The effects of short exposures to low temperature on cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L. ‘Stoneville 213′), velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti Medic), and spurred anoda [Anoda cristata (L.) Schlecht.] were studied in controlled environment chambers. A 3-day exposure to 17/13 C day/night temperatures 24 days after planting significantly reduced dry weight, leaf area and height in all three species when compared to control plants maintained at 26/21 C day/night. After subsequent periods of 7 days at 26/21 C and 8 days at 29/23 C, the two weed species recovered in growth more completely than did cotton. Therefore, the weed/crop ratios for dry weight and leaf area were increased by the imposition of the cold treatment. Mathematical analysis of the growth of the three species indicated that the growth reductions during the cold treatment were caused by decreases in both net assimilation rate and leaf area duration. The net photosynthetic rates and stomatal conductances of individual leaves of cotton and velvetleaf were significantly reduced during the cold treatment but recovered to control levels during a subsequent 4-day exposure to 26/21 C. We conclude that the adverse effects of low temperatures on the growth of cotton, velvetleaf, and spurred anoda are caused mainly by reductions in leaf area production. Because of its slower and less complete recovery, cotton is more severely affected by low temperature than either of the two weeds. Our results help explain the observation that velvetleaf and spurred anoda are more competitive with cotton following abnormally cool periods early in the growing season.

The feasibility of herbicide and crop rotation for the control of johnsongrass [Sorghum halepense (L.) Pers.] in corn (Zea mays L.) was studied in field experiments. Light infestations of johnsongrass were initially present, but it became the predominant weed after 4 yr of continuous corn treated with atrazine [2-chloro-4-(ethylamino)-6-(isopropylamine)-s-triazine], cyanazine {2-[[4-chloro-6-(ethylamino)-s-triazin-2-yl]amino]-2-methylpropionitrile}, and linuron [3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1-methoxy-1-methylurea], alone and in combinations at rates of 2.24, 2.24, and 0.84 kg/ha, respectively. The infestation of johnsongrass was effectively controlled by growing corn in rotation with cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) in a cropping sequence of corn-cotton-cotton-corn, in which trifluralin (α,α,α-trifluoro-2,6-dinitro-N,N-dipropyl-p-toluidine), fluometuron [1,1-dimethyl-3-(α,α,α-trifluoro-m-tolyl)urea] and MSMA (monosodium methanearsonate) at 0.56, 2.24, and 2.24 kg/ha respectively, were used for weed control in cotton. In the corn-cotton-cotton-corn cropping sequence, the herbicide treatments also prevented increases in the populations of other indigeneous weeds including prickly sida (Sida spinosa L.), prostrate spurge (Euphorbia supina Raf.), spotted spurge (Euphorbia maculata L.), common purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.), tall morningglory [Ipomoea purpurea (L.) Roth], common cocklebur (Xanthium pensylvanicum Wallr.), spurred anoda [Anoda cristata (L.) Schlecht.], hemp sesbania [Sesbania exaltata (Raf.) Cory], redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus L.), goosegrass [Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn.], junglerice [Echinochloa colonum (L.) Link], large crabgrass [Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop.], and purple nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus L.).

Factors influencing dicamba drift, especially vapor drift, were examined in field and growth chamber studies. In field experiments, potted soybeans [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. exposed to vapors arising from corn (Zea mays L.) foliarly treated with the sodium (Na), dimethylamine (DMA), diethanolamine (DEOA), or N-tallow-N,N1,N1-trimethyl-1,3-diaminopropane (TA) salts of dicamba (3,6-dichloro-o-anisic acid), developed dicamba injury symptoms. Dicamba volatilization from treated corn was detected with soybeans for 3 days after the application. Dicamba vapors caused symptoms on soybeans placed up to 60m downwind of the treated corn. When vapor and/or spray drift caused soybean terminal bud kill, yields were reduced. In growth chamber studies, dicamba volatility effects on soybeans could be reduced by lowering the temperature or increasing the relative humidity. Rainfall of 1mm or more on treated corn ended dicamba volatilization. The dicamba volatilization was greater from corn and soybean leaves than from velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti Medic.) leaves and blotter paper. The volatilization of dicamba formulations varied in growth chamber comparisons with the acid being most volatile and the inorganic salts being the least volatile. However, under field conditions, use of less volatile formulations did not eliminate dicamba symptoms on soybeans. The volatile component of the commercial DMA salt of dicamba was identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry as free dicamba acid.

