Glufosinate inhibits glutamine synthetase (GS), a key enzyme for amino acid metabolism and photorespiration. Protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO) inhibitors block chlorophyll biosynthesis and cause protoporphyrin accumulation, a highly photodynamic intermediate. Both herbicides ultimately lead to plant death by a massive accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) through different mechanisms. We investigated a potential synergistic effect by the mixture of the two herbicide mechanisms of action (MoAs). The tank mix between a low rate of glufosinate (280 g ai ha−1) with an ultra-low dose of saflufenacil (1 g ha−1) provided enhanced herbicidal activity compared with the products applied individually on Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri S. Watson). The synergism between the two herbicides was also confirmed by isobole analysis and field trials. The herbicide combination provided high levels of efficacy when applied at low temperature and low humidity. Mechanistically, glufosinate caused a transient accumulation of glutamate, the building block for chlorophyll biosynthesis. Consequently, inhibition of both GS and PPO resulted in greater accumulation of protoporphyrin and ROS, forming the physiological basis for the synergism between glufosinate and PPO inhibitors. While the synergy between the two herbicide MoAs provided excellent efficacy on weeds, it caused low injury to PPO-resistant waterhemp [Amaranthus tuberculatus (Moq.) Sauer] and high injury to both glufosinate-resistant and glufosinate-susceptible soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. Glufosinate enhances the activity of PPO inhibitors through glutamate and protoporphyrin accumulation, leading to increased levels of ROS and lipid peroxidation. The synergism between the two herbicide MoAs can help to overcome environmental effects limiting the efficacy of glufosinate. Future research is needed to optimize the uses for this herbicidal composition across different cropping systems.

Increased use of dicamba and/or glyphosate in dicamba/glyphosate-tolerant soybean might affect many sensitive crops, including potato. The objective of this study was to determine the growth and yield of ‘Russet Burbank’ potato grown from seed tubers (generation 2) from mother plants (generation 1) treated with dicamba (4, 20, and 99 g ae ha−1), glyphosate (8, 40, and 197 g ae ha−1), or a combination of dicamba and glyphosate during tuber initiation. Generation 2 tubers were planted near Oakes and Inkster, ND, in 2016 and 2017, at the same research farm where the generation 1 tubers were grown the previous year. Treatment with 99 g ha−1 dicamba, 197 g ha−1 glyphosate, or 99 g ha−1 dicamba + 197 g ha−1 glyphosate caused emergence of generation 2 plants to be reduced by up to 84%, 86%, and 87%, respectively, at 5 wk after planting. Total tuber yield of generation 2 was reduced up to 67%, 55%, and 68% when 99 g ha−1 dicamba, 197 g ha−1 glyphosate, or 99 g ha−1 dicamba + 197 g ha−1 glyphosate was applied to generation 1 plants, respectively. At each site year, 197 g ha−1 glyphosate reduced total yield and marketable yield, while 99 g ha−1 dicamba reduced total yield and marketable yield in some site-years. This study confirms that exposure to glyphosate and dicamba of potato grown for potato seed tubers can negatively affect the growth and yield potential of the subsequently grown daughter generation.

Field experiments were conducted to determine the effect of CGA184927 rate, weed growth stage, and tank mixes with various broadleaf herbicides on the control of green foxtail and wild oat in spring wheat. CGA 184927 controlled green foxtail and wild oat equally well when applied at the 2- to 3- or 4- to 5-leaf stages. Green foxtail and wild oat were controlled at similar rates of CGA 184927 but the application rate giving > 90% control ranged from 22 to 90 g/ha over locations and years, indicating that CGA 184927 efficacy is sensitive to environmental conditions. CGA 184927 in tank mixtures was compatible with bromoxynil, clopyralid, and 2,4-D ester. However, tank mixing with metsulfuron or dicamba reduced activity on green foxtail and wild oat. Broadleaf herbicide activity on kochia and redroot pigweed was not reduced when such herbicides were tank-mixed with CGA 184927. Spring wheat tolerated 120 g/ha of CGA 184927. CGA 184927 provides growers with another herbicide option to control green foxtail and wild oat in wheat.

