Sicklepod (Cassia obtusifolia L.) leaves and leaflets changed their orientation throughout 24-h periods. These endogenously controlled rhythmic movements resulted in dramatic changes in the percent projected leaf area (PPLA), the leaf area observed from directly above and expressed as a percentage of the total actual leaf area. The PPLA of sicklepod varied more than seven-fold throughout a 24-h period, being greatest during the day and least at night. Control of sicklepod with linuron [3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1-methoxy-1-methylurea] applied postemergence at intervals throughout 24-h periods was greater from daytime applications than from late evening, night, and early morning applications. Percent control was highly correlated with PPLA, suggesting that rhythmic leaf movements and the resulting change in PPLA could be an important factor in determining the efficacy of postemergence herbicide applications on sicklepod by altering the area of the leaf surface most likely to intercept and retain herbicide spray from an over-the-top application. In addition to endogenously controlled leaf movements, we observed leaf movements caused by simulated cloud cover (80% shading). Shading increased the PPLA of sicklepod, suggesting that more leaf surface might be exposed to an over-the-top spray during cloudy periods than during sunny periods.

Research was conducted from 1983 through 1986 to compare the competitiveness of three cotton cultivars of different height with johnsongrass. Cultivars evaluated were: ‘1209-619-7’, ‘TAMCOT SP37-H’, and 'Stoneville 213’, which had an average height at maturity of 66, 122, and 168 cm, respectively. Each cultivar was grown with johnsongrass densities of 0, 4, and 6 plants/6 m of row with a 1-m row spacing. Johnsongrass biomass data confirmed that all three cultivars did compete with johnsongrass, but regression analyses using cultivar as a covariate revealed no difference in the competitiveness of the three cultivars.

Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L. ‘X-73’) callus tissue cultures were used in a bioassay system for determining the effect of the following substituted 2,6-dinitroaniline herbicides on growth: trifluralin (α,α,α-trifluoro-2,6-dinitro-N,N-dipropyl-p-toluidine); oryzalin (3,5-dinitro-N4,N4-dipropylsulfanilamide); benefin (N-butyl-N-ethyl-α,α,α-trifluoro-2,6-dinitro-p-toluidine); AC 92390 (N-sec-butyl-2,6-dinitro-3,4-xylidine); penoxalin [N-(1-ethylpropyl)-2,6-dinitro-3,4-xylidine]; GS-38946 (N-ethyl-N-tetrahydrofurfuryl-4-trifluoromethyl-2,6-dinitroaniline); chlornidine [N,N-di(2-chloroethyl)-4-methyl-2,6-dinitroaniline]; nitralin [4-(methylsulfonyl)2,6-dinitro-N,N-dipropylaniline]; dinitramine (N4,N4-diethyl-α,α,α-trifluoro-3,5-dinitrotoluene-2,4-diamine); isopropalin (2,6-dinitro-N,N-dipropylcumidine), and profluralin [N(cyclopropylmethyl)-α,α,α-trifluoro-2,6-dinitro-N-propyl-p-toluidine]. The molar concentration required to inhibit fresh weight gain by 50% (I50) was determined by using linear regression analysis on data from a range of five concentrations of each chemical. I50 values did not correlate with structural variations or available physical constants. Herbicides listed in order of increasing activity are AC 92390< GD-38946<profluralin = isopropalin<benefin = chlornidine = trifluralin = nitralin<oryzalin = penoxalin < dinitramine. Exogenously applied D-α-tocopherol acetate at 100 times the I50 concentrations decreased the inhibition of tissue growth by the herbicides.

Texas panicum was grown in controlled-environment chambers in 16 day/night temperature regimes ranging from 19/11 to 34/26 C. After 33 days, maximum plant height, leaf area, and dry weight occurred at 34/26 C. The greatest number of tillers and leaves occurred at 34/16 C. Partitioning of plant biomass into stems increased with increasing night temperature, while partitioning into leaves tended to decrease. Partitioning of biomass into roots decreased with increasing night temperature at day temperatures of 19 or 24 C but not at 34 C. Plant dry matter production (DMP) was highly correlated with both leaf area duration (LAD) and net assimilation rate (NAR) during the first 2 weeks of growth. During the subsequent 3 weeks, DMP was highly correlated with LAD but not with NAR. The low-temperature threshold for growth of Texas panicum was approximately 11 C. Texas panicum attained 25% of its maximum growth at an average daily temperature of 21 C, 50% at 24 C, and 75% at 26 C. Texas panicum is unlikely to become a highly competitive weed outside the southern and southwestern United States.