The persistence of picloram (4-amino-3,5,6-trichloropicolinic acid) was measured each spring over an 8-yr period following repeated annual applications at rates ranging from 0.020 to 0.070 kg/ha. Picloram residue levels were proportional to rate of application but averaged approximately 45% of the original levels when measured 12 months following application and declined to 10% 24 months after application ceased. Control of wild buckwheat (Polygonum convolvulus L.) was good with major population declines over the test period. Crop tolerance and yields were not affected at rates of 0.035 kg/ha or less.

An indigenous, host-specific, pathogenic fungus that parasitizes winged waterprimrose [Jussiaea decurrens (Walt.) DC.] is endemic in the rice growing region of Arkansas. The fungus was isolated and identified as Colletotrichum gloeosporioides (Penz.) Sacc. f. sp. jussiaeae (CGJ). It is highly specific for parasitism of winged waterprimrose and not parasitic on creeping waterprimrose (J. repens L. var. glabrescens Ktze.), rice (Oryza sativa L.), soybeans [Glycine max (L.) Merr.], cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.), or 4 other crops and 13 other weeds. The fungus was physiologically distinct from C. gloeosporioides (Penz.) Sacc. f. sp. aeschynomene (CGA), an endemic anthracnose pathogen of northern jointvetch [Aeschynomene virginica (L.) B.S.P.], as indicated by cross inoculations of both weeds. Culture in the laboratory and inoculation of winged waterprimrose in greenhouse, growth chamber and field experiments indicated that the pathogen was stable, specific, and virulent in a wide range of environments. The pathogen yielded large quantities of spores in liquid culture. It is suitable for control of winged waterprimrose. Winged waterprimrose and northern jointvetch were controlled in greenhouse and field tests by application of spore mixtures of CGJ and CGA at concentrations of 1 to 2 million spores/ml of each fungus in 94 L/ha of water; the fungi did not damage rice or nontarget crops.

Yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus L.) produced an average of 1227 and 6685 flowers per inflorescence from eight California fields sampled during 1974, 1975, and 1976. Up to 17% of the flowers produced seeds and up to 78% of the seed germinated. There was a linear relationship between seed weight and germination percentage. Purple nutsedge (C. rotundus L.) averaged between 186 and 1354 flowers per inflorescence from three California fields sampled in 1974 and 1976. Only 43 purple nutsedge seed were collected and none germinated. Yellow nutsedge produced viable seed about 2 weeks after anthesis. A day/night temperature of 38/32 C was best for seed germination, especially when accompanied by a light period. Yellow nutsedge has potential to reproduce by seed, but probability of purple nutsedge reproducing by seed is low.

Toxicological investigations were conducted on galenia [Galenia pubescens (Eckl. and Zeyh.) Druce], an introduced species of the family Aizoaceae. One lot of field-grown galenia assayed 2.5% nitrate (as KNO3) and 6.1% soluble oxalates. Three sheep were acutely poisoned after they were gavaged with this plant. Galenia grown in nutrient solution assayed 6% nitrate and 11.3% soluble oxalates. Chicks fed this material died of nitrate and oxalate poisoning. Galenia may accumulate toxic levels of both oxalates and nitrates and thus should be classed as a poisonous plant that would be considered hazardous to humans and livestock.

A survey was made in the United States to determine the extent of the infestations of leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula L.) and other weeds of economic importance in the Euphorbiaceae. From introductions about 100 yr ago, leafy spurge is now found in 458 counties in 26 states from coast to coast. The infestations are out of control in some states, and biological control is mentioned as a possible solution to the problem.

Response of weeds and sugarbeets (Beta vulgaris L. ‘Mono Hy D2′) to preplanting treatments of mixtures of cycloate (S-ethyl N-ethylthiocyclohexanecarbamate) and ethofumesate [(±)-2-ethoxy-2,3-dihydro-3,3-dimethyl-5-benzofuranyl methanesulfonate] was evaluated in five field studies. A mixture containing 1.7 kg/ha of each herbicide reduced the stand of common lambsquarters (Chenopodium album L.) 90%, green foxtail [Setaria viridis (L.) Beauv.] and yellow foxtail [Setaria lutescens (Weigel) Hubb.] 97 to 99%, kochia [Kochia scoparia (L.) Schrad.] 64 to 77%, and redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus L.) 82 to 99%. The response of weeds to preplanting applications of mixtures of cycloate and ethofumesate was independent of soil texture, whereas response of sugarbeets was dependent on soil texture. The herbicide mixtures significantly reduced the pre-thinning stand of sugarbeets and root and sucrose yields on two sandy loams, but not on a clay loam.

