Retention, absorption, translocation, and metabolism of propanil (3′,4′-dichloropropionanilide) in tolerant wheat (Triticum aestivum L. ‘Era’) and susceptible green foxtail [Setaria viridis (L.) Beauv. ♯3 SETVI] were studied to determine the basis of selectivity. Green foxtail retained 7.7 times more spray on a mg/g fresh weight basis than did wheat. Absorption of 14C-propanil by green foxtail was greater than by wheat during most of the 48-h uptake period, but differences in absorption were not large enough for absorption to be a major selectivity factor. Translocation of foliar-applied 14C-propanil was limited in both species; after 48 h, 96.7% of absorbed 14C remained in the treated wheat leaf and 99.7% remained in the treated green foxtail leaf. Limited metabolism of 14C-propanil occurred in green foxtail, with only 6.4% of extractable 14C-propanil metabolized to dichlorolactanilide and unknown 14C-compounds during a 72-h period. Wheat metabolized 65.8% of the extractable 14C-propanil to dichloroaniline and unknown 14C compounds by 72 h after treatment. The results of this research indicate that spray retention and propanil metabolism are the major factors involved in wheat tolerance and green foxtail susceptibility to propanil.

The absorption, translocation, metabolism, and retention of an isopropylamine formulation of glyphosate [N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine] in the presence and absence of the commercial dimethylamine salt and isooctyl ester formulations of 2,4-D [(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)acetic acid], or the commercial isooctyl ester formulation of bromoxynil (3,5-dibromo-4-hydroxybenzonitrile) was investigated in barley (Hordeum vulgare L. 'Summit′). In all treatments, absorption of 14C-glyphosate continued for up to 24 h, but no further absorption occurred with a further 48 h of treatment. A considerable reduction in absorption and translocation of 14C-glyphosate occurred when it was applied to the leaf surface in a mixture with the commercial formulation of either 2,4-D amine, 2,4-D ester, or bromoxynil. When a 14C-glyphosate solution was spotted on the leaf adjacent to drops of the commercial formulation of either 2,4-D amine, 2,4-D ester, or bromoxynil, no reduction in absorption or translocation of 14C-glyphosate occurred. The herbicide components of the 2,4-D amine and bromoxynil formulations were solely responsible for reduced absorption and translocation of 14C-glyphosate. No 14C-glyphosate metabolites were detected in barley following treatment with 14C-glyphosate either alone or mixed with the commercial formulations of 2,4-D amine or bromoxynil. No 14C-glyphosate complexes were detected in mixtures of the commercial formulations of 2,4-D amine, 2,4-D ester, or bromoxynil with 14C-glyphosate. Barley leaves retained less glyphosate when it was spray-applied together with the commercial formulation or the solvent system of 2,4-D amine.

Factors accounting for the differential response of five quackgrass biotypes to primisulfuron were compared. Previous field and greenhouse experiments had identified a biotype from Montpelier, OH, as being less susceptible to primisulfuron than biotypes from Amherst, MA; Mahnomen, MN; Fargo, ND; and State College, PA. Differences in shoot, root, and rhizome fresh weights and rhizome bud numbers did not account for the reduced susceptibility of the Montpelier, OH, biotype to primisulfuron. Spray retention was lower in biotypes from OH and MA compared to the others. Absorption of 14C following 14C-primisulfuron application was greater in the Amherst, MA, biotype compared to the others. Only 29% of absorbed 14C was present as primisulfuron in the Montpelier, OH, biotype versus 41 to 45% in the other biotypes 72 h after application. The amount of primisulfuron present in the Montpelier, OH, biotype 72 h after application was less than half the amount present in the other four biotypes due to reduced spray retention and faster metabolism. These factors combined explain lower susceptibility of the Montpelier, OH, biotype to primisulfuron.

