Off-target movement of herbicides is a concern in California rice production, where sensitive crops are often grown nearby. Florpyrauxifen-benzyl and triclopyr are auxin mimics that are commonly used in rice systems. To steward florpyrauxifen-benzyl around the time of its initial registration in the state, research was conducted to compare the onset of foliar symptoms from simulated florpyrauxifen-benzyl and triclopyr drift onto grapevine, peach, and plum. The use rates on rice were 1/200×, 1/100×, 1/33×, and 1/10× of 29.4 g ai ha–1 florpyrauxifen-benzyl; and 1/200×, 1/100×, and 1/33× of 420.3 g ae ha–1 triclopyr. Herbicides were applied on one side of 1- to 2-year-old peach and plum trees and one side of established grapevines in 2020 and 2021. The general symptoms from applications of florpyrauxifen-benzyl and triclopyr were similar and included chlorosis, leaf curling, leaf distortion, leaf malformation, leaf crinkling, and necrosis. The symptoms from herbicides were observed on both sides of the grapevine canopy, whereas florpyrauxifen-benzyl symptoms on peach and plum were mostly observed on the treated side of the tree. Florpyrauxifen-benzyl and triclopyr symptoms were observed 3 d after treatment (DAT) for grapevines and 7 DAT for peach and plum. In all crops, most symptoms persisted through 42 DAT. Some grape clusters showed deformation and dropping of berries. All treated crops gradually recovered during the season regardless of application rates. Because symptoms in peach and plum were relatively minor, this research suggests that application precautions to reduce off-site drift are likely to minimize the occurrence of significant injury. However, grapevines were more sensitive and showed injury symptoms of up to 71% at 14 DAT with a simulated drift rate of 1/10× florpyrauxifen-benzyl. Therefore, extra precautions, such as using drift-management agents and closely monitoring wind speed conditions at the time of florpyrauxifen-benzyl applications may be necessary if vineyards are nearby.

In Georgia plasticulture vegetable production, a single installation of plastic mulch is used for up to five cropping cycles over an 18-mo period. Preplant applications of glyphosate and glufosinate ensure fields are weed-free before transplanting, but recent data suggest that residual activity of these herbicides may pose a risk to transplanted vegetables. Glyphosate and glufosinate were applied preplant in combination with three different planting configurations, including 1) a new plant hole into new mulch, 2) a preexisting plant hole, 3) or a new plant hole spaced 15 cm from a preexisting plant hole (adjacent). Following herbicide application, overhead irrigation was used to remove residues from the mulch before punching transplanting holes for tomato, cucumber, or squash. Visible injury; widths; biomass; and yield of tomato, cucumber, or squash were not influenced by herbicide in the new mulch or adjacent planting configurations. When glyphosate was applied at 5.0 kg ae ha−1 and the new crop was planted into preexisting holes, tomato was injured by 45%, with reduced heights, biomass, and yields; at 2.5 kg ae ha−1 injury of 8% and a biomass reduction was observed. Cucumber and squash were injured by 23% to 32% by glyphosate at 5.0 kg ae ha−1, with reductions in growth and early-season yield; lower rates did not influence crop growth or production when the crop was placed into a preexisting plant hole. Glufosinate applied at the same rates did not affect tomato growth or yield when planted into preexisting plant holes. Cucumber, when planted into preexisting plant holes, was injured by 43% to 75% from glufosinate, with reductions in height and biomass, and yield losses of 1.3 to 2.6 kg ai ha−1; similar results from glufosinate were observed in squash. In multi-crop plasticulture production, growers should ensure vegetable transplants are placed a minimum of 15 cm away from soil exposed to these herbicides.

A prelaunch survey of broadleaf weeds was conducted to predict the weed management efficacy of a novel genetically engineered sugar beet with resistance traits for glyphosate, dicamba, and glufosinate. We targeted problematic broadleaf weed species prevalent in sugar beet fields, including kochia, common lambsquarters, Palmer amaranth, and redroot pigweed in Colorado, Nebraska, and Wyoming. The results revealed that a significant percentage of kochia populations in Colorado, Nebraska, and Wyoming exhibited resistance to glyphosate (94%, 98%, and 75%, respectively) and dicamba (30%, 42%, and 17%, respectively). Palmer amaranth populations had resistance frequencies for glyphosate and dicamba of 80% and 20% in Colorado and 20% and 3% in Nebraska, respectively. No resistance to the tested herbicides was identified in common lambsquarters or redroot pigweed. Glufosinate resistance was not identified for any species. Kochia and Palmer amaranth populations from Colorado and Nebraska exhibited glyphosate resistance primarily through 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS) gene amplification. However, one glyphosate-resistant kochia population from Wyoming lacked EPSPS gene amplification, indicating the presence of an alternative resistance mechanism. We identified the previously characterized IAA16 G73N substitution in a dicamba-resistant kochia population from Nebraska. However, dicamba-resistant kochia populations from Colorado did not possess this substitution, suggesting an alternative, yet-to-be-determined resistance mechanism. The widespread prevalence of glyphosate and dicamba resistance, coupled with the emergence of novel resistance mechanisms, poses a significant challenge to the long-term efficacy of this novel genetically engineered sugar beet technology. These findings underscore the urgent need for integrated weed management strategies that diversify effective herbicide sites-of-action and incorporate alternative weed management practices within cropping systems.

