Growth chamber research was conducted to compare the persistence of chlorimuron or imazaquin in soils from 11 locations in the southern United States at 25 C. Chlorimuron at 30 ng g-1 or imazaquin at 60 ng g-1 of soil was incorporated throughout each soil, and soils were watered to the water holding capacity and incubated in the dark. Soil samples were taken 0, 7, 14, 28, 60, and 90 d after treatment. Amount of chlorimuron or imazaquin remaining in each soil was quantified by sicklepod or corn root length bioassay, respectively. First order regression generally fit the concentration data for each herbicide. Bioactivity and persistence of chlorimuron in the soils was related primarily to soil organic matter content. Bioactivity and persistence of imazaquin was similar among the soils.

Thirteen soil-incorporated herbicides, mainly of the dinitroaniline and carbamate groups, were evaluated in the greenhouse for selective control of hemp broomrape (Orobanche ramosa L.) in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. ‘Rutgers’). Hemp broomrape readily parasitized tomato roots and competed vigorously with the host. Shoots of the parasite emerged within 6 weeks after inoculation. Herbicides at 0.1 to 10.0 ppmw, with one exception, significantly reduced shoot dry weight of tomato measured at 10 weeks after treatment, in comparison with untreated, noninoculated controls. Generally, the degree of inhibition of establishment of the parasite was correlated with herbicidal injury to tomato. None of the treatments prevented the establishment of the parasite without causing severe crop injury. However, N-n-propyl-N-tetrahydrofurfuryl-4-trifluoromethyl-2,6-dinitroaniline (CGA-14397, ER-9063) at 3.3 and 6.6 ppmw exhibited some degree of selectivity as indicated by relative shoot dry weights of the host and parasite. Activated charcoal applied as a root dip on tomato or in soil admixtures prior to transplanting had no effect on parasitism and growth of hemp broomrape.

Certain oximes, including cyometrinil [(Z)-α-(cyanomethoxy)iminobenzeneacetonitrile], CGA-92194 [N-(1,3-dioxolan-2-yl-methoxy)-iminobenzeneacetonitrile], 2-pyridinealdoxime-O-benzyl ether (PA-B), and 2-pyridinealdoxime-O-phenethyl ether (PA-PE), which are known to protect sorghum from chloroacetanilide herbicides, increased the toxicity of the insecticide propoxur (o-isopropoxyphenyl-methyl carbamate) to a resistant strain of housefly (Musca domestica L.). Flurazole [5-thiazolecarboxylic acid, benzyl ester, 2-chloro-4-(trifluoromethyl)], a nonoxime protectant for grain sorghum, had less effect on the toxicity of propoxur than did the oximes. Metolachlor [2-chloro-N-(2-ethyl-6-methylphenyl)-N-(2-methoxy-1-methylethyl)acetamide], which can be used as a herbicide in sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench.] only if the seed have been treated with a protectant, also increased the toxicity of propoxur to houseflies. Commercially available insecticide synergists increase insecticide activity by inhibiting NADPH-dependent microsomal mixed-function oxidase activity. Sorghum coleoptiles possessed the enzyme system necessary to oxidize aldrin (1,2,3,4,10,10-hexachloro-1,4,4a,5,8,8a-hexahydro-1,4-endo-exo-5,8-dimethanonaphthalene) to dieldrin (1,2,3,4,10,10-hexachloro-6, 7-epoxy-1,4,4a,5,6,7,8,8a-octahydro-1,4-endo-exo-5,8-dimethanonaphthalene), which is a standard test for oxidative metabolism in insects. Under the conditions of these tests, the aldrin epoxidase activity in sorghum coleoptiles was not affected by pretreatment with cyometrinil or flurazole.

Chlorimuron dissipation as determined by bioavailability in nine soils across the Southern United States was characterized by rapid initial loss followed by a slower dissipation rate following field application of the herbicide in soybean. The rate of bioavailable dissipation varied by year and soil The calculated time for 50% dissipation of bioavailable chlorimuron (DT50) ranged from 5 to 18 d in 1988, 5 to 20 d in 1989, and 5 to 11 d in 1990. In 2 of 3 yr, chlorimuron DT50 was positively correlated with temperature 24 h after application. Chlorimuron DT50 was positively correlated with precipitation in 1988 when regional rainfall was below normal and negatively correlated with precipitation 30 d after application in 1989 when regional rainfall was above normal.

