Absorption, Translocation, and Metabolism of Sethoxydim in Centipedegrass and Goosegrass

Abstract

Absorption, translocation, and metabolism of foliar-applied 14C-labeled sethoxydim (14C-sethoxydim) in sethoxydim-tolerant centipedegrass [Eremochloa ophiuroides (Munro) Hack.] and sethoxydim-sensitive goosegrass [Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn.] were determined. The distribution of 14C in treated leaves indicated that similar amounts (≈ 3%) were found in the epicuticular wax fraction (chloroform wash) of both species after 6 hours. After 2 hours, 16% of the applied 14C-sethoxydim was absorbed in the treated leaf by centipedegrass, but only 2% was absorbed by goosegrass. After 2 hours, centipedegrass also readily translocated greater amounts of 14C than goosegrass (4.3% vs. 0.4%). Six hours after treatment, however, no differences were found in amounts absorbed by the treated leaf and translocated to apical and basal leaves. Because sethoxydim-tolerant centipedegrass absorbed and translocated similar amounts of 14C compared to the sethoxydim-sensitive goosegrass, these two mechanisms do not appear to be a means of tolerance. The major difference found between the two species was in the metabolism of sethoxydim. After 6 hours, 81% to 98% of the 14C in goosegrass extracts remained as 14C-sethoxydim. In contrast, only 1% of the 14C found in apical leaves, basal leaves, and roots of centipedegrass was identified as 14C-sethoxydim. These data indicated that differences in tolerance to sethoxydim between these two species were based on metabolism. Chemical name used: 2-[1-(ethoxyimino) butyl]-5-[2-(ethylthio)propyl]-3-hydroxy-2 -cyclohexen-1-one (sethoxydim).