Search

Field experiments were conducted in Oklahoma to quantify the wheat grain yield losses and price discounts resulting from season-long interference with cheat, feral rye, Italian ryegrass, jointed goatgrass, and wild oat. Plots were seeded to individual weeds at one of seven seeding rates, and wheat was planted in all plots at a uniform rate. Maximum weed densities were 89 (cheat), 80 (feral rye), 158 (Italian ryegrass), 170 (jointed goatgrass), and 120 plants/m2(wild oat). Wheat grain yield losses caused by interference from the maximum density of each weed species were 19 (cheat), 55 (feral rye), 20 (Italian ryegrass), 21 (jointed goatgrass), and 28% (wild oat). Wheat grain total price discounts caused by interference from the maximum density of each weed species were 22 (cheat), 368 (feral rye), 26 (Italian ryegrass), 36 (jointed goatgrass), and 64 cents/hectoliter (wild oat). Of the five weed species included in this research, interference from feral rye had the greatest effect on wheat grain yield and price.

Field experiments were conducted at the Caddo Research Station near Ft. Cobb, OK and at the Agronomy Research Station near Perkins, OK to measure the effects of seven crownbeard (Verbesina encelioides) densities on peanut (Arachis hypogaea) yield. The seven densities evaluated were 0 (the weed-free check), 0.2, 0.4, 0.8, 1.6, 2.4, and 3.2 weeds/m of row. Data collected consisted of dry weed biomass and peanut yields. Correlation between weed density and dry weed biomass, dry weed biomass and peanut yield (kg/ha), dry weed biomass and peanut yield loss (percentage of check), weed density and peanut yield (kg/ha), and weed density and peanut yield loss (percentage of check) were evaluated. For each weed/m of row, dry weed biomass increased by 0.34 kg/m row. Dry weed biomass was a good predictor of peanut yield. For each kilogram of dry weed biomass/ m row, a 1900-kg/ha or 46.3% reduction in peanut yield occurred. Weed density was also a good predictor of peanut yield. A 559-kg/ha reduction or 16% increase in peanut yield loss occurred for each weed/m row. Peanut yield was reduced approximately 50% when crownbeard density increased to 3.2 weeds/m row.

Weed interference experiments have not been extensively conducted in Oklahoma peanut. Research was conducted in three environments to evaluate usefulness of single-weed density experiments with the use of several weeds to measure their relative competitive abilities with a crop. These data can be used to validate current competitive indices (CIs) used by a model to predict peanut yield loss due to weeds. This model is used by the Herbicide Application Decision Support System (HADSS) and Pesticide Economic and Environmental Tradeoffs (PEET), two decision-support systems (DSSs) available for Oklahoma peanut. Six weeds common in Oklahoma peanut were used: crownbeard, eclipta, ivyleaf morningglory, johnsongrass, Palmer amaranth, and prickly sida plus two others, barnyardgrass and common cocklebur, as benchmark species. Each weed was planted into peanut uniformly at eight weeds/10 m of row. Dry weed biomass accounted for 77 to 90% of variation in in-shell peanut yield loss; however, model parameters only allow for weed number. Yield losses from these experiments were compared to those predicted by the model to test original CI accuracy. Treatment means were compared to the prediction model with the use of protected LSD. Several significant differences were noted, and the CIs for those weed species were adjusted accordingly. Adjusting CIs improved actual yield data goodness of fit to model predictions specific to environment in question, but not necessarily in different environments. The CI changed at Ft. Cobb were eclipta from 1.8 to 4.5 and ivyleaf morningglory from 3.4 to 5.0. CI adjustments at Perkins were common cocklebur from 10.0 to 5.8 and johnsongrass from 3.0 to 4.6. Collecting data for several weed species at uniform density in a crop provides a more time-efficient method for obtaining accurate relative weed interference data; this method is useful in validating or establishing CI lists in areas and/or crops with limited data.

Field experiments were conducted near Chickasha, OK, in 1999 and 2000 and near Perkins, OK, in 2000 to evaluate the effects of Palmer amaranth on harvest efficiency of grain sorghum and full-season competition with that crop. Weed densities were 0 (the weed-free check), 1, 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, and 18 plants/15 m of row. In the harvest efficiency experiments, each additional weed per 15 m of row increased grain moisture before cleaning by 0.7 and 0.2% at Chickasha in 1999 and at Perkins, respectively. After cleaning, it increased moisture by 0.2% in both the experiments for each weed. Foreign material increased 67, 2, and 3 kg/ha at Chickasha in 1999, Chickasha in 2000, and Perkins, respectively. At Chickasha in 2000, sorghum seed loss through the combine increased 11 kg/ha for each additional weed per 15 m of row. Grain grades improved at Perkins at higher weed densities. In the competition experiments, grain yield decreased by 1.8 to 3.5% for each increase of 1 weed/15 m of row. More weeds resulted in higher ...