Field and greenhouse experiments were conducted to evaluate postemergence (POST) soybean injury and weed control with CGA-277476 and cloransulam-methyl alone and in tank mixtures. In the field, visible soybean injury was 12 to 14% from CGA-277476 and 9 to 13% from cloransulam-methyl 7 d after treatment. Tank mixtures of either herbicide with acifluorfen or acifluorfen plus thifensulfuron were more injurious than CGA-277476 or cloransulam-methyl applied alone. Both CGA-277476 and cloransulam-methyl reduced velvetleaf dry weight 82%, and cloransulam-methyl reduced common ragweed dry weight 92%. Neither herbicide adequately controlled common lambsquarters, redroot pigweed, nor eastern black nightshade. The addition of acifluorfen to the spray solution improved common ragweed, common lambsquarters, redroot pigweed, and eastern black nightshade control with CGA-277476 and improved common lambsquarters, redroot pigweed, and eastern black nightshade control with cloransulam-methyl. Tank mixing thifensulfuron with CGA-277476 or cloransulam-methyl increased common lambsquarters and redroot pigweed control. In the greenhouse, CGA-277476 at 20 g ai/ha reduced velvetleaf dry weight 98%, and 79 g/ha was required to reduce common ragweed dry weight 93%. Cloransulam-methyl at 4.4 g ai/ha reduced velvetleaf dry weight 98% and common ragweed dry weight 94% at 8.8 g/ha. Chlorimuron reduced yellow nutsedge dry weight more than CGA-277476 or cloransulam-methyl. Antagonism of POST graminicide activity by CGA-277476 was grass species and graminicide related. CGA-277476 reduced giant foxtail control by clethodim but not by quizalofop. Cloransulam-methyl tank mixed with clethodim or quizalofop controlled giant foxtail.

2,4-D has been reported to antagonize glyphosate activity on grass weed species. In addition, sodium bicarbonate antagonized 2,4-D activity on broadleaf species. Experiments were conducted using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) technology to evaluate interactions of 2,4-D dimethylamine and 2,4-D butoxyethylester formulations with glyphosate in solution. The 2,4-D dimethylamine formulation associated with glyphosate to form the dimethylamine salt of glyphosate. NMR spectra also showed that the molecular orientation of the glyphosate molecule was affected by the 2,4-D butoxyethylester formulation. The antagonist was not the active 2,4-D butoxyethylester molecule itself, but appeared to be due to an association of glyphosate with organic components in the 2,4-D butoxyethylester formulation. The molecular influence of sodium bicarbonate on technical grade 2,4-D free acid, and dimethylamine and butoxyethylester formulations was also evaluated. Sodium bicarbonate was found to react with the 2,4-D free acid and 2,4-D dimethylamine to form the sodium salt of 2,4-D. The 2,4-D butoxyethylester formulation did not react with sodium bicarbonate.

The weed control spectrum of clomazone, the influence of clomazone on the performance of other herbicides, and the performance of tank mixtures containing clomazone were evaluated from 1985 through 1987. Clomazone applied preemergence at 280 g ai/ha controlled 90 to 100% of barnyardgrass, giant foxtail, goosegrass, large crabgrass, seedling johnsongrass, prickly sida, and velvetleaf. Clomazone at reduced rates was more effective applied preemergence than preplant-incorporated for 10 of 23 weed species. Clomazone enhanced imazaquin activity on entireleaf morningglory and sicklepod in 1986. A tank mixture of clomazone, imazaquin, and metribuzin at half the labeled rates reduced soybean injury, increased soybean yield, and controlled weeds as well as the mixture at labeled rates.

In field and greenhouse studies, tank mixing 0.3 and 0.4 kg ai/ha of the butyl ester of fluazifop {(±)-2-[4-[[5-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pyridinyl]oxy]phenoxy]propanoic acid} with 0.4 kg ai/ha of acifluorfen {5-[2-chloro-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]-2-nitrobenzoic acid} reduced control of large crabgrass [Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop. # DIGSA] and itchgrass (Rottboellia exaltata L.f. # ROOEX) compared to fluazifop applied alone in soybeans [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. Less antagonism between the two herbicides was observed in a year when conditions were optimum for large crabgrass control with fluazifop. Application of acifluorfen 1 to 3 days before application of fluazifop decreased large crabgrass control. Antagonism between fluazifop and acifluorfen was avoided when fluazifop was applied 3 to 5 days before acifluorfen. No antagonism was observed when fluazifop at 0.3 or 0.4 kg/ha was tank mixed with acifluorfen at 0.4 kg/ha for control of itchgrass. Itchgrass was more susceptible to fluazifop than large crabgrass.

