Amicarbazone, atrazine, and metribuzin behavior was examined in a field setting in Tennessee and in a laboratory setting using soils collected from Illinois and Tennessee. Fields planted to corn were sampled from 0 to 8 cm depth, and the samples were analyzed using methanolic extraction followed by tandem mass spectrometry analysis to determine residual herbicide concentrations. Conditions were favorable for herbicide degradation, including warm temperatures and adequate rainfall. All herbicide half-lives were <10 d. Laboratory research using soils with known atrazine-use histories showed that amicarbazone did not exhibit enhanced microbial degradation due to previous atrazine use. Apparent amicarbazone and metribuzin persistence levels implied that early-season weed control would be expected, but carryover to injure sensitive rotational crops would not be anticipated under these environmental conditions. Dissipation under field conditions of amicarbazone and metribuzin was not affected by being applied to separate plots or by coapplication to the same plots.

Herbicides that inhibit 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD) can be mixed with herbicides that generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) to enhance the spectrum, level, speed, and consistency of weed control efficacy; however, mixtures of these herbicides can increase corn injury. A total of five field trials were conducted from 2021 to 2023 in Ridgetown, Ontario, to determine the sensitivity of two corn hybrids (‘DKC39-97’ and ‘B79N56PWE’) to tolpyralate plus ROS-generating herbicides (atrazine, bromoxynil, bentazon, or glufosinate) applied postemergence at the recommended rate (1×) and sequentially to represent a spray overlap (2×) in the field. Tolpyralate plus atrazine, bromoxynil, bentazon, or glufosinate (2× rates) caused greater corn injury to DKC39-97 than B79N56PWE corn at 1, 2, and 4 wk after treatment (WAT). Tolpyralate plus atrazine, bromoxynil, bentazon, or glufosinate (2× rates) caused 38%, 36%, 29%, and 18% injury to DKC39-97 corn, but only 5%, 20%, 9%, and 2% injury to B79N56PWE corn, respectively at 1 WAT. Corn injury to both hybrids decreased over time with ≤2% injury at 8 WAT. Tolpyralate + atrazine, bromoxynil, or bentazon (2× rates) caused a 17%, 16%, and 13% height reduction, respectively, of DKC39-97 corn at 2 WAT; however, tolpyralate + glufosinate did not reduce DKC39-97 corn height. Tolpyralate + bromoxynil or bentazon (2× rates) caused a 12% and 10% height reduction of B79N56PWE corn, respectively, at 2 WAT; however, tolpyralate + atrazine or glufosinate did not reduce B79N56PWE corn height. Tolpyralate + atrazine or glufosinate (2× rates) caused a greater corn height reduction of DKC39-97 corn than B79N56PWE corn at 2 WAT. Grain yield was on average 2% lower from DKC39-97 than B79N56PWE corn. Tolpyralate + bromoxynil or bentazon (2× rates) caused 7% and 6% corn grain yield reduction compared to tolpyralate plus glufosinate (2× rate). Results indicate that tolpyralate + ROS-generating herbicides can cause corn injury, which is influenced by corn hybrid and ROS-generating herbicide. Corn producers need to consider the differential sensitivity of corn hybrids and ROS-generating herbicides when using an HPPD-inhibiting herbicide for weed management.

Pink purslane is often ranked as one of the most troublesome weeds in vegetable production systems in Georgia. Pink purslane encroachment along field edges and in-field of agronomic crops has recently increased. Postemergence herbicides are an effective component of agronomic crop weed management. However, little research has addressed pink purslane control in agronomic crops. Therefore, greenhouse and field studies were conducted from 2022 to 2023 in Tifton, Georgia, to evaluate the response of pink purslane to postemergence herbicides commonly used in agronomic crops. Greenhouse screening provided preliminary evidence whereby 13 of the 21 postemergence herbicides evaluated provided ≥80% aboveground biomass reductions. These 13 herbicides were then used for field studies. Results from the field studies, pooled across two locations, indicated that only three of the 13 herbicides provided aboveground biomass reductions of ≥70% compared to the nontreated control. Those herbicides included atrazine at 1,682 g ai ha−1, glufosinate at 656 g ai ha−1, and lactofen at 219 g ai ha−1 with 79%, 70%, and 83% biomass reduction, respectively (P < 0.05). This research suggests that many of the postemergence herbicides used on agronomic crops will not effectively control pink purslane. Thus, when trying to manage pink purslane with postemergence herbicides in agronomic crops, growers should plant crops or cultivars that are tolerant of either atrazine, glufosinate, lactofen, or a combination of these.