Bayer Crop Science anticipates launching several premixtures for use in soybean, targeted at control of Palmer amaranth. One of the premixtures will contain diflufenican (Weed Science Society of America [WSSA] Group 12), metribuzin (WSSA Group 5), and flufenacet (WSSA Group 15) (DFF-containing premixture), offering an alternative site of action for soybean producers. Field experiments were conducted in Arkansas and Michigan to evaluate application timings of the DFF-containing premixture for soybean tolerance and weed control and possible cultivar tolerance differences to diflufenican and the DFF-containing premixture. Soybean injury from the 1X and 2X rates of the DFF-containing premixture ranged from 0% to 60% 14 d after planting (DAP), with injury increasing the closer the herbicide was applied to soybean emergence. Excluding the 2X rate applied 3 DAP in Arkansas in 2023, soybean injury was <20% regardless of location, site-year, application timing, and rate. For weed control experiments, only a 1X rate of the DFF-containing premixture was applied at the various application timings. Control of five weed species, encompassing broadleafs and grasses, ranged from 81% to 98%, regardless of application timing, by 28 DAP. By 42 DAP, weed control ranged from 71% to 97%, with the 14-d preplant application timing typically being the least effective. The DFF-containing premixture and diflufenican alone were applied PRE at 1X and 2X rates for the soybean cultivar study. Soybean metribuzin sensitivity did not affect the degree of crop response, even in a high-pH soil, and injury to soybean never exceeded 20%. Overall, the DFF-containing premixture will be a tool that soybean producers can integrate into a season-long herbicide program for use across the United States regardless of soybean cultivar.

Trifludimoxazin is a novel protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO)-inhibiting herbicide currently under development for foliar and residual control of several problematic weeds in preplant applications for soybean production. Field experiments were conducted in 2017 and 2018 to evaluate the foliar efficacy of trifludimoxazin applied alone and in combination with other herbicides on waterhemp, giant ragweed, and horseweed. Foliar applications of trifludimoxazin alone at 12.5 or 25.0 g ai ha−1 were highly efficacious on glyphosate-resistant waterhemp (94% to 99% control) and moderately effective on giant ragweed (78% to 79% control) and resulted in minor efficacy on horseweed (≤20% control). Combinations of trifludimoxazin with glufosinate, glyphosate, paraquat, or saflufenacil remained highly effective (≥91% control) on waterhemp and giant ragweed. All herbicide mixtures with trifludimoxazin applied to horseweed were classified as additive interactions. Greenhouse experiments and Isobole analysis indicated that trifludimoxazin mixtures with glyphosate and glufosinate on waterhemp and giant ragweed were additive. Mixtures of trifludimoxazin + paraquat were slightly antagonistic under greenhouse conditions when applied to either waterhemp or giant ragweed, whereas trifludimoxazin + saflufenacil was synergistic when applied to giant ragweed. Overall, trifludimoxazin applied alone at 12.5 or 25.0 g ha−1 is effective for managing waterhemp and, to an extent, giant ragweed, but not horseweed, in preplant burndown applications. Furthermore, the addition of glufosinate, glyphosate, paraquat, or saflufenacil to applications of trifludimoxazin does not appreciably reduce weed control for these mixtures. As such, applications of trifludimoxazin alone and in combination with these herbicides may be utilized for effective preplant management of several problematic weeds in soybean.