Field experiments were conducted in 1996 and 1997 to evaluate the effects of six johnsongrass densities on picker- vs. stripper-harvest efficiency, fiber properties, loan rate, and lint yield loss of cotton. The weed densities employed were 0 (the check), 3, 4, 5, 8, and 15 plants/15 m of row. With three or fewer weeds in 1996 and four or fewer in 1997, harvest efficiencies were 4.9 to 7.6% higher for stripper- than for picker-harvested cotton. At four and higher weed densities in 1996 and at five and higher in 1997, differences in harvest efficiency between the two machines were not significant. For each weed per 15 m of row, stripper-harvest efficiency in 1996 and 1997 was reduced 0.3 and 0.6%, respectively; picker-harvest efficiency was not affected by the johnsongrass densities included herein. Fiber fineness (i.e., micronaire) was significantly reduced at densities of 8 weeds/15 m of row in 1997 and at 15 weeds in both years. A questionable increase in staple length was detected at the 3-weed density...

Leaf surface morphology of untreated peanut leaves and peanut leaves treated with herbicides and adjuvants were examined using scanning electron microscopy. Electron micrographs revealed that the adaxial surface of untreated peanut leaves was covered with crystalline wax platelets above an amorphous layer of wax. Electron micrographs revealed that peanut leaves treated with acifluorfen plus nonionic surfactant, bentazon and lactofen with crop oil concentrate, and 2,4-DB, altered the leaf surface morphology when compared to nontreated peanut leaves. Alterations in the leaf epicuticular wax structures appeared amorphous-like rather than normal plate-like structures. Nonionic surfactant and crop oil concentrate applied alone to peanut leaves altered the epicuticular wax structures similarly to that of herbicides plus adjuvants.

Three experiments were conducted in the field using common cocklebur as a test species to identify weed growth differences due to propagation method and weed age when transplanted (with no crop and with soybean). Two experiments involved weed establishment in noncrop areas using four propagation methods (direct seeded–transplanted, peat tablets, peat pots, and plastic inserts) in a factorial arrangement with three transplant timings (at the cotyledon stage, at two true leaves, and at four true leaves). A direct-seeded method was also included as a check. Propagation methods and transplant timings were contrasted to the direct-seeded method because it was the “most natural” method of those tested. Based on results from the first year, the peat tablet method at the three transplant timings plus the direct-seeded method were used to establish the weed in a field experiment with soybean. In 1996 at 4 wk after emergence (WAE), 8 WAE, and senescence, weeds planted in peat tablets and transplanted at t...

Four field experiments were conducted to measure the effects of sevenIpomoea hederacea(L.) Jacq. densities onGossypium hirsutumL. lint yield, stripper-harvest efficiency, and fiber properties. The seven densities were 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 weeds 10 m−1of row. Data were used to develop prediction models to compare with those previously constructed that used fewer experiments and fewer weed densities in this range.Gossypium hirsutumlint yield in kilograms per hectare and as a percentage of the weed-free control best fit a linear regression model.Gossypium hirsutumlint yield reductions for each increase of one weed 10 m−1of row ranged from 30.7 to 36.2 kg ha−1at Chickasha and from 35.4 to 36.4 kg ha−1at Perkins. Lint yield reductions for each weed 10 m−1of row ranged from 3.8 to 6.9% at Chickasha and from 3.9 to 6.0% at Perkins. All plots could be mechanically stripper harvested, except for the 12-weed density at Chickasha in 1994 and the 10- and 12-weed densities at Perkins in 1996. Harvest efficiencies were not significantly different in any experiment. The only fiber properties to display significant differences were micronaire and strength at Chickasha in 1994. Prediction models calculated herein were highly similar to those previously constructed.

Four field experiments were conducted in Oklahoma to measure full-season Palmer amaranth interference on cotton lint yield and fiber properties. Density of the weed ranged from 0 to 12 plants 10 m−1of row. Cotton lint yield vs. weed density fit a linear model for densities ⩽ 8 weeds row−1at Perkins and Chickasha in 1996 and at Alms in 1997. At Perkins in 1997, all densities fit a linear model. For each increase of 1 weed row−1, lint yield reductions were 62 kg ha−1(or 10.7%) and 58 kg ha−1(or 11.5%) at Perkins and at Chickasha in 1996, respectively. At Perkins and Alms in 1997, for each 1 weed row−1, lint yield was reduced 71 kg ha−1(or 5.9%) and 112 kg ha−1(or 8.7%), respectively. Lint yield vs. end-of-season weed volume fit a linear model except at Alms in 1997. For each increase of 1 m3of weed plot−1, cotton lint yield in 1996 was reduced by 1.6 and 1.5% at Perkins and Chickasha, respectively. In 1997 at Perkins and Altus (⩽ 6 weeds), each increase of 1 m3of weed plot−1reduced lint yield 1.6 and 2.3%, respectively. Lint yield vs. end-of-season weed biomass fit a linear model in all four experiments. Lint yield was reduced 5.2 to 9.3% for each increase of 1 kg of weed biomass plot−1. Fiber analyses revealed significant differences for micronaire (fiber fineness) among weed densities in two experiments, marginal significance in a third, and none in a fourth. An intermediate number of weeds often resulted in improved fiber micronaires in these environments. No other fiber properties were influenced by weed density.