Waterhemp is a summer annual, broadleaf weed with high fecundity, short seed longevity in the soil, and wide genetic diversity. Populations have evolved resistance to five herbicide modes of action (Groups 2, 5, 9, 14, and 27), which are present across southern Ontario; this has increased the challenge of controlling this competitive weed species in corn, the most important grain crop produced worldwide and the highest-value agronomic crop in Ontario. Acetochlor is a Group 15 soil-applied residual herbicide that has activity on many grass and broadleaf weeds but has yet to be registered in Canada. The objective of this study was to ascertain whether mixtures of acetochlor with flumetsulam, dicamba, atrazine, isoxaflutole/diflufenican, or mesotrione + atrazine applied preemergence would increase the control of multiple-herbicide-resistant (MHR) waterhemp in corn. Five field trials were conducted between 2022 and 2023. No corn injury was observed. Acetochlor applied alone controlled MHR waterhemp 97% 12 wk after application (WAA). All herbicide mixtures controlled MHR waterhemp similarly at ≥98% 12 WAA; there were no differences among herbicide mixtures. Flumetsulam, dicamba, and atrazine provided lower MHR waterhemp control than all other herbicide treatments and did not reduce density or biomass. Acetochlor reduced waterhemp density 98%, while the acetochlor mixtures reduced density similarly at 99% to 100%. This study concludes that the acetochlor mixtures evaluated provide excellent waterhemp control; however, control was not greater than acetochlor alone. Herbicide mixtures should be used as a best management practice to mitigate the evolution of herbicide resistance.

Owing to their large and chemically active surface, hydroxy-intercalated and pillared clays can be potent sorbents for organic compounds. The sorption behavior of Al and Zr-hydroxy-intercalated bentonite (HAl-, HZr-MX80), Al and Zr-pillared bentonite (Al-MX80, Zr-MX80), and a commercial Al-pillared bentonite (EXM 534) for 3-chloroaniline (3-CA), atrazine (AT), and 3-chlorophenol (3-CP) was investigated. The results were compared with the sorption behavior of the untreated Na-rich bentonite (MX80) and granulated activated carbon (GAC). Also the influence of the salinity of the sorbate and the age of the sorbents was studied.

Al and Zr-hydroxy-intercalated and pillared bentonites sorbed higher amounts of 3-CA, AT, and 3-CP than the untreated bentonite. The quantities sorbed related to the electron-donating properties of the sorbate and the acidity of the sorbents. Sorbed quantities increased from the hydroxy-intercalated to the pillared species, and from the Al to the Zr forms. The organic bases, 3-CA and AT, were sorbed in higher quantities than the organic acid 3-CP. For AT, the sorbents exhibited a high affinity. Aging of the samples and a high ionic strength of the sorbate reduced the sorption of 3-CA, whereas the sorption of AT was not affected greatly. The sorption capacity of GAC for organic bases was generally higher than that of the hydroxy-intercalated and pillared bentonites.

The data suggest that at initial concentrations at a ppm level, 3-CA and AT can be entirely removed from aqueous solutions by Al and Zr-hydroxy-intercalated and pillared bentonites. These materials, especially Zr-pillared bentonites, represent potent alternative sorbents for atrazine, chloroanilines, and probably a wide range of other organic bases.

Soil-applied herbicides are important for controlling weeds in many crops but risk damage to susceptible rotational crops if they persist. Field studies were conducted in Powell, WY, from 2015 through 2017 to evaluate the effect of reduced water availability on soil-applied herbicide dissipation. Eight soil-applied herbicides, applied to dry bean or corn, were exposed to three season-long irrigation treatments (100%, 85%, and 70% of estimated crop evapotranspiration [ETc]) by overhead sprinkler. Soil samples were collected to a depth of 10 cm from 0 to 140 d after application, and soil herbicide concentrations were quantified using gas or liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. Herbicide concentrations were regressed over time to produce a soil half-life estimate for each herbicide and irrigation treatment. Reduced irrigation decreased dry bean yield by up to 77% and corn yield by up to 50%. After adjusting for precipitation, the lowest irrigation treatment received 78% and 76% as much water as the full irrigation treatment in 2015 and 2016, respectively. This significantly increased the soil half-life of imazethapyr but did not increase the soil half-life of atrazine, pyroxasulfone, saflufenacil, ethalfluralin, trifluralin, or pendimethalin. Reduced irrigation did not increase carryover injury to rotational crops from these herbicides 1 yr after application. Instead, carryover response was determined by the inherent persistence of individual herbicides. Imazethapyr (0.1 kg ai ha−1) injured rotational sugar beet, and isoxaflutole (0.1 kg ai ha−1) injured rotational dry bean. Pyroxasulfone (0.2 kg ai ha−1), atrazine (2.0 kg ai ha−1), saflufenacil (0.1 kg ai ha−1) + dimethenamid-P (0.6 kg ai ha−1), ethalfluralin (0.8 kg ai ha−1), trifluralin (0.6 kg ai ha−1), and pendimethalin (1.1 kg ai ha−1) did not injure rotational crops regardless of irrigation treatment. Drought stress sufficient to cause up to 77% crop yield loss did not increase soil-applied herbicide carryover.

