Greenhouse and growth chamber studies were conducted to determine the cause of previously observed differences in the effectiveness of bentazon [3-isopropyl-1H-2,1,3-benzothiadiazin-4(3H)-one 2,2-dioxide] when applied at various times of the day to velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti Medic). Leaves of velvetleaf moved rhythmically from a near horizontal day position to a near vertical night position with the tip of the blade pointed downward. Plants were sprayed with bentazon at various times of day. The amount of spray retained and the degree of control decreased as the leaves moved toward the vertical downward night position. This suggested that a major cause of the time-of-day effect with bentazon treatments on velvetleaf is variation in the amount of spray intercepted and retained as a function of varying leaf angles.