More than 70% of all 14C-bentazon absorption occurred within 4 h after herbicide application regardless of adjuvant Moisture stress reduced 14C-bentazon absorption by common cocklebur and velvetleaf. Mature (second true leaf) and moisture-stressed leaves of velvetleaf had 50 and 17 μg cm−1 more epicuticular wax (ECW) than did juvenile and unstressed leaves, respectively. Common cocklebur had less 14C in the ECW and lower total 14C in treated mature leaves compared to juvenile leaves. The use of 28% urea ammonium nitrate (UAN) or crop oil concentrate (COC) increased 14C in ECW samples of both plant species, regardless of leaf age or moisture stress. More 14C in the ECW did not always correlate with more 14C in the leaf tissue. Adjuvants increased 14C-bentazon absorption into leaves of plants that had been stressed.