Multiple herbicide-resistant (MHR) kochia is a serious concern in the U.S. Great Plains and warrants alternative herbicide mixtures for its control. Greenhouse and field experiments were conducted at Kansas State University research and extension centers near Hays and Garden City, KS, to investigate the interactions of 2,4-D, dichlorprop-p, dicamba, and halauxifen/fluroxypyr premix in various combinations for MHR kochia control. Two previously confirmed MHR (resistant to glyphosate, dicamba, and fluroxypyr) populations and a susceptible population were tested in a greenhouse study. Kochia at the Hays field site was resistant to glyphosate and chlorsulfuron, whereas the population at Garden City was resistant to glyphosate, dicamba, and fluroxypyr. Results from a greenhouse study indicated that 2,4-D, dicamba, dichlorprop-p, and a halauxifen/fluroxypyr premix provided 26% to 69% control of both MHR populations at 28 d after treatment (DAT). However, the control increased to 85% to 97% when these herbicides were applied in three-way mixtures. Synergistic interactions were observed when dicamba was mixed with dichlorprop-p, 2,4-D, dichlorprop-p + 2,4-D, and halauxifen/fluroxypyr + 2,4-D for shoot dry weight reductions (86% to 92%) of both MHR populations. Results from a field study also indicated synergistic interactions when dicamba was mixed with dichlorprop-p + 2,4-D, halauxifen/fluroxypyr + dichlorprop-p, and halauxifen/fluroxypyr + 2,4-D, resulting in 84% to 95% control of MHR kochia at 28 DAT across both sites. These results indicate that synergistic effects of mixing dicamba with other auxinic herbicides in two- or three-way mixtures can help control MHR kochia.

Atrazine and S-metolachlor are the herbicides most relied on by growers to control weeds in sweet corn crops grown in the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) in southern Florida. Alternative weed management programs are needed. Field experiments were conducted in 2021 and 2022 to evaluate the efficacy of 1) pyroxasulfone (183 and 237 g ha−1) alone or as a premix with carfentrazone-ethyl (13 and 17 g ha−1) or fluthiacet-methyl (6 and 7 g ha−1), S-metolachlor (1,790 g ha−1) alone or in combination with atrazine (3,360 g ha−1) applied preemergence(PRE); 2) mesotrione (105 g ha−1), topramezone (25 g ha−1), and tembotrione (92 g ha−1) applied postemergence alone or in combination with atrazine (560 and 2,240 g ha−1) or bentazon (1,120 g ha−1); and 3) mechanical cultivation alone at the fourth and the fourth followed by the sixth leaf stages of sweet corn. PRE-applied herbicides did not provide acceptable control of fall panicum, common lambsquarters, or common purslane probably due to a lack of incorporation into the soil because of limited rainfall. POST-applied topramezone alone or in combination with atrazine or bentazon resulted in effective fall panicum control (>91%). Topramezone alone provided 83% and 88% control of common lambsquarters and common purslane, respectively, whereas atrazine added to topramezone resulted in >94% control of both weed species. Mesotrione and tembotrione plus atrazine provided excellent control (>93%) of both broadleaf weed species but poor fall panicum control (<72%). Mechanical cultivation alone did not effectively control any weeds. Overall, treatments that contained topramezone resulted in greater sweet corn yield. These results show that a combination of topramezone, mesotrione, and tembotrione with atrazine resulted in improved broadleaf weed control. Fall panicum control was improved only with the combination of topramezone with atrazine, showing that atrazine is an important mixture component of these herbicides to provide effective POST weed control in sweet corn on organic soils of the EAA.