Early leaf spot is a common disease of peanut caused by the fungus Cercospora arachidicola Hori. Experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of postemergence herbicides on the conidial germination of C. arachidicola and on the incidence of early leaf spot disease in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) in a greenhouse. Conidial germination was enhanced (≥ 100%) at concentrations of 1, 100, and 1000 mg/L of 2,4-DB compared with the untreated control. Lactofen reduced conidial germination by 42% compared with the control at concentrations as low as 100 mg/L and completely inhibited germination at concentrations ≥ 5000 mg/L. A concentration of 10,000 mg/L acifluorfen and 2,4-DB completely inhibited conidial germination. Acifluorfen, acifluorfen plus 2,4-DB, and lactofen decreased the sporulation of early leaf spot lesions. Lactofen reduced leaf spot incidence 12% and decreased sporulation of lesions 22% compared with the control. None of the herbicides increased the incidence of early leaf spot on peanut plants or the number of early leaf spot lesions per leaflet when compared with plants that received no herbicide.

Controlled environmental chamber experiments were conducted for 14-d incubation period to measure the effect of temperature, light, light intensity, water potential, and pH on eclipta seed germination. In full light, seed germinated over a range of 10 to 35 C; however, germination was highest at 83% at 35 C. Seeds were strongly photoblastic with none germinating in the dark. Seeds germinated in light intensities between 6 and 100% of full light. Seeds germinated 78 to 88% in water potentials of 0.0, -0.1, and -0.2 MPa. In distilled water (pH ∼ 5.5) and a buffered solution pH 6 and 7, seeds germinated 85 to 89%; however, some seeds germinated in a buffered solution pH range of 5 to 8. After the first 14-d incubation period, ungerminated seeds were transferred to distilled water and incubated at 35 C in full light for 4 to 6 d as a second incubation period. Seeds germinated 89 to 96% after this second incubation period when first incubation was at temperatures 10 to 35 C in full light or darkness, light intensities 0 to 100% of full light, water potentials 0.0 to -0.8 MPa, and buffered solution pH levels of 5.5 to 7. Nomenclature: Eclipta, Eclipta prostrata L. # 3 ECLAL.

Full-season interference and critical duration of early-season ivyleaf morningglory interference with cotton were measured in experiments at two Oklahoma locations. Densities ranging from 0 to 64 weeds/10 m of row were evaluated for their effects on cotton lint yield, fiber quality, and harvest efficiency. Analyses using linear-linear regression proved superior to linear, curvilinear, and linear-plateau models. Lint yield reductions of 36.9 kg/ha (or 5.9%) were recorded at Perkins for each weed/10 m up to 8.7. At densities greater than 8.7/10 m, yield was reduced an additional 3.0 kg/ha (0.5%) for each additional weed. At Chickasha, lint yield was reduced 29.7 kg/ha (or 3.9%) for each weed/10 m up to 9.0 with an additional lint loss of 3.6 kg/ha (0.7%) for each weed above the density of 9.0/10 m. Yield losses were over 80% before fiber length was also reduced. Mechanical harvest was not possible at densities above 8 weeds/10 m at Chickasha and above 16 weeds/10 m at Perkins. In critical duration experiments conducted at Perkins, lint yield was reduced 52.9 kg/ha (or 11.2%) for each week weed removal was delayed up to 9.5 wk. An additional 1.0 kg/ha (0.2%) was lost for each week of interference after 9.5 wk. At Chickasha, lint yield was reduced 49.0 kg/ha (or 7.8%) for each week of interference up to 11.0 wk with an additional loss of 1.2 kg/ha (0.2%) for each week thereafter.

Field experiments were conducted from 1991 to 1993 to evaluate eclipta, Eclipta prostrata L., control and peanut, Arachis hypogaea L., response to herbicide treatments. Fomesafen {5-[2-chloro-4-(trifluoro-methyl)phenoxy]-N-(methylsulfonyl)-2-nitrobenzamide} applied at cracking was the only preemergence-applied herbicide which provided season-long control (>84%). Herbicides applied postemergence were more effective when the eclipta was less than 5 cm in height. The most consistent early postemergence treatments were bromoxynil (3,5-dibromo-4-hydroxybenzonitrile), bentazon [3-(1-methylethyl)-(1H)-2,1,3-benzothiadiazm-4(3H)-one 2,2-dioxide], and bentazon + acifluorfen {5-[2-chloro-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]-2-nitrobenzoic acid} + 2,4-DB [4-(2,4-dichloro-phenoxy)butanoic acid]. Various other early postemergence followed by late postemergence sequential treatments also were equally effective. Minor peanut injury was observed at the early season rating from several herbicides; however, all injury had disappeared by the late season rating. Eclipta control did not consistently improve peanut pod yield.

Glyphosate, alone and in combination with other herbicides or additives, was evaluated as a spot or shielded treatment for the control of silverleaf nightshade in cotton in three experiments over four years. Glyphosate used at 10.8 g ae/L in 1985 on dryland cotton controlled 81 to 98% of the silverleaf nightshade, but cotton lint yields were reduced by all treatments compared to the weed-free check. Glyphosate used at 7.2 g ae/L in 1986 on irrigated cotton controlled 6 to 83% of the silverleaf nightshade, and lint yields were reduced only when multiple spot applications were made. Spot applications of glyphosate were effective for silverleaf nightshade control when applied 7 wk after crop emergence in 1988. Weed control and cotton injury were lower with shielded applications than spot applications. In 1989, retreatments during a season or the next year resulted in 95% or greater silverleaf nightshade control. Cotton yield increases from herbicide treatment were not observed in 1988; however, yield increases were observed in 1989 when spot treatments were applied to the more successful 1988 plots.