Flax is a minor oilseed crop in Canada largely exported to the European Union for use as a source of industrial oil and feed ingredient. While flax could be genetically engineered (GE) to enhance nutritional value, the adoption of transgenic technologies threatens conventional flax market acceptability. Harvest seed loss of GE crops and the persistence of GE crop volunteers in the seed bank are major factors influencing transgene persistence. Ten commercial fields in Alberta, Canada, were sampled after harvesting conventional flax in 2006 and 2007, and flax seed density and viability were determined. Additionally, artificial seed banks were established at two locations in Alberta in 2005 and 2006 to quantify persistence of five conventional flax cultivars with variability in seed coat color (yellow or brown) and α-linolenic acid (ALA, 18:3cisΔ9,13,15) content (3 to 55%) at three soil depths (0, 3, or 10 cm). Harvest methods influenced seed loss and distribution, > 10-fold more seed was distributed beneath windrows than between them. Direct harvested fields had more uniform seed distribution but generally higher seed losses. The maximum yield loss was 44 kg ha−1 or 2.3% of the estimated crop yield. Seed loss and the viability of flax seed were significantly influenced by year, presumably because weather conditions prior to harvest influenced the timing and type of harvest operations. In artificial seed bank studies, seed coat color or ALA content did not influence persistence. Flax seed viability rapidly declined in the year following burial with < 1% remaining midsummer in the year following burial but there were significant differences between years. In three of four locations, there was a trend of longer seed persistence at the deepest burial depth (10 cm). The current study predicts that seed-mediated gene flow may be a significant factor in transgene persistence and a source of adventitious presence.

The current emphasis on reducing pesticide use has led to increased interest in alternative weed control methods. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential of hilling, in combination with subsequent interseeding of cover crops, to control weeds in potato and to determine the impact of these actions on potato yield and insects. Each cover crop, either hairy or lana vetch, oats, barley, red clover, or a combination of oats and hairy vetch, was interseeded, following hilling, 3, 4, or 5 wk after planting (WAP). Hilling and interseeding treatments were compared to a no-cover treatment and a chemical standard, metolachlor (1.7 kg ai ha−-1) plus linuron (1.7 kg ai ha−-1). Cultivation associated with the interseeding operation and cover crops reduced weed density 20 to 27% by 3 wk after interseeding. To prevent excessive competition, cereals interseeded 3 or 4 WAP and vetches interseeded 3 WAP were controlled at a height of 25 to 35 cm using fluazifop (0.22 kg ai ha−-1) plus metribuzin (0.28 kg ai ha−-1). Because of slow growth, it was necessary to control red clover (interseeded 3 WAP), only in 1996, at a height of 15 cm. Control of cereals resulted in a dead mulch that provided 0 to 95% weed control, whereas legumes regrew after herbicide application and provided 45 to 70% weed control. However, an adequate minimum of 70% weed control was achieved only with the chemical standard, cereals (1995 and 1996), and legumes (1996) interseeded 3 WAP when controlled with herbicides. In a dry season (1995), potato yields were highest with the chemical standard, whereas in a season with adequate precipitation (1996), potato yields equivalent to those of the chemical standard were obtained with early interseeding (3 WAP) of cereals. The observed changes in the densities of potato leafhopper and of its natural enemies were unlikely to have any effect on potato yield because of low overall insect populations. Thus, the results suggest that in good growing conditions, early (3 WAP) interseeding of cover crops supplemented with postemergence herbicides may both suppress weeds with 70% less herbicide (ai ha−-1) and provide yields comparable to those associated with conventional potato production.

The objectives of this research were to evaluate temporal and spatial variability in the impact of strip tillage and oat cover crop residue on Powell amaranth emergence and to determine the role of rainfall in mediating these effects. In field experiments conducted in 2010, 2011, and 2012, Powell amaranth seeds were sown in a fully factorial combination of two tillage types (strip tillage [ST] vs. full-width tillage [FWT]) and cover crop residue (oats vs. none) at either 0 d after tillage (DAT) or 7 to 13 DAT to monitor emergence at two timings. In ST plots, seeds were sown both in the tilled zone (“in-row,” IR), and between these tilled zones (“between-row,” BR). In 2011 and 2012, three levels of rainfall were simulated in subplots by either excluding rainfall, allowing natural rainfall, or supplementing rainfall with irrigation. In most cases, ST and oats residue either had no effect on or suppressed emergence of Powell amaranth sown at the early planting date. In contrast, the emergence response to ST and residue at the later planting date was generally smaller and more variable, with increases in emergence observed in several cases. Differences between tillage systems in emergence were most pronounced in the BR zone but also occurred IR in some cases, suggesting that interzonal effects on biotic or abiotic factors influenced emergence. Oat residue effects—but rarely tillage effects—were often mediated by simulated rainfall, with increases in emergence occurring mostly in dry conditions and decreases occurring more commonly in wetter conditions. These results demonstrate that the suppressive effects of cover crops and ST on weed emergence are inconsistent, temporally and spatially variable, and dependent on complex interactions with factors including rainfall.

