A Method for Identification of Triazine Resistant and Susceptible Biotypes of Several Weeds

Abstract

A simple and quick method is described for identifying biotypes of common groundsel (Senecio vulgarisL.), common lambsquarters (Chenopodium albumL.), and smooth pigweed (Amaranthus hybridusL.) that are resistant or susceptible to triazine herbicides. Leaf discs (3 mm diam) from the tested plants were vacuum infiltrated with a phosphate medium and exposed to a 3-klux light source. When 1.0 × 10−5M and higher levels of atrazine (2-chloro-4-ethylamino-6-isopropylamino-s-triazine) were present, the leaf discs from susceptible biotypes failed to float to the surface, whereas the leaf discs from resistant biotypes floated within 1 h. The urea herbicide, fluometuron [1,1-dimethyl-3-(α,α,α-trifluoro-m-tolyl)urea] inhibited the floating of leaf discs from both the triazine-susceptible and triazine-resistant biotypes. This method can be used to evaluate large numbers of plants to determine if they are resistant or susceptible to triazines without destroying the plants or preventing seed production.