Spotted knapweed (Centaurea maculosa Lam. # CENMA) communities were sampled to determine the relationship between age and the number of root rings, and the population age structure. Spotted knapweed taproots add one ring of secondary xylem annually. In 1984, populations were expanding with high densities of individuals in the early age classes, followed by a steady decline in the older classes. In 1985, the majority of the individuals in knapweed populations were in the older age classes. This change in the population age structure was attributed to high mortality among the young age classes due to a drought in 1985. The maximum age class at the sites ranged from 5 to 9 yr. The percentage of plants with floral stalks increased with age to a peak of 75% in the fifth year in 1984 and in the seventh year in 1985.

The optimum pH for germination of smallflower morningglory (Jacquemontia tamnifolia (L.) Griseb. # IAQTA] seed was 8.0. A scarification time of 25 to 60 s using a drum scarifier with medium grit provided the best germination, and the optimum temperature for germination was 35 to 40C. However, the optimum temperature for growth was 25 to 35C, with reductions in growth occurring above or below this range. Emergence after 14 days was 81 and 49% at planting depths of 1.5 and 10 cm, respectively. Shade levels of 30 to 92% reduced smallflower morningglory growth by 38 to 87% compared to plants grown in full sunlight.

Effects of ethylene, gibberellins, kinetin, nitrate, light, and temperature, each alone or combined with other factors, were studied on the germination of dormant seed of field pennycress (Thlaspi arvense L. # THLAR). Treated seed were incubated at a range of constant temperatures, at temperatures alternating daily between 12 and 22 C (12 h each), or at 12 C followed by transfer to 22 C. No germination ocurrred in water under any conditions. When applied in the dark KNO3 had no effect on germination under any of the temperature regimes. A combination of KNO3, light, and a shift in temperature from 12 to 22 C induced 100% germination. Four days of incubation at 12 C induced maximal seed sensitivity towards KNO3 + light, and the sensitivity remained unchanged if the incubation at 12 C was extended to 15 days. Upon transfer to 22 C, the effect of low-temperature incubation was lost within 3 days. Of the two seed lots studied, one had a relatively lower chilling requirement, but both had similar requirements for light and KNO3. Gibberellic acids4+7 (GA4+7) induced 100% germination in the dark or light at all temperature regimes. Gibberellic acid3 (GA3) was promotive under isothermal conditions, but its effectiveness was enhanced by a shift in temperature from 12 to 22 C. Kinetin or ethephon, each applied alone, had little effect on germination. Ethephon and GA3 together induced 100% germination.

Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri S. Wats. # AMAPA) planted in a field at monthly intervals from March through October at Shafter, CA, began to emerge in March when soil temperatures at a depth of 5 cm reached 18 C. With the exception of March and April plantings, at least 50% of the seed of later plantings produced seedlings within 2 weeks after planting. Although growth of plants was initially slower for early plantings, plantings from March to July reached 2 m or greater in height by fall. Due to longer growing times, plantings from March to June eventually produced more dry matter and a greater number of inflorescences than later plantings. Plants began flowering 5 to 9 weeks after planting in March through June and 3 to 4 weeks after planting in July through October. Some viable seed was produced as early as 2 to 3 weeks after flowering began. Total seed production in the fall ranged from 200 000 to 600 000 seed/plant for the March through June plantings, and 115 to 80 000 seed/plant for the July through September plantings. Killing frosts in November prevented Palmer amaranth planted in October from producing seed.

Studies were conducted to evaluate the effect of wild oat (Avena fatua L. # AVEFA) interference in lentils (Lens culinaris Medik). An infestation of 32 and 65 wild oats/m2 maintained up to 5 weeks in the field did not reduce lentil grain yield. However, 32 wild oats/m2 reduced yields 32% when allowed to remain for 7 weeks and 49% if they remained until harvest time (11 weeks). Sixty-five wild oats/m2 reduced grain yield 42 and 61% for the same time periods, respectively. In the growth chamber, 69 wild oats/m2 reduced lentil plant dry weight 29% if allowed to remain for 3 weeks, 61% for 5 weeks, and 72% for 7 weeks (harvest time). The field data suggest that wild oat control measures may be delayed for several weeks after lentil emergence without reducing crop yield.

