Uptake and phytotoxicity of chlorsulfuron in Zea mays L. in the presence of 1,8-naphthalic anhydride

The sites of uptake of chlorsulfuron in maize (Zea mays L.) were investigated at three different growth stages. Exposure of seedling roots, or shoots separately, to herbicide-treated sand over 4 days resulted in inhibition of both roots and shoots. Exposure of seedling roots to chlorsulfuron-treated soil over 21 days severely inhibited both roots and foliage, while separate shoot exposure also reduced both foliage and root growth. After plant emergence, exposure of the crown root node, growing point and lower stem to treated soil reduced foliage and root growth, but exposure of the shoot above the growing point caused only slight inhibition of foliage and had no effect on roots. The herbicide safener 1,8-naphthalic anhydride (NA) applied as a dust (10 g kg^?1 seed weight), or as a 50 mg 1^?1 suspension in water to maize seeds, reduced the root inhibition by chlorsulfuron in 4-day-old seedlings. NA completely prevented both foliage and root injury when chlorsulfuron was placed in soil in the shoot zone before emergence, or in the shoot zone below the soil surface after plant emergence. NA slightly decreased injury to foliage, but not to roots when chlorsulfuron was placed in soil in the root zone before emergence. NA seed treatment protected both roots and foliage against injury from foliarly applied chlorsulfuron. Plants were also protected when a suspension of NA in water was sprayed on the foliage seven days before chlorsulfuron. When a mixture of NA and chlorsulfuron was applied to foliage, root injury was reduced more than foliage injury.     

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.     

Diclofop-methyl antagonism by broadleaf weed herbicides: the importance of leaf expansion rate

Avena saliva cv. Amuri and A. fatua were sprayed with diclofop methyl (1.0 kg a.i. ha^?1) alone and in combination with 2,4-D (1.1 kg a.i. ha^?1), bentazone (1.0 kg a.i. ha^?1), chlorsulfuron (15 g a.i. ha^?1) or dicamba (0.3 kg a.i. ha^?1). Effects of the herbicides on leaf extension rate during the first 8 to 10 days after spraying and subsequent growth (dry weight) after 57–75 days were determined by comparison with unsprayed plants. Diclofop-methyl applied alone did not cause a decrease in leaf extension rate of A. saliva or A. fatua until at least 4 days after spraying. All broadleaf weed herbicides in combination with diclofop-methyl caused a decrease in leaf extension rate of both species within 2 days of spraying. Ten days after spraying, leaf extension rates for plants sprayed with a broadleaf weed herbicide plus diclofopmethyl (all combinations) were lower than for unsprayed plants but greater than for plants sprayed with diclofop-methyl alone. With the exception of A. fatua sprayed with bentazone, long-term growth of plants sprayed with a broadleaf weed herbicide plus diclofop-methyl (all combinations) was lower than for unsprayed plants but greater than for plants sprayed with diclofop-methyl alone. Bentazone applied with diclofop-methyl caused a substantial decrease in leaf extension rate of A. fatua within 24 h of spraying but at harvest, dry weight of plants from this treatment was similar to or less than that for plants sprayed with diclofop-methyl alone. Application of diclofop-methyl with bentazone at a rate of 0.3 kg a.i. ha^?1 also caused a reduction in leaf extension rate of A. fatua within one day of spraying. At this rate of bentazone, dry weight of plants at harvest was intermediate to that of unsprayed plants and those sprayed with diclofop-methyl alone. It is proposed that decreased leaf expansion rate during the first few days afte spraying is the cause of broadleaf weed herbicide antagonism of diclofop-methyl.     

MORPHOLOGICAL,ANATOMICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL EFFECTS OF PROPACHLOR ON SEEDLING GROWTH*

Summary. The root and shoot growth of oat (Avena saliva L.) and squash (Cucurbita maxima Duchesne) was reduced in proportion to propachlor concentration. Corn (Zea mays L.) root growth was inhibited only by concentrations of 16 ppm and higher. Cell division in onion (Allium cepa L.) root tips was reduced by propachlor and totally inhibited by 16 ppm. Auxin-induced cell elongation of oat coleoptiles was inhibited in proportion to propachlor concentration. Propachlor treatment prevented the normal senescence of squash cotyledons by inhibiting the autolysis of proteinaceous and lipid reserves. Effets morphologiques, anatomiques et biochimiques du propachlore sur la croissance des plantules Riisumi.     

