Tactics that target seedbanks are important components of weed management systems; however, such tactics can be difficult to adopt because consequences of seedbank reduction are often unclear. This study developed model-based software to provide insights on the economic outcomes, in the context of chile pepper production, of additions to tall morningglory seedbanks. Data for the model were derived from this and previous studies. In this study, field experiments were conducted to determine chile pepper yield and harvest efficiency responses to mid-season tall morningglory infestations. The experimental treatments were factorial combinations of herbicide (pendimethalin-treated, nontreated) and tall morningglory density (0, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20 plants 10-m row–1). Treatments were installed 9.5 weeks after crop seeding. Data collected included fresh weight of marketable chile peppers and time required for one individual to harvest 10-m of crop row, which was used to calculate the amount of chile pepper harvested in 1 min (harvest efficiency). Results indicated that crop yield was not influenced by tall morningglory density, pendimethalin treatment and interactions between tall morningglory density and pendimethalin. Harvest efficiency was influenced by tall morningglory density but was not influenced by herbicide treatment or interactions between herbicide treatment and tall morningglory density. Each additional tall morningglory plant decreased the amount of chile pepper harvested in 1 min by 9.7 g. The results of this and previous studies were used to develop model-based software that presents tall morningglory seedbank density effects on: (1) tall morningglory seedling densities after pendimethalin, (2) time requirements for hand-hoeing after pendimethalin, and (3) time requirements for hand-harvesting to acquire yield goals. The model-based software is intended to be used in the instruction of weed seedbank management strategies. By presenting seedbank density effects on weed control outcomes and crop production expenses, the model-based software might promote adoption of seedbank reduction strategies.

Flumioxazin and fomesafen are commonly used to control glyphosate-resistant Palmer amaranth in cotton and other crops, thus increasing risk to select for Palmer amaranth biotypes resistant to protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO) inhibitors. A field experiment was conducted to determine the potential for fluridone and acetochlor to substitute for soil-applied PPO inhibitors in a Palmer amaranth management system with glufosinate applied twice POST and diuron plus MSMA POST-directed in conservation tillage cotton. Fluridone and flumioxazin applied preplant 23 to 34 d prior to planting were similarly effective. Fluridone and acetochlor plus diuron applied PRE controlled Palmer amaranth as well as fomesafen plus diuron PRE. All systems with preplant and PRE herbicides followed by glufosinate POST and diuron plus MSMA layby controlled Palmer amaranth well. Cotton yield did not differ among herbicide treatments. This research demonstrates that fluridone and acetochlor can substitute for soil-applied PPO-inhibiting herbicides in management systems for Palmer amaranth.

Ground ivy and khakiweed are troublesome broadleaf weeds of warm-season turfgrass. Field studies were conducted in Tennessee (TN) and Texas (TX) from 2008 to 2010 to evaluate the efficacy of sulfentrazone plus metsulfuron and carfentrazone plus metsulfuron tank mixtures compared with metsulfuron alone for control of ground ivy and khakiweed. In TN, sulfentrazone plus metsulfuron and carfentrazone plus metsulfuron provided accelerated control of ground ivy compared with metsulfuron alone. Over a 2-yr period, ground ivy control with metsulfuron at 10, 21, and 42 g ai ha−1 ranged from 0 to 5% 7 d after treatment (DAT) and 12 to 60% 14 DAT. Ground ivy control with mixtures of sulfentrazone plus metsulfuron ranged from 40 to 72% 7 DAT and 87 to 100% 14 DAT. Similarly, carfentrazone plus metsulfuron controlled ground ivy 5 to 32% 7 DAT and 23 to 93% 14 DAT. In TX, carfentrazone plus metsulfuron and sulfentrazone plus metsulfuron controlled khakiweed greater than metsulfuron alone 7 and 14 DAT as well. Few differences in ground ivy and khakiweed control were detected 56 DAT because metsulfuron applied alone at 21 g ai ha−1 controlled both weeds > 77%, similar to each mixture. These data indicate that when applied in mixtures, sulfentrazone and carfentrazone accelerate ground ivy and khakiweed control with metsulfuron but do not affect long-term efficacy.

