Absorption, Translocation, and Foliar Activity of Clopyralid and Tribenuron in Perennial Sowthistle (Sonchus arvensis)

Abstract

Experiments were conducted to study absorption, translocation, and activity of clopyralid and tribenuron in perennial sowthistle. Absorption and translocation were compared in perennial sowthistle at the rosette and bud stage over a period of 9 d. Both14C-clopyralid and tribenuron were absorbed slowly by perennial sowthistle leaves with 60 and 30% absorption, respectively, 216 h after application. Limited movement of the absorbed14C was observed for both herbicides with less than 28% of either herbicide exported from the treated leaf. Primary movement of14C-herbicide within the plant was acropetal; however, no more than 18% of either herbicide was recovered in the upper shoot or buds. After 216 h, 4.4% of the applied14C-clopyralid and 2.5% of the applied14C-tribenuron were recovered in the roots and secondary shoots of plants at the rosette stage. Application of either herbicide to perennial sowthistle resulted in a decrease in net carbon assimilation and leaf conductance. Transpiration was reduced in rosette stage plants by both herbicides; however, transpiration in plants at the bud stage was not reduced until 216 h after treatment. Plants treated with tribenuron had lower net carbon assimilation, leaf conductance, and transpiration rates than plants treated with clopyralid. Application of clopyralid at 150 and 300 g ha-1resulted in visual injury ratings of 65 and 95%, respectively. Tribenuron applied at 10 and 20 g ha-1gave similar results. Dry weight accumulation was reduced at all application rates compared to untreated plants. Limited absorption and translocation along with high herbicidal activity suggests that small amounts of either herbicide are sufficient to inhibit perennial sowthistle growth.