Single over-the-top and directed applications of dicamba (3,6-dichloro-o-anisic acid) were made to cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L. ‘Deltapine 16′). Dicamba applied over-the-top of cotton caused foliage malformation for about 6 weeks. Dicamba (32 g/ha) applied to cotton foliage 3 to 15 weeks after emergence reduced average cotton yields. Applications of 16 to 64 g/ha of dicamba over-the-top of cotton before bloom had less effect on cotton foliage, yield, boll components, and fiber properties than application at bloom. Directed applications of dicamba to the soil or to the base of cotton and soil caused foliage malformation but did not affect cotton yield, boll components, and fiber properties.

Several populations of smooth pigweed with resistance to imidazolinone (IMI) herbicides have been identified in recent years. One IMI-resistant population (R2) was 10-fold more sensitive to cloransulam-methyl in the greenhouse when compared with a susceptible (S) population. Laboratory studies were conducted to determine if differences in the absorption, translocation, and metabolism of cloransulam-methyl existed between S and R2 populations and to determine if these differences could account for the whole-plant responses observed in the greenhouse. Enzyme assays were also conducted to determine if differences in acetolactate synthase (ALS) sensitivity to cloransulam-methyl existed between S and R2 populations. Absorption of foliar-applied cloransulam-methyl was rapid and similar in both populations of smooth pigweed. Translocation of the absorbed radioactivity out of the treated leaf was symplastic and generally similar in both populations. Translocated radioactivity was detected primarily in shoots above and below the treated leaf with little movement to the roots. 14C-cloransulam-methyl metabolism was also similar in S and R2 populations. Differential tolerance to cloransulam-methyl in S and R2 populations in the greenhouse cannot be explained by differences in the absorption, translocation, and metabolism of this herbicide. However, ALS from R2 was 25-fold more sensitive to inhibition by cloransulam-methyl than ALS from S.

Field studies were conducted in 1978 and 1979 on broadleaf signalgrass [Brachiaria platyphylla (Griseb.) Nash] management in peanuts [Arachis hypogaea (L.) ‘Florigiant′]. In both years, preplant incorporated applications of benefin (N-butyl-N-ethyl-α,α,α-trifluoro-2,6-dinitro-p-toluidine), alachlor [2-chloro-2′,6′-diethyl-N-(methoxymethyl)acetanilide], and metolachlor [2-chloro-N-(2-ethyl-6-methylphenyl)-N-(2-methoxy-1-methylethyl)acetamide] provided better than 75% initial control of broadleaf signalgrass. Preemergence applications of alachlor and metolachlor provided 90% or better initial control. Vernolate (S-propyl dipropylthiocarbamate) and diphenamid (N,N-dimethyl-2,2-diphenylacetamide) provided less than 45% initial control. An at-cracking application of dinoseb (2-sec-butyl-4,6-dinitrophenol) plus naptalam (N-1-naphthylphthalamic acid) plus either alachlor or metolachlor increased control over that provided by at-planting herbicides alone and maximum yields were obtained. No at-planting herbicide alone provided better than 60% control at harvest and consequently yields were lower. In three of four experiments, sequential applications of at-planting and at-cracking herbicides provided better than 75% control at harvest. In the fourth experiment, only benefin and metolachlor followed by at-cracking applications provided better than 70% control at harvest.

Concentrations of 2,2-dichloropropionic acid (dalapon), trichloroacetic acid (TCA), and (2,4-dichlorophenoxy) acetic acid (2,4-D) were determined in irrigation water following bank applications for weed control. Maximum concentrations of dalapon in the water varied from 23 to 365 ppb from application rates of 6.7 to 20 lb/A. The highest levels of TCA ranged from 31 to 128 ppb following applications of 3.8 to 5.9 lb/A. Applications of 1.9 to 3 lb/A of 2,4-D produced maximum concentrations of 25 to 61 ppb. Reduction of herbicide levels appeared to be due to dilution as the water flowed downstream. Rates of reduction in herbicide levels showed that negligible concentrations would remain after the water traveled a distance of 20 to 25 miles. The low concentrations of herbicides observed in the irrigation water likely would not be hazardous to crops or animals.

The type of growth chamber environmental regime used altered the response of sugarbeets (Beta vulgaris L. ‘USH-9′) to desmedipham [ethyl m-hydroxycarbanilate carbanilate(ester)]. No difference occurred in growth retardation following treatment at different times of day when standard growth chamber constant day/night temperature and light cycles were used. When temperatures were programmed and light intensity varied during the day/night cycles, approximating out-of-doors daily cyclic conditions, the herbicide caused greater injury following morning treatments and less injury following late afternoon treatments. Data obtained in the growth chamber under the typical constant day/night pattern did not agree with field derived information; data obtained using the programmed temperature and varying light regime agreed well with field data and with known action of desmedipham. Plants stressed for moisture after treatment were less retarded than plants turgid at treatment; but both showed relationships to time of day at treatment similar to those noted above. Moisture stress prior to treatment diminished growth retardation by desmedipham, and reversed the treatment time of day effect.

