Those who study the history of science and technology understand the important symbiotic relationships that exist between the various disciplines, and how a breakthrough in one area can trigger a chain reaction that leads to even more important progress in another area of science. This has certainly occurred in the discovery of triazine-resistant weeds in the late 1960's, followed in 1973 when Stanley Cohen of Stanford University and Herbert Boyer of the University of California at San Francisco found a simple way to combine DNA from two different organisms and then to clone identical copies of these recombined DNA molecules in bacteria. In 1975, Steven Radosevich made the important observation that isolated chloroplasts from triazine-resistant weeds were not inhibited in their rate of photosynthesis when treated with atrazine. With the use of triazine-resistant weeds and their chloroplasts, our knowledge of the structure of chloroplasts (herbicide binding genes that control the various peptides and amino acid sequences) and many other aspects of photosynthesis has expanded greatly during the past 10 years, with major contributions by Charles Arntzen and many other scientists.

The absorption of norflurazon [4-chloro-5-(methylamino)-2-(3-(trifluromethyl)phenyl)-3(2H)-pyridazinone] by 1-cm segments cut from the apical 5-cm roots of velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti Medik. # ABUTH) was studied. Norflurazon absorption was rapid in the first 10 min but there was very little increase thereafter up to 120 min. Norflurazon also penetrated the entire tissue volume within 30 min after the root segments were placed in absorption solution. Norflurazon did not accumulate to concentrations above the external solution over 120 min, and 90% of the absorbed herbicide diffused freely out of the tissue within 10 min. The metabolic inhibitor KCN did not affect norflurazon uptake, whereas pretreatment of root tissue with DNP increased absorption. Anoxia increased absorption by 60 and 120% above aerated treatment at 10 min and 2 h, respectively. These experiments suggest that norflurazon, which is considered to move primarily in the apoplast, moved into both the apoplast and symplast of velvetleaf root cells by simple diffusion.

At both 15 and 25 C, following a 24-h root absorption period, absorbed 14C-metribuzin [4-amino-6-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-3-(methylthio)-1,2,4-triazin-5(4H)-one] was metabolized approximately 30% more rapidly to water-soluble and terminal fiber metabolites by winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) than by downy brome (Bromus tectorum L. # BROTE). Both species metabolized a greater proportion of metribuzin in leaf sheaths and roots than in the leaf blades. This was attributed to the increased incorporation of metribuzin into fiber. After an initial leaf extraction, metribuzin and the metabolites deaminated metribuzin (DA), deaminated diketo metribuzin (DADK), and diketo metribuzin (DK) partitioned into a chloroform fraction and five unidentified water-soluble metabolites into an aqueous fraction. At both 15 and 25 C, downy brome absorbed approximately three times more metribuzin per fresh weight than did winter wheat. The mechanism of differential tolerance of downy brome and winter wheat to metribuzin was attributed to the ability of winter wheat to metabolize metribuzin more rapidly and absorb less metribuzin than downy brome.

Foliar and root absorption and translocation of metribuzin (4-amino-6-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-3-(methylthio)-1,2,4-triazin-5(4H)-one) by downy brome (Bromus tectorum L. # BROTE) and winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) was determined. After a 48-h absorption period, roots of three-week-old downy brome plants had absorbed two times more metribuzin on a total plant fresh weight basis than had roots of winter wheat. Root-absorbed metribuzin was translocated similarly regardless of species with 80% of absorbed 14C accumulating in leaf blades, 10% in the leaf sheaths, and 10% in the roots. After 24 h, leaves of downy brome and winter wheat had absorbed, respectively, 26 and 36% of foliar-applied metribuzin, and absorption increased threefold with the addition of a nonionic surfactant. Translocation of foliar-absorbed metribuzin was primarily towards the apex of the treated leaf. No translocation from the treated leaf to other plant parts occurred with either species. The greater tolerance of winter wheat to metribuzin is due in part to less root absorption of metribuzin by winter wheat than by downy brome.

