Pendimethalin Phytotoxicity to Velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti) and Powell Amaranth (Amaranthus powellii)

Abstract

Velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrastiMedic. ♯3ABUTH) and Powell amaranth (Amaranthus powelliiS. Wats. ♯ AMAPO) control with pendimethalin [N-(1-ethylpropyl)-3,4-dimethyl-2,6-dinitrobenzenamine] was dependent on proper timing of application. Preemergence and early postemergence pendimethalin treatments provided effective control, but control rapidly diminished with later postemergence treatments, particularly on Powell amaranth. Time-course studies on the effects of pendimethalin on the growth of these species indicated that pendimethalin inhibited shoot growth by slowing or stopping the production of leaves and branches, as well as reducing leaf size and internode length. Pendimethalin appeared to have its greatest effect on portions of the shoot undergoing cell division.