Australian grain growers are showing interest in winter-planted sorghum to avoid heat and water stress during the grain-filling stage. Winter-planted sorghum may face competition from winter weeds, including sterile oats, and no herbicides are registered for controlling winter weeds in winter-planted sorghum. The objectives of this study were to (1) identify alternate herbicide options for sterile oats control in winter-sown imidazolinone (IMI)-resistant sorghum and (2) assess the crop injury levels due to herbicides. Sterile oats control with pendimethalin at 0.59 kg ai ha−1, trifluralin at 0.38 kg ai ha−1, and prosulfocarb + S-metolachlor at 2.3 kg ai ha−1 was poor (<30%). Atrazine at 2.7 kg ai ha−1, imazamox + imazapyr at 0.048 kg ai ha−1, and atrazine at 2.7 kg ai ha−1 followed by imazamox + imazapyr at 0.048 kg ai ha−1 reduced the sterile oats biomass by 93%, 96%, and 100% and increased yields by 116%, 136%, and 140%, respectively, compared with nontreated control. Pendimethalin at 0.59 kg ai ha−1 and trifluralin at 0.38 kg ai ha−1 caused phytotoxicity to the crop and gave similar yields to nontreated control. Triallate at 0.8 kg ai ha−1, pyroxasulfone at 0.1 kg ai ha−1, and terbuthylazine at 1.0 kg ai ha−1 provided moderate weed control (44% to 65%) and increased yields by 68%, 108%, and 80%, respectively, compared with nontreated control. This research identified herbicide treatments for the effective control of sterile oats in winter-sown IMI-resistant sorghum that could be used in rotations to reduce the reliance on single herbicide treatments.

A comprehensive, Wisconsin state-wide assessment of waterhemp response to a diverse group of herbicide sites of action has not been conducted. Our objective was to characterize the response of a state-wide collection of waterhemp accessions to postemergence (POST) and preemergence (PRE) herbicides commonly used in corn and soybean in Wisconsin. Greenhouse experiments were conducted with more than 80 accessions from 27 counties. POST treatments included 2,4-D, atrazine, dicamba, fomesafen, glufosinate, glyphosate, imazethapyr, and mesotrione at 1× and 3× label rates. PRE treatments included atrazine, fomesafen, mesotrione, metribuzin, and S-metolachlor at 0.5×, 1×, and 3× label rates. Ninety-eight percent and 88% of the accessions exhibited ≥50% plant survival after exposure to imazethapyr and glyphosate POST 3× rate, respectively. Seventeen percent, 16%, and 3% of the accessions exhibited ≥50% plant survival after exposure to 2,4-D, atrazine, and dicamba, respectively, applied POST at the 1× rate. Survival of all accessions was ≤25% after exposure to 2,4-D or dicamba applied POST at the 3× rate, or glufosinate, fomesafen, and mesotrione applied POST at either rate evaluated. No plant of any accession survived exposure to glufosinate at either rate. Forty-five percent and 3% of the accessions exhibited <90% plant density reduction after exposure to atrazine applied PRE at the 3× rate and fomesafen PRE at the 1× rate, respectively. Plant density reduction of all accessions was ≥96% after exposure to fomesafen applied PRE at the 3× rate, or metribuzin, S-metolachlor, and mesotrione applied PRE at the 1× rate. Our results suggest that waterhemp resistance to imazethapyr and glyphosate applied POST is widespread in Wisconsin, whereas resistance to 2,4-D, atrazine, and dicamba applied POST is present to a lower extent. One accession (A75, Fond du Lac County) exhibited multiple resistance to imazethapyr, atrazine, glyphosate, and 2,4-D when applied POST. Overall, atrazine applied PRE was ineffective for waterhemp control in Wisconsin. Proactive resistance management and the use of effective PRE and POST herbicides are fundamental for waterhemp management in Wisconsin.