The rates of foliar dark respiration and net photosynthesis in attached leaves of 25 C3, C4, and C3-C4 intermediate dicotyledonous weed species were determined using the infrared gas analyzer. The ratio of dark respiration to photosynthesis per unit leaf area in attached leaves of each species was inversely proportional to leaf age. Highly significant, positive linear correlation was observed between the rates of foliar dark respiration and net photosynthetic CO2 uptake in dicot weeds irrespective of the photosynthetic type. The higher foliar dark respiration rate found in some of the weed species can be attributed in part to the higher carbohydrate levels as generated by a rapid photosynthetic CO2 assimilation. The significance of higher dark respiration rate in relation to carbon and energy economy of weeds is discussed.

The behavior of the methyl ester of 14C-haloxyfop {2-[4-[[3-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pyridinyl] oxy] phenoxy] propanoic acid} in common bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. # CYNDA] stolons was examined in greenhouse experiments at two different seasons. The 14C from the herbicide applied on the leaves of a stolon node translocated no more than 3% of the applied radioactivity to the apex and base. Movement out of stolons was not significant. In early summer less than 1% translocated in each direction; in early fall more than 2% moved to the apex and less than 1% toward the base. Decrease of 14C recovery with time was evident in both seasons, particularly in early summer. Haloxyfop volatilization from the leaf surface apparently plays a significant role in recovery decrease. The 14C found in stolons in early summer was approximately the same as that of early fall, although herbicide remaining available for uptake on the leaf surface was lower in the former season. We suggest that environmental conditions that favor volatilization could enhance uptake.

Acifluorfen {5-[2-chloro-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]-2-nitrobenzoic acid} and bentazon [3-(1-methylethyl)-(1H)-2,1,3-benzothiadiazin-4(3H)-one 2,2-dioxide] were applied singly, in combination at various rates, with and without a crop oil concentrate to common lambsquarters (Chenopodium album L. # CHEAL), redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus L. # AMARE), jimsonweed (Datura stramonium L. # DATST), and velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti Medic. # ABUTH) grown in containers in the greenhouse and outdoors. Without crop oil concentrate, synergistic responses to the combinations were measured in common lambsquarters and velvetleaf. Antagonistic responses were measured in jimsonweed. Redroot pigweed response was antagonistic in the greenhouse and synergistic outdoors. The addition of a crop oil concentrate tended to mask the interactions. Crop oil concentrate also increased the droplet size for common lambsquarters, velvetleaf, jimsonweed, and redroot pigweed 53, 41, 28, and 27%, respectively. Neither herbicide at any rate or combination influenced droplet size. Radiolabeled studies showed reduced uptake of 14C-acifluorfen when bentazon was present in common lambsquarters and redroot pigweed by 15 and 10%, respectively. Radiolabeled bentazon uptake was reduced 3% in jimsonweed and increased 20% in redroot pigweed when acifluorfen was present.

Glyphosate [N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine] was applied in the spring and fall to leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula L. # EPHES) in the field at rates of 0.14 to 4.48 kg ai/ha. Fall applications of glyphosate at rates of 0.56 to 4.48 kg/ha stimulated axillary branching and caused an increase in the number of stems/m2 by the end of the following summer in a dense population. This was a result of shoot growth from buds on the crown region of the root system. The absorption and translocation of 14C-glyphosate applied to leaves of mature leafy spurge plants were evaluated at prebloom, full-bloom, and senescence phenological stages. Approximately 81% of the 14C-glyphosate applied to the leaves of senescing plants was absorbed. There was a decrease in the proportion of 14C translocated out of the treated leaf when applications were made after full bloom. Translocation of 14C to the treated stem, nontreated stems, root crown, and roots did not differ with phenological stage in 1983. Translocation and concentration of 14C in most plant parts in 1985 differed with phenological stage. Translocation to the crown buds as a percentage of the 14C absorbed was highest at the senescence stage. At senescence and before soil freezing, leafy spurge crown buds demonstrate transient but active elongation toward the soil surface. This active development may account for the enhanced translocation of 14C into the crown buds.