Texas panicum (Panicum texanum Buckl. # PANTE) is a native of the Southwest, now increasing as a weed throughout the southern United States, whereas wild proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L. # PANMI) is an introduced weed currently increasing in importance in the northern Midwest. In controlled-environment chambers, both species produced more tillers, greater leaf area, and more total dry weight at 30/24 C day/night (simulated growing season temperature in Georgia) than at 24/18 C (simulated growing season temperature in Minnesota). Texas panicum accumulated more dry matter at 30/24 C than did wild proso millet, while wild proso millet accumulated more dry matter at 24/18 C than did Texas panicum. When the two species were grown together, Texas panicum was the superior competitor at 30/24 C while wild proso millet was superior at 24/18 C. Exposure to short photoperiods at an intermediate temperature of 27/21 C accelerated flowering and limited vegetative growth in both species. In the range of photoperiods (10 to 16 h) examined, wild proso millet always flowered earlier and, consequently, produced less vegetative growth than Texas panicum. Its responses to temperature and photoperiod indicate that wild proso millet probably would be competitively inferior to Texas panicum and other adapted grass weeds in the southern United States.

Green kyllinga is a relatively new weed species in well-irrigated turfs in the southwest US. To understand the germination requirements of green kyllinga, the effects of planting depth, temperature, pH, and osmotic potential were determined. Green kyllinga emergence was sensitive to planting depth. At 21 days after planting (DAP), emergence of green kyllinga was 60% when planted at the soil surface but only 20% at 0.5 cm and less than 5% at 1 cm. Germination occurred at temperatures between 17 and 30 C but was notably better between 20 and 24 C. Germination was uniform from pH 5.5 to 9.5. Germination decreased between the water potentials −0.1 to −0.6 MPa, although germination was high at water potentials found in irrigated turf. The environmental conditions found in nonstressed turf areas in Arizona will likely support the establishment of green kyllinga. The efficacy of herbicides for the control of green kyllinga was also determined. Control of kyllinga (95% or greater) was obtained with preemergence applications of oxadiazon, dithiopyr, and metolachlor, and with postemergence applications of DSMA, halosulfuron-methyl, and imazaquin.

Corn (Zea mays L. ‘Funk's G-83’) seedling leaves exposed to flame-generated ultra-high temperatures produced in flame cultivation were fixed in glutaraldehyde, post fixed in osmium tetroxide, and embedded in Araldite. In the light microscope, bundle sheath cells of flamed tissue were more heavily stained with Azure II and less vacuolated than were nonflamed cells. Heated mesophyll cells contained swollen, disrupted, and granular chloroplasts. Examination of flamed tissue by electron microscopy revealed granular, dispersed cytaplasm and altered membrane systems. Chloroplast lamellar systems and envelopes, tonoplasts, and plasmalemmas were disintegrated in both bundle sheath and mesophyll cells.

The absorption and translocation patterns of foliar applied 14C- chlorsulfuron {2-chloro-N- [[(4-methoxy-6-methyl-1,3,5- triazin- 2 - yl)amino] carbonyl] benzenesulfon-amide} and 14C-metsulfuron {2- [[[[(4-methoxy-6-methyl-1,3,5- triazin- 2-yl)amino] carbonyl] amino] sulfonyl] benzoic acid} in wild garlic (Allium vineale L. # ALLVI) were similar. Both 14C-chlorsulfuron and l4C-metsulfuron were readily absorbed by wild garlic, with 62 and 58%, respectively, of the applied doses absorbed 144 h after application. After 144 h, 17% of the applied 14C-chlorsulfuron and 16% of the applied 14C-metsulfuron were translocated out of the treated leaf, with the greatest amounts concentrating in young shoot tissues. Chlorsulfuron and metsulfuron reduced wild garlic shoot dry weight, height, and the number of leaves, more when they were applied to the foliage, or to both the foliage and the soil, than when they were applied to the soil alone.

Survival of foxtail grass in undisturbed sites was tested in a 4-yr study of robust white foxtail (Setaria viridis var. robusta-alba Schreiber), robust purple foxtail (Setaria viridis var. robusta-purpurea Schreiber), giant green foxtail [Setaria viridis var. major (Gaud.) Posp.], yellow foxtail [Setaria lutescens (Weigel) Hubb.], and giant foxtail (Setaria faberi Herrm.). Regardless of taxa seeded, giant foxtail dominated the stand with small amounts of yellow foxtail in the fourth year. Although the foxtail taxa stands corresponded to the taxa seeded in the first year of growth, robust white foxtail, robust purple foxtail, and giant green foxtail completely or nearly disappeared within 4 yr of having been seeded alone or with other taxa, and generally sooner when mixed with giant foxtail. Because of the rapid dominance of giant foxtail, the robust white foxtail, robust purple foxtail, and giant green foxtails are not likely to become a source of seed for infestation from fencerows to production fields.

