Studies were conducted in 1997 and 1998 to evaluate the efficacy and economics of glyphosate-resistant and nontransgenic soybean systems. The three highest yielding glyphosate-resistant and nontransgenic soybean cultivars were chosen each year for three Mississippi locations based on Mississippi Soybean Variety Trials. Treatments within each cultivar/herbicide system included nontreated, low input (one-half of the labeled rate), medium input (labeled rate), and high input level (labeled rate plus an additional postemergence application). In 1997, all systems controlled hemp sesbania by more than 80% but nontransgenic systems controlled hemp sesbania more than the glyphosate-resistant systems in most instances in 1998. High input levels usually controlled pitted morningglory more than low or medium inputs in 1997. In 1998, both systems controlled pitted morningglory by 90% or more at Shelby; however, at other locations control was less than 85%. Soybean yield in 1997 at Shelby was more with the glyphosate-resistant system than with the nontransgenic systems at medium and high input levels, primarily because of early-season injury to a metribuzin-sensitive cultivar in the nontransgenic system. In 1998, soybean yield at Shelby was more with the nontransgenic system than the glyphosate-resistant system, regardless of input level, due to poor late-season hemp sesbania control with glyphosate. Net returns were often more with the glyphosate-resistant system at Shelby in 1997. Within the glyphosate-resistant system, there were no differences in net return between input levels. Within the nontransgenic system, low input level net returns were higher compared to medium and high input levels due to higher soybean yield and less herbicide cost. At Brooksville, using high input levels, the glyphosate-resistant systems net returns were $55.00/ha more than the nontransgenic system. Net returns were higher with the nontransgenic system compared to the glyphosate-resistant system at Shelby in 1998, regardless of input level.

Field trials were conducted in 1998 and 1999 to determine the effect of delayed burndown timings on weed control and yield of no-tillage glyphosate-resistant corn planted into soybean residue and into a wheat cover crop. Burndown treatments containing glyphosate were applied to both trials when the corn was planted (PRE), when the corn began to emerge (SPIKE), or when the corn had three visible leaves (3-LEAF). As burndown timing was delayed, velvetleaf control increased in corn planted into soybean residue. Glyphosate applied at 0.84 kg ae/ha at the SPIKE or 3-LEAF timing followed by a sequential application of glyphosate at 0.84 kg/ha controlled velvetleaf 91% and corn yields were similar to the weed-free plots. Corn yields among the burndown treatments were directly related to velvetleaf control. In the wheat cover crop trial, wheat treated at the PRE timing was completely controlled and corn yields were similar to the weed-free plots. As burndown timings were delayed, corn emergence and yields were severely reduced. Glyphosate applied at 0.84 kg/ha to 25-cm-wide strips over the corn row at planting and followed with delayed burndown timings increased corn emergence and yield.

A diagnostic test (Syngenta Quick-Test, QT) used for testing grass weed survivors to herbicides in the field for resistance was evaluated. Cuttings from grass weeds were transplanted into pots to regenerate new leaves, then treated with herbicide. In greenhouse experiments, resistance of known herbicide-resistant blackgrass biotypes to the aryloxyphenoxypropanoate herbicides CGA 184927 and fenoxaprop-ethyl and to the phenylurea herbicide isoproturon was verified by the QT. The findings were similar to those for seedlings grown from seed. Rigid ryegrass from suspect resistant fields in South Australia was sampled and sent by post to Switzerland for QT analysis. Resistance was confirmed in less than 4 wk, which verified resistance as responsible for the field failures. The added features of the QT over current resistance tests suggest a likely fit for in-season testing of surviving weeds and possible follow-up action.