Differential effect of diclofop-methyl on fatty acid biosynthesis in leaves of sensitive and tolerant plant species

The herbicide diclofop-methyl caused an early and pronounced inhibition of the incorporation of [¹⁴C]acetate into leaf lipids of the sensitive plant species maize (Zea may L.), wild oat (Avena fatua L.), and barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crus-galli L.). With an EC₅₀ value of approximately 10^?7M inhibition was already apparent 0.5–4 hr after herbicide application. The fatty acid biosynthesis of tolerant bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.), and soybean (Glycine max L.) was not affected, with one exception [wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) belongs to the more tolerant species]; the inhibition of fatty acid biosynthesis, however, was in the same order of magnitude as in sensitive plants. More detailed studies showed that in wheat a recovery from inhibition of fatty acid biosynthesis occurred. Four days after herbicide application (0.18 kg diclofop-methyl/ha) in wheat normal fatty acid biosynthesis was restored, whereas in sensitive maize a 60% inhibition was maintained over the whole experimental period (8 days). The results support the view that tolerance of wheat to diclofop-methyl is based on its inactivation in leaves, whereas the tolerance of dicotyledonous species may probably lie at the level of the site of action of diclofop-methyl. In experiments with intact leaves, the inhibition of fatty acid biosynthesis resulted in an enhanced flow of [¹⁴C]acetate into organic acids and amino acids. This effect, however, was not always reproducible in experiments with leaf pieces or isolated root tips.     

Effect of chlorsulfuron and 1, 8 naphthalic anhydride on uptake of 45Ca in maize

The effect of chlorsulfuron on uptake of ⁴⁵Ca was studied in maize (Zea mays L. cv. Earliking) plants grown from seeds dusted with 1, 8 naphthalic anhydride (NA). ⁴⁵Ca absorption in sand-grown maize was significantly decreased when chlorsulfuron was applied to the foliage but this was not so when seeds had been dusted with NA. Uptake of ⁴⁵Ca was also reduced when either root or shoot soil zones were separately exposed to chlorsulfuron. When seeds had been dusted with NA, uptake of ⁴⁵Ca from main roots was similar to that of untreated plants, but only when chlorsulfuron was localized in the shoot zone. NA did not counteract the severe reduction in ⁴⁵Ca absorption when chlorsulfuron was localized in the root zone.     

Problems in control of Rottboellia exaltata L.f. in maize in Bukidnon Province, Mindanao, Philippines

Various methods were tested to control the annual grass Rottboellia exaltata L.f. in maize (Zea mays L.) under small-farm conditions in Bukidnon Province, Mindanao, Philippines during 1977 and 1978. No single method was satisfactory. Despite adequate early season control, late-germinating Rottboellia tillered profusely. By harvest, plots had heavy infestations and were carpeted with seed. At harvest, untreated controls averaged 8·6 t Rottboellia dry matter ha^?1 and only half the maize yield of handweeded plots. The ‘karase’ spike-tooth harrow, or 0·2 kg paraquat ha^?1, effectively removed Rottboellia flushes before maize emergence, but these techniques delayed planting, which can intensify downy mildew disease (Sclerospora sp.). Even though handweeding increased maize yields and decreased Rottboellia dry weights, it is impractical on typical 3- to 5-ha maize farms. Mungbean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek var. aureus), intercropped with maize, suppressed Rottboellia initially. Openings caused by mungbean harvest, however, allowed explosive late-season weed growth in maize. Three herbicide treatments were as effective as handweeding: pendimethalin plus atrazine, either banded over the maize row (followed by cultivation), or broadcast; and pendimethalin followed by 2, 4-D, both broadcast. In one experiment, low-cost practices, including weed flush removal, cultivation, or handweeding, provided high net returns, whereas expensive herbicide treatments produced low net returns. Fertilizer, applied without weed control, increased maize yield 62%. Without fertilizer, weed control increased yield 107%. Combining the two raised yield 167%.     

