SPRAY DROPLET DISTRIBUTION AND HERBICIDE UPTAKE IN SEQUENTIAL APPLICATIONS OF DICLOFOP-METHYL AND MCPA FOR WEED CONTROL IN BARLEY

Abstract

Uptake of 14C-diclofop-methyl {methyl 2-[4-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)phenoxy propanoate]} by leaves of wild oats (Avena fatua L.) was reduced significantly in the presence of MCPA {[(4-chloro-o-tolyl)oxy]acetic acid]}, especially the dimethylamine formulation. If the herbicides were applied separately, the degree of interference with uptake depended on the extent of overlap of droplets of the two spray preparations on the leaf surface. Spray volume and direction of spray application were important factors in minimizing the mixing of spray droplets on the leaves if the two herbicides were applied separately with a tandem arrangement of two sprayers. Such a sequential application of MCPA ester and diclofop-methyl in a field experiment provided significantly greater wild oat control than could be obtained with a tank mix of the same two herbicides, but the results were not consistent enough to recommend the procedure for practical use.