Field studies were conducted to determine suitability of flurtamone alone and in tank mixture with ethalfluralin for selective control of weeds in safflower. Flurtamone at 0.6 to 0.9 kg ha−1 controlled field pennycress, kochia, and Russian thistle. Flurtamone and ethalfluralin were compatible in tank mixture and provided comparable or superior control of wild oat, kochia, and field pennycress than either herbicide alone. Plant height, date of flowering, seed yield, and quality data indicated that safflower tolerated flurtamone alone up to 1.6 kg ha−1 and flurtamone tank mixed with ethalfluralin at rates as high as 1.1 plus 1.1 kg tar1, respectively. Safflower yield response to these herbicides was positive and reflected level of weed control attained with various treatments.

In greenhouse studies, postemergence applications of 0.1 or 0.3 kg ai/ha mefluidide {N-[2,4-dimethyl-5-[[(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl] amino] phenyl] acetamide} as a tank mixture with 0.3, 0.4, or 0.6 kg ai/ha acifluorfen {5-[2-chloro-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]-2-nitrobenzoic acid}, or as a pretreatment 3, 5, or 7 days prior to acifluorfen treatment, often increased injury to ivyleaf morningglory [Ipomoea hederacea (L.) Jacq. ♯3 IPOHE], velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti Medic. ♯ ABUTH), and common cocklebur (Xanthium pensylvanicum Wallr. ♯ XANPE), compared to the injury from either herbicide alone. All sequential treatments with 0.1 kg ai/ha mefluidide and 0.3 kg ai/ha acifluorfen increased injury and decreased dry weight of ivyleaf morningglory and velvetleaf when compared with 0.6 kg/ha acifluorfen alone.

Field and greenhouse experiments were conducted in 1995 and 1996 to determine soybean injury and weed control differences from imazamox and imazethapyr applied postemergence with a nonionic surfactant or methylated seed oil and with selected tank mixtures. Soybean injury from imazamox at 35 g ai ha−1 plus either a methylated seed oil or nonionic surfactant was equal to injury from imazethapyr at 70 g ai ha−1 in the greenhouse and field. Imazamox provided greater common lambsquarters control than imazethapyr in the field in 1995 and in the greenhouse. Thifensulfuron tank mixed with imazethapyr increased common lambsquarters control, while soybean response increased when thifensulfuron was tank mixed with imazamox. Common ragweed dry weight was reduced 61 to 64% from 35 g ha−1 imazamox and 70 g ha−1 imazethapyr in the field; however, imazamox provided greater common ragweed control than imazethapyr in the greenhouse. Tank mixtures of lactofen with imazamox or imazethapyr increased common ragweed control and resulted in greater soybean seed yield in 1996 than when imazamox and imazethapyr were applied alone; however, lactofen antagonized giant foxtail control with imazamox and imazethapyr, and antagonized common lambsquarters control with imazamox. Giant foxtail control in the greenhouse was antagonized more when acifluorfen, fomesafen, and lactofen were tank mixed with 35 g ha−1 imazethapyr than with 35 g ha−1 imazamox. Giant foxtail control with imazamox or imazethapyr applied alone or with diphenyl ether herbicides increased when 28% urea ammonium nitrate was added with nonionic surfactant compared with nonionic surfactant only. Imazethapyr antagonized giant foxtail control by clethodim in the field and was more antagonistic than imazamox in the greenhouse. A methylated seed oil improved common ragweed control by imazethapyr at 70 g ha−1 and imazamox at 18 and 35 g ha−1, while common lambsquarters and velvetleaf control increased when a methylated seed oil was included with 18 g ha−1 imazethapyr compared to nonionic surfactant in the greenhouse.