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     

冠菌素对玉米苗期植株形态建成的调控效应

以玉米品种金海5号为材料,采用不同浓度植物生长调节剂冠菌素(COR)拌种和三叶期(V3)叶面喷施的方法,研究了COR对玉米苗期植株地上部和根系形态建成的影响,分析了其对叶面积、叶绿素含量和可溶性蛋白的调控效应。结果表明:不同浓度冠菌素对玉米幼苗形态建成的调控呈单峰曲线,即低浓度下促进幼苗生长,高浓度下抑制生长。用0.1 mg/L的COR拌种或叶面喷施处理,可促进玉米苗期植株株高和茎粗生长,增加单株叶面积,提高叶片叶绿素和可溶性蛋白含量,促进植株干物质积累。同时,COR可促进玉米苗期根系生长,增加根长和根表面积,进而可有效增加根系吸收能力。研究结果表明,适宜浓度的COR处理可以提高玉米幼苗光合性能,增强根系吸收能力,促进植株地上部和地下部的生长,有利于培育壮苗。     

Physiological responses of maize and sorghum to four different safeners for metazachlor

The ability of the herbicide safeners, BAS-145138 (1-dichloroacetyl-hexahydro-3,3,8a-trimethyl-pyrrolo(1,2a)pyrimidin-6(2H)-one), dichlormid (N,N-diallyl-2,2-dichloroacetamide), flurazole (phenylmethyl ester), and MG-191 (2-dichloromelhyl-2-methyl-1,3-dioxolane) for preventing metazachlor injury to maize (Zea mays L.) and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) seedlings were compared with their effects on ¹⁴C-metazachlor metabolism to a glutathione (GSH) conjugate, effects on non-protein thiol contents (mainly GSH) and effects on Glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity in these two species. Sorghum shoot growth was reduced by 41% and maize shoot growth was reduced by 54%, by metazachlor concentrations in vermiculite nutrient culture of 0·6 μM and 7·5μM, respectively. In this system, all four compounds had significant activity as safeners for metazachlor in both sorghum and maize seedlings. BAS-145138 and flurazole were the most effective safeners in maize and sorghum, respectively. In the absence of safeners, the rate of non-enzymatic conjugation of metazachlor and GSH was much greater than the enzymatic rate. However, the rate of enzymatic conjugation of metazachlor with GSH was increased by safener treatment in both maize and sorghum. Safener effectiveness was highly correlated with increases in ¹⁴C-metazachlor uptake and metabolism in both species. Safener effectiveness was more highly correlated with safener effects on GST activity in maize or sorghum when ¹⁴C-metazachlor was used as the substrate than when the non-specific CDNB (1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene) was used as the substrate. Safener effectiveness was also strongly correlated with safener effects on GSH levels in sorghum, but not in maize, possibly because of the greater importance of non-enzymatic conjugation of metazachlor with GSH in sorghum as compared to maize.     

RT-PCR based detection of resistance conferred by an insensitive GS in glufosinate-resistant maize cell lines

Selection of maize (Zea mays L.) cell lines resistant to glufosinate was carried out using cell suspension cultures induced from an embryo. The cell suspension was cultured on MS liquid medium supplemented with 150 mg/l asparagine, 1 mg/l thiamine, 3 mg/l 2,4-D and 2% sucrose (pH 5.8) and treated with different concentrations of glufosinate herbicide. In vitro selection from these cell suspension cultures resulted in the identification of a maize cell line resistant to glufosinate. The resistance index of the resistant cell line was 120-fold more than the normal cells. Moreover, the resistance of the cell line remained stable for at least 6 months when kept in herbicide-free medium. Glutamine synthetase (GS) activity in the resistant cells was higher than the normal cells by about 2.30-fold at 5 days after treatment of 10⁻⁶ M glufosinate. The low sensitivity of GS in resistant cells resulted in the non-inhibition of the enzyme activity, hence, the high resistance of the cell line to the herbicide. Using RT-PCR to amplify the GS mRNA, a substitution of 12 nucleotides was observed in resistant maize cells compared to that of normal cells. Conceptual translation of this sequence shows a substitution of 10 amino acids in the GS protein sequence from Genbank database of NCBI. The GS gene sequence of the newly identified glufosinate-resistant maize cell was submitted to Genbank and was given the Accession No. AY339214. The results of this study indicate a functional role of mutation in the evolution of glufosinate-resistant plants. It also supports the view that glufosinate resistance in plants was primarily due to the alteration of GS making it less sensitive to inhibitory effect of the herbicide.     