Field bindweed, a member of the Convolvulaceae family, is a problematic perennial weed in cotton fields and orchards in northwest China. The species exhibits strong seed dormancy, causing delayed germination. A clear understanding of the mechanisms involved in alleviating seed dormancy is important for effective plant propagation and successful management of field bindweed. Experiments were conducted to investigate seed germination and radicle growth of field bindweed by breaking seed dormancy using mechanical scarification, sulfuric acid, hot-water scarification, cold stratification, and chemical treatment. Chemical treatments (gibberellic acid or potassium nitrate) had no effect on breaking seed dormancy, whereas mechanical scarification (sandpaper and blade) resulted in 92% to 98% seed germination, indicating that seed dormancy of field bindweed was mainly due to the presence of a hard seed coat. Seeds pretreated with 80% sulfuric acid for 15 to 60 min or 98% sulfuric acid for 15 to 30 min had germination rates above 80%, and soaking seeds in 70 C water for 4 to 16 min or in boiling water for 5 to 20s were effective in breaking seed dormancy but had no effect on the radicle growth of field bindweed. Cold stratification at 5 C for 2 to 8wk partially accelerated seed dormancy release, resulting in 53% to 67% seed germination. Results indicated that field bindweed could potentially form a persistent soil seed bank with physically dormant seed; therefore, strategies for eliminating seed production should be adopted.

Glyphosate is the leading herbicide used in glyphosate-resistant (GR) crops and no-till production systems. Evolved resistance to glyphosate in kochia was first reported in Kansas in 2007. Shortly thereafter, GR kochia became prevalent in western Kansas. An online survey of crop consultants was conducted in fall 2012 to gain their perspectives on evolving glyphosate resistance in kochia in western Kansas, to gather information on how grower weed management practices have changed from before to after occurrence of GR kochia, and to assess the effectiveness of management practices used during 2011 to 2012. Results of the survey indicated increasing infestation of kochia from prior to 2007 (present in 47% of fields) through 2012 (present in 70% of fields). It was estimated that greater than one-third of the cropland in western Kansas was thought to be infested with GR kochia by 2012. Growers increased glyphosate use rates from an average of 0.8 to 1.22 kg ae ha−1 and application frequencies from 2.0 to 2.9 from the period before 2007 to 2012. The spread of GR kochia has resulted in changing weed management practices. During the survey period, growers reduced the exclusive use of glyphosate from 49 to 15% for GR crop fields and diversified weed management practices. Though other herbicides in addition to or in place of glyphosate were often applied prior to kochia emergence and were effective in more than half the fields, at least one-fourth of respondents reported inconsistent results with alternative kochia control practices other than tillage. These results are educational and helpful in developing both proactive and reactive tactics to manage GR kochia.

Dr. Homer M. LeBaron is Senior Research Fellow in the New Technology and Basic Research Department of CIBA-GEIGY Corporation, where He has the responsibility for coordinating and directing outside basic research on all of CIBA-GEIGY agricultural products. He has been employed in various R&D positions with Geigy and CIBA-GEIGY for 27 years. From 1960 to 1964, Dr. LeBaron was employed as a plant physiologist at the Virginia Tech Experiment Station in Norfolk, Virginia, mainly researching weed problems in vegetables and fruit crops.

LeBaron was born May 13, 1926 in Southern Alberta, Canada, the third in a family of 10 children, and grew up on a diversified irrigation farm. He obtained his B.S. and M.S. degrees from Utah State University in 1955 and 1957. He received his Ph.D. degree from Cornell in 1960.

LeBaron, in addition to WSSA, is a member of the American Society of Agronomy, American Chemical Society, Entomological Society of America, American Phytopathological Society, CAST, Sigma Xi, Aquatic Plant Management Society, European Weed Research Society, and all of the regional weed science societies.