Field experiments were carried out during 1997 and 1998 in northern Greece to investigate the effects of tank mixing rimsulfuron and primisulfuron with atrazine or dicamba against johnsongrass in corn. Sequential applications, where the johnsongrass herbicides were applied 5 d after the broadleaf herbicides, were also evaluated. Rimsulfuron applied alone at 10 g ai/ha gave very good control (91%) of johnsongrass, which was significantly higher than that provided by 30 g ai/ha of primisulfuron (43%). Rimsulfuron applied in tank mixture with atrazine (1.0 kg ai/ha) or dicamba (0.28 kg ai/ha) gave 12 and 17% lower johnsongrass control, respectively, than of rimsulfuron applied alone, whereas the corresponding reduction for primisulfuron was 18 and 43%. Efficacy of rimsulfuron applied 5 d after the application of atrazine or dicamba was similar to that applied alone; however, this was not the case for primisulfuron, where reduced antagonism was observed compared to that produced by its tank mixture treatments. Again, primisulfuron was affected more by dicamba than by atrazine. Corn yield with rimsulfuron and primisulfuron applied alone was more than double that of the untreated control and similar to that of the weed-free control. Also, rimsulfuron applied with atrazine or dicamba (in tank mixture or sequentially) produced similar corn yield to that applied alone. However, primisulfuron applied in tank mixture or sequentially with dicamba gave 22 and 14% lower yield, respectively, than when applied alone, and slightly lower when applied with atrazine.

Of 78 biotypes of wild radish (Raphanus raphanistrum) collected from Western Australia (WA), 42% were resistant and 14% intermediate to acetolactate synthase (ALS)-inhibiting herbicides. Based on the LD50 and GR50 ratios, the resistant biotype K96071 was 81-fold more resistant to chlorsulfuron and 114- to 116-fold more resistant to metosulam than the susceptible biotype K96041. More resistant biotypes were found in northern zones than in southern zones of WA. Resistant biotypes evolved after five applications of chlorsulfuron in a predominantly cereal–lupin rotation. Where resistant biotypes were found, ALS-inhibiting herbicides were not rotated with herbicides with different modes of action as frequently as in fields with susceptible biotypes. Cross-resistance to chlorsulfuron and metosulam was found in the resistant biotypes even though only 15% of the 78 biotypes were exposed to two applications of metosulam over a 10-yr period. All 78 biotypes were effectively controlled by simazine and 2,4-D amine.

Field experiments were conducted in 1997 and 1998 to evaluate the effects of gypsum (GYP), anionic polyacrylamide (PAM), and dolomitic lime (DL) on atrazine and acetochlor efficacy and leaching. Surface-applied treatments of PAM (20 kg/ha), GYP (1,000 kg/ha), PAM + GYP (20 + 1,000 kg/ha), and DL (1,000 kg/ha), plus an unamended control, were evaluated at two locations, i.e., West Lafayette, IN (sites A and B) and Bourbon, IN (sites C and D). Sites A and C were evaluated in 1997 and 1998, while sites B and D were evaluated only in 1998. West Lafayette experiments were on a Raub silt loam (fine-silty, mixed, mesic, aquic Arguidolls) soil, and Bourbon experiments were on a Rensselaer silt loam (fine-silty, mixed, mesic, Typic Arguidolls) soil. Atrazine and acetochlor efficacy was reduced on GYP-amended plots at site A in 1997 where the total weed density was significantly higher (P = 0.10) compared with all other treatments. The results were not significant at this site in 1998; however, weed density tended to be higher with the GYP treatment. Weed density was significantly higher with DL amendments than with the other treatments at site B in 1998. Weed control was not reduced with any treatment at site C or site D in 1997 and 1998. The very strong weed pressures at these sites may have hidden potential differences. Rainfall within hours of amendment and herbicide application resulted in increased atrazine and acetochlor leaching below 15 cm under GYP-amended plots compared with all the treatments at site C in 1997. Atrazine and acetochlor concentrations in the soil were similar among treatments at all other sites, sampling times, and in both years. The application of GYP increased herbicide leaching only when heavy rainfall occurred immediately after application.

