Root applications of (2,4-dichlorophenoxy)acetic acid (2,4-D) at concentrations of 2.5 × 10−8M or higher inhibited growth of emersed parrotfeather (Myriophyllum brasiliense Camb.). There was little acropetal movement after applications of 1.1 × 10−5M 2,4-D-1-14C to the roots of emersed parrotfeather. When the metabolic inhibitor dinitrophenol at concentrations of 10−3 or 10−4M was root-applied concomitantly with 10−8M 2,4-D-1-14C, there was an acropetal movement of radioactivity in the transpiration stream to the plant shoot. Basipetal movement occurred in the phloem after applications of 2.2 μg 2,4-D-1-14C to mature leaves in the shoot center of emersed parrotfeather.

Ester derivatives of (2,4-dichlorophenoxy)acetic acid (2,4-D), 4-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)butyric acid (2,4-DB), 4-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)crotonic acid, and 4-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy-β-hydroxy)butyric acid each were applied to alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). Analysis of alfalfa extracts by gas chromatography and mass spectroscopy indicated 2-carbon additions to the aliphatic side chain of the applied chlorophenoxy compounds.

Experiments were conducted on poison ivy (Rhus radicans L.) to determine the effect of auxin on the formation of sprouts. Stump sprouting occurred where poison ivy propagules were decapitated. The influence of the shoot could be replaced by applying indoleacetic acid (hereinafter referred to as IAA) in lanolin paste to the cut surface of the stump. When the paste was removed after inhibiting stump sprouting for a month, sprouts formed within 35 days. This evidence supports the apical dominance theory of stump sprouting. When IAA-2-14C in lanolin was applied to the cut surface of the root stump, autoradiographs showed that 14C activity was concentrated where the majority of stump sprouts would develop, and chromatography of an extract indicated the presence of an auxin oxidation product of IAA. Dialyzed enzyme preparations from poison ivy stumps oxidized IAA in a Warburg apparatus which demonstrated that an IAA oxidizing system was present.

Plants of curly dock (Rumex crispus L.) were subjected to soil temperatures of 10, 15, 26, and 35 C in a growth chamber. A soil temperature of 10 C was most favorable for root growth and production of large seeds. The highest yields of seeds and fruit were obtained at 26 C. Significant reductions in seed and fruit production, wt per 100 seeds, plant height, and growth rate occurred at 35 C. The total germination of mature seeds was not affected by soil temperature, but the seeds ripened at 26 and 35 C germinated faster than those from the 10 and 15 C treatments.

Addition of ammonium nitrate greatly increased the absorption of solutions of the isooctyl ester of (2,4,5-trichlorophenoxy)acetic acid (2,4,5-T) by sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua L.), post oak (Quercus stellata Wangenh.), red maple (Acer rubrum L.), and loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) leaves. Phosphoric acid alone and mixed with ammonium nitrate caused less increase. Ammonium nitrate speeded translocation of the herbicide in post oak but not in the other species.

Relatively pure stands of eight weed species were maintained under field conditions on a Goldsboro loamy sand at Lewiston, North Carolina, for all or part of a 6-year period. Herbicides evaluated as preemergence surface treatments for these species were 2-sec-butyl-4,6-dinitrophenol (dinoseb), isopropyl m-chlorocarbanilate (chloropropham), 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethyl-urea (diuron), 2-chloro-4,6-bis(ethylamino)-s-triazine (simazine), and 3-amino-2,5-dichlorobenzoic acid (amiben). S-ethyl dipropylthiocarbamate (EPTC) and a,a,a-trifluro-2,6-dinitro-N,N-dipropyl-p-toluidine (trifluralin) were evaluated as preemergence incorporated treatments. The first four herbicides were evaluated in 1961, 1964, and 1966 while the last three were evaluated in 1962, 1963, and 1965. A series of rates was used for each chemical with three replications. With the exception of diuron which failed to control goosegrass (Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn.), all of the herbicides provided at least a moderate degree of control of goosegrass, smooth crabgrass (Digitaria ischaemum (Schreb.) Muhl.), and redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus L.) at the respective typical field use rates. In general, trifluralin and amiben gave the best grass control and dinoseb the poorest. None of the herbicides effectively controlled common cocklebur (Xanthium pensylvanicum Wallr.) or ivyleaf morningglory (Ipomoea hederacea (L.) Jacq.). Trifluralin and EPTC did not control Pennsylvania smartweed (Polygonum pensylvanicum L.), common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.), and common lambsquarters (Chenopodium album L.). Chloropropham was ineffective on common ragweed. Simazine, chloropropham, and amiben controlled Pennsylvania smartweed while diuron, simazine, dinoseb, and amiben were especially effective on common lambsquarters. Distinctive patterns of nematode infestations were observed as a function of weed species.