The effect of herbicides on the concentration of miserotoxin, the toxic compound in Wasatch milkvetch [Astragalus miser var. oblongifolius (Rydb.) Cronq. # ASAMO], was investigated. Eight herbicides or herbicide combinations were applied to Wasatch milkvetch in June 1985 and 1986. The concentration of miserotoxin was determined weekly for 4 weeks after treatments. All treatments in both years significantly reduced the miserotoxin concentration when compared to the controls, except for the 0.6 kg ae/ha rate of clopyralid (3,6-dichloro-2-pyridinecarboxylic acid) in 1986. Wasatch milkvetch treated with triclopyr {[(3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinyl)oxy] acetic acid} at 1.7 and 2.2 kg ae/ha desiccated rapidly and had consistently low concentrations of miserotoxin 4 weeks after treatment.

A survey was conducted at 88 sites in Montana in 1984 and 1985 to determine the distribution of Urophora affinis Frauenfeld and U. quadrifasciata (Meigen), two seed head flies released on spotted knapweed (Centaurea maculosa Lam. # CENMA) in North America. U. affinis, released in Montana during 1973 to 1977, was found at 40 of the 88 sites. The fly was concentrated within a short radius (about 5 to 8 km) of release sites, even at sites having well-established populations. U. quadrifasciata, released in British Columbia in 1972, but not in the United States, was found at 84 sites. The data suggest that the fly entered the state in the northwest corner and dispersed in a southeasterly direction. There was a strong positive relationship between mean number of galls per seed head and percent infestation for both fly species.

The effect of site of application on uptake and translocation of the butyl ester of fluazifop {(±)-2-[4-[[5-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pyridinyl]oxy] phenoxy] propanoic acid} by quackgrass [Agropyron repens (L.) Beauv. # AGRRE] was investigated using 14C-labeled herbicide and intact plants. Uptake and distribution of the label were significantly greater from the abaxial than from the adaxial surface of leaves. The addition of a nonionic surfactant4 to the treatment solution increased the uptake significantly only through the adaxial surface. Uptake of 14C by the apical, middle, and basal regions of the treated leaf lamina did not differ significantly. However, movement of the 14C-label to stem areas and leaves both above and below treated leaves was greater from lamina base applications than from treatments to the lamina apex and middle. The older leaves absorbed more herbicide than did younger leaves, but the pattern of translocation did not differ. Considerably greater translocation occurred from treatments to the outside of the leaf sheaths in the lower regions of the stem than from applications to the upper leaf sheaths, with the 14C-label moved to young and old leaves, roots, and rhizomes. Uptake from applications to the outside of the upper leaf sheaths also resulted in improved translocation mainly within the stem areas and into upper leaves.

The physiological responses of corn (Zea mays L. ‘Goldencrossbantam′) and pea (Pisum sativum L. ‘Alaska′) to sethoxydim {2-[1-(ethoxyimino)butyl]-5-[2-(ethylthio) propyl]-3-hydroxy-2-cyclohexen-1-one} were investigated. Sethoxydim did not affect excised pea root growth at 1 × 10−4 M but inhibited excised corn root growth at concentrations of 1 × 10−8 M and above. Treating corn impeded root growth with 1 × 10−7 M sethoxydim within 4 h after treatment; however, little histological change of the roots was observed at 48 h. At 1 × 10−6 M, growth nearly stopped within 4 h after treatment, and clear cytological changes of the roots were observed at 24 and 48 h. Sethoxydim inhibited both mitosis and DNA synthesis of excised corn root tips between 4 and 48 h after treatment. Respiration of corn roots measured by oxygen uptake and the TTC (2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride) test was not affected by the herbicide directly. Sethoxydim (1 × 10−4 M) inhibited IAA-induced cell elongation of corn coleoptile and pea epicotyl by 37 and 12%, respectively. Sethoxydim selectively inhibited the growth of excised root tips of susceptible corn by affecting cell division rather than cell enlargement, and the inhibition mechanism of cell division (inhibition of mitosis) by the herbicide was not by direct inhibition of DNA synthesis or by effects on respiration.