Hard-water cations, such as Ca+2 and Mg+2, present in the spray solution can greatly reduce the efficacy of glyphosate. These cations potentially compete with the isopropylamine in the formulation for association with the glyphosate anion. 14C-Glyphosate absorption by sunflower was reduced in the presence of Ca+2. The addition of ammonium sulfate overcame the observed decrease in 14C-glyphosate absorption. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) was used to study the chemical effects of calcium and calcium plus ammonium sulfate (AMS) on the glyphosate molecule. Data indicate an association of calcium with both the carboxyl and phosphonate groups on the glyphosate molecule. Initially, a random association of the compounds occurred; however, the reaction progressed to yield a more structured, chelate type complex over time. NH4+ from AMS effectively competed with calcium for complexation sites on the glyphosate molecule. Data suggest that the observed calcium antagonism of glyphosate and AMS reversal of the antagonism are chemically based.

Haloxyfop-methyl toxicity to johnsongrass was reduced when sprayed in combination with 2,4-D in greenhouse studies. The antagonism was not seen when 2,4-D application followed haloxyfop-methyl treatment by 72 h or preceded it by 24 h. The antagonism of haloxyfopmethyl activity was evident regardless of chemical form of 2,4-D used (DMA, BOE ester, IPA, or acid). Absorption of 14C-haloxyfop-methyl into johnsongrass leaves was slowed by the presence of 2,4-D in the treatment solution but total absorption after 72 h was not affected. Translocation of 14C was decreased when the 14C-haloxyfop-methyl was applied in combination with 2,4-D. More haloxyfop-methyl, less haloxyfop, and more ether-soluble haloxyfop-methyl metabolites were found in treated leaves when haloxyfop-methyl was applied with 2,4-D compared to haloxyfop-methyl applied alone. The changes in haloxyfop-methyl translocation and metabolism caused by 2,4-D can quantitatively account for the antagonism observed.

Greenhouse and laboratory studies were conducted to determine the effect of atrazine on efficacy, absorption, translocation, and metabolism of primisulfuron applied to velvetleaf and giant foxtail. Efficacy of primisulfuron was reduced by 18 and 22% when applied at 20 and 40 g ai ha−1, respectively, in combination with 1.7 kg ai ha−1 atrazine to velvetleaf. Efficacy of primisulfuron was reduced by 15 and 16% when applied at 30 or 60 g ai ha−1, respectively, in combination with 1.7 kg ai ha−1 atrazine to giant foxtail. Foliar absorption of 14C-primisulfuron by either weed species was not affected by addition of atrazine to the treatment solution. Atrazine had no effect on metabolism of 14C-primisulfuron by either weed species. In the absence of atrazine, translocation of absorbed 14C from primisulfuron out of treated leaves of velvetleaf and giant foxtail averaged 19 and 29%, respectively, across sampling times. These values were reduced to an average of 9 and 16% in velvetleaf and giant foxtail, respectively, when 14C-primisulfuron was applied in combination with atrazine. The majority of translocated 14C from primisulfuron was transported acropetally in velvetleaf and basipetally in giant foxtail. Atrazine significantly reduced 14C translocation from primisulfuron to these meristematic sinks in both weed species. Reduced translocation was positively correlated with reduced control of these weeds when primisulfuron was tank mixed with atrazine.

Weed control in Florida citrus is primarily based on herbicides. Saflufenacil, a POST-applied herbicide is recently registered for broadleaf weed control in citrus. Saflufenacil has very limited grass activity; therefore, it should be tank mixed with graminicides or broad-spectrum herbicides to increase the spectrum of weed control. Greenhouse and field experiments were conducted at two locations (Polk County and Orange County, FL) to evaluate the efficacy and potential antagonism or synergy of saflufenacil and sethoxydim applied alone or tank mixed, and various two- and three-way mixes with glyphosate or pendimethalin. The results suggested that tank mixing saflufenacil and sethoxydim had neither synergistic nor antagonistic effect on broadleaf and grass weed control, respectively. Tank mixing pendimethalin with saflufenacil and sethoxydim improved broadleaf and grass weed control and reduced weed density and biomass, compared with saflufenacil or sethoxydim applied alone or tank mixed at 45 and 60 d after treatment (DAT). Glyphosate tank mixed with saflufenacil and sethoxydim provided > 90% control of broadleaf and grass weeds at 15 DAT, reduced density ≤ 8 plants m−2, and reduced biomass < 95 g m−2 at 60 DAT. Glyphosate applied alone was less effective than it was when tank mixed with saflufenacil and sethoxydim or pendimethalin for broadleaf and grass weed control, indicating an additive effect of tank mixture on glyphosate efficacy. It is concluded that saflufenacil can be tank mixed with sethoxydim for control of broadleaf and grass weeds without antagonism on the efficacy of either herbicide; however, tank mixing saflufenacil and sethoxydim with glyphosate or pendimethalin provided long-term, broad-spectrum weed control in Florida citrus.

