Herbicides are the primary tool for controlling weeds in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) and are crucial to sustainable peanut production in the United States. The literature on chemical weed management in peanut in the past 53 yr (1970 to 2022) in the United States was systematically reviewed to highlight the strengths and weaknesses of different herbicides and identify current research gaps in chemical weed management. Residual weed control in peanut is achieved mainly with dimethenamid-P, ethalfluralin, pendimethalin, and S-metolachlor. More recently, the use of the protoporphyrinogen oxidase inhibitor flumioxazin and acetolactate synthase inhibitors, such as diclosulam, for residual weed control in peanut has increased considerably. Postemergence broadleaf weed control in peanut is achieved mainly with acifluorfen, bentazon, diclosulam, imazapic, lactofen, paraquat, and 2,4-DB, while the graminicides clethodim and sethoxydim are the major postemergence grass weed control herbicides in peanut. Although several herbicides are available for weed control in peanut, no single herbicide can provide season-long weed control due to limited application timing, lack of extended residual activity, variability in weed control spectrum, and rotational restrictions. Therefore, effective weed management in peanut often requires herbicide mixtures and/or sequential application of preplant-incorporated, preemergence, and/or postemergence herbicides. However, the available literature showed a substantive range in herbicide efficacy due to variations in environmental conditions and flushes of weed germination across years and locations. Despite the relatively high efficacy of herbicides, the selection of herbicide-resistant weeds is another area of increasing concern. Future research should focus on developing new strategies for preventing or delaying the development of resistance and improving herbicide efficacy within the context of climate change and emerging constraints such as water shortages, rising temperatures, and increasing CO2 concentration.

Mitotic-inhibiting herbicides, like prodiamine and dithiopyr, are used to control annual bluegrass (Poa annua L.) preemergence in managed turfgrass; however, resistance to mitotic-inhibiting herbicides has evolved due to repeated applications of herbicide from a single mechanism of action. Three suspected resistant populations (R1, R2, and R3) were collected in Alabama and Florida and screened for resistance to prodiamine. Part of the α-tubulin gene was sequenced for known target-site mutations. Target-site mutations were reported in all three R populations, with each containing an amino acid substitution at position 239 from threonine to isoleucine (Thr-239-Ile). Previous research has indicated that the Thr-239-Ile mutation confers resistance to dinitroaniline herbicides in other species. Dose–response screens using prodiamine and dithiopyr were conducted and I50 values were calculated for R1, R2, and R3 using regression models based on seedling emergence. For prodiamine, I50 values for R1, R2, and R3 were 35.3, 502.7, and 91.5 g ai ha−1, respectively, resulting in 2.9-, 41.9-, and 7.6-fold resistance, respectively, when compared with a susceptible (S) population. For dithiopyr, I50 values for R1, R2, and R3 were 154.0, 114.2, and 190.1 g ai ha−1, respectively, resulting in 3.6-, 2.7-, and 4.5-fold resistance, respectively, when compared with an S population. When comparing I90 values with the highest labeled use rates, R2 had a 2.9-fold level of resistance to prodiamine, and R1, R2, and R3 had a 2.4-, 2.0-, and 3.2-fold levels of resistance to dithiopyr, respectively. This is the first report of a variable response in P. annua to prodiamine despite each R population possessing the same mutation.

The anthelmintic dinitroaniline oryzalin interferes with the formation of microtubules and inhibits meiosis and mitosis in nematodes. Exposure to oryzalin resulted in deterioration in morphology of the oocytes and loss of synaptonemal complexes at meiotic prophase I. The nuclear matrix and envelope were poorly formed, and the central rachis was diminished. These results provide the basis for the loss of fecundity after treatment with the oryzalin resulting in control of parasitic nematodes.

Dithiopyr and dinitroanilines are preemergence-applied, mitotic-inhibiting herbicides used to control goosegrass [Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn.] in turfgrass. A suspected resistant E. indica population was collected from a golf course putting green and was evaluated for possible resistance to dithiopyr and prodiamine. After dose–response evaluation, the α-tubulin gene was sequenced for known target-site mutations that have been reported to confer resistance to mitotic-inhibiting herbicides. A mutation was discovered that resulted in an amino acid substitution at position 136 from leucine to phenylalanine (Leu-136-Phe). Previous research has indicated that Leu-136-Phe does confer resistance to dinitroaniline herbicides. The level of resistance indicated by regression models and I50 values indicates that there is 54.1-, 4.7-, >100-, and >100-fold resistance to dithiopyr, prodiamine, pendimethalin, and oryzalin, respectively, when compared with the susceptible population based on seedling emergence response and 88.4-, 7.8-, >100-, and >100-fold resistance to dithiopyr, prodiamine, pendimethalin, and oryzalin, respectively, when compared with the susceptible population based on biomass reduction response. This is the first report of less resistance to prodiamine compared with pendimethalin or oryzalin due to a target-site α-tubulin mutation and the first report of a target-site α-tubulin mutation associated with dithiopyr resistance.

A two-year herbicide residue study was conducted at a commercial nursery to determine the presence of herbicide residues in pond water and sediment following normal production cycles. The runoff water from irrigation and rainfall was contained on the nursery and reused for irrigation. The nursery site was approximately 60 ha with two interconnected ponds, one for containment of runoff water and one serving as a source of irrigation water. The most commonly used herbicides were oxyfluorfen plus pendimethalin (granular formulation-Ornamental Herbicide 2); approximately twice as much herbicide was applied during the second year of the study. Herbicide levels found in pond water and sediment were approximately two-fold greater during the second year corresponding to the increase in active ingredients applied. The highest concentration of oxyfluorfen found in water and sediment was 0.04 μg/ml and 4.0 μg/g, respectively. The highest concentration of pendimethalin found in water and sediment was 0.008 μg/ml and 14.3 μg/g, respectively. In irrigation water samples, the highest concentration of oxyfluorfen and pendimethalin detected was 0.005 μg/ml and 0.002 μg/ml, respectively. The herbicides did not accumulate in water or sediment over the two-year period. No landscape plant phytotoxicity problems are likely at the herbicide levels detected in irrigation water samples.

In order to find the most effective and economical method of incorporation, six preplant herbicides for cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) were incorporated with a tandem disk or field cultivator, or sprayed on unbedded soil prior to bedding with a disk bedder. These treatments were compared to incorporating sprayed beds with a rolling cultivator and no incorporation. A mixed population of pigweed (Amaranthus hybridus L. # AMACH and Amaranthus retroflexus L. # AMARE) was present each year. There was no significant difference in pigweed control among incorporation with a disk, field cultivator, or rolling cultivator. Puncturevine (Tribulus terrestris # TRBTE) and barnyardgrass [Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) Beauv. # ECHCG] were controlled best following rolling cultivator incorporation. Cotton lint yields were not affected by incorporation methods or herbicides. Economic analysis and weed control indicate that the field cultivator was the best way of incorporation.

Granules of isoxaben plus trifluralin and liquid applications of isoxaben plus oryzalin were applied to miniature nursery plots covered with plastic, woven landscape fabric, or gravel with no cover. Herbicide concentrations were monitored in runoff water over a 30 d period. Runoff losses of isoxaben from the sprayable formulation applied to gravel were 5% greater than from plastic and 4% greater than losses from fabric in 1992. Similarly, oryzalin losses from the sprayable formulation applied to gravel were 7% greater than losses from plastic and 4% greater than losses from the fabric ground cover. In contrast, loss of isoxaben from the granular formulation applied to plastic was 7% greater than loss from gravel in 1993. Isoxaben losses from the granular formulation applied to fabric were intermediate. Trifluralin losses from the granular formulation applied to plastic and fabric were both 3% greater than losses from gravel. In addition, isoxaben losses from the granular formulation were 11 and 10% greater than loss from the sprayable formulation applied to the plastic and fabric-covered plots, respectively. Isoxaben losses from the sprayable formulation applied to gravel were 11% greater than losses from the granular formulation. In an experiment to determine herbicide release patterns and the effect of light on residues from the granular formulation of isoxaben and trifluralin in irrigation effluent, water was monitored for 36 d. Approximately 20% of the applied isoxaben and 7% of the applied trifluralin was detected in irrigation water during the 36 d period. These studies indicate that runoff losses and the ultimate fate of isoxaben, oryzalin, and trifluralin applied in nursery settings depend on factors including ground cover composition, herbicide formulation, and photochemical degradation.

Trifluralin (α,α,α-trifluoro-2,6-dinitro-N,N-dipropyl-p-toluidine), dinitramine (N4,N4-diethyl-α,α,α-rifluoro-3,5-dinitrotoluene-2,4-diamine), profluralin [N-(cyclopropylmethyl)-α,α,α-trifluoro 2,6-dinitro-N-propyl-p-toluidine], fluchloralin [N-(2-chloroethyl)-2,6-dinitro-N-propyl-4-(trifluoromethyl)aniline], pendimethalin [N-(1-ethylpropyl)-3,4-dimethyl-2,6-dinitrobenzenamine], butralin [4-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-N-(1-methylpropyl)-2,6-dinitrobenzenamine], and USB 3153 (N3,N3-di-N-propyl-2,4-dinitro-6-trifluoromethyl-m-phenylenediamine) were applied to evaluate weed control, cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L. ‘Dunn 119′) tolerance, and effect on rotational crops. Each herbicide was applied at 1-month intervals for 6 months prior to planting at 1, 1.25, 1.5, and 2X the recommended rates. Pigweed (Amaranthus hybridus L. and A. retroflexus L.) population counts and visual control ratings showed that weed control improved when treatments were applied closer to planting. Applications in November and December at 1.25X profluralin, 1.5X trifluralin, fluchloralin, and pendimethalin, 1X USB 3153, and 2X butralin were required to give effective weed control. Spring applications of 1X rates of profluralin, trifluralin, fluchloralin, and USB 3153, 1.25X rates of pendimethalin and dinitramine and 1.5X rate of butralin were required for adequate weed control. USB 3153 at all rates and dates of application severely limited growth and yields of wheat (Triticum aestivum L. ‘Funk 332′) planted after harvest and also the following May. Spring applications of profluralin at 1.5 and 2X rates and trifluralin at the 2X rate resulted in significant injury of rotational sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench ‘Dekalb E-59+’].

At least 57 weed species, including both dicots and monocots, have been reported to have biotypes selected for resistance to the triazine herbicides. In addition, at least 47 species have been reported to have biotypes resistant to one or more of 14 other herbicides or herbicide families. These herbicides include the aryloxyphenoxypropionics, bipyridiliums, dinitroanilines, phenoxys, substituted areas, and sulfonylureas, with two or more resistant biotypes each, as well as several other herbicides in which resistance is less well documented. Although evolved resistance presents a serious problem for chemical weed control, it has also offered new potential for transferring herbicide resistance to crop species. Mechanisms of resistance that are due to single or a few genes have become the focus of biotechnology, as the probability of their successful transfer to crop species is high.

A field investigation was conducted to determine the influence of pendimethalin [N-(1-ethylpropyl)-3,4-dimethyl-2,6-dinitrobenzenamine] and trifluralin [2,6-dinitro-N,N-dipropyl-4-(trifluoromethyl)benzenamine] herbicides on soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr. ‘Centennial’] — Bradyrhizobium japonicum symbiosis. Pendimethalin and trifluralin applied at rates of 1.1, 1.7, and 2.2 kg ai/ha delayed emergence and injured soybean seedlings grown on an Olivier silt loam. Nodule number, dry weight, and nitrogen (N2) fixation measured by acetylene (C2H2) reduction were decreased by all herbicide rates during the vegetative growth stages in 1984, with occasional decreases in nodulation noted during the late reproductive growth stage. Seedling injury was less severe in 1985 than in 1984, with most injury occurring at 1.7 and 2.2 kg/ha for both herbicides. Nodule number and dry weight in 1985 were decreased from vegetative through the early reproductive growth stages with little influence on N2(C2H2) fixation. Inhibitory effects of the herbicides on nodulation and N2(C2H2) fixation did not influence seed formation since seed yield was not affected either year.

Field studies in 1978 and 1979 evaluated the effectiveness of single and combination herbicide treatments in processing peas (Pisum sativum L.) and soybeans [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] for the control of wild proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.). Eight treatments that included dinitroaniline herbicides controlled wild proso millet adequately through the entire growing season of the early-planted peas (approximately 60 days). Wild proso millet emergence and growth in untreated peas was suppressed by the early emergence, rapid growth, and high plant density of the drill-planted crop. Trifluralin (α,α,α-trifluoro-2,6-dinitro-N,N-dipropyl-p-toluidine) at 0.8 kg/ha stunted pea growth and was the only treatment that reduced yields significantly. No herbicide treatment evaluated in soybeans controlled wild proso millet adequately for the entire growing season without reducing soybean growth and yield. Treatments containing dinitroaniline herbicides, which controlled wild proso millet in peas and resulted in good yield, did not perform similarly in soybeans.

The ability of grassed waterways to remediate herbicide loads in runoff water was evaluated using simulated and on-site nursery research. Isoxaben plus oryzalin and isoxaben plus trifluralin were applied to model grassed (zoysiagrass or ‘Tifway 10’ hybrid bermudagrass) and nongrassed, metal and clay loam waterways, and runoff samples were collected. Grassed waterways reduced runoff volume an average of 47% and herbicide residues an average of 56% compared to nongrassed waterways. The smallest herbicide residues were from the clay/grass waterways. In a nursery study, isoxaben and trifluralin were applied to containerized landscape plant production beds. Overhead irrigation was applied and runoff water was channeled into either a clay/gravel waterway or a hybrid bermudagrass waterway. Samples were collected for 22 d following application. Isoxaben persisted through 15 d after application. Trifluralin was detected through 2 d after application. Total isoxaben recovered from the clay/gravel waterway was 32% of applied, and total trifluralin recovered was 0.9% of applied. The grass waterway reduced residues of isoxaben and trifluralin by 22 and 66%, respectively, compared to the clay/gravel waterway.

In Saskatchewan, a field survey was conducted in 1996 and a grain elevator survey in 1997 to determine the nature and occurrence of herbicide-resistant (HR) biotypes of green foxtail (Setaria viridis). Based on results of the field survey, one in every 20 fields (1 million ha) in Saskatchewan is estimated to have acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACCase) inhibitor (Group 1)-HR green foxtail. Of the samples received from 30 grain elevators, 83% had Group 1 resistance. Similar to the field survey, incidence of aryloxyphenoxy propionate (AOPP) resistance was much higher than cyclohexanedione (CHD) resistance. Both surveys indicated relatively low incidence of dinitroaniline (Group 3) resistance or cross-resistance (Groups 1 and 3). Most alternative herbicides to control Group 1-HR green foxtail in broadleaf crops and cross-HR biotypes in cereal and broadleaf crops increase costs to the grower.

Goosegrass, wide spread throughout the tropics and subtropics, is one of the most noxious weeds known. Recently, biotypes of goosegrass have been found resistant to the dinitroaniline herbicides. An alteration in the structure/composition of a tubulin protein has been postulated as an explanation for the hyperstable microtubules and the resistant phenotype. Our study was initiated to investigate the structure of the alpha (α)-, beta (β)- and gamma (γ)-tubulin related gene sequences in resistant, intermediately resistant, and susceptible biotypes. Heterologous tubulin gene clones were used as probes of restriction endonuclease-digested genomic DNA from each biotype, to determine gene size and copy number and to screen for restriction fragment length polymorphisms. The tubulin genes are organized into gene families. There are three to five α-tubulin genes, four to seven β-tubulin genes, and four to eight γ-tubulin genes. There was no evidence of multiple copies or tandem repeats of any individual gene sequence. Although RFLPs were observed, no significant difference in the banding pattern between the resistant and the susceptible biotypes was found for either α-, β-, or γ-tubulin gene families. Therefore, it is unlikely that the difference between the herbicide-response phenotypes can be attributed to large deletions or insertions in a tubulin gene.

Efficacy, movement, and degradation of dithiopyr and pendimethalin were monitored after application to perennial ryegrass turf in 1990 and 1991. Dithiopyr at 0.6 kg ai ha−1 reduced large crabgrass infestation by ≥ 90% up to 87 DAT in both years, while pendimethalin at 1.7 kg ai ha−1 provided similar control up to 59 DAT in 1 of 2 yr. Turf thinning due to disease and insect damage in 1990 allowed more herbicide to reach the thatch, mat, and underlying soil in 1991. In both years, more pendimethalin but less dithiopyr was found in thatch 7 DAT than 1 DAT, suggesting greater pendimethalin retention in verdure and thatch. Precipitation was greater after herbicide application in the second year, and concentration in the mat layer reached a maximum by 7 DAT compared to 14 DAT in 1990. Maximum concentrations of dithiopyr and pendimethalin in soil at 0 to 5 cm deep were 20 and 56 μg kg−1, respectively, measured 7 DAT in 1991. Herbicide concentration 5 to 10 cm deep was ≤ 5 μg kg−1 at all sampling dates in 1990. In 1991, dithiopyr and pendimethalin concentrations 5 to 10 cm deep did not exceed 4 and 20 μg kg−1, respectively, measured within 1 DAT. Neither herbicide was detected 10 to 20 cm deep, nor in samples collected 30 cm outside of the experimental plots in either year. At 126 DAT (final sampling date), little herbicide was detected in verdure, but residues were found in most thatch and all mat samples. The estimated time for a 50% reduction in detectable residues (DT50) of dithiopyr and pendimethalin from the sampling zone was 35 and 23 days, respectively.

Control of common waterhemp in corn with chloroacetamide and dinitroaniline herbicides can be inconsistent. Common waterhemp control by dimethenamid, S-metalochlor, pendimethalin, and three formulations of acetochlor, applied alone or with atrazine as single preemergence (PRE) or sequential PRE followed by postemergence (POST) treatment, was determined. The manufacturer's suggested use rate (1 time) of PRE herbicides was compared with sequential applications (0.66 time PRE followed by 0.34 time POST) of herbicides. POST applications included dicamba to control emerged common waterhemp. Single and sequential herbicide applications controlled common waterhemp at least 98%, 28 d after planting (DAP). But herbicides applied sequentially were more effective than PRE treatments by 56 DAP. Encapsulated acetochlor formulations controlled common waterhemp at least 85% by 56 DAP regardless of application method. Sequential applications of S-metolachlor controlled common waterhemp greater than 83%. Atrazine improved common waterhemp control regardless of herbicide or application method 56 DAP. Sequential applications of dimethenamid or S-metolachlor alone or with atrazine were more effective than single PRE applications of these herbicides.

Prodiamine is a mitotic inhibiting herbicide regularly used to control annual bluegrass PRE. A population of annual bluegrass not controlled by prodiamine at 1,120 g a.i. ha−1 was identified on a golf course in Alcoa, TN, in 2012. A whole-plant hydroponics bioassay was used to screen this biotype for prodiamine resistance (PR) compared with a known susceptible population (SS). Multitiller (i.e., > 4 tillers) PR and SS annual bluegrass plants were established in hydroponic culture and exposed to 0, 0.001, 0.01, 0.10, 1.0, and 10.0 mM prodiamine. Exposure to prodiamine at 0.001 mM reduced root growth of the SS biotype to 26% of the nontreated check (i.e., 0 mM prodiamine) but had no effect on the PR biotype. When exposed to 10 mM prodiamine, root growth of the PR biotype was reduced to 24% of the nontreated check compared with 9% for the SS biotype. I 50 values for the PR and SS biotypes were 0.04 and 2.8 × 10−6 mM prodiamine, respectively. The PR biotype measured lower in plant height and leaf width than the SS population. In field trials, prodiamine at 560, 840, 1,120, and 1,400 g ha−1 only controlled the PR biotype 0 to 22%. PRE applications of the cellulose biosynthesis inhibitor indaziflam at 35, 52.5, and 70 g a.i. ha−1 controlled this PR biotype 70 to 97%. This marks the second instance of annual bluegrass developing resistance to prodiamine in Tennessee during the past 5 yr. Future research should evaluate indaziflam efficacy for control of other prodiamine-resistant biotypes of annual bluegrass as well as annual bluegrass biotypes resistant to herbicidal inhibitors of 5-enolpyruvylshikimic acid-3-phosphate synthase, acetolactate synthase, and photosystem II.

Pendimethalin is commonly applied for PRE weed control in container nursery production. Field and laboratory trials were conducted to determine herbicide effectiveness and leaching of two pendimethalin formulations in pine bark, the primary component used in the growing medium of container-grown plants in the South. The microencapsulated (ME) formulation of pendimethalin gave lower control of southern crabgrass and leached deeper than the emulsifiable concentrate (EC) formulation in pine bark. The EC formulation controlled southern crabgrass 93% compared with only 70% with the ME formulation at 4.48 kg ai ha−1. After applying 3.4 kg ai ha−1 pendimethalin and 17.8 cm of irrigation water, the ME formulation showed greater leaching into the 3- to 6- and 6- to 9-cm depths than the EC formulation on the basis of a southern crabgrass bioassay. Using a microwave extraction method, only 0.91 mg kg−1 pendimethalin was found in the 3- to 6-cm pine bark depth compared with 4.0 mg kg−1 for the ME formulation. Below the 6-cm depth, no pendimethalin was detected when the EC formulation was applied, but 0.5 ppm was found for the ME formulation. No pendimethalin was detected in effluent collected from irrigation water for the EC; however, 3.0 mg kg−1 was collected from leachate for the ME formulation. Pendimethalin ME is leaching much deeper than the EC formulation in the pine bark profile, which results in lower weed control. This extensive leaching of ME formulation may be due to capsule movement with the irrigation water, combined with a delayed release of pendimethalin, which then binds to the pine bark much lower in the container profile.

This paper reports the anti-cryptosporidial effects of, and concomitant amelioration of the histological changes in the gut of neonatal rats with intestinal cryptosporidiosis treated with the dinitroaniline, oryzalin. The ED50 was determined to be 7 mg/kg using twice daily doses administered for 3 consecutive days. A maximum inhibition of 85.5% was achieved at 25 mg/kg and this inhibition remained constant despite increasing the oryzalin dose to 200 mg/kg. Cryptosporidiosis significantly decreased the intestinal villus/crypt (VC) ratio by approximately 50% (duodenum = 2.3, jejunum = 2.5 and ileum = 1.7) when compared to uninfected untreated controls (duodenum = 4.3, jejunum = 5.9 and ileum = 4.5). Treatment with oryzalin doubled the VC ratio in the duodenum, jejunum and ileum following doses of 5 mg, 50 mg and 200 mg/kg respectively. Oryzalin concentrations in the small intestine contents and plasma were determined, using HPLC, at 0.5, 1 and 2 h after dosing. The much greater dose required to return VC ratios to normal in the ileum (200 mg/kg) compared to the duodenum (6.25 mg/kg) appeared to reflect the decreased concentration of the drug in the distal small intestine. Concentrations of oryzalin equivalent to the in vitro IC50 were maintained for 2 h in the first half of the small intestine following a single dose of 100 mg/kg.