Tolpyralate is an herbicide that is usually mixed with atrazine for broad-spectrum weed control in corn. Previous research has provided information on the effective dose (ED) of tolpyralate applied alone and in a 1:33.3 mixture with atrazine; however, tolpyralate is commercially applied at a dose of 30 to 40 g ai ha−1 with a minimum of 560 g ai ha−1 of atrazine. Therefore, five field trials were conducted over 3 yr (2019 to 2021) to determine the ED of atrazine to complement 30 g ai ha−1 of tolpyralate to achieve 80%, 90%, and 95% control of seven weed species 2, 4, and 8 wk after application (WAA). Tolpyralate was applied alone and in a mixture with atrazine doses ranging from 50 to 2,000 g ai ha−1. At 8 WAA, the ED of atrazine for 95% control of velvetleaf, common ragweed, common lambsquarters, and wild mustard was below the minimum label dose of atrazine on the commercial tolpyralate label, ranging from 430 to 520 g ai ha−1, which supports the use of the minimum label dose of atrazine. In contrast, redroot pigweed required 1,231 g ai ha−1 of atrazine to complement tolpyralate for 95% control 8 WAA. At 8 WAA, barnyardgrass and a mixture of green foxtail and giant foxtail (Setaria spp.) were not controlled by 80%, 90%, or 95% with tolpyralate applied alone or co-applied with any dose of atrazine evaluated in this study. The results of this study conclude that tolpyralate + atrazine is highly efficacious on several weed species at atrazine doses of 40 to 130 g ai ha−1 below the label dose of 560 g ai ha−1, but the use of the higher dose of tolpyralate or another herbicide may be required to improve control of redroot pigweed and grass weed species.

The complementary modes of action of 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD) and photosystem II (PSII) inhibitors have been credited for the synergistic weed control improvement of several species. Recent research discovered that reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and subsequent lipid peroxidation is the cause of cell death by the glutamine synthetase inhibitor glufosinate. Therefore, a basis for synergy exists between glufosinate and HPPD inhibitors, but the interaction has not been well reported. Four field experiments were conducted in Ontario, Canada, in 2020 and 2021 to determine the interaction between HPPD-inhibiting (mesotrione and tolpyralate) and ROS-generating (atrazine, bromoxynil, bentazon, and glufosinate) herbicides on control of annual weed species in corn (Zea mays L.). The ROS generators were synergistic with the HPPD inhibitors and provided ≥95% control of velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti Medik.), except for tolpyralate + glufosinate, which was additive at 8 wk after application (WAA) and provided 87% control. Tank mixes of HPPD inhibitors plus ROS generators were synergistic for the control of common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.), except for tolpyralate + glufosinate, which was antagonistic at 8 WAA. Tolpyralate + glufosinate was antagonistic for the control of barnyardgrass [Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) P. Beauv.] and Setaria spp. at 8 WAA. Common lambsquarters (Chenopodium album L.) control at 8 WAA was synergistic and ≥95% with mesotrione plus atrazine, bromoxynil, or glufosinate and with tolpyralate plus bromoxynil or bentazon. Herbicide tank mixes were generally additive for the control of wild mustard (Sinapis arvensis L.) at 8 WAA, except for the synergistic tank mixes of tolpyralate plus atrazine or bromoxynil; however, each tank mix provided 97% to 100% control of S. arvensis. Results from this study demonstrate that co-application of ROS generators with mesotrione or tolpyralate controlled all broadleaf weed species >90% at 8 WAA, with the exceptions of A. artemisiifolia and C. album control with tolpyralate + glufosinate. Mesotrione plus PSII inhibitors controlled E. crus-galli and Setaria spp. 48 to 68 percentage points less than tolpyralate plus the respective PSII inhibitor at 8 WAA; however, mesotrione + glufosinate and tolpyralate + glufosinate controlled the grass weed species similarly.

The continued dispersal of Palmer amaranth can impose detrimental impacts on cropping systems in Wisconsin. Our objective was to characterize the response of a recently introduced Palmer amaranth accession in southern Wisconsin to postemergence (POST) and preemergence (PRE) herbicides commonly used in corn and soybean. Greenhouse experiments were conducted with the Wisconsin putative herbicide-resistant accession (BRO) and two additional control accessions from Nebraska, a glyphosate-resistant (KEI2) and a glyphosate-susceptible (KEI3) accession. POST treatments were 2,4-D, atrazine, dicamba, glufosinate, glyphosate, imazethapyr, lactofen, and mesotrione at 1X and 3X label rates. PRE treatments were atrazine, mesotrione, metribuzin, S-metolachlor, and sulfentrazone at 0.5X, 1X, and 3X label rates. Plant survival of each accession was ≥63% after exposure to imazethapyr POST 3X rate. Survival of BRO and KEI2 was 44% (±13) and 50% (±13), respectively, after exposure to atrazine POST 3X rate. Survival of BRO was 69% (±12) after exposure to glyphosate POST 1X rate, whereas survival of KEI2 was 44% (±13) after exposure to glyphosate POST 3X rate. After exposure to 2,4-D POST 1X rate, KEI2 and KEI3 survival was 38% (±13) and 50% (±13), respectively. Survival of all accessions was ≤31% after exposure to 2,4-D POST 3X rate or dicamba, glufosinate, lactofen, and mesotrione POST at either rate. Plant density reduction of KEI2 was 77% (±13) after exposure to atrazine PRE 1X rate, whereas density reduction of BRO was 56% (±13) after exposure to atrazine PRE 3X rate. Plant density reduction of all accessions was ≥94% after exposure to mesotrione PRE 1X and 3X rates or metribuzin, S-metolachlor, and sulfentrazone PRE at either rate. Our results suggest that each accession is resistant (≥50% survival) to imazethapyr POST, that BRO and KEI2 are resistant to atrazine and glyphosate POST, and that KEI2 and KEI3 are resistant to 2,4-D POST. The recently introduced BRO accession exhibited multiple resistance to imazethapyr, atrazine, and glyphosate POST. In addition, atrazine PRE was ineffective for BRO control, suggesting that diversified resistance management strategies will be critical for its effective management.