Two field experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of selected herbicides on Italian ryegrass, combined Italian ryegrass plus wheat forage production, and returns from hard red winter wheat grain. Herbicides included BAY FOE 5043 + metribuzin (4:1 w/w premix), BAY MKH 6562, chlorsulfuron, chlorsulfuron + metsulfuron (5:1 w/w premix), diclofop, MON 37560, pendimethalin, ICIA 0604, and triasulfuron. Italian ryegrass was controlled 80% or more by 28 of 34 treatments. Grain dockage was reduced by 33 of 34 treatments at both sites, and grain yield was improved at both sites by 29 of 34 treatments. No herbicide treatment decreased forage protein content, but forage yield was frequently decreased by controlling Italian ryegrass. Gross returns from wheat grain were improved over the untreated check by all but six treatments at site 1, and by all but one treatment at site 2. The data did not support the hypothesis that returns from forage plus grain could be maximized by delaying Italian ryegrass control until grazing termination.

Greenhouse and field experiments were conducted in North Dakota to determine the effect of adjuvants applied with imazapic on the control of leafy spurge and production of various grass species and to determine the most effective fall-application timing of imazapic for optimum leafy spurge control with minimal effect on herbage. Imazapic applied with a methylated seed oil (MSO) adjuvant tended to provide greater leafy spurge control than when applied with other types of adjuvants. Imazapic applied alone or with adjuvants reduced production of some grass species in the greenhouse, but it did not decrease herbage production in the field. Imazapic at 140 g/ha applied with MSO or with 28% N plus MSO averaged 72% leafy spurge control 12 mo after treatment, compared to 33% control from imazapic alone and 40% control from picloram plus 2,4-D. Imazapic at 140 g/ha applied with MSO in mid-September provided greater leafy spurge control compared to August or October applications.

The experimental sulfonylurea herbicide ASC-67040 was evaluated preemergence (PRE) and postemergence (POST) at 25 to 100 g ai/ha and PRE at 50 g/ha followed by ASC-67040 POST at 50 g/ha for broadleaf weed control in potato and tomato. In Virginia, ASC-67040 POST at 50 and 100 g/ha gave 70 to 98% control of common lambsquarters, common ragweed, and jimsonweed with slight (0 to 6%) ‘Superior’ potato and moderate (0 to 23%) ‘Agriset’ tomato injury. This crop injury was present primarily as chlorosis in terminal growth and disappeared by 3 wk after treatment (WAT). Potato tuber and tomato fruit yields were high in ASC-67040-treated plots. In North Carolina, ASC-67040 PRE and POST at 50 and 100 g/ha controlled 10 species of annual broadleaf weeds and grasses, and at 25 g/ha ASC-67040 gave greater than 90% control of most species. ASC-67040 injured ‘Fontenot’ potato more than Superior and caused 10 to 13% injury to ‘Mountain Spring’ tomato but did not injure ‘Mountain Pride’ tomato. Mountain Spring tomato recovered rapidly and produced high yields. In the greenhouse, yellow nutsedge control by ASC-67040 POST at 25 to 100 g/ha was 59 to 86% 3 WAT and yellow nutsedge height, dry weight, and regrowth dry weight were reduced by all rates. Lower rates of ASC-67040 might control weeds and cause less injury to potato and tomato.

Field studies were conducted to compare venturi-type nozzles to a fan nozzle with respect to the efficacy of postemergence herbicides applied to common cocklebur and broadleaf signalgrass. Spray solutions of glufosinate, glyphosate, and paraquat were applied through all combinations of three nozzles and two application volumes. Venturi nozzles were a Delavan Raindrop Ultra (RU) and a Spraying Systems AI Teejet (AI). A Spraying Systems XR Teejet (XR) fan nozzle was included as a standard. Previous work indicated droplet size spectra differed among these nozzles. There was a difference in common cocklebur control among nozzles (AI = XR > RU), although control was at least 90% for all nozzles. Herbicide choice had a greater effect on broadleaf signalgrass control than nozzle type. Broadleaf signalgrass control differed among herbicides (glufosinate = paraquat > glyphosate) and among nozzles (AI = XR > RU). Herbicide performance varied between nozzles (AI > RU), but the AI nozzle was as effective as the XR fan nozzle.