He has held numerous positions in several of these and other scientific societies. Homer served as president of NEWSS in 1969–70 and as president of the SWSS in 1986–87. He served on several WSSA committees, including the Executive Board of Directors. In 1978, Dr. LeBaron was elected a Fellow in the WSSA, and received the Distinguished Service Award in the SWSS in 1984.

He is author of over 70 scientific publications, and has been editor and author of five books on herbicide and pesticide resistance and biotechnology. He is currently serving on the parent Herbicide Resistance Action Committee (HRAC) under GIFAP, as well as on the ALS/AHAS Inhibitors Resistance Working Group and as Chairman of the Triazine Resistance Working Group. He is on the Planning Committee and Co-Chair of the Weed Resistance Management Working Group within the International Organization for Pest Resistance Management (IOPRM). In addition to his busy professional schedule, Dr. LeBaron has always been involved in church and community affairs. He has 7 children and 20 grandchildren.

The interaction between wheat and perennial ryegrass seed density and seedlings of different ages was studied under controlled conditions. Root length of perennial ryegrass, after sowing, was suppressed by wheat and was dependent on the density of wheat seeds. Shoot growth of perennial ryegrass, however, was unaffected by the presence of wheat. Perennial ryegrass density had no effect on the first 2 wk of wheat seedling growth. The age of wheat seedlings had no appreciable influence on either root or shoot growth of perennial ryegrass. The present study highlights the need for an unbiased two-way experimental design to identify the dominant competitor.

Experiments were conducted to determine peanut tolerance to CGA-362622 applied preemergence (PRE) and postemergence (POST) and to determine the potential for CGA-362622 applied PRE and POST to cotton to injure peanut grown in rotation the following year. CGA-362622 at 3.75 and 7.5 g ai/ha applied PRE visually injured peanut 11 and 16%, respectively, at 5 wk after treatment (WAT) but did not influence peanut yield. POST treatments at 3.75 and 7.5 g/ha injured peanut 63 and 93%, respectively, at 4 WAT and reduced peanut stand by 53 and 89% at 11 WAT, respectively. Peanut pod yield was reduced 73.1 and 97.9% by CGA-362622 POST at 3.75 and 7.5 g/ha, respectively, compared with the untreated weed-free control. CGA-362622 PRE at 3.75 and 7.5 g/ha reduced peanut pod yield 7.5 and 12.6%, respectively. Cotton was injured 9% or less by CGA-362622 PRE or POST at 3.75 or 7.5 g/ha and up to 25% with CGA-362622 POST at 15 g/ha. However, CGA-362622 did not influence weed-free cotton lint yields, regardless of method or rate of application. Peanuts grown in rotation were not injured, and yields were not influenced by CGA-362622 applied PRE or POST the previous year to cotton.

Laboratory and field studies were conducted to determine the effect of the drift control adjuvants HM 2005B and HM 9752 on the droplet spectra and efficacy of spray mixtures of a potassium salt formulation of glyphosate. Droplet spectra were examined using a laser spray droplet analyzer. The addition of each adjuvant decreased the percentage of the spray volume in small diam spray droplets (<141μm) and either had no effect or increased glyphosate efficacy. These adjuvants could prove useful for providing management in potential drift situations.

Saflufenacil is a new protoporphyrinogen oxidase–inhibiting herbicide registered for use before establishment of field corn and soybean. Generally, peanut plants are tolerant to other herbicides in this class, and no reports document the utility of saflufenacil for in-season weed control. Experiments were conducted to determine whether saflufenacil applied at 12, 25, and 50 g ha−1 could effectively control Benghal dayflower and Palmer amaranth. It was observed that saflufenacil, applied either PRE or POST, was ineffective for Benghal dayflower. The maximum control at 28 d after treatment (DAT) was 79% when 50 g ha−1 was applied to 5- to 10-cm plants. Control of Palmer amaranth from PRE applications was less effective than flumioxazin at 28 DAT. However, POST applications provided > 87% control at 28 DAT when applied to plants 5 to 10 cm in height. For plants 10 to 15 cm in height, > 90% Palmer amaranth control was only achieved by the 50 g ha−1 application rate. For plants 15 to 20 cm in height, no POST application provided > 70% control. Peanut response, in a weed-free environment, to saflufenacil rate and application timing were also evaluated. Peanut stunting ranged from 0 to 36%, relative to application timing. Applications made at 0 d after emergence (DAE) were least injurious, whereas those made at 15 DAE were most injurious. Application of 50 g ha−1 provided the greatest amount of stunting and foliar injury. However, stunting and saflufenacil application rate did not correspond to yield reduction. Saflufenacil application timing did influence peanut yield. Applications made between 0 and 30 DAE did not result in yield loss, whereas applications made at 45 and 60 DAE resulted in a 5 and 19% reduction, respectively. Though saflufenacil has many positive characteristics, higher application rates are required for optimum weed control. However, these higher use rates also resulted in unacceptable levels of injury.