The uptake and transport of carboxyl-labeled and unlabeled butoxyethyl esters and ammonium salts of 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4,5-T) by honey mesquite (Prosopis juliflora (Swartz) DC, var. glandulosa (Torr.) Cockerell) leaves were compared as measured by liquid scintillation counting and gas chromatography. Absorption of 2,4,5-T was determined by assaying leaf-rinsing solutions and extracts of treated leaves. Transport of 2,4,5-T was measured by determining amounts of 2,4,5-T found in stem tissue. The methods of analysis gave comparable results when extraction, cleanup, and analytical procedures were identical. When cleanup and methylation procedures were eliminated for the radioisotopic analyses, radioisotopic analyses gave significantly higher values for extracts of treated leaves than did gas chromatographic analyses. Larger amounts of 2,4,5-T were recovered from leaves treated with the butoxyethyl esters of 2,4,5-T than with ammonium salts.

Stress caused by early weed competition is known to delay the rate of maize development which may result in a decrease in kernel number. Kernel number in maize is correlated negatively with the length of the anthesis-silking interval (ASI). A short ASI has been identified as an easily measured, visual trait which may identify enhanced drought tolerance in maize. Field studies were conducted to test whether: (1) delaying weed control would result in a lengthening of ASI in both a drought tolerant and non-drought tolerant maize hybrid and (2) the presence of drought tolerance genetics comes at a physiological cost, resulting in a greater yield reduction under weedy conditions. In this study, the response of a drought tolerant hybrid with its non-drought tolerant near-isoline was compared to seven different timings of weed control using wheat as a surrogate competitor. Results confirmed that there was no treatment by hybrid interaction at any site–yr for any of the parameters evaluated. Delaying weed control reduced plant height, leaf tip number, shifted and reduced biomass accumulation, kernel number and grain yield and lengthened ASI for both hybrids. Although yield losses occurred with the delay in weed control timing, no yield differences were observed between hybrids suggesting that there was no additional physiological cost associated with the drought tolerant traits. The drought tolerant hybrid, however, was found to have a shorter ASI, lower kernel number and higher kernel wt compared to the non-drought tolerant hybrid. This study confirmed that delaying weed control can influence the length of ASI, which is an important drought tolerant trait. The lengthening of ASI by early weed competition resulted in a rate of yield loss of 0.13 T ha−1 growing degree days (GDD)−1 when averaged across both hybrids and all treatments.

Goosegrass, a widely distributed annual weed, creates difficult problems in heavily used turf areas. The seriousness of this weed problem, especially on golf course greens and tees, has suggested studies for its control. Very little research has been conducted in regard to this grass. Germination studies by Toole and Toole3 showed that 0.2% potassium nitrate was superior to water when used to moisten the substratum. Their work also indicated exclusion of light had little effect on germination at alternating temperatures of 20°–30°. The present study includes more complete temperature and light comparisons, and attempts to demonstrate light and temperature effects on seed germination.

Work conducted in recent years with volatile herbicides has shown that many of these materials give extremely variable results when sprayed on the soil surface but are fairly consistent when incorporated in the soil. Methods of determining distribution and placement of these materials in soil are generally tedious and often complicated due to a number of factors, including volatilization and leaching. Substitution of a fluorescent material for the herbicide in the application equipment offers a useful method of studying placement and distribution of sprays in the soil.

Complete control of annual bluegrass (Poa annua L.) at all levels of P and at both planting dates was obtained with a,a,a-trifluoro-2,6-dinitro-N,N-dipropyl-p-toluidine (trifluralin) at 2 lb/A. For both planting dates, high levels of P reduced the effectiveness of both calcium arsenate (CaAs) and to a small degree dimethyl 2,3,5,6-tetrachloroterephthalate (DCPA). On a plant count basis, O-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)O-methyl isopropylphosphoramidothioate (DMPA) was more effective than N-(2-mercaptoethyl) benzenesulfonamide S-(O,O,-diisopropyl phosphorodithioate) (bensulide) for the control of annual bluegrass.

In the field, injury to bentgrasses (Agrostis palustris Huds.) from preemergence herbicides generally was specific to one or two varieties. Washington bentgrass was severely injured from a 12-lb/A application of 1-(2-methylcyclohexyl)-3-phenylurea (siduron).

Seeds of Striga asiatica (L.) Kuntze were induced to germinate with a stimulant from host exudates in the presence of a water-soluble germination inhibitor extracted from Striga seeds. Germination obtained was dependent upon the relative concentrations of stimulant and inhibitor present in the germination medium. The inhibitor had no effect on radical elongation of Striga seeds that germinated in its presence.