A rapid method for determining the response of cereals to glyphosate is described. This method detects the differential responses of plants in 4 d, allowing for the rapid selection of glyphosate-tolerance response. Two types of tests determined the efficacy of this rapid method: differential response to different dosages of herbicide in a coleoptile growth test and in sprayed plants. In seedling assay, barley cultivars showed a higher level of tolerance to glyphosate (the dose that causes 50% of the total effect [I50] = 0.066 and I50 = 0.060 mM) than wheat cultivars (I50 = 0.018 and I50 = 0.014 mM). The response in seedling assay is well correlated (r2 = 0.95 and r2 = 0.98) with the response in plant-sprayed assays. The method was employed to verify the tolerance level of a sensitive barley cultivar and the four tolerant and sensitive mutant lines derived from it.

Field studies were conducted from 1995 through 1998 to evaluate citronmelon control with postemergence (POST) herbicides. Imazapic at any application timing and late postemergence (LPOST) applications of 2,4-DB were the only herbicides that provided >80% control of citronmelon late season. Other herbicides such as acifluorfen, imazethapyr, lactofen, and pyridate provided acceptable (>75%) early-season control of citronmelon, but control was inadequate at harvest.

Field experiments were conducted on a silty clay loam in Corvallis, OR during the summers of 1995 and 1996 to study the effects of soil solarization, spring-planted green manure crops, fumigation with metham, and combinations of these treatments on annual bluegrass seed survival. Annual bluegrass seeds were incorporated into the soil as a bioassay species and soil samples extracted to a depth of 15 cm to determine effects on seed survival. Soil solarization was applied over a 53- or 59-d period using a 0.6-mil clear polyethylene film. Soil samples were collected from four depths after the solarization period in both solarized and nonsolarized plots and surviving seeds germinated in a greenhouse. Maximum soil temperatures recorded at 5-, 10-, and 20-cm depths were 52, 47, and 33 C in solarized soil, respectively. Solarization reduced annual bluegrass seed survival from 89 to 100% in the upper 5 cm of soil, but did not reduce survival below 5 cm. Solarization may have enhanced seed survival below 5 cm. Cover crops of barley, rapeseed, and sudangrass generally increased survival of annual bluegrass seeds buried 2.5 to 15 cm deep in the soil. Green manure cover crops plus solarization did not improve the efficacy of solarization alone and in some cases diminished the effectiveness of solarization. Solarization significantly improved the efficacy of one-quarter rates of metham (230 L/ha) in the top 5 cm of soil, reducing overall annual bluegrass seed survival in the soil by 40% compared with metham alone (230 L/ha) but only 30% compared with solarization alone. The conventional rate of metham (930 L/ha) was the most effective and consistent treatment across all depths.

Field experiments were conducted to determine the influence of nozzle type, spray volume, and adjuvants on herbicide efficacy. Carfentrazone and imazamox, representing contact and translocated herbicides, respectively, were equally or more effective when applied with drift-reducing TurboDrop or Drift Guard nozzles than the conventional flat-fan nozzle in 95% of the comparisons. Imazamox was equally effective when applied in 47, 94, or 190 L/ha spray volume, regardless of nozzle type or adjuvant. Carfentrazone applied in 47 L/ha spray volume controlled flax and sunflower as well as in 94 or 190 L/ha, provided urea ammonium nitrate fertilizer and either nonionic surfactant or methylated vegetable oil were included in the spray mixture. Conversely, carfentrazone with only urea ammonium nitrate was less effective when applied in 47 than in 94 or 190 L/ha spray volume. Carfentrazone and imazamox applied in low spray volumes (47 L/ha) gave consistent control when an effective adjuvant was included in the spray mixture.

The role of preplant glyphosate applications and residual herbicides in the efficacy of glyphosate for weed management in double-crop no-till glyphosate-resistant soybean (GRS) was investigated in the coastal plains of Mid-Atlantic United States. The experiment had a two- by two- by five-factorial treatment structure laid out in three or four randomized complete blocks at research centers in Delaware and New Jersey. The factors investigated were preplant weed management: preplant or no preplant glyphosate applications; postemergence (POST) herbicide treatments: 0.8 kg ae/ha glyphosate alone or 0.8 kg/ha glyphosate tank-mixed with 0.6 kg ai/ha clomazone plus 0.07 kg ai/ha imazethapyr; and GRS growth stage at herbicide application which ranged from cracking, 5 to 8 d after planting, (DAP) to the V6 stage (35 DAP). Preplant glyphosate applications did not influence the efficacy of POST glyphosate applications alone or with the residual herbicides. Glyphosate alone or with clomazone plus imazethapyr provided excellent control of horseweed and fall panicum irrespective of the time of herbicide application from GRS at cracking to the V6 stage. With other weed species, residual herbicide influence varied with year, weed species, and GRS growth stage at herbicide application. Generally, glyphosate alone was most effective when applied at the V2 to V6 stages (16 to 35 DAP). A tank-mix of glyphosate with clomazone plus imazethapyr extended this window to include applications at GRS cracking and the V1 stage. Herbicide treatments were safe on GRS at all stages of application up to the V6 stage (35 DAP).

Field experiments were conducted in 1996, 1997, and 1998 at Lacombe and Lethbridge, AB, to determine the influence of early weed competition on field pea yields. Wild oat and Tartary buckwheat were removed from plots at weekly intervals after pea emergence by hand-weeding and maintained weed-free for the remainder of the growing season. Tartary buckwheat produced slightly more biomass than wild oat at Lacombe, whereas wild oat produced much more biomass than Tartary buckwheat at Lethbridge. Weed-free pea yields at Lacombe were always two- to threefold higher than at Lethbridge. At Lethbridge, early competition with Tartary buckwheat in all years, and with wild oat in 1998, did not reduce pea yields. In 1996 and 1997 at Lethbridge, pea yield reductions due to wild oat began at 2 wk after pea emergence; for the next 2 wk yield loss was linear, decreasing at an average rate of 97 kg/ha per day. Early weed competition led to pea yield losses at Lacombe in all 3 yr. The onset of yield loss at Lacombe over the 3-yr period ranged from 1 to 2 wk after pea emergence; for the next 2 to 3 wk yield loss was linear, decreasing at an average rate of 45 kg/ha per day. Yield losses after full-season weed competition ranged from 40 to 70% at both sites. Usually, the beginning of the critical weed-free period was at 1 or 2 wk after pea emergence. Optimum pea yields usually required weed removal very early in the pea life cycle; weed removal beyond 2 wk after pea emergence often protected only suboptimal yields.

Glyphosate-resistant (Roundup Ready®) soybean is widely grown to provide broad-spectrum weed control following sequential applications of glyphosate. Studies were conducted during 1998 and 1999 at Keiser, AR, and in 1999 at Pine Tree, AR, to examine the effect of glyphosate-resistant soybean populations on the number of glyphosate applications needed to maintain 90% or greater control of all weed species and on the gross profit margin from weed management. Soybean was seeded in 19-cm rows at 12 rates ranging from 185,000 to 1,482,000 seeds/ha. Each seeding rate received a single application of 0.56 and 1.12 kg ai/ha glyphosate once weeds were 5 to 7 cm tall, followed by repeat applications when control of any species fell below 90%. Soybean yield and gross profit margin at Keiser were similar both years, and a quadratic curve best described the relationship between seed yield and seeding rate, with maximum predicted and observed yield at 988,000 seeds/ha. Soybean seeding rate affected light interception by soybean and the number of glyphosate applications needed to maintain 90% control of all species. By the later stages of vegetative development, soybean at Pine Tree achieved ≥95% light interception, maximizing yield at all seeding rates. Late-season light interception at Keiser ranged from 88 to 99%, causing soybean yield to vary by seeding rate. Three applications of 0.56 kg/ha glyphosate were needed at seeding rates of 185,000 and 247,000 seeds/ha, whereas higher seeding rates sometimes required only a single application for season-long weed control. Application and herbicide costs were offset by reduced seeding costs; thus, predicted gross profit margin from weed management was optimized at the lowest seeding rate of 185,000 seeds/ha.

Field studies were conducted from 1996 to 1998 at Queenstown, MD to evaluate weed management programs utilizing single and multiple applications of glufosinate, with and without preemergence (PRE) and postemergence herbicides in both glufosinate-resistant (GR) corn and soybean. No herbicide treatment resulted in corn or soybean injury greater than 10% at 7 d after treatment (DAT). No injury was visible at 14 DAT for both GR corn and soybean. In corn, all treatments provided 72% or greater giant foxtail control 14 wk after planting (WAP). With soybean, in 1996 and 1998, few differences in giant foxtail control were observed, with all treatments providing at least 93% giant foxtail control 12 WAP. For common lambsquarters control in GR corn, there were no differences in control among treatments for 1996 and 1997. Over 80% common lambsquarters control was observed both years with all treatments 14 WAP. Glufosinate + atrazine at 0.4 kg/ha + 1.7 kg ai/ha, respectively, provided 100% season-long common lambsquarters control all three years of the study. For GR soybean, few differences in common lambsquarters control existed between treatments for all three years. Most treatments provided 72% or greater common lambsquarters control 12 WAP. Few differences in grain yield between herbicide treatments were observed for either GR corn or soybean. These studies illustrated that glufosinate, whether applied alone, sequentially, in tank-mixes, or as an overlay to a PRE program in GR corn and soybean is a viable herbicide program for the control of giant foxtail and common lambsquarters.

Field research was conducted at three locations in Iowa to determine the effectiveness of glyphosate for velvetleaf control in glyphosate-resistant soybean. Velvetleaf survival ranged from 46 to 81% when treated with 420 g ae/ha glyphosate, whereas survival ranged from 13 to 37% at the 840 g/ha rate. At two locations, velvetleaf survival was greater when treated at the 12- to 17-cm height compared with application to either 8- to 10- or 20- to 30-cm-tall plants. Growth of plants surviving glyphosate application was greatly reduced, with the high glyphosate rate reducing velvetleaf aboveground biomass by over 90% compared to untreated plants. A linear relationship between biomass and capsule number was observed for both control plants and plants surviving glyphosate, both having slopes of approximately one. Velvetleaf surviving glyphosate treatment should have minimal impact on soybean yield due to reduced growth; however, surviving plants may replenish the seed bank, leading to future management problems.

The efficacy of glyphosate applied alone or in combination with residual herbicides in full-season no-till glyphosate-resistant soybean (GRS) was investigated in New Jersey and Delaware on sandy drought-prone soils. Treatments were in a two- by two- by five-factorial arrangement laid out in three or four randomized complete blocks. The factors investigated were—two preplant glyphosate applications: preplant glyphosate applications or no preplant glyphosate applications; two herbicide treatments: 0.8 kg ae/ha glyphosate alone or 0.8 kg/ha glyphosate tank-mixed with 0.6 kg ai/ha clomazone plus 0.07 kg ai/ha imazethapyr; and herbicide application at five GRS growth stages: at cracking or one of the four times between the V1 and V7 stages. Preplant glyphosate application for the control of emerged weeds was essential for satisfactory control of common annual weeds with glyphosate alone or glyphosate combined with residual herbicides when rainfall was high (avg. 120 mm/mo), but less important when rainfall was low (avg. 72 mm/mo). Compared to glyphosate alone, glyphosate plus residual herbicides improved the control of common lambsquarters, fall panicum, and common ragweed, when applied at cracking or at the V1 stage and preceded by preplant glyphosate applications. At all stages of application, satisfactory full-season control of ivyleaf morningglory was achieved only with glyphosate plus residual herbicides. Horseweed, large crabgrass, giant foxtail, or smooth pigweed control varied from good to excellent (80 to 100%) at all stages of application of glyphosate alone or with residual herbicides. Glyphosate applied alone or with residual herbicides was safe on GRS regardless of time of application up to the V7 stage. The highest soybean yield was consistently achieved with preplant glyphosate applications followed by glyphosate alone at the V2 to V4 stages or a preplant glyphosate application followed by glyphosate plus residual herbicides applied from crop emergence to the V4 stage.