Three field experiments were conducted in 1987 through 1989 to evaluate hogpotato control and rotational crop response resulting from applications of five herbicides. At the end of the first year, triclopyr and imazapyr controlled hogpotato late-season as high as 87 and 94%, respectively. Following a sequential application in 1988, triclopyr and imazapyr controlled 94 and 100% of hogpotato, respectively, during the 1989 growing season. Hogpotato biomass, collected at the termination of the experiments, was reduced by all treatments at all locations except at Altus where dicamba was applied in 1987 followed by a spot application of glyphosate in 1988. Soils from these experiments were bioassayed for residual herbicide activity using three potential rotational crop species. Tebuthiuron and imazapyr caused the greatest biomass reductions with cotton and wheat being the most sensitive species to these herbicides.

Field experiments were conducted to evaluate the critical period for velvetleaf interference with cotton and to assess the reliability of using weed growth variables as predictors of cotton lint yield losses. An inverse linear relationship existed between velvetleaf dry weight and cotton lint yield. The relationship between the number of velvetleaf main-stem nodes or velvetleaf height with cotton lint yield was best described by quadratic regression equations. Weed dry weight appeared to be the most accurate predictor followed by weed height and by number of velvetleaf main-stem nodes. A nonlinear equation best described percent lint yield loss as a function of critical-period interference intervals. Nomenclature: Velvetleaf, Abutilon theophrasti Medik. #3 ABUTH; cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L. 'Paymaster 145'. Additional index words: Prediction models, competition, critical-period interference, ABUTH.

Barnyardgrass, large crabgrass, and Texas panicum were evaluated in field experiments over 3 yr to measure their duration of interference and density on grain sorghum yield. When grain yield data were converted to a percentage of the weed-free control, linear regression predicted a 3.6% yield loss for each week of weed interference regardless of year or grass species. Grain sorghum grown in a narrow (61-cm) row spacing was affected little by full-season interference; however, in wide (91-cm) rows, interference increased as grass density increased. Data from the wide-row spacing were described by linear regression following conversion of grain yield to percentages and weed density to log10. A separate nonlinear model also was derived which could predict the effect of weed density on grain sorghum yield.

Seed capsules of field-grown jimsonweed were harvested 2, 4, 6, and 10 weeks after anthesis. Degree day accumulation from anthesis and weeks after anthesis were equal in predicting the time required for nondormant jimsonweed seed production and seed dry weight. Seed germination increased as capsule age increased from 2 to 6 weeks. No additional increase in germination was observed in seed from capsules collected 10 weeks after anthesis. Maximum seed weight was obtained from capsules 6 and 10 weeks old in 1986 and 1987, respectively. Germination was correlated highly with seed weight.

Field experiments were conducted in 1985 and 1986 under eight environments to evaluate the population dynamics of a range of silverleaf nightshade densities and to measure the effects of those populations on cotton lint yield. Dry weed weights of silverleaf nightshade stands were influenced by growing conditions among years, but were positively related to initial densities as long as 2 yr after establishment. Stem numbers increased as initial densities and stand age increased. A negative linear relationship existed between cotton lint yield and weed biomass and between cotton lint yield and stem number from both 1- and 2-yr-old weed stands. For each 1 kg/10 m of row increase in dry weed weight from 1- and 2-yr-old stands, a 9 and 21% lint yield loss/ha was predicted, respectively. For each stem/10 m of row, a 0.35 and 0.31% yield loss was predicted, respectively. Late-planted cotton was less vulnerable to yield reductions by silverleaf nightshade; however, its yield potential was also less.

The distance-of-influence of an individual devil's-claw plant to cotton leaf, stem, boll (reproductive parts), and combined aboveground plant parts was determined in two field experiments. The distance-of-influence could not be detected for the first 6 weeks after emergence; by 9 to 12 weeks, it extended up to 25 cm or more; and by the end of the season, up to 50 cm on each side of the weed. Cotton leaf and stem weights were less sensitive than cotton boll weights for measuring distance-of-influence from devil's-claw. At maturity, cotton boll weight was reduced 62 and 51% in 1983 and 45 and 29% in 1984 for sampling intervals of 0 to 25 and 25 to 50 cm, respectively. Interference from cotton reduced devil's-claw stem weight, seed capsule weight, and whole plant biomass by 6 weeks after emergence and reduced leaf biomass by 9 weeks in 1983. All except stem biomass were affected in 1984. Distance-of-influence and weed-density interference studies predicted lint yield loss similarly. Nomenclature: Devil's-claw, Proboscidea louisianica (Mill.)Thellung #3 PROLO; cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L. 'Westburn M'. Additional index words: Competition, unicorn-plant, weed biomass, crop biomass, sphere-ofinfluence, boll production, PROLO.