The release of 3-amino-2,5-dichlorobenzoic acid (amiben), 2-chloro-4-(ethylamino)-6-(isopropylamino)-s-triazine (atrazine), isopropyl m-chlorocarbanilate (chlorpropham), S-ethyl dipropylthiocarbamate (EPTC), and 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1-methoxy-1-methylurea (linuron) from excised soybean (Glycine max (L) Merr., var. Chippewa) roots following uptake of the herbicides from solutions for 1 hr was studied. Rates of release of herbicides into water were rapid with at least 30% of that taken up being released during the first 30 min. Herbicide X time and herbicide X concentration interactions were highly significant. In most instances, slow release continued for 4 hr, which was the duration of the experiment. Use of herbicide or nutrient solutions as release solutions did not significantly change the amounts of herbicides released. It was concluded that herbicide molecules released after 1 hr uptake were those that had diffused out from free space rather than those released from uptake or adsorptive sites.

Apical dominance, as maintained by above-ground foliage or individual rhizome apexes, is very marked in johnsongrass. (Sorghum halepense [L.] Pers.). Axillary bud development in single-node segments excised from individual rhizome pieces was least at the proximal end with increasing activity toward the distal end (apex end). Within serially excised, multi-node sections, axillary bud development was least at the proximal end and greatest at the distal end, and there was an overall increase in bud activity from proximal to distal ends of the rhizome pieces. This was true irrespective of whether the multi-node sections were cultured vertically (with buds oriented above the nodes) or were inverted (with buds oriented below the nodes). Lateral rhizomes exerted a dominating influence on the development of axillary buds from their parent rhizomes, as did the apical meristems of the parent rhizomes.

Versatile mist chambers, framed with aluminum and glass and having access from top and sides, permit culture of an extensive number of, and different types of, vegetative plant organs as well as seeds and plant pathogens. Pneumatic atomizing nozzles are staggered to permit division of the chamber, and the spray emitted can be regulated from each nozzle. The amount of water vapor emitted is regulated by changing the air pressure or siphon height. Gauge-monitored pressure regulators and solenoid valves control the air and spray system. Timing devices can be used to inject water vapor at desired intervals. Air passing through a condensation tube is recycled past cone heaters, providing temperature from ambient to 90 F, and a duct and baffle system provides uniformity of temperature throughout. A combination recorder and controller maintains the desired temperature.

The herbicide, 2,6-dichlorobenzonitrile (dichlobenil), applied to the soil surface at 2 lb/A controlled dodder (Cuscuta spp.) and other weeds for 4 to 6 weeks in the field, and did not injure established alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) significantly. Soil incorporation increased the herbicidal effect of dichlobenil on alfalfa and dodder, but alfalfa injury was increased more than dodder control. Dichlobenil was effective when applied just before sprinkler irrigation, or on moist soil after irrigating. In the greenhouse, dichlobenil vapors moved from a wettable powder formulation mixed with moist soil or from granules on the surface of moist soil, and killed dodder in adjacent untreated soil.