When postemergence applications of sethoxydim {2-[1-(ethoxyimino) butyl]-5-[2-(ethylthio)propyl]-3-hydroxy-2-cyclohexen-1-one} were compared with DSMA (disodium salt of methylarsonic acid), MSMA (monosodium salt of methylarsonic acid), and glyphosate [N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine] for control of johnsongrass [Sorghum halepense (L.) Pers. # SORHA] in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L. ‘Acala SJ-2′), repeated annual applications of sethoxydim were more successful than other herbicides in protecting yields of cotton and reducing populations of rhizome johnsongrass over time. After the first year of treatment with sethoxydim in 1982, when an 18% yield loss of cotton occurred, populations of rhizome johnsongrass were reduced to the extent that they were no longer a threat to yields in plots treated with sethoxydim in 1983 and 1984. Although DSMA and glyphosate improved yields when compared to cultivated control plots, substantial yield losses occurred every year, and populations of johnsongrass remained unchanged after 3 yr of treatment. Averaged over 3 yr, plots treated with sethoxydim produced 94% as much cotton as weed-free plots, compared to 60 and 45% for plots treated with glyphosate and DSMA/MSMA, respectively.

A 50-yr buried-seed study was initiated at Fairbanks, AK, in 1984. Seed of 17 weed species important in Alaskan agriculture were collected and buried 2 and 15 cm deep. Seed viability was determined initially and after recovery from the soil through a combination of germination tests and 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) treatments. Seed exhumed at 9 and 21 months were tested for viability and dormancy. Burial depth had a significant effect on seed longevity of corn spurry (Spergula arvensis L. # SPRAR), wild oats (Avena fatua L. # AVEFA), pineappleweed [Matricaria matricarioides (Less.) C. L. Porter # MATMT], and bluejoint reedgrass [Calamagrostis canadensis (Michx.) Nutt.]. Viability was higher for seed buried at 15 than at 2 cm. Viability of shepherdspurse [Capsella bursapastoris (L.) Medik. #CAPBP] and pineappleweed seed did not decrease significantly over the 21-month burial period. In contrast, seed viability of wild buckwheat (Polygonum convolvulus L. # POLCO), common hempnettle (Galeopsis tetrahit L. # GAETE), wild oats, quackgrass [Agropyron repens (L.) Beauv. # AGRRE], and foxtail barley (Hordeum jubatum L. # HORJU) was less than 11% at the end of 21 months. There was no significant relationship between initial seed dormancy and viability after 21 months of burial.

Experiments were conducted in 1982, 1983, and 1984 to determine whether herbicides can effectively control weeds in annual statice (Limonium sinuatum Mill.) without reducing the marketability of the crop. A greenhouse evaluation of chlorpropham (1-methylethyl 3-chlorophenylcarbamate), napropamide [N,N-diethyl-2-(1-naphthalenyloxy)propanamide], EPTC (S-ethyl dipropyl carbamothioate), oxadiazon {3-[2,4-dichloro-5-(1-methylethoxy)phenyl]-5-(1,1-dimethylethyi)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-(3H)-one}, and trifluralin [2,6-dinitro-N,N-dipropyl-4-(trifluoromethyl)benzenamine] indicated that preemergence applications of the latter three herbicides resulted in the most effective weed control and least statice injury. Oxadiazon was the most effective for broadleaf and grass ed control in field-grown statice. Yield and quality were greatest in oxadiazon-treated plots and exceeded those of the handweeded controls. Annual statice was most sensitive to trifluralin.

Selected biological and physiological parameters of hydrilla [Hydrilla verticillata (L.f.) Royle # HYLLI] biotypes were compared in growth chambers, glasshouse, or outside aquaria. Salinity tolerance was similar for both biotypes with an injury threshold of approximately 13 parts per thousand (ppt). The registered aquatic herbicides diquat (6,7-dihydrodipyrido [1,2-α:2′,1′-c] pyrazinediium ion) and dipotassium and monoamine salts of endothall (7-oxabicyclo [2.2.1] heptane-2,3-dicarboxylic acid)4 produced similar injury to both biotypes. Biomass of the monoecious plants, growing in controlled environments, declined under short days. Tuber production in monoecious plants was greatest under short days and was significantly higher than in dioecious plants under the same conditions. Growth response to temperature was similar among all plants and was retarded at 15 C. Tuber germination occurred at lower temperatures in the monoecious plants, which was indicative of a lower temperature tolerance. Vegetative propagules were the only perennating structures observed in the monoecious biotype, and regrowth was entirely from tubers and turions. The annual growth habit, in conjunction with rapid and abundant propagule production, adapts the monoecious biotype to northern areas with short growing seasons.