Greenhouse, laboratory, and field studies were conducted to evaluate the potential of nonionic surfactant (NIS), crop oil concentrate (COC), methylated seed oil (MSO), and 28% urea ammonium nitrate (UAN) to enhance whole plant efficacy, absorption, and spray retention of foliar applications of isoxaflutole to giant foxtail. In greenhouse studies, isoxaflutole at 10 g ai ha−1 reduced giant foxtail growth 5%, whereas the addition of a spray adjuvant reduced giant foxtail growth at least 75%. The addition of UAN improved giant foxtail growth reduction when used in combination with isoxaflutole plus NIS. Isoxaflutole spray retention on the leaf surface was increased with an adjuvant and a further increase was observed with the addition of UAN. Isoxaflutole applied with NIS, COC, and MSO resulted in 42, 60, and 91% 14C absorption, respectively, compared to 21% absorption from isoxaflutole applied alone 24 h after treatment (HAT). Increased 14C absorption and entry into the cuticle when an adjuvant was utilized with isoxaflutole resulted in greater translocation of 14C from isoxaflutole out of the treated leaf. Significant basipetal movement from foliar applications of 14C-isoxaflutole suggests phloem mobility. In field studies, isoxaflutole applied with MSO provided greater giant foxtail growth reduction compared to isoxaflutole applied with NIS and in some cases COC. The addition of UAN to isoxaflutole did not increase whole plant efficacy in field studies. These studies indicate isoxaflutole has excellent potential to be used for control of existing giant foxtail present at the time of corn planting if an adequate adjuvant is utilized.

ED50 values (the dosage required to reduce the posttreatment gain in dry weight by 50%) for diclofop applied to green and yellow foxtail [Setaria viridis (L.) Beauv. ♯3 SETVI and S. lutescens (Weigel.) Hubb. ♯ SETLU] at the two- and four-leaf stages were calculated from linear regression equations derived by plotting the logarithm of the applied dosage against the relative growth reduction expressed as a probit value. At the two-leaf stage, green foxtail was more susceptible to the chemical than yellow foxtail but at the four-leaf stage there was no significant difference in response of the two species. At least part of the difference in sensitivity of the two species at the two-leaf stage could be accounted for by differences in spray retention, with green foxtail retaining 1.8 times (expressed as μL/cm2) or 3.5 times (expressed as μL/g dry weight) as much spray as yellow foxtail, despite the fact that yellow foxtail had a greater projected leaf area. At the four-leaf stage, the amount of spray retained by both species calculated on a per gram dry-weight basis was significantly less than at the two-leaf stage, accounting in part for the higher ED50 values obtained at the later growth stage. However, there appeared to be no direct relationship between the amount of spray retained and the comparative growth response of the two weeds at the later stage of application.

Investigations of smooth crabgrass growth and fenoxaprop-ethyl retention, foliar penetration, translocation, and metabolism were conducted at various soil moisture levels using a polyethylene glycol (PEG) semipermeable membrane system. The activity of fenoxapropethyl was significantly reduced at higher levels of moisture stress and this antagonistic effect was greater with increased duration of water deficit following herbicide application. Fenoxaprop-ethyl spray retention decreased linearly (23% total reduction) as soil matric potential (Ψm) decreased from −0.01 to −0.1 MPa. Foliar penetration and translocation of 14C-fenoxaprop-ethyl applied on the third true leaf were not affected by level or duration of moisture stress. Only 2% of the absorbed radioactivity was translocated out of the treated leaf for each moisture stress level and duration. As the soil Ψm decreased (−0.01 to −1.0 MPa) the relative levels of fenoxaprop-ethyl increased by 76 and 65% after a 48- and 96-h postapplication moisture stress period, respectively. In contrast, fenoxaprop acid decreased by 59 and 44% after 48 and 96 h of moisture stress, respectively. The relative level of fenoxaprop acid was linearly correlated to the antagonistic effect on shoot dry weight. These results suggest that decreased spray retention and, particularly, alterations in fenoxaprop-ethyl metabolism contribute to reduced fenoxaprop-ethyl activity observed in moisture-stressed smooth crabgrass.