Soil water from plots containing cotton, devil's- claw, cotton with devil's-claw, and bare soil was measured throughout the growing season using a neutron probe and related to weed interference with the crop. Volumetric water content throughout the soil profile to a depth of 180 cm did not differ among treatments before the 5th or 6th week after cotton emergence. Greater water depletion occurred early in the season in plots containing devil's- claw which corresponded to a period of rapid weed growth. In plots containing only cotton, the largest reduction in water content occurred later in the season during peak bloom and early boll formation. Soil water content at depths greater than 105 cm remained un- changed in all plots throughout the season. Interference from devil's-claw reduced cotton lint yield 96% in 1986 and 46% in 1987. Higher rainfall and reduced weed populations in 1987 reduced the impact of weed interfer- ence on cotton lint yield. Nomenclature: Devil's-claw, Proboscidea louisianica (Mill.) Thellung #3 PROLO; cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L. 'Paymaster 145'. Additional index words. Neutron probe, volumetric water content, soil water depletion, competition, unicorn-plant

Absorption of 2,4-D [(2,4-dichlorophenoxy) acetic acid], dicamba [3,6-dichloro-o-anisic acid], and the isopropylamine salt of glyphosate [N-(phosphonomethyl) glycine] by excised honeyvine milkweed [Cynanchum laeve(Michx.) Pers.] leaves was determined. Experimental variables included leaf position (terminal vs. basal), a surfactant, 4-isopropenyl-1-methylcyclohexane plus unspecified emulsifiers (SA-77), and leaf collection dates. Absorption of the three herbicides by terminal and basal leaves was increased by the addition of the surfactant. However, the surfactant increased absorption into basal leaves more than into terminal leaves. The surfactant reduced surface tension and increased drying time of water droplets on adaxial leaf surfaces by 50%. The pH of the herbicide solutions was reduced from about 5.8 to about 3.9 by SA-77. Absorption of all three herbicides was greater into terminal than into basal leaves when the surfactant was not present, but the difference disappeared when the surfactant was added. Generally, no differences were observed in the absorption of 2,4-D and dicamba. Glyphosate absorption was greater in terminal leaves collected after a period of adequate moisture than after a period of dry soil conditions.

Plants started with seed, 'seedlings', and established plants of silverleaf nightshade (Solanum elaeagnifoliumCav.) were grown in the field under shade levels of 0, 47, 63, and 92% of full sunlight to determine vegetative, reproductive, and physiological responses to shade. Dry-matter production of both 'seedling’ and established plants declined markedly with increasing shade levels. Established plants did not bear fruit under 92% shade, and 63% shade prevented fruit production by 'seedlings'. Taproots of plants grown in full sunlight contained 16% more total non-structural carbohydrate (TNC) per gram dry weight than taproots of plants grown under 92% shade. Leaves of established plants grown under moderate shade had significantly more chlorophyll per unit leaf fresh weight than plants grown in full sunlight; however, plants under heavy (92%) shade had 35% less chlorophyll per unit leaf area than unshaded plants. The chlorophylla/bratio of the 92%-shaded plants was significantly less than with other treatments. Leaf area increased, with increasing shade; however, leaf weight per unit area decreased because of thinner leaves. Photosynthetic rates of recently expanded leaves were 10.4, 4.6, 3.3, and 0.9 mg CO2· dm−2· h−1for the 0, 47, 63, and 92% shade treatments, respectively.

Duration and density experiments were conducted in the field to measure horsenettle (Solanum carolinense L. #3 SOLCA) interference with Spanish and runner-type peanuts (Arachis bypogaea L. 'Pronto' and 'Florunner'). Spanish peanut yield generally was higher with 6 to 8 weeks of weed-free maintenance. Horsenettle interference for 6 to 8 weeks did not decrease the yield of Spanish peanuts, and interference for 6 weeks did not decrease yields of runner peanuts. Weed-free maintenance for 2 or more weeks allowed increased runner peanut yield when compared to weedy plots. Linear regression predicted a 69 kg/ha Spanish peanut yield increase for each week of weed-free maintenance. Linear regression predicted a Spanish peanut yield reduction of 40 kg/ha for each week of weed interference in 1983, the only year in which the slopes of the regressions were statistically significant. Curvilinear equations with the runnertype cultivar predicted an 81 kg/ha yield increase or 96 kg/ha decrease for each week of weed-free maintenance or weed interference, respectively. In 1 of 2 yr, Spanish peanut yield was reduced by horsenettle at a density of 32 plants/10 m of row. Additional index words. Competition, peanut yield, weed fruit production, weed dry weight, SOLCA.

Laboratory and field experiments were conducted to describe the root system of honeyvine milkweed [Cynanchum laeve(Michx.) Pers.], and to study factors affecting the growth of plants from root fragments of shallow, ascending roots. The root system of a typical plant was composed of lateral roots radiating from a sparsely-branched, vertical taproot. Laterals tended to concentrate in a boundary area between a loamy surface soil and a zone of clay accumulation, this boundary area being below the zone of cultivation. Vertical taproots were found to a depth of 2 m, with sections collected at this and shallower depths demonstrating the ability to produce aerial shoots. In laboratory studies, root sections were killed either by freezing for 2 h or by drying at either 20 or 30 C for 24 h. The optimum temperature for shoot development from root sections was between 20 and 30 C. Shoot emergence and growth from buried root sections were generally unaffected by either depth of planting or root length. As many as 45 daughter shoots were produced from a single plant originating from seed, and 27 daughter shoots were developed from a root section 131 days after planting. The maximum distance daughter shoots were observed from original plants 131 days after planting was 111 cm.

