Imazaquin Persistence and Mobility in Three Arkansas Soils

Abstract

Field persistence of imazaquin {2-[4,5-dihydro-4-methyl-4-(1-methylethyl)-5-oxo-1H-imidazol-2-yl]-3-quinolinecarboxylic acid} applied preemergence as high as 16 times the 0.14 kg ai/ha recommended rate was studied at two locations in Arkansas in 1984 and 1985. Rapid dissipation of these high rates occurred on the Taloka silt loam under hot, dry field conditions in 1984 when no rainfall occurred for 2 weeks after application. In 1985, when furrow irrigation was applied 7 days after application, imazaquin phytotoxicity was greater and dissipation was delayed. Imazaquin persistence and soil adsorption were greater on Sharkey silty clay than on Taloka silt loam. Following 3- and 8-cm irrigation, 84 and 78%, respectively, of the14C-labeled imazaquin remained in the surface 5 cm, but in plots covered between rainfalls and receiving 8 cm rain, 74% leached out of this top layer. Since nonincorporated imazaquin dissipated rapidly under hot, dry field conditions, carryover into the next growing season or leaching below the plow layer would not be expected. However, in cool, wet conditions immediately after application, the weakly adsorbed imazaquin molecule was readily bioavailable and mobile in the soil profile.