HOE 23408, A NEW SELECTIVE HERBICIDE FOR WILD OATS AND GREEN FOXTAIL IN WHEAT AND BARLEY

Abstract

A series of field, growth chamber, and laboratory experiments showed that HOE 23408 [4-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)-phenoxy propionic acid methyl ester] as a post-emergence herbicide provided selective control of wild oats (Avena fatua L.) and green foxtail (Seteria viridis L. Beauv.) in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) equal to or better than barban (4-chloro-2-butynyl m-chlorocarbanilate) over a growth period extending from the 2- to 5-leaf stages in both weed species. Wheat was highly tolerant to HOE 23408 at all growth stages, while with barley there was some leaf mottling and suppression of both shoot and root development. The 6-row cultivars Gait, Bonanza and Conquest largely recovered from the effects, but the 2-row cultivar Betzes suffered significant yield reduction. HOE 23408 moved mainly in an acropetal direction when applied to different parts of the wild oats plant. Application made on or below the meristematic area of the stem apex caused necrosis and eventual death of the entire plant. Phytotoxicity following soil application was markedly less than with foliar application. Indications were that it was also more phytotoxic to the emerging weeds via shoot than via root contact. Although HOE 23408 is relatively insoluble in water, it leached to a limited extent in soils.