Field experiments were conducted on the Eastern Shore of Virginia from 1999 to 2001 to evaluate the effects of tank mixture applications of isopropylamine or trimethylsulfonium salts of glyphosate with two liquid formulations of manganese (Mn lignin or Mn chelate) on spray solution pH and weed control in glyphosate-resistant soybean. Additions of manganese to herbicide solutions resulted in a reduction in the acidifying effects of the herbicides as well as in the control of common lambsquarters, large crabgrass, morningglory spp., and smooth pigweed. Reduced control caused by manganese could be overcome with higher rates of the herbicides on some species, but reduced control of common lambsquarters was seen when manganese was included with any herbicide application rate. For most species, Mn chelate caused a greater reduction in control than did Mn lignin. Although manganese caused significant decreases in weed control, soybean yield was not influenced by glyphosate salt, application rate, or manganese. Reduced weed control caused by the addition of manganese to herbicide solutions may be due to the complexing of the herbicide formulations, which could result in the formation of insoluble salt complexes that are not readily absorbed through the plant cuticle, resulting in decreased glyphosate phytotoxicity.

Growers of glyphosate-resistant crops apply micronutrients tank-mixed with glyphosate to save time and production costs. Therefore, effect of zinc (Zn), as Zn sulfate, on absorption, translocation, and efficacy of glyphosate on yellow nutsedge was investigated. Glyphosate at 850 g ae ha−1 provided 90% yellow nutsedge control at 5 wk after treatment (WAT). Presence of Zn at 1,000 ppmw in the glyphosate spray solution reduced yellow nutsedge control to 24 and 8%, 3 and 5 WAT, respectively. Yellow nutsedge control decreased with increasing Zn level (500 to 2,000 ppmw) in the spray solution. Yellow nutsedge treated with higher rates of Zn tank-mixed with glyphosate produced more tubers and tillers per plant than untreated plants. An abrupt decrease in absorption and translocation of 14C–glyphosate occurred between 500 and 1,000 ppmw Zn. The antagonistic effect of Zn on glyphosate depended mainly on reduced absorption and translocation of 14C–glyphosate within treated tissues. Less than 10% of applied 14C–glyphosate was absorbed when glyphosate was mixed with 1,000, 2,000, or 4,000 ppmw Zn as compared with 85% absorption for glyphosate alone. These treatments inhibited > 90% of 14C–glyphosate translocation out of the treated leaf and > 50% of tuber translocation relative to glyphosate alone. Results indicate that micronutrients containing Zn are not suitable for tank-mixing with glyphosate.

Absorption and translocation of nicosulfuron and dicamba applied alone and combined was studied in 25-cm-high hemp dogbane originating from lateral roots that had overwintered. Absorption of 14C-nicosulfuron by hemp dogbane was not affected by applications of 70 g ai/ha unlabeled dicamba. Upward translocation of 14C-nicosulfuron in hemp dogbane was 86% greater 6 d after treatment (DAT) when dicamba was tank mixed with nicosulfuron, compared to nicosulfuron applied alone. Combinations of nicosulfuron plus dicamba increased translocation of nicosulfuron to hemp dogbane crown and roots 237 and 130%, 1 and 6 DAT, respectively, compared to nicosulfuron applied alone. Absorption of 14C-dicamba by hemp dogbane was not affected by the addition of 31 g ai/ha nicosulfuron. Upward translocation of dicamba in hemp dogbane was 42% greater 6 DAT for nicosulfuron plus dicamba compared to dicamba applied alone. Increased hemp dogbane control with nicosulfuron plus dicamba compared to either herbicide applied alone can be explained by enhanced translocation of both herbicides.