Twenty herbicide treatments were evaluated on conventional-till (plow, disc, and harrow), minimum-till (disc only), and no-till planted soybeans [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] from 1976 through 1978 at the Belleville Research Center in St. Clair County, Illinois. The soil type was a Weir silt loam (Typic Ochraqualf) characterized by poor internal drainage and 1.2% organic matter. Weed population by species, weed control, and soybean population, injury, and yield were obtained. Fall panicum (Panicum dichotomiflorum Michx.) and giant foxtail (Setaria faberi Herrm.) were the dominant species in all tillage systems, exceeding 1 million plants/ha in the conventional and no-till plots. These species and ivyleaf morningglory [Ipomoea hederacea (L.) Jacq.] were the most difficult to control each year. Weed control was the poorest in the no-till plots because of the large size of the weeds at the time of herbicide application, insufficient rainfall following, and because the plots were not cultivated. The soybean population was equal in all tillage systems except in 1976 when the no-till population exceeded that in the other tillage systems. Treatments that included oryzalin (3,5-dinitro-N4,N4-dipropylsulfanilamide) caused 42 and 35% soybean injury in the 1976 minimum and no-till plots, respectively. Postemergence-applied naptalam (N-1-naphthylphthalamic acid) plus dinoseb (2-sec-butyl-4,6-dinitrophenol) caused leaf burn each year that ranged from 5 to 35% but all plants recovered within several weeks of application. The seedbed tillage method and herbicide treatments did not significantly affect soybean yields in 1976 when all the herbicides were effective. No-till yields in 1977 and 1978 were substantially lower than yields in conventional and minimum-till plots because of poor weed control. Soybean yields were 2506, 2466, and 1714 kg/ha in the conventional-till, minimum-till, and no-till plots, respectively, when averaged over the 3 yr and 20 herbicide treatments.

The triethylamine salt of triclopyr [(3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinyl)oxy] acetic acid and the potassium salt of picloram (4-amino-3,5,6-trichloropicolinic acid) were applied as soil, foliar, and soil-plus-foliar treatments to greenhouse-grown huisache [Acacia farnesiana (L.) Willd.]. At 1.12 kg/ha, picloram was more effective (97 to 100% defoliation) than triclopyr (51 to 83%) in defoliating huisache. Triclopyr was more effective at 2.24 kg/ha than at 1.12 kg/ha in defoliating huisache, except when applied to the soil. Soil or soil-plus-foliar treatments of triclopyr at 2.24 kg/ha were not significantly different from those of picloram at 1.12 kg/ha 15 weeks after treatment. Triclopyr and picloram content was determined in and on leaves, stems, and roots at 0, 3, 10, and 30 days after treatment. More picloram than triclopyr was found in the leaves 30 days after treatment with foliar sprays at equal rates. Soil, foliar, and soil-plus-foliar treatments resulted in greater accumulation of picloram than triclopyr in stem tissue. Herbicide concentrations in roots were usually low. Reasons for the greater herbicidal activity of picloram than of triclopyr in huisache are not clear; however, the greater accumulation of picloram than of triclopyr in leaf and stem tissue may partially explain the difference in herbicide activity.

Responses of six morningglories (Ipomoea spp.) and two Cassia spp. to 13 preemergence applied herbicides were determined at two locations in southern Alabama. Pitted (I. lacunosa L.), cypressvine (I. quamoclit L.), and willowleaf morningglories (I. wrightii Gray) were readily controlled with metribuzin [4-amino-6-tert-butyl-3-(methylthio)-as-triazin-5(4H)-one]; entireleaf [I. hederacea (L.) Jacq. var. integriuscula Gray], tall [I. purpurea (L.) Roth.], and ivyleaf morningglories [I. hederacea (L.) Jacq.] were not controlled. Norflurazon [4-chloro-5-(methylamino)-2-(α,α,α-trifluoro-m-tolyl)-3(2H)-pyridazinone] controlled cypressvine morningglory, but did not adequately control the other morningglory species. Perfluidone {1,1,1-trifluoro-N-[2-methyl-4-(phenylsulfonyl)phenyl] methanesulfonamide} gave acceptable control of cypressvine and willowleaf morningglories, but gave poor control of other morningglory species. Sicklepod (C. obtusifolia L.) was controlled better than coffee senna (C. occidentalis L.) with 2.2 kg/ha diuron [3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea] and 2.2 kg/ha cyanazine {2-[[4-chloro-6-(ethylamino)-s-triazin-2-yl]amino]-2-methylpropionitrile} controlled sicklepod better than coffee senna at one location each. Oxadiazon [2-tert-butyl-4-(2,4-dichloro-5-isopropoxyphenyl)-δ2-1,3,4-oxadiazolin-5-one] was more effective in controlling coffee senna than sicklepod. Induction of population shifts toward incidental species of these genera seems unlikely based on the herbicides included in these experiments. In most cases the incidental species were more readily controlled than the prominent weed species.