Relationships between production of cotton (Gossypium birsutum L. 'Westburn M') and full-season interference from tumble pigweed (Amaranthus albus L. #3 AMAAL) at densities ranging from 0 to 64 plants/10 m of row were measured in three replicated experiments in the field. Dry weight of harvested tumble pigweed increased by 0.149 to 0.402 kg/plot for each additional weed/10 m of row. Intraspecific competition among tumble pigweed plants was observed at the higher weed densities. Cotton plant height was reduced in all three experiments at the 32 or 64 weed densities, but harvesting difficulties were not encountered in these studies. The threshold density where initial lint yield reductions occurred ranged from 4 to 16 tumble pigweed plants/10 m of row in the three experiments. Lint yields were reduced from 8 to 11 kg/ha for each additional tumble pigweed plant/10 m of row. Interference from tumble pigweed did not significantly affect cotton fiber length, uniformity, strength, or micronaire of hand-harvested bolls. Additional index words. Competition, fiber quality, lint yield, crop height, AMAAL.

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L. 'Westburn M') was grown for 2 yr at two locations with full-season interference from buffalobur (Solanum rostratum Dunal #3 SOLCU) at densities ranging from 0 to 64 plants/10 m of row. Dry weight of buffalobur harvested increased by 0.063 to 0.303 kg/plot for each additional weed/10 m of row. Intraspecific competition among buffalobur plants was observed at the higher weed densities. Cotton plant height was reduced by 16 and 32 buffalobur plants/10 m of row (or more) at Tipton and Perkins, OK, respectively, when compared with cotton grown under weed-free conditions. The threshold densities at which initial lint yield reductions occurred were 8 buffalobur plants/10 m of row in 1982 and 1983 at Tipton and 32 and 2 plants/10 m of row at Perkins in 1982 and 1983, respectively. Lint yields were reduced curvilinearly from 6 to 18 kg/ha for each additional buffalobur plant/10 m of row. Fiber quality was not significantly influenced by weed density when analyzed over all experiments; however, 50% span length, uniformity index, and micronaire were adversely affected in some environments. Additional index words. Competition, fiber quality, lint yield, crop height, SOLCU.

The effects of hogpotato interference on cotton and of the crop on the weed were measured under field conditions in four environments. Full-season interference from 105 ± 21 hogpotato plants/m2reduced cotton plant height by 14 to 44%. Conversely, weed dry weight was reduced 54% through full-season interference from cotton. Lint yield reductions in cotton ranged from 31 to 98% following full-season weed interference. Interference during the first 7 weeks of crop growth reduced lint yield by approximately 40%; however, interference after 7 weeks of weed-free maintenance did not affect lint yield. Interference reduced boll size in 3 of 4 yr, lint percent in 2 of 4, and boll number in the only year it was measured. Cotton fiber length, uniformity index, and micronaire were reduced by full-season interference in 1 of 2 yr; however, fiber strength was not affected in either year. Significant use of soil water by hogpotato occurred at 120 cm and deeper in the soil while cotton used water primarily in the upper 75 cm.

Laboratory experiments with14C-herbicides were conducted with grain sorghum as an indicator species to determine the effects of imposed moisture stress on absorption, precent recovery, and acropetal and basipetal translocation of the butyl ester of fluazifop, the methyl ester of haloxyfop, the ethyl ester of quizalofop, and sethoxydim. Haloxyfop was the only herbicide where recovery decreased between the 3-and 48-h interval. All plants absorbed more of the herbicide at the 48-h interval than at the 3- or 6-h interval under both stressed and non-stressed conditions. Increased drought stress caused more acropetal movement with fluazifop and sethoxydim and less acropetal movement with quizalofop at the 3-h interval. Basipetal transloation, although different among herbicides, responded similarly to imposed moisture stress, which decreased basipetal translocation approximately 19%.

Controlled - environment studies were conducted to determine the influence of temperature, light, seed weight, depth of planting, substrate pH, and salinity on the germina- tion and emergence of silverleaf nightshade (Solanum elaeagni- folium Cav.). The effects of planting date, top removal, and root-cutting length on establishment were studied in the field. Fluctuating temperatures of 20 to 30C produced 57% germination. Maximum germination, 59%, occurred between pH 6 and 7. NaCl concentrations greater than 2500 ppmw caused germination to decrease 85% or more compared to the control. Light was not important for germination. Mean seedling emergence was 46% from depths of 1.0 to 2.5 cm. Silverleaf nightshade seedling emergence from a 2-cm depth was 31% greater in a sandy soil than a loam. Delayed seeding caused a decline in dry-weight accumulation of above-ground parts. Fifteen percent of seedlings clipped 15 days after emergence were capable of regrowth, and after 30 days or more, 90% of the clipped plants regrew. Additional index words. Planting date, top removal, root length, planting depth, salinity.