Field studies were conducted in 1996 and 1997 to determine the effects of RP-201772 and RP-201772 tank mixtures applied to emerged Zea mays. RP-201772 at 105 g ha−1 and tank-mixed metolachlor/benoxacor or atrazine were applied preemergence and to spike, 2-leaf, and 4-leaf Z. mays. Herbicide treatments over the four application timings provided greater than 90% Chenopodium album, Ambrosia artemisiifolia, Amaranthus retroflexus, and Abutilon theophrasti control. However, Setaria faberi control varied among years and application timings. Severe Z. mays injury, 70% and 40%, was observed when RP-201772 tank-mixed with metolachlor/benoxacor was applied to 2-leaf and 4-leaf Z. mays, respectively. Greenhouse studies confirmed Z. mays sensitivity from delayed applications of RP-201772 tank-mixed with metolachlor/benoxacor. Similarly, increased Z. mays injury was observed from postemergence applications of RP-201772 tank-mixed with acetochlor/MON-13900. Herbicide absorption, translocation, metabolism, and retention studies were conducted to determine the physiological basis for the observed Z. mays injury from delayed applications of the RP-201772 tank mixture with metolachlor/benoxacor. Metolachlor/benoxacor increased radiolabeled RP-201772 absorption when applied to spike, 2-leaf, and 4-leaf Z. mays. RP-201772 translocation and metabolism did not explain enhanced Z. mays injury. However, RP-201772 retention increased fivefold when metolachlor/benoxacor was present in the spray solution and applied to 2-leaf and 4-leaf Z. mays. Increased RP-201772 absorption and retention appeared to be the basis for Z. mays injury when tank-mixed with metolachlor/benoxacor and applied to emerged Z. mays.

Glyphosate behavior was examined in Italian ryegrass plants from Chile that were sensitive (S) and resistant (R) to this herbicide. In order to explain the resistance to glyphosate, contact angles, spray retention, foliar uptake, herbicide translocation, and target enzyme activity were studied. Contact angles of glyphosate solutions at a field concentration were 40° to 45° on the abaxial surface of R leaves as compared to 70° on S. Glyphosate spray retention by R plants was 35% lower than by S plants. Glyphosate uptake by the abaxial leaf surface of R plants was about 40% lower than that of S plants. In addition, in the R plants more glyphosate migrated to the tip of the treated leaves. The target enzyme in R and S plants was sensitive to the herbicide. Based on these and previous results, it is concluded that resistance in this Italian ryegrass biotype results from lower spray retention, lower foliar uptake from the abaxial leaf surface, and altered translocation pattern. The decreases in spray retention and foliar uptake constitute new mechanisms of glyphosate resistance.

Calcium ion in the spray water can reduce glyphosate efficacy. Ammonium sulfate (AMS) is commonly added to the spray tank to overcome the reduced efficacy. However, it is sometimes claimed that ethoxylated tallow amine surfactant (EA) is also efficacious, provided that calcium concentration is moderate (= 5 mM, 200 ppm). On response curves of ‘Plaisant’ barley treated with glyphosate, the presence of calcium ion increased the glyphosate dose needed to obtain 50% (ED 50 ) barley growth reduction. The addition of AMS to the spray tank overcame the antagonistic effect of the calcium ion and restored glyphosate efficacy. EA was less effective than AMS at 5 or 10 mM calcium ion concentration as measured by ED 50 . However, at 90% growth reduction (ED 90 ), EA was more effective than AMS at the 5 mM calcium ion concentration but less effective at the 10 mM concentration. Hence, at a moderate (= 5 mM) calcium concentration, EA would be an effective adjuvant. Calcium ion decreased the foliar uptake of glyphosate but did not affect the rate of uptake. AMS but not EA restored foliar uptake to values observed without calcium ion. EA increased spray retention, and this probably accounted for the increased glyphosate efficacy at low calcium concentration.