When herbicides are applied in mixture, and infestation by weeds is less than expected compared with when herbicides are applied alone, a synergistic effect is said to exist. The inverse response is described as being antagonistic. However, if the expected response is defined as a multiplicative, nonlinear function of the means for the herbicides when applied alone, then standard linear model methodology for tests of hypotheses does not apply directly. Consequently, nonlinear mixed-model methodology was explored using the nonlinear mixed-model procedure (PROC NLMIXED) of SAS System®. Generality of the methodology is illustrated using data from a randomized block design with repeated measures in time. Nonlinear mixed-model estimates and tests of synergistic and antagonistic effects were more sensitive in detecting significance, and PROC NLMIXED was a versatile tool for implementation.

Pendimethalin plus atrazine (1,120 + 2,240 g ai/ha) or metolachlor plus atrazine (2,170 + 1,790 g ai/ha) applied PRE over 2 yr controlled broadleaf signalgrass and itchgrass 78 to 88% 30 d after treatment (DAT). The imazethapyr plus imazapyr prepackaged mixture (PREMIX) applied PRE at 47 + 16 g ai/ha controlled these weeds no more than 35%. With pendimethalin, metolachlor plus atrazine, or atrazine PRE followed by (fb) imazethapyr plus imazapyr POST, broadleaf signalgrass was controlled 89 to 98% and itchgrass 76 to 83% 28 d after POST application. When only imazethapyr plus imazapyr was applied POST, broadleaf signalgrass control was 88% the first year, but only 64% the second year. Itchgrass was controlled 71% when imazethapyr plus imazapyr was applied alone POST, but control was nearly 86% when pendimethalin or nicosulfuron was applied POST with imazethapyr plus imazapyr. Consistently high corn yields were obtained when pendimethalin was applied POST with imazethapyr plus imazapyr, and these corn yields were greater than those following POST-only applications of imazethapyr plus imazapyr in 1 of 2 yr. When imazethapyr plus imazapyr was applied alone POST, corn yield was at least 1.3 times that when imazethapyr plus imazapyr was applied alone PRE. Weed control with imazethapyr plus imazapyr POST at 47 + 16 g/ha was not improved when ammonium sulfate was added with nonionionic surfactant or when methylated seed oil with or without ammonium sulfate or organosilicone adjuvants were used in the spray solution compared with using only nonionic surfactant in the spray solution. When imazethapyr plus imazapyr plus the various adjuvants was applied to weeds 5 to 8 cm tall, broadleaf signalgrass was controlled 93%, itchgrass 74 and 88%, and pitted morningglory 87 and 93% 28 DAT over 2 yr.

Research was conducted in Mississippi in 2012 and 2013 to compare the efficacy of saflufenacil to other broadleaf herbicides applied in mixtures with imazethapyr in a Clearfield rice system. Saflufenacil at 50 g ai ha−1, carfentrazone at 35 g ai ha−1, a prepackaged mixture of halosulfuron plus thifensulfuron at 35 plus 4 g ai ha−1, and a prepackaged mixture of propanil plus thiobencarb at 2,240 plus 2,240 g ai ha−1 were applied in mixture with imazethapyr at 70 g ai ha−1 early-POST (EPOST) to rice in the one- to two-leaf stage or late-POST (LPOST) to rice in the four-leaf to one-tiller stage. No differences in injury among the broadleaf herbicides or between application timings were detected at any evaluation. Imazethapyr combined with propanil plus thiobencarb or saflufenacil provided the greatest control of barnyardgrass 7 and 14 d after treatment (DAT). Hemp sesbania, ivyleaf morningglory, and Palmer amaranth control was greatest and similar for imazethapyr combined with carfentrazone, propanil plus thiobencarb, and saflufenacil; however, rough rice yield was greatest for imazethapyr combined with propanil plus thiobencarb or saflufenacil. Propanil plus thiobencarb or saflufenacil can be used in a Clearfield rice system to achieve optimum weed control and highest rice yields.