PERSISTENCE AND PHYTOTOXICITY OF DINITROANILINE HERBICIDES IN MANITOBA SOILS

Abstract

The persistence and phytotoxicity of dinitramine (n4, N4-diethyl-α,α,α-trifluoro-3,5-dinitrotoluene-2,4-diamine), fluchloralin (N-(2-chloroethyl)-2, 6-dinitro- N-propyl-4- (trifluoromethyl)aniline), profluralin (N-(cyclopropylmethyl)α,α,α-trifluoro-2, 6-dinitro-N-propyl-p-toluidine), and trifluralin (α,α,α-trifluoro-2,6-dinitro-N-N-dipropyl-p-toluidine) were compared in three Manitoba soils: sandy loam, clay loam and clay. The phytotoxicities of all chemicals decreased with increased organic matter. The phytotoxicities of the dinitroanilines were: dinitramine > trifluralin > profluralin = fluchloralin. Increased organic matter increased the persistence of trifluralin and fluchloralin. Profluralin and dinitramine persistence increased with increased clay and organic matter content. Profluralin was the most persistent chemical over all soil types. Under environmental conditions that retard dinitroaniline loss from Manitoba soils, residues of some of these herbicides may cause crop injury the year after application.