Impact of the safener Mefenpyr-diethyl on herbicide resistance evolution in Alopecurus myosuroides (Huds.) biotypes

The evolution of herbicide resistance is an important topic in plant protection and agricultural practice. Safeners are commonly used in herbicides to protect crops against herbicidal damage. Although no effect on the weed control is expected, it has been theorized that the rate of evolution of non-target site resistance (NTSR) in weeds in cereals may be enhanced by use of herbicide products containing safeners. One of the most important safeners in cereals is mefenpyr-diethyl. Therefore, the possible influence of mefenpyr on herbicide resistance was studied in cooperative trials between Bayer CropScience (BCS, F-Höchst) and FH Bingen. The trials tested in parallel different herbicide resistant black-grass (Alopecurus myosuroides (Huds.)) biotypes under greenhouse conditions. The biotypes where chosen due to known NTSR against Atlantis WG® (4 highly resistant and 5 moderately resistant) as well as two susceptible biotypes. The populations were treated with the following three herbicide/safener regimes in six concentrations adjusted according to the anticipated biotype resistance levels. (1) mesosulfuron + iodosulfuron + without safener formulation, (2) mesosulfuron + iodosulfuron + constant mefenpyr concentration (45g/ha), (3) mesosulfuron + iodosulfuron + varying mefenpyr concentrations (ratio 5:1:15). The treatments were applied in post-emergence based on mesosulfuron to iodosulfuron ratios in Atlantis WG® (5:1). The trials were assessed visually (% effect) and by fresh weight. Dose-response curves were performed and ED50 values for each treatment and biotype were calculated. Results showed a varying effect of safeners which was in the most cases negligible. Depending on the biotypes mostly no impact on the safener was found for herbicide resistance. In conclusion, the trials from Bingen and F-Höchst gave evidence, that there is no significant and consistent influence of the safener mefenpyr on evolution of NTSR black-grass.