Uptake and Translocation of Nitrofen and Oxyfluorfen

Abstract

The site of uptake of nitrofen (2,4-dichlorophenyl-p-nitrophenyl ether) and oxyfluorfen [2-chloro-1-(3-ethoxy-4-nitrophenoxy)-4-(trifluoromethyl)benzene] was studied using a double pot technique. Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor(L.) Moench ‘RS610′] and pea (Pisum sativumL. ‘Alaska’) were the test plants. Herbicidal activity measured by the reduction in fresh weight of the roots and shoots of treated plants showed that exposure of the shoot zone to the herbicides caused much more injury to the plants than root exposure. Translocation of both compounds from root applications to tops of pea and sorghum was studied using14C-labeled herbicides. There was very little movement of the compounds from the roots of both species. Translocation of the compounds from foliage application was studied using greenbean (Phaseolus vulgarisL. ‘Spartan Arrow’) and soybean [Glycine max(L.) Merr ‘Wayne’]. Almost all of the applied14C-herbicides remained at the point of application.