Tolpyralate is commonly mixed with atrazine for improved control of common annual weed species in corn production systems in the United States and Canada. Weed control efficacy with this mixture is enhanced with the addition of methylated seed oil (MSO) Concentrate®; however, there is little information on the efficacy of tolpyralate + atrazine with other proprietary adjuvants. Therefore, four trials were conducted at field research sites in Ontario, Canada, to evaluate the efficacy of tolpyralate + atrazine when applied with six different commercially available adjuvants on four annual broadleaf and two annual grass weed species in corn. The adjuvants evaluated were MSO Concentrate®, Agral® 90, Assist® Oil Concentrate, Carrier®, LI 700®, and Merge®. A treatment of tolpyralate + atrazine applied with no adjuvant was also included in the study. For the control of velvetleaf and wild mustard, the adjuvants evaluated with tolpyralate + atrazine did not improve control. At 8 wk after application (WAA), the use of Agral® 90, Assist® Oil Concentrate, Carrier®, MSO Concentrate®, or Merge® with tolpyralate + atrazine provided similar or greater control of common ragweed than tolpyralate + atrazine applied with LI 700®. At 8 WAA, the adjuvants performed similarly with tolpyralate + atrazine for the control of common lambsquarters; however, LI 700® was the only adjuvant that did not improve control compared to tolpyralate + atrazine applied without an adjuvant. At 8 WAA, MSO Concentrate®, Carrier®, and Merge® improved control of barnyardgrass and foxtail species with tolpyralate + atrazine to a similar or greater level than Assist® Oil Concentrate, Agral® 90, and LI 700®. Overall, MSO Concentrate®, Carrier®, or Merge® should be added to tolpyralate + atrazine for control of the myriad of weed species interfering with corn production.

Glyphosate-resistant (GR) horseweed [Conyza canadensis (L.) Cronquist; syn.: Erigeron canadensis L.] interference can substantially reduce corn (Zea mays L.) yield. The complementary activity of 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD) and photosystem II (PSII) inhibitors has been investigated for the control of several weed species, and in many cases has been synergistic; however, there is little information on the interaction of HPPD- and PSII-inhibiting herbicides for postemergence control of GR C. canadensis in corn. Four field trials were studied over 2 yr (2019, 2020) in Ontario, Canada, in commercial corn fields with natural infestations of GR C. canadensis to evaluate the level of GR C. canadensis control with three HPPD-inhibiting herbicides (mesotrione, tolpyralate, and topramezone) and three PSII-inhibiting herbicides (atrazine, bromoxynil, and bentazon) applied individually and in tank-mix combinations, and to document the interaction of the three HPPD inhibitors tank mixed with the three PSII inhibitors. Mesotrione, tolpyralate, and topramezone controlled GR C. canadensis 83%, 84%, and 72%, respectively, at 8 wk after application (WAA). Bromoxynil and bentazon controlled GR C. canadensis 71% and 79%, respectively, while atrazine provided only 31% control at 8 WAA. The joint application of atrazine, bromoxynil, or bentazon with mesotrione increased GR C. canadensis control from 83% to 100% at 8 WAA. Tolpyralate tank mixed with atrazine, bromoxynil, or bentazon controlled GR C. canadensis 96%, 98%, and 98%, respectively, which was comparable to the mesotrione tank mixes at 8 WAA. Topramezone plus atrazine, bromoxynil, or bentazon controlled GR C. canadensis 91%, 93%, and 95%, respectively, at 8 WAA. Interactions between HPPD and PSII inhibitors were synergistic for all combinations of mesotrione or tolpyralate with atrazine, bromoxynil, or bentazon. The interaction between topramezone and PSII inhibitors was additive. All nine tank mixes controlled GR C. canadensis >90%. This study concludes that bromoxynil or bentazon, instead of atrazine, can be co-applied with mesotrione, tolpyralate, or topramezone without compromising GR C. canadensis control in corn.