Mode of action of naphthalic anhydride as a safener for the herbicide AC 263222 in maize

In hydroponic experiments, seed-dressing with the herbicide safener 1,8-naphthalic anhydride (NA), significantly enhanced the tolerance of maize, (Zea mays L., cv. Monarque) to the imidazolinone herbicide, AC 263222, (2-[4-isopropyl-4-methyl-5-oxo-2-imidazolin-2-yl]-5-methylnicotinic acid). Uptake, distribution and metabolism studies where [¹⁴C]AC 263222 was applied through the roots of hydroponically grown maize plants showed that NA treatment reduced the translocation of radiolabel from root to shoot tissue and accelerated the degradation of this herbicide to a hydroxylated metabolite. Reductions in the lipophilicity and, therefore, mobility of this compound following hydroxylation may account for NA-induced retention of radiolabel in the root system. Hydroxylation of AC 263222 suggested that NA may stimulate the activity of enzymes involved in oxidative herbicide metabolism, such as the cytochrome P₄₅₀ mono-oxygenases. In agreement with this theory, the cytochrome P₄₅₀ inhibitor, 1-aminobenzotriazole (ABT), synergized AC 263222 activity and inhibited its hyroxylation in vivo. NA seed-dressing enhanced the total cytochrome P₄₅₀ and b₅ content of microsomes prepared from etiolated maize shoots. Isolated microsomes catalyzed AC 263222 hydroxylation in vitro. This activity possessed the characteristics of a cytochrome P₄₅₀ mono-oxygenase, being NADPH-dependent and susceptible to inhibition by ABT. Activity was stimulated four-fold following NA seed treatment. Differential NA enhancement of AC 263222 hydroxylase and the cytochrome P₄₅₀-dependent cinnamic acid-4-hydroxylase (CA4H) activity, suggested that separate P₄₅₀ isozymes were responsible for each activity. These results indicate that the protective effects of NA result from enhancement of AC 263222 hydroxylation and concomitant reduction in herbicide translocation. This may be attributed to the stimulation of a microsomal cytochrome P₄₅₀ system. © 1998 SCI.     

Differences in growth and herbicide sensitivity among Cyperus esculentus clones found in Belgian maize fields

Cyperus esculentus is an invasive troublesome neophyte in many arable crops in Belgium. Applied weed control varies from field to field. One of the possible reasons for this variability might be a differential vegetative and reproductive behaviour among Belgian C. esculentus clones. In this study, growth characteristics and herbicide sensitivity of C. esculentus clones collected in Belgian maize (Zea mays) fields were evaluated. In a morphology Experiment, 25 clones were screened for growth characteristics and ability to set viable seeds under outdoor conditions. Dose – response experiments were conducted in the glasshouse to evaluate the effectiveness of two foliar‐applied herbicides (bentazon and glyphosate) and two pre‐sowing soil‐incorporated herbicides (S‐metolachlor and dimethenamid‐P) for controlling 14 C. esculentus clones. Response variables were aboveground dry biomass, tuber number, tuber dry biomass and individual tuber dry weight. Clones exhibited large differences in shoot number (up to 3.1‐fold), tuber dry biomass (up to 4.7‐fold), tuber number (up to 3.4‐fold), individual tuber dry weight (up to 4.8‐fold), inflorescence number and capacity to set viable seeds. Large interclonal differences in herbicide sensitivity (up to 8.3‐ and 4.0‐fold for aboveground dry biomass and tuber dry biomass, respectively) were observed. Contrary to foliar‐applied herbicides, soil‐incorporated herbicides were very effective and provided season‐long C. esculentus control at doses below the recommended maximum field dose. However, low doses stimulated tuber formation. Future C. esculentus management strategies should take into account differential growth characteristics and herbicide sensitivity of C. esculentus clones.     