Foxtail barley (Hordeum jubatum L.) is a native, short-lived perennial bunch grass with a wide distribution in the United States. Hay containing the mature spikes can cause severe injury or death to animals fed upon it because of the barbed awns, which work their way into the face and mouth, opening the way for infections.

Chemical control of brush in right-of-ways is now a generally accepted practice. Through the recent period of development and ultimate successful use of this practice, certain important aspects of chemical control have been noted by those in the field of research and commercial use. Many of these aspects are amply documented in the literature while numerous common observations have never been recorded. In this general discussion of chemical brush control, an attempt is being made to weave both types of observations together.

Sumatran fleabane [Conyza sumatrensis (Retz.) Walker] is an emerging weed in the Australian cropping region. Populations resistant to glyphosate have evolved in Australia, creating the demand for information regarding the seed germination ecology of glyphosate-resistant (R) and glyphosate-susceptible (S) populations of C. sumatrensis. A study was conducted to examine the effects of temperature, light intensity, salt stress, osmotic stress, and burial depth on the germination and emergence of two populations (R and S) of C. sumatrensis. Both populations were able to germinate over a wide range of alternating day/night temperatures (15/5 to 35/25 C). In light/dark conditions, the R population had higher germination than the S population at 20/10 and 35/25 C. In the dark, the R population had higher germination than the S population at 25/15 C. In the dark, germination was inhibited at 30/20 C and above. Averaged over populations, seed germination of C. sumatrensis was reduced by 97% at zero light intensity (completely dark conditions) compared with full light intensity. Seed germination of C. sumatrensis was reduced by 17% and 85% at osmotic potentials of −0.4, and −0.8 MPa, respectively, compared with the control treatment. The R population had lower germination (57%) than the S population (72%) at a sodium chloride concentration of 80 mM. Seed germination was highest on the soil surface and emergence was reduced by 87% and 90% at burial depths of 0.5 and 1.0 cm, respectively. Knowledge gained from this study suggests that a shallow-tillage operation to bury weed seeds in conventional tillage systems and retention of high residue cover on the soil surface in zero-till systems may inhibit the germination of C. sumatrensis. This study also warrants that the R population may have a greater risk of invasion over a greater part of a year due to germination over a broader temperature range.

Broomrape species (Orobanche spp. and Phelipanche spp.) pose a tremendous threat to economically important crops in Iran; however, there is little information on the country’s major broomrape species, their distribution and host ranges, and the subsequent crop losses they cause. The literature from Iran describes Egyptian broomrape (Orobanche aegyptiaca Pers.), hemp broomrape (Orobanche ramosa L.), Phelipanche nana (Reut.) Beck, and Orobanche cumana Wallr. as the major species of broomrape infesting agricultural fields. Solanaceae crops are among the most susceptible crops to infestation by broomrape in the country, and farmers are either shifting production to crops with lesser value or abandoning crop production entirely. Among infested crops, tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is the most susceptible and widely infested, resulting in annual crop yield reductions of up to 40%. Chick pea (Cicer arietinum L.) and canola (Brassica napus L.) are also highly susceptible to broomrape infestation. Current control methods (physical, agronomical, biological, and chemical) have not proven to be effective or economic. The microscopic size of broomrape seeds and the presence of a wide range of host plants (weeds and crops) have promoted the spread of broomrape to new areas of Iran. Hence, the familiarization of farmers with the biology of broomrape would be highly effective in finding suitable control measures and in preventing its further distribution.