Palmer amaranth with resistance to dicamba, glufosinate, and protoporphyrinogen oxidase inhibitors has been documented in several southern states. With extensive use of these and other herbicides in South Carolina, a survey was initiated in fall 2020 and repeated in fall 2021 and 2022 to determine the relative response of Palmer amaranth accessions to selected preemergence and postemergence herbicides. A greenhouse screening experiment was conducted in which accessions were treated with three preemergence (atrazine, S-metolachlor, and isoxaflutole) and six postemergence (glyphosate, thifensulfuron-methyl, fomesafen, glufosinate, dicamba, and 2,4-D) herbicides at the 1× and 2× use rates. Herbicides were applied shortly after planting (preemergence) or at the 2- to 4-leaf growth stage (postemergence). Percent survival was evaluated 5 to 14 d after application depending on herbicide activity. Sensitivity to atrazine preemergence was lower for 49 and 33 accessions out of 115 to atrazine applied preemergence at the 1× and 2× rate, respectively. Most of the accessions (90%) were controlled by isoxaflutole applied preemergence at the 1× rate. Response to S-metolachlor applied preemergence indicated that 34% of the Palmer amaranth accessions survived the 1× rate (>60% survival). Eleven accessions exhibited reduced sensitivity to fomesafen applied postemergence; however, these percentages were not different from the 0% survivor group. Glyphosate applied postemergence at the 1× rate did not control most accessions (79%). Palmer amaranth response to thifensulfuron-methyl applied postemergence varied across the accessions, with only 36% and 28% controlled at the 1× rate and 2× rate, respectively. All accessions were controlled by 2,4-D, dicamba, or glufosinate when they were applied postemergence. Palmer amaranth accessions from this survey exhibited reduced susceptibility to several herbicides commonly used in agronomic crops in South Carolina. Therefore, growers should use multiple management tactics to minimize the evolution of herbicide resistance in Palmer amaranth in South Carolina.

Municipalities are considering alternatives to traditional herbicides for suppressing weeds and vegetation in areas frequented by the public. Two field experiments were conducted to test the efficacy of alternative nonselective herbicides: one in Corvallis, OR, on a mixed lawn of perennial ryegrass, annual bluegrass, and broadleaf weeds, and another in Las Cruces, NM, on a predominantly bermudagrass lawn with broadleaf weeds. The experimental objective was to quantify and compare the effects of repeated applications of 10 nonselective herbicides to terminate a lawn with mixed vegetation. Applications were made every 2 wk for four applications starting on April 15, 2022, in Corvallis and on May 26, 2022, in Las Cruces. Data collected included the percent green cover over time calculated using an area under the percent green cover progress curve (AUPGCPC), the percent green cover at the conclusion of the experiment, and the changes in monocot and dicot densities over the course of the experiment. All treatments resulted in a lower AUPGCPC compared to water only, except for mint oil + sodium lauryl sulfate + potassium sorbate. The only treatments with average percent green cover <50% were ammoniated soap of fatty acids + maleic hydrazide (47% green cover) in Corvallis and pelargonic acid (38%) in Las Cruces, suggesting that more applications would be needed to terminate the lawn under similar circumstances. At the conclusion of the experiment, the water-only plots averaged 90% and 93% green cover in Corvallis and Las Cruces, respectively. The changes in monocot and dicot densities over the course of the experiment indicated that some of the products tested may be more sensitive to dicots, or, in some cases, monocots, suggesting a potential for future selective herbicide research in certain locations and climates.

Oxyfluorfen is a herbicide that inhibits protoporphyrinogen IX oxidase and has shown significant potential in its ability to control barnyardgrass. Oxyfluorfen is categorized as a Group 14 herbicide by the Herbicide Resistance Action Committee (HRAC)/Weed Science Society of America (WSSA). Despite its current lack of labeling for use on rice in the mid-southern United States due to its potential to cause crop injury, the introduction of a trait in rice that confers resistance to oxyfluorfen could provide producers with an effective alternative site of action for weed control. Field experiments were conducted during the 2021 and 2022 growing seasons near Stuttgart, AR, and near Lonoke, AR, to determine the optimum rates of clomazone (280 or 336 g ha−1) and oxyfluorfen (673 or 840 g ha−1) to use in sequential preemergence (PRE) and postemergence (POST) applications on a silt loam soil and to assess the efficacy of oxyfluorfen when combined with clomazone and quinclorac applied PRE, followed by oxyfluorfen applied POST. No differences in barnyardgrass control were observed among treatments 14 d after emergence in 3 site years, as all control was ≥90%. By 35 d after the POST application, barnyardgrass control was ≥94% for all herbicide treatments in all site years. All herbicide treatments resulted in lower barnyardgrass seed production than a nontreated control in 2021. Contrasts revealed that oxyfluorfen applied PRE on a silt loam soil resulted in barnyardgrass control that was similar to that of clomazone or quinclorac applied alone at 14 d after emergence. Although oxyfluorfen combined with clomazone or quinclorac did not increase barnyardgrass control, an additional site of action for control of this weed could help reduce the evolution of resistance. Mixing oxyfluorfen with clomazone in a dry-seeded rice production system in the mid-southern United States would effectively control barnyardgrass and reduce the risk for resistance to both herbicides, further highlighting the potential of oxyfluorfen in rice production.