Late-season control of Palmer amaranth in postharvest wheat stubble is important for reducing the seedbank. Our objectives were to evaluate the efficacy of late-season postemergence herbicides for Palmer amaranth control, shoot dry biomass, and seed production in postharvest wheat stubble. Field experiments were conducted at Kansas State University Agricultural Research Center near Hays, KS, during 2019 and 2020 growing seasons. The study site had a natural seedbank of Palmer amaranth. Herbicide treatments were applied 3 wk after wheat harvest when Palmer amaranth plants had reached the inflorescence initiation stage. Palmer amaranth was controlled by 96% to 98% 8 wk after treatment and shoot biomass as well as seed production was prevented when paraquat was applied alone or when mixed with atrazine, metribuzin, flumioxazin, 2,4-D, sulfentrazone, pyroxasulfone + sulfentrazone, or flumioxazin + metribuzin, and with glyphosate + dicamba, glyphosate + 2,4-D, saflufenacil + 2,4-D, glufosinate + dicamba + glyphosate, and glufosinate + 2,4-D + glyphosate. Palmer amaranth was controlled by 89% to 93% with application of glyphosate, glufosinate, dicamba + 2,4-D, saflufenacil + atrazine, and saflufenacil + metribuzin resulting in Palmer amaranth shoot biomass of 15 to 56 g m−2 and production of 1,080 to 7,040 seeds m−2. Palmer amaranth control was less than 86% with application of dicamba, 2,4-D, dicamba + atrazine, and saflufenacil resulting in Palmer amaranth shoot biomass of 38 to 47 g m−2 and production of 3,110 to 6,190 seeds m−2. Palmer amaranth was controlled 63% and 72%, shoot biomass was 178 and 161 g m−2, and seed production was 35,180 and 39,510 seeds m−2, respectively, with application of 2,4-D + bromoxynil + fluroxypyr, and bromoxynil + pyrasulfotole + atrazine. Growers should use these effective postemergence herbicide mixes for Palmer amaranth control to prevent seed prevention postharvest in wheat stubble.

Four field experiments were completed in commercial corn fields during 2019 and 2020 to determine glyphosate-resistant (GR) horseweed control in corn with tiafenacil alone or in combination with bromoxynil, dicamba, or tolpyralate applied preplant (PP). Corn planted 1 to 10 d after herbicide application was not injured with any of the herbicides tested. GR horseweed interference reduced corn grain yield 32% when left uncontrolled. Herbicides reduced GR horseweed interference and resulted in corn grain yield that was similar to the weed-free control. Glyphosate (900 g ae ha−1) + tiafenacil at 12.5, 25, and 37.5 g ha−1 controlled GR horseweed 63%, 68%, and 72% at 4 wk after treatment (WAT) and decreased GR horseweed density 64%, 43%, and 83% and dry biomass 69%, 55%, and 83%, respectively. Glyphosate + tiafenacil at 12.5, 25, and 37.5 g ha−1 plus bromoxynil (280 g ai ha−1) controlled GR horseweed 81%, 88%, and 87% at 4 WAT and reduced GR horseweed density 82%, 94%, and 93% and dry biomass 93%, 93%, and 98%, respectively. Glyphosate + tiafenacil at 12.5, 25, and 37.5 g ha−1 plus dicamba (300 g ai ha−1) controlled GR horseweed 86%, 88%, and 88% at 4 WAT and decreased GR horseweed density 76%, 89%, and 86% and dry biomass 94%, 98%, and 98%, respectively. Glyphosate + tiafenacil at 12.5, 25, and 37.5 g ha−1 plus tolpyralate (30 g ai ha−1) controlled GR horseweed 90%, 90%, and 91% at 4 WAT and decreased GR horseweed density 93%, 91%, and 95% and dry biomass 98%, 97%, and 97%, respectively. The industry standards in Ontario, glyphosate + dicamba/atrazine and glyphosate + saflufenacil/dimethenamid-p controlled GR horseweed 95% and 100% at 4, 8, and 12 WAT and caused 99% and 100% density or biomass reduction, respectively.