Conventional lentil, because it is relatively noncompetitive, requires effective weed control. In conventional lentil, metribuzin should be applied by the four-node stage to avoid crop injury. This is earlier than the critical period of weed control (CPWC) of lentil, which is between the five- and 10-node stage. However, imidazolinone herbicides potentially can be applied later in imidazolinone-resistant lentil, which might allow lentil to be kept weed-free for the CPWC. The objective of this experiment was to determine the best herbicide choice and application timing necessary to achieve the CPWC in lentil. To do this we tested herbicides differing in efficacy and residual control. The herbicides imazethapyr/imazamox, imazamox, and metribuzin + sethoxydim were applied at the two- and six-node lentil stage. Of the three herbicide treatments, metribuzin + sethoxydim resulted in grain yield that was on average 31% lower than the other herbicides. This occurred because of greater broadleaf biomass (composed primarily of wild mustard) in lentils treated with these herbicides regardless of application timing. Because of this, the CPWC was not attained with metribuzin + sethoxydim. Late applications of imazethapyr/imazamox or imazamox resulted in grain yields 30% higher than with early application of these herbicides. Early applications of the imidazolinone herbicides gave poor control of grass weeds (wild oat and green foxtail), but late applications resulted in grass weed control equivalent to metribuzin + sethoxydim. Imazethapyr/imazamox or imazamox should be applied at the five- to six-node stage of lentil to achieve the CPWC.

In 2011, 14 Midwest trial locations evaluated tolerance of an AAD-1 and glyphosate-resistant corn hybrid to a 2,4-D choline+glyphosate premix formulation applied single and sequential POST at V4 and/or V7 corn with and without a PRE application of 2,4-D dimethylamine (DMA). Herbicides were applied at 1X and 2X maximum use rates with 1X rates of 1120 g ae ha−1 for glyphosate and 2,4-D DMA and 1065+1120 g ae ha−1 for the 2,4-D choline+glyphosate premix, respectively. Crop response was greatest 2 d after 2X rate applications, resulting in 4 to 10% visible injury to corn across application timings. No brace root injury or effect on corn grain yield were observed.

Enlist E3TM soybean cultivars permit over-the-top application of labeled glyphosate, glufosinate, and 2,4-D choline products. Increased Enlist E3TM trait adoption and use of 2,4-D choline postemergence across U.S. soybean production systems raise concerns regarding potential for 2,4-D off-target movement (OTM). A large-scale drift experiment was established near Sun Prairie, WI, and Arlington, WI, in 2019 and 2020, respectively. A 2,4-D-resistant soybean cultivar was planted in the center of the field (∼3 ha), while the surrounding area was planted with a 2,4-D-susceptible cultivar. An application of 785 ae ha−1 2,4-D choline plus 834 g ae ha−1 glyphosate was completed within the center block at R2 and V6 growth stages on August 1, 2019, and July 3, 2020, respectively. Filter papers were placed in-swath and outside of the treated area in one upwind transect and three downwind transects to estimate particle deposition. Low-volume air samplers ran for the 0.5-h to 48-h period following application to estimate 2,4-D air concentration. Injury to 2,4-D-susceptible soybean was assessed 21 d after treatment (0% to 100% injury). The 2,4-D deposition in-swath was 9,966 and 5,727 ng cm−2 in 2019 and 2020, respectively. Three-parameter log-logistic models estimated the distance to 90% reduction in 2,4-D deposition (D90) to be 0.63 m and 0.90 m in 2019 and 2020, respectively. In 2020, the 2,4-D air concentration detected was lower for the upwind (0.395 ng m−3) than the downwind direction (1.34 ng m−3), although both were lower than the amount detected in-swath (4.01 ng m−3). No soybean injury was observed in the downwind or upwind directions. Our results suggest that 2,4-D choline applications following label recommendations pose little risk to 2,4-D-susceptible soybean cultivars; however, further work is needed to understand 2,4-D choline OTM under different environmental conditions and the presence of other susceptible crops.