Effects of soil water and herbicide vapors on the phytotoxicity of eight dinitroaniline herbicides to oats (Avena sativa L. ‘Dal’) were studied. Oat primary root length was inhibited more by the herbicides than was shoot length or shoot fresh weight. All of the herbicides, except oryzalin (3,5-dinitro-N4,N4-dipropylsulfanilamide), inhibited primary root length through vapor activity. Vapors of dinitramine (N4,N4-diethyl-α,α,α-trifluoro-3,5-dinitrotoluene-2,4-diamine) were most inhibitory. Herbicide vapor inhibition increased with temperature. Soil water affected oryzalin activity more than it did that of the other herbicides. Oryzalin phytotoxicity to the oat primary root was reduced more at the low soil water than was that of the other herbicides. Its low vapor activity apparently reduced its effectiveness in dry soil. Difference in magnitude of herbicide phytotoxicity between two soil moisture levels generally was more pronounced at lower herbicide concentration.

The methyl ester of diclofop [2-(4-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy) phenoxy) propionic acid] was used in all of a series of experiments. When it was applied postemergence, it selectively controlled barnyardgrass [Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) Beauv.] in sugarbeets (Beta vulgaris L. ‘USH 9′). Tank-mixing diclofop with desmedipham [ethyl m-hydroxycarbanilate carbanilate (ester)] resulted in decreased control of barnyardgrass under greenhouse and field conditions. Losses in activity ranged from 10 to 80%. Delaying application of desmedipham following application of diclofop by 4 days in the greenhouse or in the field resulted in no reduction in barnyardgrass control. Increased rates of diclofop offset the antagonistic effect of desmedipham. Similar losses in activity occurred when Hoe-29152 {methyl-2-[4-(4-trifluoromethylphenoxy)phenoxy] propanoate} was tank-mixed with desmedipham.

‘Forrest’ soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] infested with entireleaf morningglory [Ipomoea hederacea (L.) Jacq. var. integriusula Gray] were treated in the field with three postemergence herbicides, dinoseb (2-sec-butyl-4,6-dinitrophenol), sodium salt of acifluorfen {5-[2-chloro-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]-2-nitrobenzoic acid}, and 2,4-DB [4-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)butyric acid]. Foliar nitrogen (N) loss, transpiration, and CO2 equilibrium concentrations were measured from 4 to 148 h after treatment. In morningglory foliar N loss was increased by dinoseb, decreased by acifluorfen, and first increased and then decreased by 2,4-DB treatments. Transpiration in this weed species was decreased by all three herbicides. In soybean, N loss was increased and transpiration decreased with dinoseb; acifluorfen did not affect either activity; and 2,4-DB decreased both processes during one sampling period. In both plant species dinoseb increased the CO2 equilibrium concentration within 4 h after treatment. Treatments with acifluorfen and 2,4-DB initially increased the CO2 concentration in morningglory with major increases noted at the onset of chlorosis 52 h after treatment. In soybean, some significant decreases in CO2 equilibrium concentrations occurred with the lowest rate of all three herbicides.

