Published online by Cambridge University Press: 12 June 2017
Differential napropamide [2-(α-naphthoxy)-N,N-diethylpropionamide] tolerance by redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus L.) and prostrate pigweed (Amaranthus blitoides S. Wats.) was noted in field study. Redroot pigweed was readily controlled whereas prostrate pigweed was not. Germination studies in which both pigweed species were directly exposed to napropamide (0 to 25 ppm) indicated that prostrate pigweed was the most susceptible of the two species. Root growth rates of untreated prostrate pigweed were 30% greater than redroot pigweed. When seeds of both species were germinated in a 4-cm layer of napropamide in greenhouse study each species was controlled equally well. Exposure of germinating seedlings of the two pigweed species to napropamide 1 day before emergence resulted in differential control. Seedlings of redroot pigweed never developed beyond the cotyledon stage; whereas, prostrate pigweed seedlings were initially suppressed by the herbicide, but surviving plants continued to grow. An early preemergence application or mechanical incorporation of napropamide should enhance control of prostrate pigweed.