An accession of auxinic herbicide-resistant yellow starthistle found near Dayton, WA, was tested to evaluate cross-resistance to growth regulator herbicides and susceptibility to herbicides with different modes of action. Picloram at 0.43 kg ae/ha removed susceptible (S) yellow starthistle plants from a field plot, and surviving resistant (R) plants were dug and moved to the greenhouse. Known S plants were transplanted from a pasture near the R population. The R biotype was reconfirmed as resistant to picloram in greenhouse tests, with resistance ratios of 5.6 and 3.8 for vegetative and reproductive biomass, respectively, and 10.2 for LD50 (lethal dose for 50% of the treated population) data. The R biotype was also cross-resistant to clopyralid and dicamba in all responses and to 2,4-D and triclopyr in vegetative biomass and LD50 data. In field trials, eight herbicides were applied alone and in various combinations with and without addition of picloram. The yellow starthistle population was apparently comprised of differing percentages of R and S plants in 1997 and 1998, as picloram alone controlled 65 to 76% of the yellow starthistle in 1997 and 96 to 97% in 1998. BAS 662 01H (dicamba + SAN 836) at 0.28 or 0.42 kg ae/ha, respectively, or dicamba at 0.56 kg ae/ha were the best alternative treatments in either trial in either year, but only in 1998 did control exceed 85%. Picloram and other auxinic herbicides should continue to be useful for control of mixed R and S yellow starthistle populations. However, effective herbicides with different mode(s) of action integrated with range improvement practices and biological control must be identified for long-term yellow starthistle management.

Tolerance of eight market classes of dry beans (black, brown, cranberry, kidney, otebo, pinto, white, and yellow eye beans) to the PRE application of linuron at the rate of 2.25 and 4.50 kg ai/ha was studied at two locations in Ontario, Canada, in 2003 and 2004. The eight market classes differed in their response to linuron. Linuron PRE caused as much as 43, 20, 7, 17, 54, 36, 56, and 12% visual injury in black, brown, cranberry, kidney, otebo, pinto, white, and yellow eye beans, respectively. Linuron PRE at 2.25 kg/ha reduced plant height 38% in otebo beans and 31% in white beans. Linuron PRE at 4.50 kg/ha reduced plant height 24 to 56% in black, brown, otebo, pinto, and white beans. Shoot dry weight was reduced in otebo beans by 56% and in white beans, by 46% at the low rate. Shoot dry weight was decreased 26 to 92% in black, otebo, pinto, white, and yellow eye beans at the high rate. There were no differences in the shoot dry weight of the other market classes. Linuron PRE at the low rate reduced otebo bean yield 42% and at the high rate reduced yields by 56, 74, and 61% in black, otebo, and white beans, respectively. There was no effect on the yield of other market classes. Differences in dry bean market class tolerance to linuron exists and may be summarized for these cultivars as cranberry > kidney > brown > yellow eye > pinto > black > white > otebo. Additional research is needed to determine if cultivars within a dry bean market class differ in their response to linuron.