The duration and intensity of unicorn-plant interference on lint yield of cotton were evaluated in the field. Random densities of 5.5 ± 1.1 unicorn-plant/m2reduced lint yield by 41 kg/ha or about 5% for each week that unicorn-plant was present. Interference by 4, 8, and 12 weeds/10 m row decreased yield by 22, 49, and 56 kg/ha, respectively, for each week of weed interference. Each 1 kg/ha of unicorn-plant dry weight reduced lint yield by 0.26 kg/ha. Linear regression of weed dry weight could be used to predict cotton lint yield changes regardless of duration or intensity of weed interference.

Benazolin (4-chloro-2-oxobenzothiazolin-3-ylacetic acid) formulated as the dimethylamine salt was evaluated for common cocklebur (Xanthium pensylvanicumWallr.) and prickly sida (Sida spinosaL.) control in soybeans [Glycine max(L.) Merr.] between 1977 and 1979. Benazolin was applied alone or in admixtures with acifluorfen {5-[2-chloro-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]-2-nitrobenzoic acid}, bentazon [3-isopropyl-1H-2,1,3-benzothiadiazin-4 (3H)-one 2,2-dioxide], dinoseb (2-sec-butyl-4,6-dinitrophenol) plus naptalam (N-1-naphthylphthalamic acid), and 2,4-DB [4-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)butyric acid] over-the-top of soybeans {V3 to V12 [V(N); vegetative stage with “N” nodes on the main stem beginning with the unifoliolate node]}. Benazolin effectively controlled common cocklebur at rates of 0.2 and 0.4 kg/ha. Soybean tolerance was acceptable even with a repeat application of 0.4 kg/ha. Early-season (July) control was less than late season (August) because it took 2 to 3 weeks for benazolin to kill common cocklebur. Prickly sida control was poor with benazolin even at 0.6 kg/ha. Soybean tolerance and seed yields were higher when soybeans were treated with admixtures of benazolin plus bentazon than with benazolin alone. Antagonism was observed with this admixture for prickly sida and late-season common cocklebur control. Antagonism was eliminated with ratios of benazolin to bentazon of 1 to 3 applied in a single application or a 1 to 1.5 ratio repeated.

Full-season interference from unicorn-plant [Proboscidea louisianica(Mill.) Thell. # PROLO] at densities ranging from 0 to 32 weeds/10 m row was measured on weed and cotton (Gossypium hirsutumL. ‘Westburn M′) parameters in three Oklahoma environments. Linear regression models using log10transformations were superior to linear and comparable to quadratic models in estimating the impact of inter- and intraspecific competition. Weed measurements on an individual plant basis were not reliable indicators of interference. Weed dry biomass, ground cover, and seed capsule production/plot generally increased with increasing weed densities. In the three environments, densities of two, four, and eight weeds/10 m row initially reduced cotton plant height. Maximum height reductions averaged 20, 28, and 43% in the three environments but did not detrimentally affect the mechanical harvest of cotton. As unicorn-plant density (expressed in log10units) doubled (within a range of 1 to 32 plants/10 m of row), lint yield reductions ranged from 84 to 146 kg/ha. Maximum lint yield losses averaged 59, 65, and 74% in the three environments. Transforming lint yield/plot to a percentage of that from weed-free plots resulted in a single quadratic equation applicable over environments. Unicorn-plant at the highest weed density reduced fiber fineness, uniformity, and length, but not fiber strength.

The ability of honeyvine milkweed [Ampelamus albidus(Nutt.) Britt.] to establish and develop from seed was studied in laboratory and field experiments. Optimum germination temperature was 30 C. Seed incubated at cooler temperatures and then transferred to 30 C germinated equally as well as seed incubated continually at 30 C. Germination was unaffected at moisture stress levels between 0 and −4.6 bars, but was decreased at levels between −4.6 and −12.8 bars. The optimum pH range for germination was between 5 and 7. The greatest emergence of seedlings occurred at a depth of 0.5 cm with no emergence occurring at depths greater than 5 cm. Greater emergence was obtained with a loam than sandy loam at all planting depths except 0.5 cm. Field plots seeded on May 1 gave maximum seed production. Seed production decreased with each 2-week delay in planting. Planting dates of July 10 or later produced no seed. Seed germination was affected little by delayed planting. The following spring, regrowth from plants seeded on June 12 or later was less vigorous than regrowth from plants seeded earlier.

Field and laboratory experiments were conducted with unicorn-plant to determine conditions required for germination and to measure seed production. Field-grown plants produced an average of 122 pods/plant with an average of 71 seed/pod. The highest percent germination from seed harvested in 1980 occurred following a 2-week prechill treatment of 4 C. Germination increase was greater by re- moving the seed coat and the membrane enclosing the embryo than by removing the seed coat alone. Germina- tion of seed from all pod compartments was similar. Aqueous extracts of unicorn-plant testa, leaf, stem, root, and exocarp were inhibitory in petri dish bioassays to cotton radicle growth. Extracts of stem, root, and exocarp were inhibitory to wheat radicle growth, and extracts of endocarp, leaf, and exocarp were inhibitory to unicorn-plant radicle growth. Seed buried in the field 10 cm deep for 1 to 8 months showed increased germination over time. Germination was lower when seed were stored at 4 C for 1 to 8 months in a soil having 25% (v/v) water. Nomenclature: Unicorn-plant, Proboscidea louisianica (Mill.) Thell. #3 PROLO; cotton, Gossypium birsutum L.; wheat, Triticum aestivum L. Additional index words. Germination, seed production, germination inhibitors, weed biology, devilsclaw, PROLO.

