Absorption, Translocation, and Metabolism of AC 252 214 in Soybean (Glycine max), Common Cocklebur (Xanthium strumarium), and Velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti)

Abstract

The herbicide AC 252 214 {2-[4,5-dihydro-4-methyl-4-(1-methylethyl)-5-oxo-1H-imidazol-2-yl] 3-quinoline-carboxylic acid} was absorbed by the roots and foliage of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr. ‘Williams’], common cocklebur (Xanthium strumarium L. ♯ XANST), and velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti Medic. ♯ ABUTH), and then translocated in the xylem and phloem to meristematic regions. AC 252 214 was metabolized rapidly by soybean and velvetleaf but appeared to be metabolized slowly by cocklebur. The order of tolerance of these three species to AC 252 214 was soybeans > velvetleaf > cocklebur. This order of tolerance was directly correlated in young plants with the half-life of AC 252 214 within the tissue. Velvetleaf exhibited increased tolerance to AC 252 214 with age, which was attributed partially to greatly reduced absorption of the herbicide by older leaves and more rapid metabolism of the herbicide.