Nicosulfuron provides POST weed control in corn, pastures, and grassy roadsides, and has potential for use in fine turfgrass. The objective of this research was to evaluate tolerance, absorption, translocation, and metabolism of nicosulfuron in annual bluegrass and four turfgrass species. In greenhouse experiments, relative tolerance of grasses to nicosulfuron (35, 70, or 140 g ai ha−1) from high to low was bermudagrass = zoysiagrass > tall fescue > creeping bentgrass > annual bluegrass. In laboratory experiments, grasses had similar foliar and root absorption of 14C-nicosulfuon. Annual bluegrass and creeping bentgrass averaged 80% greater radioactivity per unit dry mass in shoots than bermudagrass following root uptake of 14C-nicosulfuron, but other species were similar to these grasses. At 72 h after treatment (HAT), annual bluegrass metabolized 36% of absorbed 14C-nicosulfuron, which was less than bermudagrass, tall fescue, and zoysiagrass that metabolized 47 to 58%. Creeping bentgrass metabolism of nicosulfuron was similar to annual bluegrass. Tall fescue had similar levels of metabolism to bermudagrass and zoysiagrass, averaging 67%, at 168 HAT but produced fewer metabolites. Overall, turfgrass tolerance to nicosulfuron is associated with relative herbicide concentrations in shoots and differential species metabolism.

Crop seedlings detect the presence of neighboring competitors by means of the red to far-red ratio (R/FR) of light reflected from the leaf surfaces of adjacent seedlings. Although previous studies have suggested that shifts in the R/FR initiate crop–weed competition, no studies have documented the R/FR of light reflected from weeds or explored how weed management practices may affect the R/FR. Experiments were conducted to test the following hypotheses: (1) the duration of R/FR signals reflected from the leaf surface of weed seedlings will vary among herbicides following treatment and will decline faster as the dose of a given herbicide increases, (2) the R/FR of reflected light will differ among weed species, and (3) the R/FR of reflected light will decrease as weed seedling leaf area and stage of development increases. Velvetleaf was used as a model weed species to examine herbicide chemistry and dose, and six weed species including Powell amaranth, velvetleaf, Eastern black nightshade, barnyardgrass, proso millet, and green foxtail were evaluated in order to characterize the R/FR of light reflected from their leaf surfaces. Results of this study confirm that the R/FR reflected from the leaf surface of weeds is affected by: herbicide chemistry, herbicide dose, weed species, stage of weed development, and distance of the weed from the crop. The relative decline in the R/FR (as a percent of the untreated control) was most rapid following treatment with paraquat, followed by glufosinate and then glyphosate. As glyphosate dose decreased, so did the reduction in the relative R/FR. Based on reflected R/FR, weed species tended to be grouped into monocots and dicots, with the latter reflecting a lower R/FR per unit leaf area than the former. This disparity was attributed to the compact leaf arrangement and orientation of dicot weed canopies, which may contribute to the greater competitiveness of dicot weeds.

The addition of chlorflurenol (methyl 2-chloro-9-hydroxyfluorene-9-carboxylate) at 0.6 kg ai/ha or mefluidide {N-[2,4-dimethyl-5-[[(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl]amino]phenyl] acetamide} at 0.3 kg ai/ha to picloram (4-amino-3,5,6-tricloropicolinic acid) at 0.3 kg ae/ha increased leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula L. # EPHES) control compared to picloram alone. Application of 84 kg/ha nitrogen in the fall prior to a spring treatment of 0.3 kg/ha picloram decreased the original stand (75%) compared to no nitrogen (18%). In greenhouse experiments, chlorflurenol and mefluidide increased the amount of 14C-picloram absorbed approximately twofold when applied in combination but not when applied independently. Based on 14C-picloram absorbed, chlorflurenol and mefluidide each increased the amount of 14C translocated to the root system, whether applied independently or in combination with picloram. An increase in root bud numbers was observed following an application of 0.6 kg/ha chlorflurenol or nitrogen.

Isoxaben is an inhibitor of the synthesis of cellulose from glucose. Some dicot weed species are relatively insensitive to isoxaben inhibition. This study investigates mechanisms by which decreased sensitivity may occur in three dicot weed species: catchweed bedstraw, redroot pigweed, and velvetleaf. Dose response curves were generated to determine I50 values for the inhibition of glucose incorporation into cellulose by isoxaben and compared to that of a sensitive species, mouse-ear cress. Metabolic detoxification and uptake rates were measured and the degree of tolerance conferred by these mechanisms was calculated. In all cases, metabolic detoxification was negligible. Lower uptake rates were significant but minor components of tolerance in all species. It is suggested that the principal cause of isoxaben tolerance in these dicot weed species is decreased sensitivity at the target site.

