Uptake, translocation and metabolism of aminocyclopyrachlor in prickly lettuce, rush skeletonweed and yellow starthistle

BACKGROUND: Aminocyclopyrachlor is a new herbicide proposed to control broadleaf weeds and shrubs in non‐crop and rangeland systems. To gain a better understanding of observed field efficacy, the uptake and translocation of foliar‐applied aminocyclopyrachlor (DPX‐MAT28) and aminocyclopyrachlor methyl ester (DPX‐KJM44) were evaluated in two annuals, prickly lettuce (Lactuca serriola L.) and yellow starthistle (Centaurea solstitialis L.), and one perennial, rush skeletonweed (Chondrilla juncea L.). RESULTS: Absorption and translocation varied between species. While absorption of DPX‐KJM44 was greater than absorption of DPX‐MAT28, rush skeletonweed absorbed the most, followed by yellow starthistle and prickly lettuce. Overall, the total translocation of either herbicide was highest in yellow starthistle, followed by rush skeletonweed and prickly lettuce. Proportional herbicide movement between species was similar, with the majority translocating to developing shoots. However, in rush skeletonweed, early translocation was directed to root tissue. In rush skeletonweed, no DPX‐MAT28 metabolism occurred, while DPX‐KJM44 was rapidly de‐esterified and translocated as DPX‐MAT28. CONCLUSION: Aminocyclopyrachlor absorption and translocation are dependent on active ingredient structure and species sensitivity. Highly sensitive species such as prickly lettuce absorb and translocate less material than relatively less sensitive species such as rush skeletonweed. De‐esterification of DPX‐KJM44 appears to delay translocation of the resulting acid in yellow starthistle and rush skeletonweed. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry