Excessive persistence of imazethapyr has been responsible for injury to corn grown after soybean. Factors implicated in corn injury reported from certain parts of the main corn-producing region in South Africa were: leaching of herbicide to deep soil layers during the season of application, followed in the next season by capillary movement to the root zone of corn, and increased bioactivity of herbicide residues following liming of fields. Bioassays were employed to determine to what extent imazethapyr leached in a soil that typically contains less than 10% total clay and 0.1% organic C in the 0- to 300-mm zone and to assess the role of pH and liming in the bioactivity of the herbicide. Undisturbed soil columns were collected in polyvinyl chloride pipe for the leaching experiment. In the greenhouse, the equivalent of 40 g ai/ha imazethapyr was applied on the column surface, followed by leaching with simulated rain of 25 or 50 mm. Leaf area measurements of the test species rapeseed showed that the herbicide was readily leached to at least 30 cm at both water regimes and that it subsequently moved upward in the soil, with evaporation as the driving force. In the other bioassay, the soil was ameliorated with different amounts of Ca(OH)2 or CaCO3 to adjust pH levels to between 5.7 and 7.1 These soil samples were each treated with imazethapyr at rates equivalent to 1.8, 3.75, 7.5, 15, and 30 g ai/ha. The growth response of the test species indicated that where Ca(OH)2 was applied, the bioactivity of imazethapyr in most instances was significantly greater than where CaCO3 was used. At all the imazethapyr rates, the activity of the herbicide increased significantly with an increase in pH from 5.6 to 6.5 where Ca(OH)2 was used, but with CaCO3, activity was significant only at 15 and 30 g ai/ha. Changes in imazethapyr adsorption and in the organic matter in the soil were not monitored, but it is suggested that the increase in herbicide activity caused by Ca(OH)2 may be due to the degradation of organic matter in the soil or to desorption of the herbicide, which would render the herbicide more available for uptake. These effects, if they do occur, are likely to be of significance for herbicide adsorption only in soil with very low organic matter content. Results indicate that imazethapyr could leach easily in coarse-textured soils low in clay and organic matter content and that the type of lime used on those soils may influence the bioactivity of the herbicide.

Common windgrass is an increasing winter wheat weed problem in Michigan. Postplant incorporated trifluralin, applied at 0.56 kg/ha, reduced common windgrass density by 85% in small plot research and by 70% or greater in production scale sites. In 1994–1995, incorporation implements had no effect on initial wheat density. However in a spring 1995 evaluation, significant wheat injury and stand reduction occurred in response to trifluralin incorporation. Incorporation implement effects on wheat injury were in the order: flex-tine harrow > spike tooth drag > rotary hoe. When trifluralin was shallowly incorporated over wheat planted at least 5 cm deep, no significant wheat injury was observed at any site. Injury from postplant incorporated trifluralin was related to shallow planting depth.

Field studies were conducted near Archer, FL, and Vienna, GA, in 1995 and 1996 to investigate pyridate and SAN 582 for weed management in peanut. At Archer, pyridate plus 2,4-DB applied 3 wk after emergence resulted in 75, 72, 59, and 85% early-season control of yellow nutsedge, Florida beggarweed, hairy indigo, and sicklepod, respectively. In Vienna, pyridate plus 2,4-DB resulted in 87 and 55% early-season control of yellow nutsedge and Florida beggarweed, respectively. At both Archer and Vienna, SAN 582 applied preplant incorporated prior to pyridate postemergence (POST) increased control of yellow nutsedge, Florida beggarweed, and hairy indigo; however, peanut yield was not improved. In greenhouse studies, pyridate plus 2,4-DB controlled prickly sida, common cocklebur, and ivyleaf morningglory. Reduced weed control was observed in greenhouse studies when SAN 582 was added to the pyridate plus 2,4-DB POST tank mix.

Two field experiments were conducted in Oklahoma to determine whether changing wheat row spacing, seeding rate, and cultivar would reduce interference from rye. Wheat row spacing did not affect rye seed production. Averaged over row spacing, increasing wheat seeding rate from 67 to 134 kg/ha reduced rye seed production 21 and 25% in two experiments. At one site, grain yield of rye-infested wheat was increased 27 and 23% by doubling wheat seeding rate in 10- and 20-cm rows. Doubling the seeding rate of rye-infested wheat in 30-cm rows did not increase wheat yield. At a second site when data were pooled over row spacings, increasing the wheat seeding rate from 67 to 101 kg/ha increased yield of rye-infested wheat 21%, but yield was still 36% less than for rye-free wheat. In two additional experiments, rye seeds in harvested wheat were reduced 36% by increasing the wheat seeding rate from 60 to 162 kg/ha, whereas yield of rye-infested wheat was increased 82%. Nine cultivars were compared for competitive ability against rye in four experiments. Of 32 possible cultivar location situations, the rye-induced yield loss of ‘Jagger’ wheat was less than 16 other cultivar location situations, whereas the yield loss of ‘Triumph 64’ wheat was less than 10 other cultivar location situations. Mature wheat height, wheat yield, and wheat maturity classification were each negatively correlated to rye yield in infested wheat at two of four sites. Wheat plant density, head density, sunlight interception, and fall cover capability classification were each negatively correlated to rye yield at one of four sites.

Field experiments conducted in Texas at six locations from 1996 to 1998 evaluated peanut tolerance to imazapic applied postemergence. Imazapic at 71 g ai/ha was applied weekly from ground cracking to 56 d after ground cracking (DAGC). Visible injury 70 DAGC ranged from 0 to 40%. No reduction in canopy height, canopy width, yield, or grade was observed at harvest following any imazapic treatment.

Field experiments were conducted from 1997 to 1999 at Ejea and at Valdegon (Spain) to study weed control and tolerance of direct-seeded pepper ‘Agridulce SIA’ to clomazone alone or with linuron, napropamide, or pendimethalin. The main weeds at Ejea were redroot pigweed, Diplotaxis erucoides, common purslane, and ivyleaf speedwell, while at Valdegon they were Solanum physalifolium and common purslane. Pepper was tolerant to clomazone applied at 0.18 kg ai/ha, but weed control was less than 77%. Increasing the rate of clomazone to 0.36 kg/ha controlled weeds at least 85% and did not injure pepper. Clomazone at 0.54 and 0.72 kg/ha injured pepper 6 wk after planting (WAP), but plants recovered and the dry weight and yield of paprika were not affected. Napropamide at 2.03 kg ai/ha applied with clomazone improved the control of D. erucoides. Addition of pendimethalin at 0.17 to 0.25 kg ai/ha to clomazone did not improve weed control and increased pepper injury 6 WAP in 1 of 2 yr, but yield was not affected. Linuron at rates ranging from 0.08 to 0.13 kg ai/ha used in combination with clomazone provided complete weed control but injured pepper the most (34 to 88%) and reduced pepper stand by 50% in 1 yr.

The efficacy of preemergence (PRE) applications of ethalfluralin or pendimethalin incorporated with irrigation was compared with mechanical preplant incorporated (PPI) applications at equivalent rates in peanut. PRE applications of herbicides followed by irrigation were as effective as PPI applications in controlling Texas panicum, southern crabgrass, and crowfootgrass. Split PPI/PRE applications of ethalfluralin were more effective than PPI applications in controlling Texas panicum in 2 of 3 yr. Sequential postemergence applications of clethodim or sethoxydim increased the control of Texas panicum when ethalfluralin or pendimethalin controlled Texas panicum less than 82%. No differences in peanut yield were observed between PPI or PRE applications of either ethalfluralin or pendimethalin.

MON 37500 was registered in 1999 for weed control in wheat and has the potential to injure following crops. Therefore, growth chamber experiments were conducted to determine the effect of soil properties on the phytotoxicity of MON 37500 residues, the relative tolerance of several potential rotational crops, and the joint effect of MON 37500 residues plus other herbicide residues on a susceptible crop. In 13 Alberta soils, the concentrations of MON 37500 and triasulfuron that reduced canola and barley dry matter by 50% (GR50) were correlated with soil organic matter (OM) and pH. The relationship that best described the effect of soil organic matter on GR50 for each herbicide–crop combination was GR50 = a + b(OM)2. There was no significant improvement in r 2 when pH and clay content were included in the equation. For soils with 2 and 10% OM content, predicted GR50 values for canola in MON 37500–treated soil are 2 and 26 ηg/g soil, respectively. Little injury to following canola is predicted in soils with OM contents > 4.5%. At similar concentrations, following crops such as canola, flax, lentil, and oriental mustard are predicted to be injured less by MON 37500 than by triasulfuron. The effect of combined residues of MON 37500 with triasulfuron, imazethapyr, or metsulfuron should be additive.

MKH 6562 is a new acetolactate synthase inhibitor herbicide that would provide an alternative to control wild oat. Three experiments were conducted at Scott, SK, Canada, from 1996 to 1999 to evaluate MKH 6562 rates (20 and 30 g ai/ha), carrier volumes (30, 50, and 100 L/ha), time of applications (two- to three-leaf and three- to four-leaf stages of wild oat), and broadleaf weed herbicide tank mixtures. Reduced wild oat control (lower visual rating of percent control and higher fresh weight) often occurred when MKH 6562 was applied at a rate of 20 vs. 30 g/ha, with carrier volumes of 30 vs. 50 and 100 L/ha, and at the three- to four-leaf vs. two- to three-leaf stages of wild oat. Wild oat control generally was lower for MKH 6562 tank mixed with dicamba + mecoprop + MCPA 1:1:4.4 and bromoxynil + MCPA 1:1 compared with MKH 6562 applied alone or tank mixed with other broadleaf herbicides. MKH 6562 tank mixed with MCPA, and to a lesser extent 2,4-D, resulted in decreased wild oat control when applied at the three- to four-leaf stage of wild oat, but not at the two- to three-leaf stage. Wheat grain yield usually was not affected by MKH 6562 rate and carrier volume. Yield was 7% lower when MKH 6562 was tank mixed with dicamba + mecoprop + MCPA or fluroxypyr + 2,4-D and was 8% lower when MKH 6562 was applied in a mixture with 2,4-D formulations or bromoxynil + MCPA at the three- to four-leaf stage compared with the two- to three-leaf stage. Similar yields were achieved when MKH 6562 was applied alone at both leaf stages of wild oat. Wild oat control and wheat yield with MKH 6562 were as good as or better than with ICIA 0604 and imazamethabenz and were as good as or poorer than with CGA 184927. MKH 6562 provides adequate control of wild oat in wheat when applied early with the recommended carrier volume. Satisfactory control may be achieved with reduced rates if wild oat infestations are light.

Glyphosate effectively controls most weeds in glyphosate-resistant soybean. However, it is sometimes only marginally effective on Ipomoea spp. A field experiment was conducted at five locations in North Carolina to determine the effects of mixing 2,4-DB with glyphosate on Ipomoea spp. control and on soybean injury and yield. The isopropylamine salt of glyphosate at 560, 840, and 1,120 g ai/ha controlled mixtures of tall morningglory, entireleaf morningglory, and red morningglory at least 96% at two locations. Mixing the dimethylamine salt of 2,4-DB at 35 g ae/ha with glyphosate did not increase control but reduced soybean yield 6%. At two other locations, 2,4-DB increased control of tall morningglory and a mixture of entireleaf morningglory and ivyleaf morningglory 13 to 22% when mixed with glyphosate at 560 g/ha, but not when mixed with glyphosate at 840 or 1,120 g/ha. Soybean yield was reduced 31% at one location and was unaffected at the other. At the fifth location, 2,4-DB increased control of tall morningglory 25, 11, and 7% when mixed with glyphosate at 560, 840, and 1,120 g/ha, respectively. Soybean yield was increased 15%. In separate field experiments, glyphosate at 560, 840, and 1,120 g/ha controlled large crabgrass at least 99%. Mixing 2,4-DB at 35 g/ha with glyphosate did not affect control. In the greenhouse, mixing 2,4-DB at 35, 70, 140, or 280 g/ha with glyphosate at 70 to 560 g/ha did not affect large crabgrass control by glyphosate.

Field experiments were carried out during 1997 and 1998 in northern Greece to investigate the effects of tank mixing rimsulfuron and primisulfuron with atrazine or dicamba against johnsongrass in corn. Sequential applications, where the johnsongrass herbicides were applied 5 d after the broadleaf herbicides, were also evaluated. Rimsulfuron applied alone at 10 g ai/ha gave very good control (91%) of johnsongrass, which was significantly higher than that provided by 30 g ai/ha of primisulfuron (43%). Rimsulfuron applied in tank mixture with atrazine (1.0 kg ai/ha) or dicamba (0.28 kg ai/ha) gave 12 and 17% lower johnsongrass control, respectively, than of rimsulfuron applied alone, whereas the corresponding reduction for primisulfuron was 18 and 43%. Efficacy of rimsulfuron applied 5 d after the application of atrazine or dicamba was similar to that applied alone; however, this was not the case for primisulfuron, where reduced antagonism was observed compared to that produced by its tank mixture treatments. Again, primisulfuron was affected more by dicamba than by atrazine. Corn yield with rimsulfuron and primisulfuron applied alone was more than double that of the untreated control and similar to that of the weed-free control. Also, rimsulfuron applied with atrazine or dicamba (in tank mixture or sequentially) produced similar corn yield to that applied alone. However, primisulfuron applied in tank mixture or sequentially with dicamba gave 22 and 14% lower yield, respectively, than when applied alone, and slightly lower when applied with atrazine.

Of 78 biotypes of wild radish (Raphanus raphanistrum) collected from Western Australia (WA), 42% were resistant and 14% intermediate to acetolactate synthase (ALS)-inhibiting herbicides. Based on the LD50 and GR50 ratios, the resistant biotype K96071 was 81-fold more resistant to chlorsulfuron and 114- to 116-fold more resistant to metosulam than the susceptible biotype K96041. More resistant biotypes were found in northern zones than in southern zones of WA. Resistant biotypes evolved after five applications of chlorsulfuron in a predominantly cereal–lupin rotation. Where resistant biotypes were found, ALS-inhibiting herbicides were not rotated with herbicides with different modes of action as frequently as in fields with susceptible biotypes. Cross-resistance to chlorsulfuron and metosulam was found in the resistant biotypes even though only 15% of the 78 biotypes were exposed to two applications of metosulam over a 10-yr period. All 78 biotypes were effectively controlled by simazine and 2,4-D amine.

Field studies were conducted to compare venturi-type nozzles to a fan nozzle with respect to the efficacy of postemergence herbicides applied to common cocklebur and broadleaf signalgrass. Spray solutions of glufosinate, glyphosate, and paraquat were applied through all combinations of three nozzles and two application volumes. Venturi nozzles were a Delavan Raindrop Ultra (RU) and a Spraying Systems AI Teejet (AI). A Spraying Systems XR Teejet (XR) fan nozzle was included as a standard. Previous work indicated droplet size spectra differed among these nozzles. There was a difference in common cocklebur control among nozzles (AI = XR > RU), although control was at least 90% for all nozzles. Herbicide choice had a greater effect on broadleaf signalgrass control than nozzle type. Broadleaf signalgrass control differed among herbicides (glufosinate = paraquat > glyphosate) and among nozzles (AI = XR > RU). Herbicide performance varied between nozzles (AI > RU), but the AI nozzle was as effective as the XR fan nozzle.

Field experiments were conducted on a silty clay loam in Corvallis, OR during the summers of 1995 and 1996 to study the effects of soil solarization, spring-planted green manure crops, fumigation with metham, and combinations of these treatments on annual bluegrass seed survival. Annual bluegrass seeds were incorporated into the soil as a bioassay species and soil samples extracted to a depth of 15 cm to determine effects on seed survival. Soil solarization was applied over a 53- or 59-d period using a 0.6-mil clear polyethylene film. Soil samples were collected from four depths after the solarization period in both solarized and nonsolarized plots and surviving seeds germinated in a greenhouse. Maximum soil temperatures recorded at 5-, 10-, and 20-cm depths were 52, 47, and 33 C in solarized soil, respectively. Solarization reduced annual bluegrass seed survival from 89 to 100% in the upper 5 cm of soil, but did not reduce survival below 5 cm. Solarization may have enhanced seed survival below 5 cm. Cover crops of barley, rapeseed, and sudangrass generally increased survival of annual bluegrass seeds buried 2.5 to 15 cm deep in the soil. Green manure cover crops plus solarization did not improve the efficacy of solarization alone and in some cases diminished the effectiveness of solarization. Solarization significantly improved the efficacy of one-quarter rates of metham (230 L/ha) in the top 5 cm of soil, reducing overall annual bluegrass seed survival in the soil by 40% compared with metham alone (230 L/ha) but only 30% compared with solarization alone. The conventional rate of metham (930 L/ha) was the most effective and consistent treatment across all depths.

Field studies were conducted from 1996 to 1998 at Queenstown, MD to evaluate weed management programs utilizing single and multiple applications of glufosinate, with and without preemergence (PRE) and postemergence herbicides in both glufosinate-resistant (GR) corn and soybean. No herbicide treatment resulted in corn or soybean injury greater than 10% at 7 d after treatment (DAT). No injury was visible at 14 DAT for both GR corn and soybean. In corn, all treatments provided 72% or greater giant foxtail control 14 wk after planting (WAP). With soybean, in 1996 and 1998, few differences in giant foxtail control were observed, with all treatments providing at least 93% giant foxtail control 12 WAP. For common lambsquarters control in GR corn, there were no differences in control among treatments for 1996 and 1997. Over 80% common lambsquarters control was observed both years with all treatments 14 WAP. Glufosinate + atrazine at 0.4 kg/ha + 1.7 kg ai/ha, respectively, provided 100% season-long common lambsquarters control all three years of the study. For GR soybean, few differences in common lambsquarters control existed between treatments for all three years. Most treatments provided 72% or greater common lambsquarters control 12 WAP. Few differences in grain yield between herbicide treatments were observed for either GR corn or soybean. These studies illustrated that glufosinate, whether applied alone, sequentially, in tank-mixes, or as an overlay to a PRE program in GR corn and soybean is a viable herbicide program for the control of giant foxtail and common lambsquarters.

Flumioxazin and sulfentrazone were compared for phytotoxicity on 15 soybean varieties in a greenhouse study and four varieties in the field. In the greenhouse, injury from sulfentrazone was greater overall than with flumioxazin, 10% compared with 1%, respectively, when averaged across varieties at the labeled rates. The varieties P9552, P91B01, P9362, and P9305 were more sensitive to sulfentrazone than the 11 other varieties on the basis of visible injury and plant height reductions. Sulfentrazone at 224 g ai/ha (1× rate) reduced plant height 23 to 53% and caused 18 to 38% visible injury on the four sensitive varieties. Visible injury symptoms consisted of stunting, crinkling of leaves, and chlorotic spots. Varieties P9305, P9306, P9352, and P9362 were compared in a field study with flumioxazin at 105, 210, and 420 g ai/ha or sulfentrazone at 224, 448, and 896 g ai/ha, corresponding to 1, 2, and 4× labeled rates. An untreated control of each variety was included for comparison. Contrary to the results of the greenhouse studies, injury from flumioxazin was similar to that from sulfentrazone in the field experiments. In 1998, emergence counts were reduced 19 to 52% with flumioxazin and 27 to 73% with sulfentrazone at the 1× rate. Visible injury and stand count reductions resulting from both herbicides were also apparent in that year. Emergence count reductions, stand count reductions, and visible injury resulting from the herbicides were less severe in 1999. At the 1× rate of each herbicide, yields were not affect in either year, except P9305 treated with sulfentrazone in 1999. At the 4× rate, P9305 was most sensitive to sulfentrazone, as indicated by a 53 and 23% reduction yield in 1998 and 1999, respectively. Avoidance of sensitive varieties will reduce the potential for injury and yield reduction with sulfentrazone, and maybe flumioxazin.

A study was established to evaluate weed control and crop response of imidazolinone-tolerant (IMI-tolerant) rice in water-seeded culture with imazethapyr at 70, 105, and 140 g ai/ha at four different soil application timings with or without 70 g/ha imazethapyr postemergence (POST). Application timings included preplant incorporated (PPI), surface application prior to seeding (SURFACE), following seeding (SEED), and at pegging (PEG). The PEG treatments were applied when green leaf tissue had emerged from the seed and the root had begun to extend downward into the soil. Response of barnyardgrass, red rice, and rice injury was not affected by the addition of an imazethapyr POST application. Barnyardgrass control was above 90% at 28 d after treatment (DAT) for both years. At 42 DAT, barnyardgrass control decreased to 88% in 1998, compared with 94% control in 1999. Averaged over years, Indian jointvetch control ranged from 44 to 74% at 28 DAT and 41 to 71% at 42 DAT. Indian jointvetch control was inconsistent and lacked uniformity over all factors. Rice injury increased as application timing was delayed from PPI to PEG in 1998 at both rating dates. In 1999, injury was not observed with imazethapyr at 28 DAT, and 1% injury was observed at 42 DAT with all imazethapyr application timings.

S-metolachlor was compared with metolachlor at four field locations in Texas during the 1996 and 1997 growing seasons in terms of yellow nutsedge control, peanut injury, and peanut yield. S-metolachlor caused peanut injury comparable to metolachlor when either herbicide was applied preplant incorporated or preemergence. Yellow nutsedge control was similar and peanut yields were comparable with the two herbicides. At one location where yellow nutsedge failed to develop, the untreated check produced one of the highest yields.

Field experiments were conducted over 3 yr at three locations in Illinois to evaluate the efficacy of glyphosate in glyphosate-resistant soybean planted in rows spaced 19, 38, and 76 cm. Minimal soybean injury (less than 10%) was observed from any glyphosate treatment. Glyphosate treatments controlled 82 to 99% of giant foxtail. Common waterhemp control was increased as soybean row spacing was decreased. Applying sequential glyphosate applications or increasing the glyphosate rate from 420 g ae/ha to 840 g/ha frequently increased common waterhemp control in 76-cm rows. Velvetleaf control with glyphosate was variable, ranging from 48 to 99%. Decreasing soybean row spacing, utilizing sequential glyphosate applications, or increasing the glyphosate rate improved velvetleaf control in at least four of eight site-years. Glyphosate treatments generally resulted in weed control and soybean yield equal to or greater than the standard herbicide treatments. However, glyphosate treatments yielded less than the hand-weeded control in four of eight site-years, suggesting that weed control from glyphosate treatments was sometimes inadequate.

Field experiments were conducted near DeKalb and Urbana, IL, and Columbia, MO, in 1997 and 1998 to evaluate weed management systems in glyphosate- and glufosinate-resistant soybean planted in 18-cm rows. Overall weed control was improved to a greater extent when the rate of glufosinate was increased from 300 to 400 g ai/ha than when the rate of glyphosate increased from 630 to 840 g ae/ha. Sequential applications of glufosinate improved control over single applications, whereas sequential treatments of glyphosate generally provided no advantages over single applications. When averaged across all weed species in these trials, the systems that provided 95% or higher average control were sequential applications of glufosinate, sequential applications of glyphosate, and clomazone followed by (fb) glyphosate. Single applications of glufosinate provided somewhat variable control of giant foxtail, common lambsquarters, ragweed, and common cocklebur similar to that observed with pendimethalin fb imazethapyr. The addition of fomesafen to glufosinate did not improve control of any of the weeds in this study with the exception of velvetleaf at DeKalb. The addition of clomazone to glufosinate treatments resulted in slightly better giant foxtail and velvetleaf control. Single applications of glyphosate provided somewhat variable control of giant ragweed at DeKalb in 1997 and ivyleaf morningglory and common cocklebur control at Columbia. The addition of fomesafen to glyphosate provided an increase in ivyleaf morningglory and common cocklebur control at Columbia but did not improve control of any other species. The addition of clomazone to glyphosate-based programs resulted in slightly higher velvetleaf, common cocklebur, and ivyleaf morningglory control. In the glyphosate-based herbicide programs there were no substantial differences in relative yield, with all programs protecting over 95% of soybean yield. Glufosinate-based programs were effective in protecting 85 to 92% of soybean yield.