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L. ‘Vernal′) was seeded broadcast or in drill rows spaced 18 cm apart in the same operation that EPTC (S-ethyl dipropylcarbamothioate) was applied. For broadcast seeding, EPTC was applied as herbicide-treated crop seed, as granules mixed with crop seed, or as granules applied with the crop seed, but with the seed and granules carried in separate boxes on the seeder. For drill-row seeding, EPTC was applied between the rows in subsurface lines as a liquid or granular formulation; and within the rows as herbicide-treated seed, as granules mixed with the seed, or as granules carried in a box separate from the seed. Weed control and crop tolerance with the more effective simultaneous applications of EPTC were similar to those with conventional preplant-incorporated applications. To seed alfalfa (either broadcast or in drill rows) and apply EPTC in one operation, the methods wherein untreated seed and a granular formulation of EPTC were applied together but from separate boxes on the seeder were the most practical, because the mechanical components, the seed, and the formulated herbicide are all commercially available.

Field studies were conducted in Saskatchewan to evaluate the effect of herbicides on annual canarygrass (Phalaris canariensis L.) and associated weeds. Bromoxynil (3,5-dibromo-4-hydroxybenzonitrile) at 0.35 kg ai/ha, tank mixes of bromoxynil at 0.28 kg/ha plus the ester of MCPA [(4-chloro-2-methylphenoxy)acetic acid] at 0.28 kg ae/ha, linuron [N′-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-N-methoxy-N-methylurea] at 0.28 kg ai/ha plus MCPA amine at 0.56 kg/ha, or propanil [N-(3,4-dichlorophenyI)propanamide] at 1.0 kg ai/ha plus MCPA ester at 0.28 kg/ha resulted in annual canarygrass seed and dry matter yields equal to the unsprayed check and excellent wild mustard (Sinapis arvensis L. # SINAR) and cow cockle (Vaccaria pyramidata Medik. # VAAPY) control. Metribuzin [4-amino-6-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-3-(methylthio)-1,2,4-triazin-5(4H)-one] at 0.21 kg ai/ha plus MCPA amine at 0.56 kg/ha reduced the crop stand in 1 out of 5 yr and seed yield every year. Postemergence application of difenzoquat (1,2-dimethyl-3,5-dipheny1-1H-pyrazolium) at 0.84 kg ai/ha or flamprop [N-benzoyl-N-(3-chloro-4-fluorophenyl)-DL-alanine] at 0.53 kg ai/ha, or preplant-incorporated triallate [S-(2,3,3-trichloro-2-propenyl)bis(1-methylethyl)carbamothioate] at 1.40 kg ai/ha optimized wild oat (Avena fatua L. # AVEFA) control with seed yields. Diclofop {(±)-2-[4-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)phenoxy)propanoic acid} at 0.70 kg ai/ha severely damaged annual canarygrass in all years. Triallate applied at 1.40 kg/ha preplant or preemergence incorporated marginally reduced the crop stand and seed yield compared to the untreated controls in tolerance tests.

Full-season interference from unicorn-plant [Proboscidea louisianica (Mill.) Thell. # PROLO] at densities ranging from 0 to 32 weeds/10 m row was measured on weed and cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L. ‘Westburn M′) parameters in three Oklahoma environments. Linear regression models using log10 transformations were superior to linear and comparable to quadratic models in estimating the impact of inter- and intraspecific competition. Weed measurements on an individual plant basis were not reliable indicators of interference. Weed dry biomass, ground cover, and seed capsule production/plot generally increased with increasing weed densities. In the three environments, densities of two, four, and eight weeds/10 m row initially reduced cotton plant height. Maximum height reductions averaged 20, 28, and 43% in the three environments but did not detrimentally affect the mechanical harvest of cotton. As unicorn-plant density (expressed in log10 units) doubled (within a range of 1 to 32 plants/10 m of row), lint yield reductions ranged from 84 to 146 kg/ha. Maximum lint yield losses averaged 59, 65, and 74% in the three environments. Transforming lint yield/plot to a percentage of that from weed-free plots resulted in a single quadratic equation applicable over environments. Unicorn-plant at the highest weed density reduced fiber fineness, uniformity, and length, but not fiber strength.