Sugarcane infested with bermudagrass and harvested as seed cane introduces the potential for weedy propagules to reinfest fields. Research was conducted in 2018 and 2019 following sugarcane harvest for seed cane to evaluate bermudagrass management with photosystem II (PSII)- and 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD)–inhibiting herbicides applied alone or mixed with triclopyr. Combinations of diuron at 2.8 kg ha–1 with clomazone at 1.5 kg ha–1 or triclopyr at 1.1 kg ha–1 and hexazinone at 0.74 kg ha–1 with triclopyr applied early POST (EPOST) in mid-February injured bermudagrass 85% to 86%, and injury was greater than diuron or hexazinone alone (16% and 10%) in mid-March. Bermudagrass injury decreased to 45% to 56% for these combination treatments by April; however, injury differences were similar to the earlier rating. Late POST (LPOST) mid-March application of these treatments indicated similar bermudagrass injury trends when evaluated in early April. By mid-May, however, no treatment resulted in greater than 18% bermudagrass injury. Clomazone plus diuron applied LPOST resulted in 19% sugarcane injury by early April; however, all other treatments resulted in 7% sugarcane injury or less. In mid-May, a mid-April EPOST application of topramezone at 0.025 kg ha–1 plus triclopyr at 1.1 kg ha–1 resulted in 62% bermudagrass injury, which was equivalent to that observed with other topramezone rates in this combination (0.012 and 0.037 kg ha–1) (54% to 60%). Bermudagrass injury from triclopyr mixed with mesotrione (32%) or triclopyr mixed with atrazine, mesotrione, and S-metolachlor (47% to 55%) resulted in bermudagrass injury similar to that with topramezone plus triclopyr (54% to 62%). Data showed the flexibility of triclopyr when mixed with several HPPD- or PSII-inhibitor herbicides for bermudagrass management in a Louisiana sugarcane cropping system. Greater flexibility in application timing for HPPD-inhibitor herbicides than for PSII-inhibitor herbicides (diuron or hexazinone), and mixed with triclopyr, may suppress bermudagrass POST in April and May with minimal sugarcane injury.

Through drinking water, humans are commonly exposed to atrazine, a herbicide that acts as an endocrine and metabolic disruptor. It interferes with steroidogenesis, including promoting oestrogen production and altering cell metabolism. However, its precise impact on uterine development remains unknown. This study aimed to determine the effect of prolonged atrazine exposure on the uterus. Pregnant mice (n = 5/group) received 5 mg/kg body weight/day atrazine or DMSO in drinking water from gestational day 9.5 until weaning. Offspring continued to be exposed until 3 or 6 months of age (n = 5–9/group), when uteri were collected for morphological and molecular analyses and steroid quantification. Endometrial hyperplasia and leiomyoma were evident in the uteri of atrazine-exposed mice. Uterine oestrogen concentration, oestrogen receptor expression, and localisation were similar between groups, at both ages (P > 0.1). The expression and localisation of key epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) genes and proteins, critical for tumourigenesis, remained unchanged between treatments, at both ages (P > 0.1). Hence, oestrogen-mediated changes to established EMT markers do not appear to underlie abnormal uterine morphology evident in atrazine exposure mice. This is the first report of abnormal uterine morphology following prolonged atrazine exposure starting in utero, it is likely that the abnormalities identified would negatively affect female fertility, although mechanisms remain unknown and require further study.

Natural and anthropogenic stressors, including parasites and pesticides, may induce oxidative stress in animals. Measuring oxidative stress responses in sentinel species that are particularly responsive to environmental perturbations not only provides insight into host physiology but is also a useful readout of ecosystem health. Newly metamorphosed northern leopard frogs (Lithobates pipiens), a sentinel species, were collected from agricultural and non-agricultural wetlands exposed to varying concentrations of the herbicide atrazine. Significant effects of certain parasites' abundance and their interaction with atrazine exposure on frog oxidative stress were identified. Specifically, increased protein levels were detected in frogs infected with echinostome metacercariae. In addition, the nematode Oswaldocruzia sp. was significantly associated with increased thiol concentration and catalase activity. Significant parasite × atrazine interactions were observed for atrazine exposure and the abundance of Oswaldocruzia sp. on thiol, as thiol concentrations increased with parasite abundance at low atrazine localities and decreased in high atrazine wetlands. In addition, a significant interaction between the abundances of Oswaldocruzia sp. and gorgoderid trematodes on thiol concentrations was observed. These findings demonstrate that studies of oxidative stress on animals in natural ecosystems should account for the confounding effects of parasitism, particularly for amphibians in agricultural landscapes.