Residualwirkung von Chlortriazin-Herbiziden im Boden an drei rumänischen Standorten. II. Prognose möglicher Folgekulturen bei Atrazinrükständen im Boden

Residual effects of chlorotriazine herbicides in soil at three Rumanian sites. II. Prediction of the phytotoxicity of atrazine residues to following crops Total and plant-available atrazine residues in the top 10 cm soil were measured 120 days after application of 3 kg ai ha^?1 to maize (Zea mays L.) at three sites in Rumania. At one site, similar measurements were made 3?5 years after application of 100 kg ai ha^?1. Plant-available atrazine residues were estimated by extraction of soil samples with water, and by bioassay using Brassica rapa as the test plant. It was calculated that between 30 and 120μg atrazine 1^?1 was potentially available to plants in the different soils. Dose-response relationships for atrazine and the most important rotational crops with maize in Rumania—sunflower, winter wheat, soybean and flax—were determined in hydroponic culture using herbicide concentrations corresponding with the plant-available fractions measured in the different soils. ED₅₀ values were determined by probit analysis and the results showed that sunflower (ED₅₀, 22μg 1^?1) was the most sensitive crop, and soybean (ED₅₀, 78μg 1^?1) was the least. The residual phytotoxicity of atrazine to succeeding crops in the different soils was predicted using the appropriate availability and phytotoxicity data, and the results showed good agreement with those observed. The results suggest that measurements of plant-available herbicide residues afford a rapid method of assessing possible phytotoxicity to following crops.     

外源一氧化氮对铅胁迫下玉米幼苗的缓解作用

为探讨Pb胁迫下外源一氧化氮（NO）对玉米幼苗伤害的缓解作用,利用室内盆栽试验研究了外源NO供体硝普钠（SNP）对铅（Pb）处理下玉米（Zea mays）幼苗生长及生理特性的影响。结果表明：与对照相比,1.0 mmol·L^-1 Pb处理明显抑制了玉米幼苗的生长,减缓了玉米幼苗可溶性蛋白和可溶性糖含量的积累,抗氧化酶活性下降,叶绿素含量减少,丙二醛（MDA）含量增加、质膜透性增大;添加0.1 mmol·L^-1的SNP明显缓解了Pb胁迫对玉米幼苗生长的抑制作用,提高Pb胁迫下超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）、过氧化物酶（POD）和过氧化氢酶（CAT）的活性,增加了幼苗叶绿素和脯氨酸含量,促进了可溶性糖和可溶性蛋白的积累,降低了MDA含 量、细胞质膜的透性。外源NO对Pb胁迫下玉米生长有一定的缓解作用,可以增强玉米幼苗对Pb毒害的抗性。     

Field evaluation of allelopathic plant extracts alongside herbicides on weed management indices and weed–crop regression analysis in maize

Synthetic herbicides are posing problems owing to the development of weed resistance and emerging debate on their associated health hazards and ecological threats. Allelopathic manipulations are evolving as applicable substitutes for weed management in agroecosystems. In order to assess the efficacy of potential allelopathic water extracts from different plant species, field experiments were conducted during 2010 and 2011. Sorghum bicolor L., Helianthus annuus L., Brassica napus L., Oryza sativa L., Zea mays L. and Morus alba L. aqueous extracts in different combinations alone or along with a reduced dose of herbicide were evaluated for weed suppression in a maize crop. A weedy check and two herbicidal treatments, S‐metolachlor + atrazine (pre‐emergence) and atrazine alone (early postemergence), were included for comparison. Sorghum, brassica or sunflower tank‐mixed with 25% of the recommended dose of atrazine significantly suppressed the total weed density and dry biomass, along with a concomitant decrease in the crop resistance indices and treatment efficacy indices over the control. The weed density and dry biomass that were recorded at 60 days after sowing showed a strong negative correlation, while the leaf area index, crop growth rate, dry matter accumulation and net assimilation rate predicted a strong positive correlation, with the stover and grain yield of maize.     