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) was grown in the presence of common cocklebur (Xanthium strumarium L. # XANST) on a Lucedale fine sandy loam. Cotton was maintained weed free or allowed to compete with common cocklebur for 0, 3, 5, 7, 9, or 11 weeks after planting. Mathematical predictions of seed cotton yield were optimum when maintained free from common cocklebur interference for 8 weeks or more after cotton emergence in 1981 and 1982, and 10 weeks or more in 1980. Common cocklebur adversely affected yield when allowed to compete longer than 4 weeks in 1981 and 1982, and 2 weeks in 1980.

Velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti Medik. # ABUTH) is difficult to control with existing weed control strategies. Some measure of control can be obtained with a fungus, Colletotrichum coccodes (Wallr.) Hughes, used as a bioherbicide, but when the bioherbicide application was combined with the plant growth regulator thidiazuron (N-phenyl-N′-1,2,3-thidiazol-5-yl-urea), weed control was substantially improved. Thidiazuron alone interfered with normal development of velvetleaf, causing stunting and initiation of axillary bud growth. Tank mix applications of C. coccodes and thidiazuron acted synergistically to increase velvetleaf mortality. When C. coccodes was applied 10 days after thidiazuron as a split application, weed control was less than for tank mix applications. However, two applications of C. coccodes plus thidiazuron were more effective than equivalent single tank mix applications. Under laboratory conditions, high concentrations of thidiazuron (2× field application rates) inhibited growth of C. coccodes, but at field application rates thidiazuron did not reduce disease development. Combinations of thidiazuron and C. coccodes may provide effective control of velvetleaf in the field.

Barnyardgrass [Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) Beauv. # ECHCG] spikelets were collected from greenhouse-grown plants at various developmental stages. Caryopses contained in a single spikelet were dormant at maturity, but dormancy was overcome when the spikelets were dry afterripened at 23 C or were treated with high temperatures, acid scarification, or punctured with a scalpel. The season at which anthesis occurred affected the length of time for afterripening. Enhanced germination due to puncturing and scarification was not related to removal of a restriction to water entry. The effectiveness of puncturing in overcoming dormancy depended on moisture content of the spikelets at the time of puncturing. Above 18% moisture content germination percentage was low regardless of the dormancy-releasing treatment.

The effect of chlorsulfuron {2-chloro-N-[[(4-methoxy-6-methyl-1,3,5 -triazin-2-yl)amino] carbonyl] benzenesulfonamide} on the phytotoxicity of postemergence applications of the methyl ester of diclofop ((±)-2-[4-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)phenoxy] propanoic acid} to Italian ryegrass [Lolium multiflorum (Lam.) # LOLMU] was investigated in field and greenhouse experiments. The addition of chlorsulfuron (14.8 g ai/ha field, 12.4 g/ha greenhouse) to 0.90 kg/ha diclofop reduced Italian ryegrass control 27% in the field and increased Italian ryegrass fresh weights in the greenhouse more than twofold over diclofop alone. The antagonism was more evident when combinations were used to treat Italian ryegrass in the three-leaf stage than the two- or four-leaf stage. Sequential applications yielded results similar to tank mix combinations. Chlorsulfuron and diclofop were approximately 400 and 50%, respectively, more active on Italian ryegrass when applied preemergence than when applied postemergence. Combinations of chlorsulfuron and diclofop applied preemergence to Italian ryegrass resulted in additive responses.