The effects of shade on the growth and photosynthetic capacity of the exotic noxious weed itchgrass (Rottboellia exaltata L. f.) were determined under controlled environment conditions. The plants were grown at day/night temperatures of 29/23 C under 100, 60, 25, and 2% sunlight in a climate-controlled greenhouse. Mathematical growth analysis techniques were used to evaluate the effects of shading on dry matter production and leaf area production. Infrared gas analysis and diffusion porometry techniques were used to evaluate the effects of shading on photosynthesis and stomatal resistance. Shading markedly reduced dry matter production. At 40 days after planting, plants grown in 2, 25, and 60% sunlight had 0.3, 16, and 55%, respectively, of the dry weight of the plants grown at 100% sunlight. Leaf area production was less severely retarded by shading; the plants grown at 2, 25, and 60% sunlight had, respectively, 1.7, 42, and 99% of the leaf area of the plants grown at 100% sunlight. Ambient photosynthetic rates of recently expanded, single, fully exposed leaves were 22.5, 51.6, and 65.5 mg CO2 dm-2h-1 in the 25, 60, and 100% sunlight treatments, respectively. Photosynthetic rates at saturating irradiance did not differ significantly in plants grown at 25, 60, or 100% sunlight and ranged from 76.4 to 78.0 mg CO2 dm-2h-1. Stomatal resistances, ranging from 6.0 to 7.5 s cm-1, also did not differ significantly among these plants. In terms of dry matter production, itchgrass is a shade-intolerant plant. However, even when grown in shade, itchgrass maintains the capacity for high photosynthetic rates and high growth rates when subsequently exposed to high irradiance. These characteristics help explain its competitiveness with crop species.

Seed of johnsongrass [Sorghum halepense (L.) Pers.] were planted during 1976 and 1977 at monthly intervals from March through October to study the growth and reproductive habits of this weed at Shafter, California. Plants were grown for 12 weeks and harvested at 3-week intervals. Emergence and development of plants increased with temperature. April through August plantings yielded 10-to 20-fold as much total fresh weight as March and September plantings. After planting, rhizome production normally began in 3 to 6 weeks and seed production in 6 to 9 weeks. From the April through August plantings, rhizomes accounted for averages of 13, 25, and 40% of the total fresh weight of plants 6, 9, and 12 weeks after planting, respectively. This compared, respectively, with 16, 9, and 6% for roots and 70, 66, and 54% for shoots. Seedlings emerging in March produced rhizomes in early June and viable seed in late June. Seedlings emerging as late as September produced rhizomes and some viable seed before killing frosts in November.

Other research has shown that a roller applicator can selectively control weeds that protrude above the crop, conserve over 80% of the herbicide, eliminate spray drift and splash, and obviate recirculation of the spray solution. The carpet on the roller applicator must be moist enough to transfer ample herbicide to the weeds it contacts but dry enough to prevent dripping of herbicide solution from the carpet. An electronic moisture sensor and solenoid valve system was designed to permit operation of the roller applicator through various weed densities while automatically maintaining a proper level of herbicide solution in the carpet of the roller.

The influence of weed removal, cultivar, and row spacing on soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] yields was determined for 3 yr at the western edge of the soybean production area in the Great Plains in order to establish the critical weed-control periods. Early weed removal aided soybean stand establishment, and there was an inverse relationship between soybean stand and production of weed top-growth. Soybean seed weight and numbers per plant both increased as weed growth decreased. The soybean variety ‘Amsoy 71’ was more competitive than ‘Beeson’ to both early and late emerging weeds. Soybeans weeded at 2 through 4 weeks after planting did not show significantly reduced soybean yields from later emerging weeds. Thus, weed control the first month after planting is the most critical in obtaining high soybean yields.

All land uses in eastern and southeastern Nebraska were infested to some extent with hemp dogbane (Apocynum cannabinum L.). The highest infestations were observed in oats (Avena sativa L.) and soybeans [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] and the lowest infestations were in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), pastures, and winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Yield reductions from hemp dogbane infestations ranged from 0 to 10% in corn (Zea mays L.), 28 to 41% in soybeans, and 37 to 45% in sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]. Emergence of hemp dogbane from crown roots occurred when the soil temperature was 17 to 19 C, during April in 1977 and 1978. Plants attained the bud stage within 4 to 7 weeks after emergence. Early flower, full bloom, and pod initiation occurred subsequently at about 1 week intervals. Seeds produced were first viable 10 weeks after full bloom. Root activity or regenerative capacity as measured by length and number of new shoots and roots produced at monthly intervals in the germinator showed a cyclic pattern. The highest activity occurred in the spring and late fall and lowest activity in summer and early fall. Protein levels in the roots ranged from 7 to 9% in the fall and spring to 4 to 5% during the summer. Percentage total nonstructural carbohydrates (TNC) ranged from 20 to 31% in lateral roots and 32 to 53% in crown roots, but there was not a consistent cyclic pattern of percentage TNC during the growing season.