Effects of 2,4-D and Dalapon on Weed Seed Production and Dormancy

Abstract

2,4-D [(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)acetie acid] and dalapon (2,2-dichloropropionic acid) were applied to a natural stand of annual weeds at a time near flowering to determine effects on seed production and the dormancy and viability of seeds produced. At rates of 0.6 and 1.1 kg/ha, 2,4-D reduced, respectively the seed production of common lambsquarters (Chenopodium album L.) 99 and 99%, redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus L.) 77 and 84%, and jimsonweed (Datura stramonium L.) 64 and 100%, while giant foxtail (Setaria faberi Herrm) seed production was increased to 307 and 381% of the control, respectively. Dalapon at rates of 2.2 and 4.5 kg/ha reduced respectively seed production of giant foxtail 100 and 100%, and jimsonweed 100 and 91%. Before and after overwinter burial in the soil, common lambsquarters seeds from plants treated with 4.5 kg/ha dalapon were less dormant than control seeds. After overwintering, redroot pigweed seeds from dalapon-treated plants were less dormant than controls, and more seeds survived the winter burial. Common lambsquarters and redroot pigweed seeds from plants treated with 1.1 kg/ha 2,4-D were more dormant than control seeds before overwintering,’ while giant foxtail seeds from 2,4-D treated plants were less dormant than controls after overwintering. Viability of seeds produced by herbicide-treated plants, as determined by germination in KCN, was not greatly different from control seeds. Treatment with 2,4-D or dalapon resulted in the production of common lambsquarters seeds which produced seedlings about half as vigorous as controls. Jimsonweed seedlings grown from seeds from 2,4-D-treated plants showed phenoxy herbicide injury symptoms.