langmuir and Freundlich type isotherms. The extent of adsorption as well as the type of interaction between adsorbate and adsorbent was affected by the nature of incubation buffer and the charge characteristics of supports. At pH 5·6 and in acetate buffer, 2,4-D was negatively adsorbed by montmorillonite and herbicide adsorption capacity increased with increasing amounts of Al(OH)_x species loaded on montmorillonite surfaces. When adsorption experiments were performed at the same pH but in phosphate buffer, strong reductions of both the amount of adsorbed pesticide and its affinity for the adsorbents were measured. Evidently, phosphate anions competed strongly with 2,4-D anions for the sorption site on chlorite-like complexes. Furthermore, desorption tests revealed that a large amount (about 60%) of the pesticide was firmly bound to the clay and was not removed even after repeated washings or 24 h exposure to desorption solution. Both electrostatic interactions between the negative COO^- moieties of 2,4-D and the positive sites on clays, and ligand exchanges of COO^- groups with -OH or water at the clay surface were probably involved in the adsorption process. ©1997 SCI     

Spray application factors and plant growth regulator performance: I. Bioassays and biological response

Bioassays were adapted to investigate effects of droplet size and carrier volume on performance of daminozide, gibberellic acid (GA₃) and 2,4-D using Phaseolus vulgaris L. as a model system. Response to plant growth regulators was indexed by inhibition (daminozide), promotion of internode elongation (GA₃) or ethylene production (2,4-D). Elongation of first plus second internodes above primary leaves was evaluated 14 days after treatment of primary leaves, while ethylene production was determined from head-space samples of incubated leaves 24 h after treatment. Daminozide inhibition of internode elongation was related to decreased cell size and number in pith and epidermis (range 49–70% of the untreated control). GA₃ increased cell size and number in both tissues 2·3- to 4·8-fold. Responsiveness to daminozide and 2,4-D markedly decreased as seedling age increased from 8 to 12 days, but responsiveness to GA₃ increased. Decreasing droplet size (10–0·5 μl) and increasing carrier volume (10–200 μl per leaf) at constant dose of daminozide (100 μg per leaf) and 2,4-D (100 μg per leaf) significantly increased performance, but had little effect on performance of GA₃ (2 μg per leaf). Effects of application factors on performance were related to their effects on the interface area between droplets and leaf surface. Significant positive linear relationships were obtained between plant response and the logarithm of the droplet/leaf interface area for all growth regulators. © 1998 Society of Chemical Industry