Abscisic acid as a protectant of Avena fatua L. against diclofop-methyl activity

The imposition of water stress before or al the time of spraying diclofop-methyl reduced efficacy against wild oat (Avena fatua L.). Similar reductions in herbicide performance were obtained by application of 20 μg of the methyl ester of abscisic acid (ABA) to plants with three to four leaves before spraying with I kg ha^?1 diclofop-methyl. Application of 40–100 μg ABA per plant effectively protected plants against damage from diclofop-methyl applied at 1 5–2 0 kg ha ^?1. The application of 20 μg ABA induced rapid stomatal closure and a reduction in leaf extension rate, which were sustained for 7–8 days after treatment. These changes were associated with an overall reduction in shoot growth. ABA-treated plants that were additionally sprayed with diclofop-methyl sustained ABA symptoms, but no additional weight loss or leaf chlorosis. The mechanism of the protective action of ABA on diclofop-methyl has not been determined.     

Real-time weed detection, decision making and patch spraying in maize, sugarbeet, winter wheat and winter barley

Information on temporal and spatial variation in weed seedling populations within agricultural fields is very important for weed population assessment and management. Most of all, it allows a potential reduction in herbicide use, when post‐emergence herbicides are only applied to field sections with weed infestation levels higher than the economic weed threshold; a review of such work is provided. This paper presents a system for site‐specific weed control in sugarbeet (Beta vulgaris L.), maize (Zea mays L.), winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and winter barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), including online weed detection using digital image analysis, computer‐based decision making and global positioning systems (GPS)‐controlled patch spraying. In a 4‐year study, herbicide use with this map‐based approach was reduced in winter cereals by 60% for herbicides against broad‐leaved weeds and 90% for grass weed herbicides. In sugarbeet and maize, average savings for grass weed herbicides were 78% in maize and 36% in sugarbeet. For herbicides against broad‐leaved weeds, 11% were saved in maize and 41% in sugarbeet.     

Weed interference in maize, cowpea and maize/cowpea intercrop in a subhumid tropical environment. II. Early growth and nutrient content of crops and weeds

Early growth and nutrient content of crops and weeds from weed-free and weedy no-tillage maize (Zea mays L, cv. TZB), cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L) Walp. cv. VITA-5) and maize/cowpea intercrop at populations of 40000, 50000 and 30000 + 40000 plants ha^?1 grown on a loamysand Oxic Ustropept in a subhumid tropical location were monitored in the early and late 1979 cropping seasons. In the first 6 weeks of growth in the early season, cropping pattern had no effect on weed growth; weeds did not suppress crop growth significantly until 5–6 weeks after sowing and total crop dry weights were not affected by cropping pattern. Three weeks after sowing, weeds from weedy crop plots had taken up two to four times as much nutrient (N, P, K, Ca + Mg) as was taken up by corresponding weed-free crops. In the late season, weed dry weight 6 weeks after sowing was depressed in the intercrop compared to monocultures and dry-matter production of the intercrop was higher than those of monocultures. The resource use index (RUI), defined as the amount of an environmental resource used by a weed-free crop divided by the combined amount of the same resource used by the corresponding weedy crop and the associated weeds, increased with age of crop and was higher for the intercrop than the monocultures only in the late season.     

Comparative studies of safeners for the prevention of EPTC injury in maize

The herbicide safener N-dichloroacetyl-1-oxa-4-aza-spiro-4,5-decane (AD-67) is of similar efficiency as the extensively used N.N-diallyl-2,2-dichloroacetamide (R-25788) and the structurally related 3-(dichloroacetyl)-2,2-dimethyl-1,3-oxa-zolidine (AD-2) in reducing EPTC [S-ethyl-N,N-dipropyl (thiocarhamate)] injury to maize (Zea mays L. cv. KSC 360). EPTC treatment produces growth retardation and deformities and inhibits CO₂ fixation. It does not reduce epicuticular lipids appreciably but affects wax arrangement on the leaf surface. When EPTC is applied together with one of these safeners, these injuries are not observed. All three safeners act similarly. Each prevents the herbicide-induced aggregation of epicuticular wax of maize, thereby protecting the plants against the formation of areas where the underlying cuticle layers are exposed and increase in transpiration.