Spurred anoda is an increasing weed problem in Colorado pinto bean production. This research was designed to evaluate reduced rates of bentazon and imazethapyr applied at various times for spurred anoda control and profitability. In 1993, spurred anoda control with early applications of either bentazon or imazethapyr was superior to late applications. Bentazon provided better spurred anoda control than imazethapyr in June. Spurred anoda control in 1993 was better than in 1994 due to late-emerging weeds and herbicide treatments not providing residual control. In 1994, bentazon controlled spurred anoda better than imazethapyr 1 and 3 wk after late POST, but no treatment provided commercially acceptable full-season control. The number of treatments with gross margins greater than the untreated check increased as pinto bean prices increased, but ranking of gross margin did not change due to pinto bean prices.

Field experiments were conducted to evaluate pyridine herbicides for Virginia buttonweed control and turfgrass tolerance. Treatments included clopyralid and fluroxypyr applied at 35, 70, 140, 280, and 560 g ae/ha, compared to a three-way combination of 2,4-D plus dichlorprop plus dicamba (840 + 840 + 210 g ae/ha, respectively). Fluroxypyr applied at 140 g/ha or greater controlled Virginia buttonweed 80% or greater through 10 wk after treatment. A second experiment evaluated 280 g/ha clopyralid or 140 g/ha fluroxypyr alone or in combination with 0.25 or 0.50% (v/v) nonionic surfactant, compared to 280 g/ha dicamba or 1,120 g/ha 2,4-D alone or in combination with nonionic surfactant. The addition of nonionic surfactant to clopyralid or fluroxypyr did not increase Virginia buttonweed control. Fluroxypyr at 280 g/ha and higher produced 22 to 53% injury to bermudagrasses 2 wk after treatment. Common centipedegrass was injured through 3 wk after treatment with 4,470 g/ha fluroxypyr or greater. Zoysiagrass exhibited injury with 4,470 g/ha fluroxypyr at 2 wk after treatment; however, injury was less than 8% at 3 wk. Common St. Augustinegrass was severely injured with 2,235 g/ha or greater fluroxypyr through 7 wk after treatment. Clopyralid did not cause injury to any turfgrass species.

Experiments compared the effect on weed control and potato yield of banded applications of metolachlor plus linuron with or without flex-tine, rolling, and shovel cultivation prior to hilling. Cultivation without banded herbicide resulted in greater prehilling in- and between-row weed densities and reduced late-season weed control as compared to broadcast herbicides or cultivation with banded herbicides. Although the flex-tine and rolling cultivators were expected to provide improved in-row weed control, there were few differences between these and the other cultivation implements. Despite reduced weed control with cultivation alone, potato yields were not reduced.

Component yields and forage quality were evaluated in established stands of alfalfa seeded alone and in binary mixtures with smooth bromegrass, orchardgrass, or timothy. Forage yields and quality were determined at three annual harvests in the third and fourth years after seeding. Weed yields in alfalfa seeded alone were significantly greater than those in the alfalfa–orchardgrass mixture. Average weed content was 24, 17, 2, and 15% for the alfalfa seeded alone, alfalfa–bromegrass, alfalfa–orchardgrass, and alfalfa–timothy, respectively. Seeding alfalfa with orchardgrass increased first harvest and annual forage yields while reducing alfalfa yield. Yields of orchardgrass often exceeded those of bromegrass or timothy. In the first harvest each year, crude protein was reduced and acid detergent fiber and neutral detergent fiber increased by including orchardgrass. Neutral detergent fiber was greater in alfalfa–orchardgrass than in the alfalfa seeded alone at most harvests. There were no consistent differences among the alfalfa seeded alone and the other mixtures in yield or quality.

Surfactant concentrations from 0.0008 to 12.5% (w/w) in spray volumes from 19 to 475 L/ha were tested with and without rimsulfuron on giant foxtail. Both factors varied at 5-fold increments so treatments with equal surfactant concentrations and rates could be compared. As surfactant concentration increased from 0.0008 to 0.1%, rimsulfuron activity increased from less than 20% to more than 90% growth inhibition. This increase was dependent on surfactant concentration. As surfactant concentration increased from 0.5 to 12.5%, rimsulfuron activity decreased to less than 20% at all spray volumes. This decreased activity and the associated surfactant phytotoxicity was dependent on surfactant rate, not concentration. Thus rimsulfuron can be much less active when applied with too little or too much surfactant.