Yellow and knotroot foxtail are two common weed species infesting turfgrass and pastures in the southeastern region of the United States. Yellow and knotroot foxtail share morphological similarities and are frequently misidentified by weed managers, thus leading to confusion in herbicide selection. Greenhouse research was conducted to evaluate the response of yellow and knotroot foxtail to several turfgrass herbicides: pinoxaden (35 and 70 g ai ha−1), sethoxydim (316 and 520 g ai ha−1), thiencarbazone + dicamba + iodosulfuron (230 g ai ha−1), nicosulfuron + rimsulfuron (562.8 g ai ha−1), metribuzin (395 g ha−1), sulfentrazone (330 g ai ha−1), sulfentrazone + imazethapyr (504 g ai ha−1), and imazaquin (550 g ai ha−1). All treatments controlled yellow foxtail >87% with more than 90% reduction of the biomass. By comparison, only sulfentrazone alone controlled knotroot foxtail 90% and completely reduced aboveground biomass. Sethoxydim (520 g ai ha−1), metribuzin, and imazaquin controlled knotroot foxtail >70% at 28 d after application. In a rate response evaluation, nonlinear regression showed that yellow foxtail was approximately 8 times more susceptible to pinoxaden and 2 times more susceptible to sethoxydim than knotroot foxtail based on log (WR50) values, which were 50% reduction in fresh weight. Our research indicates that knotroot foxtail is more difficult to control across a range of herbicides, making differentiation of these two species important before herbicides are applied.

Palmer amaranth is a troublesome weed species displaying the ability to adapt and evolve resistance to multiple herbicide modes of action, and additional weed suppression tactics are needed. Growing interest in the use of cover crops (CCs) has led to questions regarding the most appropriate forms of CC management prior to cash crop planting in order to maximize weed suppression benefits. Experiments were conducted between 2021 to 2023 to test 1) cover crop termination timing (i.e., green or brown); 2) CC biomass amount; and 3) CC termination method (i.e., rolled or left standing) on Palmer amaranth suppression. Treatments included “planting brown” (cereal rye terminated 2 wk before soybean planting), “planting green” (cereal rye terminated at soybean planting), and a no-CC (winter fallow) check. Palmer amaranth emergence was evaluated at 4 and 6 wk after soybean planting, and yield was calculated at harvest. Palmer amaranth emergence was reduced when a CC was planted compared with the no-CC check, and more suppression was observed as CC biomass increased. This decrease in emergence is potentially due to a decrease in light reaching the soil surface and physical suppression as CC biomass increased. Yield, however, was unaffected by any CC management practice, indicating that growers can tailor CC termination practices for weed suppression. This information will provide better recommendations for farmers interested in using CCs for weed suppression. Overall, the importance of CC biomass accumulation to achieve weed suppression is highlighted in our findings. Additionally, we add to the growing body of documentation that soybean yield may be variable from year to year as a result of CC presence.

Rice producers battle herbicide-resistant weeds worldwide while producing rice for ≥50% of the world’s population. Oxyfluorfen can provide rice producers with an alternative site of action for barnyardgrass control, as there are no documented cases of grass weeds being resistant to the herbicide in the mid-southern United States. Oxyfluorfen is anticipated to be labeled in the Roxy Rice Production System and may be sold as a clomazone/oxyfluorfen premixture; hence, experiments were conducted in 2021 and 2022 to evaluate preemergence-applied clomazone/oxyfluorfen ratios compared to clomazone alone on silt loam and clay soils. All ratios of the herbicides caused less than 7% injury to rice in two of four site-years on silt loam soils, whereas, in the two other site-years, the mixtures caused 10% to 40% rice injury at all observation timings. All combinations of the two herbicides provided at least 73% barnyardgrass control 5 wk after rice emergence (WAE) in three of the four site-years on silt loam soils. In at least two of four site-years at 1 and 3 WAE, barnyardgrass control was improved when oxyfluorfen was added to clomazone compared to clomazone alone. On clay soil, barnyardgrass control in both site-years was ≥77% at 5 WAE for all clomazone and oxyfluorfen ratios. Injury to rice ranged from 13% to 30% for all treatments containing clomazone and oxyfluorfen in one of two site-years on clay soil at all observation timings. At 7 WAE, contrasts indicated that the 1:3 ratio of clomazone to oxyfluorfen provided greater barnyardgrass control than the 1:1.5 and 1:2 ratios in one of two site-years. Based on these findings, oxyfluorfen would improve the consistency of barnyardgrass control over clomazone alone in some instances. However, there is an increased risk of injury to rice with the addition of oxyfluorfen.