Herbicide efficacy, coverage, and retention were evaluated for spray applied through Drift Guard, Turbo TeeJet, AI TeeJet, and TurboDrop drift-reducing nozzles compared to a conventional flat-fan nozzle. Percentage spray coverage detected on water-sensitive cards was greater for conventional and Drift Guard nozzles than for Turbo TeeJet, AI TeeJet, and TurboDrop nozzles. Spray without adjuvants was retained better by redroot pigweed for treatments applied with conventional and Drift Guard nozzles than Turbo TeeJet, AI TeeJet, and TurboDrop nozzles. However, spray with adjuvants was retained similarly for all nozzle types when averaged over spray adjuvant and two weed species. The efficiency of spray retention was greater for spray applied in 47 than in 190 L/ha spray volume for all nozzles. Paraquat and glyphosate, representing contact and translocated herbicides, respectively, provided similar grass species control for all nozzle types, regardless of spray volume. Paraquat and glyphosate were also equally or more effective in 47 compared to 190 L/ha spray volume.

Laboratory experiments were conducted to determine the effects of application factors and standing Triticum aestivum stubble on herbicide spray deposition and efficacy in a simulated no-till environment. Spray deposition on weeds was reduced in the presence of stubble, and deposition losses on Amaranthus hybridus were greater than those on Setaria faberi. Spray penetration through stubble was significantly enhanced with electrostatic charging of a fine hydraulic spray. The combination of 45 kV electrostatic charge and 50 cm nozzle spacing produced maximum spray deposition on weeds and resulted in a 96% and 345% increase in deposition on A. hybridus and S. faberi, respectively, compared to the uncharged controls. Deposit reduction from standing stubble was greater at travel speeds of 16 km h−1 (36 to 52%) than 8 km h−1 (9 to 38%). On a dry weight and plant density basis, weeds retained more spray than was retained by stubble, yet stubble, at average densities, was capable of capturing 9 to 12% of total applied spray dose per unit area. Bounce studies of individual droplets of water or imazethapyr plus adjuvant mixture demonstrated that T. aestivum straw had a general affinity for all spray droplets, exhibiting no rebound even for 800-µm water droplets. Setaria faberi foliage exhibited poor retention of droplets: both 350- and 800-µm water droplets as well as 800-µm droplets of imazethapyr plus adjuvant mixture rebounded. Only 350-µm herbicide mixture droplets were retained by S. faberi. Amaranthus hybridus retained all droplets. In broadcast spraying, British Crop Protection Council “Medium” quality sprays were poorly retained by S. faberi compared to “Fine” sprays, whereas A. hybridus retained both sprays equally well. However, imazethapyr spray deposits resulting from coarser sprays were more efficacious on S. faberi than fine spray deposits, a difference that was not observed for A. hybridus.

Sourgrass is a perennial weed infesting annual and perennial crops in Brazil. Three biotypes (R1, R2, and R3) of sourgrass suspected to be glyphosate-resistant (R) and another one (S) from a natural area without glyphosate application, in Brazil, were tested for resistance to glyphosate based on screening, dose-response, and shikimic acid assays. Both screening and dose-response assays confirmed glyphosate resistance in the three sourgrass biotypes. Dose-response assay indicated a resistance factor of 2.3 for biotype R1 and 3.9 for biotypes R2 and R3. The hypothesis of a glyphosate resistance was corroborated on the basis of shikimic acid accumulation, where the S biotype accumulated 3.3, 5.0, and 5.7 times more shikimic acid than biotypes R1, R2, and R3, respectively, 168 h after treatment with 157.50 g ae ha−1 of glyphosate. There were no differences in contact angle of spray droplets on leaves and spray retention, indicating that differential capture of herbicide by leaves was not responsible for resistance in these biotypes. The results confirmed resistance of sourgrass to glyphosate in Brazil.