Smutgrass [Sporobolus poiretii (R. & S.) Hitchc.] was selectively controlled in carpetgrass (Axonopus affinis Chase) and common bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] with atrazine [2-chloro-4-(ethylamino) −6-(isopropylamino)-s-triazine] applied at 2.2 kg/ha in each of two applications. MSMA (monosodium methanearsonate) applied alone or in combination with 2,4-D [(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)acetic acid] at 2.2 + 0.6 kg/ha in each of three applications controlled at least 70% of smutgrass in two of three experiments. The common bermudagrass showed signs of atrazine injury during the first 6 weeks after treatment but the injury was not evident the following year. MSMA alone or in combination with 2,4-D killed carpetgrass in all experiments. Repeated treatments with bromacil (5-bromo-3-sec-butyl-6-methyluracil) applied alone or in combination with diuron [3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea] controlled smutgrass but severely injured the turfgrasses.

Chlorsulfuron was preemergence applied in field trials at La Coruña, Spain, at rates from 5 to 30 g ai ha−1 (1987–88) and from 5 to 100 g ai ha−1 (1988–89) for weed control in winter and spring wheat. Excellent control of broadleaf weeds was obtained in both; however, narrowleaf control at the last evaluation (heading) was poor. Chlorsulfuron at 30 g ha−1 did not cause a residual problem in 1987–88, with only 0.24 μg kg−1 of dry soil recovered after both a winter and spring wheat cropping season. However, chlorsulfuron persistence at the same rate was very high in the dry year 1988–89, with 0.43 μg kg−1 and 0.53 μg kg−1 recovered in winter and spring wheat, respectively. ‘Cardeno’ spring wheat showed no phytotoxic symptom at any rate of chlorsulfuron from 5 to 100 g ha−1. Its yield and yield components (spikes m−2, grain number spike−1, grain weight) were greater with all chlorsulfuron rates, but not in ‘Fiel’ winter wheat for rates of 30 g ha−1 or higher.

Studies were conducted to evaluate seed and root reproduction and herbicide sensitivity of maypop passionflower (Passiflora incarnata L. ♯ PAQIN). Water-leached seeds that were not exposed to light had the greatest germination (53%). Depending on soil type, seedlings emerged from depths of 10 to 12 cm. Most rapid germination and seedling development occurred between 30 and 35 C. Plants rapidly produced an extensive system of lateral roots and rhizomes that had regenerative capability at maturity. Root or rhizome sections of only 0.5 cm in length had a 20% regeneration rate. Desiccation effectively reduced viability of root and rhizome pieces. Effective herbicide control was limited to the triethylamine salt of triclopyr {[(3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinyl)oxy] acetic acid} at 2.2 ai kg/ha, alkanolamine salt of 2,4-D [(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)acetic acid] at 1.7 kg/ha, and dicamba (3,6-dichloro-o-anisic acid) at 0.3 to 0.6 kg/ha.

A field study was conducted for 3 yr to evaluate residual levels of fluchloralin [N-(2-chloroethyl)-2,6-dinitro-N-propyl-4-(trifluoromethyl)aniline], profluralin [N-(cyclopropylmethyl)-α,α,α-trifluoro-2,6-dinitro-N-propyl-p-toluidine], and trifluralin (α,α,α-trifluoro-2,6-dinitro-N,N-dipropyl-p-toluidine) for their effects on injury and yields of rice (Oryza sativa L.). All three herbicides consistently injured rice and reduced yield at application rates above 0.1 kg/ha. These herbicides were similar in their effects on rice, but trifluralin was slightly more phytotoxic than fluchloralin or profluralin. Bioassay showed fluchloralin and trifluralin to be more inhibitory than profluralin of root and shoot elongation. The order of toxicity of the vapors of these herbicides arising from treated soil was found to be trifluralin > profluralin > fluchloralin. Grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) was slightly more sensitive to these herbicides than was rice when seedlings were grown in treated soil and over 10 times more susceptible than rice to injury from their vapors. Both plant species were less affected by the herbicides in silty clay than in silt loam soil.

The phytotoxicity of terbacil (3-tert-butyl-5-chloro-6-methyluracil) is not closely correlated with the amount applied, the amount in available soil solution, or the concentration in available soil solution since soil type has a pronounced effect on the levels necessary for phytotoxicity. About 19 times more terbacil was needed in a Chalmers silty clay loam (24% organic matter) than in a Bloomfield fine sand (0.3% organic matter) to cause a 30% control of sorghum (Sorghum biclor (L.) Moench ‘R.S. 610’). However, the Bloomfield fine sand required twice as great a concentration of terbacil in the soil solution as the Chalmers silty clay loam (0.314 μg/ml versus 0.157 μg/ml). The total adsorption of terbacil in the latter soil decreased 4.5 fold when the water: soil ratio was increased from 0.6:1 (approximately field capacity) to 32:1, but the ratio of the concentration adsorbed: concentration in the soil solution did not vary appreciably.