Glanded and non-glanded isogenic lines of cotton [Gossypium hirsutum L., var. Empire 61(WR)] were treated with 2-chloro-4-(ethylamino)-6-(isopropylamino)-s-triazine (atrazine) to determine the significance of lysigeneous glands in the tolerance of atrazine by cotton. The presence of lysigeneous glands did not increase atrazine tolerance by cotton or decrease the inhibition of photosynthesis by the herbicide. Detoxication of atrazine by N-dealkylation occurred in both glanded and non-glanded cotton. No significant difference in atrazine metabolism was observed between the two lines. Atrazine metabolism may be a more important factor than the presence of lysigeneous glands in the intermediate tolerance of cotton to atrazine.

The possibility of an interaction between (2,4-dichlorophenoxy)acetic acid (2,4-D) and frost-injured plants of spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L., var. Manitou) was investigated. Application of 2,4-D was made either a few hours prior to the frost or at varying periods following the frost. Although there was no statistical evidence of any interaction between the frost and 2,4-D, yields of grain tended to be lowest when plants were exposed to both frost and herbicide. On the basis of results obtained, it was concluded that there is no great risk of severe damage occurring to frost-damaged spring wheat plants if they are treated with 2,4-D within a short period of being exposed to frost.

A technique was developed for seeding rangelands which are too steep or too rocky to seed by current methods. Hardinggrass (Phalaris tuberosa L. var. stenoptera (Hack.) Hitchc.) and subclover (Trifolium subterraneum L.) were established by seeding immediately after spraying the resident vegetation with 1,1′-dimethyl-4,4′-bipyridinium ion (paraquat). Tested for seeding in sod were single-disk, double-disk, and hoe-type drill openers. The double disk was best adapted to the clay soils most common in the area. A heavy-duty rangeland drill was modified with custom-made, heavy, double-disk openers and equipped with a spray system which sprays either bands or full coverage. The resulting planter will kill weeds, plant seeds, and spread fertilizer any place where a crawler tractor can pull it. Weed-free bands of 6 and 12 inches were compared with full spray coverage. No hardinggrass was established without some weed control. In only 5 of 16 tests over a 5-year period was full-spray coverage superior to the 6-inch band. The 12-inch band or full spray may be preferable on shallow soils or soils of low water-holding capacity. Spraying helped establish subclover but, unlike with hardinggrass, was not critical. Grazing or mowing during the establishment period improved stands of both hardinggrass and subclover. Prolonged weed control made paraquat superior to cultivation by giving better weed control and a firmer seedbed.

Seedlings of 19 plant species were grown in soils containing 0 to 1,000 ppm of O,O-diisopropyl phosphorodithioate S-ester with N-(2-mercaptoethyl)benzenesulfonamide (bensulide) or 0 to 100 ppm of a,a,a-trifluoro-2,6-dinitro-N,N-dipropyl-p-toluidine (trifluralin) to determine phytotoxicity. Standard growth curves were constructed. The concentration of bensulide required to reduce the growth of shoots 50% (GR50) ranged from 1 ppm with barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crusgalli (L.) Beauv.) to more than 1,000 ppm with carrot (Daucus carota L., var. Long Imperator). Several plant species were more sensitive to bensulide in a Hidalgo sandy loam (pH 8.1) than in other soils including a Delfina loamy fine sand (pH 6.0). The concentration of trifluralin required to reduce the growth of shoots 50% (GR50) was not markedly affected by soil texture and ranged from 0.1 ppm with German millet (Setaria italica (L.) Beauv.) to more than 100 ppm with Long Imperator carrot. The standard growth curves have been used to quantify herbicidal activities in field soils.