Corn (Zea mays L.) can be injured by carry-over of trifluralin [2,6-dinitro-N,N-dipropyl-4-(trifluoromethyl) benzenamine] in the soil from one crop year to the next. Factors influencing corn tolerance to carry-over concentrations of trifluralin in the soil were studied in controlled-environment chambers and greenhouse experiments. For several hybrids, greater injury occurred at low than at high temperatures. This injury was especially evident for ‘Pioneer 3320’ and ‘Pioneer 3572’ when the soil moisture was at 100% field capacity. Addition of phosphorus fertilizer appeared to have no influence upon trifluralin injury but did interact with alachlor [2-chloro-N-(2,6-diethylphenyl)-N-(methoxymethyl)acetamide]. Alachlor plus trifluralin injured corn in an apparently additive manner. Significant differences were found in genetic tolerance of corn to trifluralin within a group of hybrids. Tolerance of specific hybrids to trifluralin was altered by environmental conditions.

Field, greenhouse, and laboratory studies were conducted to evaluate the performance of starch xanthide (SX), sludge polymer (SP), and coventional formulations (CF) of benefin [N-butyl-N-ethyl-2,6-dinitro-4-(trifluoromethyl)benzenamine], oxadiazon {3-[2,4-dichloro-5-(1-methylethoxy)phenyl]-5-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-(3H-one}, and prosulfalin {N-[[4-dipropylamino)-3,5-dinitrophenyl] sulfonyl]-5,5-dimethylsulfilimine} for the control of large crabgrass [Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop. # DIGSA] in Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) turf. Turf injury was greatest with SP oxadiazon and prosulfalin formulations, while SX formulations of oxadiazon and prosulfalin caused decreased and /or delayed injury and provided control comparable to conventional formulations. Coarse SX granules containing prosulfalin caused less turf injury than fine granules, while the opposite effect sometimes occurred with SX oxadiazon. Differences in control were observed in the greenhouse when SX benefin formulations which varied in cross-linking agent and/or degree of substitution were compared to the conventional formulation on sandy and silt loam soils. Benefin SX formulations also demonstrated controlled-release properties, which improved large crabgrass control when compared to the conventional formulation in the greenhouse. This effect was short lived on silt loam but persisted on sand. SX granules cross-linked with Fe3+ extended benefin activity longer than H2O2 cross-linked materials on sandy soil only. Release of 14C-labeled benefin from SX matrices was altered by the extent of water imbibition, solvent characteristics, and granule size.

Field experiments were conducted to evaluate placement techniques for preemergence applications of pendimethalin [N-(1-ethylpropyl)-3,4-dimethyl-2,6-dinitrobenzenamine] in grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench.]. The first technique consisted of row shields mounted behind the planter units. Shields maintained an untreated strip over the crop drill and allowed successful crop establishment with pendimethalin at 1.1 kg ai/ha, despite a simulated, intense rainfall of 3.8 cm within 24 h after planting. A second technique, which consisted of a special nozzle arrangement, was evaluated in no-till grain sorghum. The nozzle arrangement allowed a broadcast herbicide application but maintained an untreated strip over the crop drill. No stand reductions occurred using this technique at pendimethalin rates of 1.1 and 2.2 kg/ha. In a growth chamber experiment, preemergence applications of pendimethalin severely injured grain sorghum when the soil was wet at the time of emergence, but injury was reduced under hot, dry conditions.

Full-season interference of silverleaf nightshade (Solanum elaeagnifolium Cav. # SOLEL) with dryland and irrigated cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L. ‘Paymaster 145′) was evaluated in five field experiments during 1984 and 1985, Weed densities ranged from 0 to 32 plants/10 m of crop row. Dry weight of silverleaf nightshade increased from 0.08 to 0.39 kg/plot for each additional weed/10 m of row. Intraspecific competition among silverleaf nightshade plants was not evident. However, cotton height was reduced at weed densities of 4 plants/10 m of row or more. The densities at which initial lint yield reductions occurred ranged from 4 to 32 weed plants/10 m of row. Irrigated cotton more effectively competed with the weed than did dryland cotton, suggesting that soil water was a primary competition factor between the two species. Boll size was reduced at densities of 2 weeds/10 m of row and above. Silverleaf nightshade reduced mechanical harvest efficiency only at densities of 16 and 32 plants/10 m of row. Fiber properties were not affected. Linear regression predicted that lint yield would be reduced 1.54% for each silverleaf nightshade plant/10 m of cotton row. The distance silverleaf nightshade was established from the crop row did not affect the weed's interference with cotton within a range of 0 to 30 cm.