Acid-scarified hogpotato (Hoffmanseggia densifloraBenth. ex. Gray # HOFDE) seed incubated in distilled water germinated at least 94% when incubated at constant 15, 20, 30 C, and at alternate 20/30 C (20 C for 16 h and 30 C for 8 h) temperatures. Highest germination in buffered solutions occurred at pH 5.0 and 6.0 with reduced germination at lower and higher pH levels. Sodium chloride concentrations of 50 mM and greater reduced the germination rate. Percent germination after 9 days was reduced at NaCl concentrations of 100 mM and greater. Radicle lengths measured after 3 days were significantly reduced with increasing NaCl concentration. Twenty-day-old hogpotato seedlings having three true leaves were able to resprout after topgrowth removal. Regrowth occurred on 15% of the seedlings approximately 15 days after top removal.

Phytotoxicity of five substituted urea herbicides 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea (diuron), 3-(p-chlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea (monuron), 3-phenyl-1,1-dimethylurea (fenuron), 3-hexahydro-4,7-methanoindan-5-yl) −1,1-dimethylurea (norea), and 3-(m-trifluoromethylphenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea (fluometuron) at 0, 10, 100, and 1000 ppm were determined in factorial combination at four urea nitrogen levels of 0, 45, 450, and 900 ppm with three Aspergilli: A. niger, A. sydowi, and A. tamarii. Response interactions were apparent, with all three fungi most tolerant for fenuron and least for diuron. Apparent tolerance order of the three intermediates were: A. niger, norea > fluometuron > monuron; A. sydowi, fluometuron > monuron > norea; and A. tamarii, fluometuron > norea > monuron. Oat (Avena sativa L.) bioassay for residual herbicide toxicity indicated significant differences in herbicide degradation rates between these three fungi at 5, 10, and 20 ppm in Eufaula sand. Diuron was more rapidly degraded than monuron at these levels with fluometuron and norea somewhat intermediate. A. niger was most effective in degradation of these herbicides with A. tamarii greater than A. sydowi. High nitrogen levels in soil organic matter amendment generally favored increased rates of urea herbicide degradation.

Interference of silverleaf nightshade (Solanum elaeagnifolium Cav.) with Pronto spanish peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L.) was evaluated from 1981 through 1983 in a natural occurring weed population. Treatments consisted of weed-free maintenance or weed interference for 0, 4, 8, 12 weeks and for the full season. Silverleaf nightshade stems were counted as a measure of weed regrowth in treatments maintained weed free for 0, 4, and 8 weeks. Contamination of the harvested in-shell peanuts by silverleaf nightshade berries was determined by counting the number of berries passing through the peanut combine. In-shell peanut yields were reduced by an average of 17% when silverleaf nightshade was allowed to interfere with the crop for 4 weeks. Further yield reductions of 53, 66, and 66% were observed in treatments where interference occurred for 8 and 12 weeks and for the full-season, respectively. Regression analysis conducted on yield data of individual years predicts that each week of weed-free maintenance after crop emergence results in an average of 33 to 38 kg/ha yield increase above the unweeded control. Conversely, analyses of yield data averaged over all years indicated that for each week of weed interference there would be approximately a 103 kg/ha decrease in in-shell yield compared to the weed-free control. When yield data were converted to percent of yield of weed-free controls, there was no interaction among years. Regression analysis of the converted data predicts that for each week of weed-free maintenance after crop emergence there would be a 3.7% yield increase compared to the unweeded control and that for each week of weed interference there would be a corresponding yield loss of 4.5%. Silverleaf nightshade stem counts per plot were reduced an average of 18 and 36 percent for treatments maintained weed free for 4 and 8 weeks, respectively. In 1982 analysis of fruit contamination indicated a significant difference between full-season interference and weed-free maintenance for 4 or more weeks. Differences in fruit contamination between 4, 8, and 12 weeks of weed-free maintenance were not significant. In the second year no differences in fruit contamination were observed between the weedy check and the other treatments; however, fruit production after 4 weeks of weed-free maintenance was significantly higher than after 8 and 12 weeks of weed-free maintenance. Peanut quality, disregarding contamination by silverleaf nightshade berries, was not affected by weed interference.

Aspergillus niger van Tieghem, Aspergillus tamarii Kita, and Aspergillus flavus Link ex Fries utilized the methylthio moiety of 2,4-bis(isopropylamino) -6-methyl-mercapto- s -triazine (prometryne) as a sulfur nutrient source. Other soil fungal isolates not affected by prometryne concentrations to 1 mg/ml culture included: Aspergillus oryzae (Ahlburg) Cohn, Curvularia lunata (Wakker) Boedijn, Trichoderma viride Persoon ex Fries, Alternaria tenuis Nees ex Corda, Penicillium funiculosum Thom, and Paecilomyces varioti Bainier.