The comparative performances of several herbicides incorporated 2.5 cm deep and unincorporated in furrow-irrigated soil were studied in four field experiments. Among eight herbicides evaluated, a,a,a-trifluoro-2,6-dinitro-N,N-dipropyl-p-toluidine (trifluralin) was the most effective herbicide and controlled redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus L.), Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri S. Wats.), common purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.), and barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crusgalli (L.) Beauv.) when incorporated, without reduction of yield in carrots (Daucus carota L., var. saliva, cv. Long Imperator). Trifluralin and O,O-diisopropyl phosphorodithioate S ester with N-(2-mercaptoethyl)benzenesulfonamide (bensulide) gave consistently good results in all years although soil temperatures and evaporative losses of water were variable. Bioassays indicated and gas-liquid chromatographic (hereinafter referred to as GLC) assays confirmed that rainfall moved bensulide and trifluralin 2.5 cm downward in soil, and that dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate (DCPA) was not moved below the original depth of incorporation in soil. GLC assays were most sensitive but generally agreed with bioassays of trifluralin-treated soils. Under high temperatures, infrequent rainfall, and furrow irrigation, the half-life of DCPA and trifluralin activities was 3 weeks, with no biological activity after 7 months. The half-life of bensulide activity was 6 months, with no biological activity after 22 months.

Root sections of Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop.) ecotypes from different states were field planted at Bozeman, Montana. Canada thistle survival from repeated applications of (2,4-dichlorophenoxy)acetic acid (2,4-D), and 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole (amitrole) was markedly different. Ecotypes varied less markedly to cultivation although they differed significantly. Resistance of ecotypes to cultivation seemed related to adaptation to site while resistance to herbicides apparently was related to inherent physiological differences as well as to differences in adaptation.

Two months after 5-amino-4-chloro-2-phenyl-3(2H)-pyridazinone (pyrazon) application (2.7 kg/ha), 80 to 100% of the total residue (1.3 to 4.2 μg/g) was in the upper 5 cm of soil. Herbicide movement occurred in soils that contained 3.8% organic matter or less. Pyrazon did not move below 10 cm or accumulate in soil as a result of movement. Adsorption of pyrazon was related to soil organic matter content (r = 0.90) and accounted for differences in herbicide movement previously observed. Calculations of pyrazon movement, based on soil organic matter content, coincided with depths of movement observed under field conditions.

Based on bioassays of soil samples from field plots, the rate of disappearance of 5-amino-4-chloro-2-phenyl-3 (2H)-pyridazinone (pyrazon) was estimated with a multiple regression equation. Within a limited geographic region, pyrazon residues were directly related to the organic matter content of soil and inversely related to rainfall during the growing season. The bacteria population increased with the presence of pyrazon in soil at soil temperatures ranging from 4.5 to 29.5 C, indicating a wide capability of microbiological utilization of the herbicide in soil. There was no evidence that soil bacteria or actinomycetes were adversely affected by pyrazon. Thin layer chromatography of ethanol extracts of soil containing 3H-phenyl-labeled and 14C-pyridazinone-labeled pyrazon revealed that pyrazon is dephenylated to 5-amino-4-chloro-3-pyridazinone. In a sandy loam soil, less than 10% of the herbicide was degraded to 5-amino-4-chloro-3-pyridazinone after 10 weeks at 21 C.

Seeds of several weed species, each with initially known responses to light and temperature, were buried in soil in an open field at 2.5, 7.6, and 15.2-cm depths during November. At 3-month intervals during the following year, the seeds were recovered in the dark and reexamined for their response to light and temperature, and their viability. Loss in viability occurred fastest with seeds having little initial dormancy and with shallow placement of seeds. Phytochrome was important in controlling germination of the recovered weed seeds, and manifested itself as an acquired type of dormancy, as well as an initial one. However, other factors in the soil environment appear to interact with the phytochrome system in the control of germination of weed seeds in soils.

Carbon-14-labeled 2-chloro-4,6-bis(ethylamino)-s-trazine (simazine) was applied at a low concentration to the root media of rye (Secale cereale L.), soybean (Glycine max L.), and corn (Zea mays L.) plants growing in nutrient solution that contained nitrate or ammonium nitrogen. The shoots of the plants grown on nitrate nitrogen contained more radioactive simazine per unit fresh weight than the plants that were grown on ammonium nitrogen. Less herbicidal injury was observed on soybean plants grown in soil fertilized with ammonium sulfate than on soybean plants fertilized with calcium nitrate.