The glandular trichomes on velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti Medic. # ABUTH) stems and petioles exude liquid globules which are phytotoxic in petri plate bioassays. Because the exudate is easily removed with water, it was hypothesized that it may be washed from velvetleaf stems and petioles into the surrounding soil environment where it may exert allelopathic influences. Field and greenhouse studies attempted to separate the influence of exudates from other mechanisms of interference by removing exudates from some velvetleaf plants and not from others. Velvetleaf trichome exudates did not increase interference by velvetleaf in either field or greenhouse studies. A velvetleaf accession from Rosemount, MN, produced 1.4 times more exudate/stem dry weight than another accession from Stoneville, MS. However, the MS exudate was about 1.4 times more toxic in petri plate assays when compared to the MN exudate. Although greenhouse-grown plants had approximately 3.3 times more exudate/stem dry weight than field-grown plants, the field exudate was 1.6 times more toxic. The activity of velvetleaf exudates was also assayed in autoclaved and nonautoclaved soil. Although active in autoclaved soil, extract activity was lost at all but the highest dosage when the soil was not autoclaved. Microorganisms appear to rapidly detoxify the velvetleaf toxin(s) and may reduce or eliminate its impact in the field.

The persistence and germinability of jointed goatgrass (Aegilops cylindrica Host. # AEGCY) seed (caryopses) were studied over a five-year period between 1979 and 1984 at five locations in Colorado, Kansas, and Nebraska. Seed were buried in open-mesh packets and the sites were not disturbed for the duration of the study. Seed survival at burial depths of 5, 15, or 30 cm decreased rapidly over the first three years at all locations. By the third year, less than 7.4 ± 6.5% (mean ± SD) of the seed remained at 5 cm in the soil at all locations. By the third, fourth, and fifth year there was total loss of seed at one, two, and four sites at the 5-cm burial depth. Only three of five sites had total loss of seed at 30 cm after five years. The proportion of surviving seed that were germinable increased with time and was almost 100% after three years of burial. Because jointed goatgrass seed were relatively transient in the soil profile, fallowing of infested areas for a three-year period may significantly reduce populations of this weed or eradicate it, depending upon location.

The initial metabolism of acetochlor [2-chloro-N-(ethoxymethyl)-N-(2-ethyl-6-methylphenyl)acetamide] in tolerant and susceptible plants was examined to determine if metabolism is a factor in the selective phytotoxicity of this herbicide. Six crop and ten weed species were used. In every case acetochlor was converted initially to thioether conjugates. In thirteen of the species, initial conjugation was with glutathione (GSH). The homoglutathione (hGSH) conjugate was formed in three legumes. Tolerant plant seedlings metabolized acetochlor more readily than susceptible plant seedlings. Based on these results, acetochlor detoxification is a primary factor in the selective phytotoxicity of this herbicide.

Herbicides marketed for selected crops were chosen on the basis that major cultivars of the specific crop were tolerant. Our work with soybeans [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] has demonstrated that variability exists with regard to sensitivity or tolerance to several herbicides. As a part of our breeding program to develop improved soybean cultivars, we have evaluated advanced breeding lines and germplasm for reaction to herbicides on the market as well as experimental herbicides. A breeding line was identified and released for production which showed very little injury from two over-the-top applications of a double rate of 2,4-DB [4-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)butyric acid]. Other strains showed severe injury and depressed seed yield. Variation in reaction to glyphosate [N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine] has been observed. Lines tolerant to 0.56 kg ai/ha in one growing season were severely damaged the following season. When 200 germplasm lines from eastern Asia were treated with glyphosate, 6% showed less than 15% injury while 21% showed over 80% injury. The cultivar ‘Tracy′, selected for tolerance to 2,4-DB and a high level of resistance to the soil-borne disease causing phytophthora rot, was found to be sensitive to metribuzin [4-amino-6-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-3-(methylthio)-1,2,4-triazin-5(4H)-one]. Tracy has two major genes controlling resistance to phytophthora rot caused by Phytophthora megasperma Drechs. f. sp. glycinea Kuan and Erwin. One of these genes is closely linked with a gene controlling reaction to metribuzin. A crossover type was identified. The cultivar ‘Tracy-M’ retains the high level of resistance to phytophthora rot and is tolerant to metribuzin. A small percentage of germplasm lines evaluated were found to be sensitive to bentazon. Reaction to bentazon [3-(1-methylethyl)-(1H)-2,1,3-benzothiadiazin-4(3H)-one 2,2-dioxide] is simply inherited.

The effects of sethoxydim {2-[1-(ethoxyimino) butyl]-5-[2-(ethylthio)propyl]-3-hydroxy-2-cyclohexen-1-one} on the metabolic activity of excised root tips of corn (Zea mays, L. ‘Goldencrossbantam′) were studied under laboratory conditions. Uptake and incorporation of 14C-labeled thymidine, uridine, leucine, glucose, and acetic acid into cell constituents, as well as respiration, increased continuously with time progressions during the incubation period. Sethoxydim did not affect either the uptake of any 14C-precursor into or respiration of the root tip tissue. Although RNA and protein syntheses were not affected by the herbicide, DNA and cell wall syntheses were inhibited 120 min after treatment with sethoxydim. Incorporation of 14C-acetic acid into lipid fraction was inhibited by sethoxydim in a time- and concentration-dependent fashion. This inhibition was observed at a shorter time after sethoxydim treatment than that of any other 14C-precursor. The effect was not observed in the nonproliferative regions of corn roots, whereas cerulenin (a fatty acid synthase inhibitor) inhibited the incorporation of 14C-acetic acid both in proliferative and nonproliferative regions. It is suggested that the inhibition of lipid synthesis by sethoxydim does not play a major role in the mode of action of this herbicide. The effects of sethoxydim, including those on lipid metabolism, are closely associated with proliferative conditions of susceptible graminaceous plants.

Chlorsulfuron {2-chloro-N-[[(4-methoxy–6-methyl-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)amino] carbonyl] benzenesulfonamide} uptake from different pH solutions by leaves and excised root segments of velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti Medik. # ABUTH) was examined. In buffer solutions more 14C-chlorsulfuron penetrated intact leaves at lower pH levels (2.4, 3.4, and 4.4) than at pH 5.6. Initial chlorsulfuron absorption by 1-cm segments cut from the apical 5 cm of roots was rapid in the first 10 min for all pH levels. During the first 10 min, roots absorbed more chlorsulfuron from acidic (pH 2.4 and 3.4) than from higher pH solutions (pH 4.4 and 5.6). Chlorsulfuron efflux occurred in two phases for all pH levels. The first phase was a rapid loss through approximately 10 min, and the second a slow loss through 240 min. In the first 10 min, the efflux of chlorsulfuron was faster from roots incubated in pH 2.4 than in higher pH solutions. Efflux from the other pH levels was similar.

Full-season interference effects of hemp sesbania [Sesbania exaltata (Raf.) Cory. # SEBEX] on cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L. 'Stoneville 213′) were investigated on a fine sandy loam soil for 3 yr at Stoneville, MS. Experimentally induced hemp sesbania populations of ≥ 3223 plants/ha significantly reduced cotton yields. Interference of hemp sesbania at 3223, 6456, 16 114, and 32 228 plants/ha, equivalent to 1, 2, 5, and 10 plants/3.3 m, reduced seed cotton yields by 19, 25, 45, and 53%, respectively. Cotton boll weights were reduced by 9% when hemp sesbania infestations were ≥ 16 114 plants/ha. Cotton plant density, seedling vigor, and initial cotton white blooms/ha at ≤75 days after planting (DAP) did not differ with varying densities of hemp sesbania. Cotton white blooms/ha were reduced by 32 228 hemp sesbania plants/ha by 77 DAP and by all weed densities by 98 DAP. Hemp sesbania height was equal to or greater than cotton height by 55 to 65 DAP. Light penetration at 1 m above the top of the cotton canopy was 36% less than in weed-free plots when hemp sesbania densities were ≤6446 plants/ha. Likewise, light penetration was reduced at the cotton canopy top and at midcanopy but was not less at the soil surface unless hemp sesbania densities were ≤ 32 223 plants/ha.