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Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) production requires effective nutrient and weed management strategies to enhance tuber yield and quality while minimizing the environmental impact of chemical inputs. This study investigated the effects of various weed and nutrient management practices on potato tuber yield, yield components, and quality traits. The experiments were conducted over two years (2019–2020) at the University of Kurdistan's research farm in the Dehgolan Plain, using a split-plot based on randomized complete block design with four replicates. Main plot treatments included a control (no fertilizer), complete chemical fertilizer (based on soil testing), foliar application of edible mushroom powder, and seaweed extract. Subplot treatments focused on weed control methods, consisting of a control (no weed control), chemical herbicides (metribuzin + paraquat), a biological herbicide, and manual weeding (weed-free). The highest tuber yield was achieved with the combination of metribuzin and paraquat herbicides alongside manual weeding in the complete fertilizer regimen, yielding 25 and 23.2 t ha⁻¹, respectively. Treatments with edible mushroom powder resulted in a 32% increase in tuber counts but a 21% decrease in individual tuber weights compared to the control. Tuber quality was significantly affected, with phosphorus concentration peaking at 0.26% under the complete fertilizer regimen, whether paired with manual weeding or the biological herbicide. Additionally, reducing sugars were highest in the complete fertilizer and chemical weed management treatments, indicating potential implications for tuber processing quality. These findings suggest that an integrated approach combining complete chemical fertilizer application with effective weed control maximizes both total yield and nutrient concentrations in potatoes. The results provide valuable insights for developing sustainable potato production practices that balance yield optimization with environmental stewardship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of innovative, cost effective, and biocompatible sensor materials for rapid and efficient practical applications is a key area of focus in electroanalytical chemistry. In this research, we report on a novel biocompatible sensor, made using a unique polybenzoxazine-based carbon combined with amino cellulose and hyaluronic acid to produce a bio-polymer complex (PBC-ACH) (polybenzoxazine-based carbon with amino cellulose and hyaluronic acid). This sensor material is fabricated for the first time to enable the electroreduction of the herbicide, metribuzin (MTZ). The PBC-ACH sensor presents multiple advantages, including ease of fabrication, excellent biocompatibility, and low-cost production, making it suitable for various applications. In optimized experimental conditions, the sensor was fabricated by modifying a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) with the PBC-ACH complex, resulting in the creation of a GCE/PBC-ACH electrode. This modified electrode demonstrated the ability to detect MTZ at nanomolar levels, with an LoD of 13.04 nM, showcasing a high sensitivity of 1.40 µA µM−1 cm−2. Moreover, the GCE/PBC-ACH sensor exhibited remarkable selectivity, stability, and reproducibility in terms of its electrochemical performance, which are essential features for reliable sensing applications. The potential mechanism behind the detection of MTZ using the GCE/PBC-ACH sensor was investigated thoroughly, providing insights into its sensing behavior. Additionally, tests on real samples validated the sensor's practicality and efficiency in detecting specific analytes. These findings emphasize the potential of the GCE/PBC-ACH sensor as a highly effective electrochemical sensor, with promising applications in environmental monitoring and other fields requiring precise analyte detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The chloroplast genome has considerable potential to enhance crop productivity, but it remains underutilized in breeding because it is difficult to modify. This study elucidates the potential of recently developed chloroplast‐targeted C‐to‐T base editors in facilitating the use of the chloroplast genome for crop breeding. The herbicide metribuzin interferes with photosynthesis by binding to the D1 protein of photosystem II, encoded by the chloroplast genome. Naturally occurring D1 mutants with V219I or A251V substitutions are known to have resistance to some herbicides including metribuzin. Here, using the base editors, we introduced these substitutions and showed that the A251V single mutation and the V219 & A251V double mutations conferred significant metribuzin resistance to Arabidopsis thaliana. The V219I & A251V double mutants exhibited increased metribuzin resistance and grew better than the A251V single mutants. Furthermore, the double mutants grew as well as wild‐type plants in the absence of metribuzin. The single and double mutants, which are a challenge to obtain through traditional mutagenesis and crossbreeding methods, can be relatively easily generated using C‐to‐T base editors. In view of the conservation of V219 and A251 across numerous species, C‐to‐T base editing can potentially confer metribuzin resistance to a wide range of crops. Compared to nuclear genes, chloroplast genes are also less likely to spread into wild populations. Our findings suggest that chloroplast‐targeting C‐to‐T base editors will find many roles in future crop breeding efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Silver nanoparticles (Ag/Ag₂O NPs) have garnered attention for their potent antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties, showing promise for therapeutic applications, particularly in mitigating chemical-induced toxicity. Objective: This study aimed to synthesize Ag/Ag₂O NPs using Olea europaea (olive) leaf extract as a green, eco-friendly reducing agent and evaluate their protective effects against metribuzin-induced toxicity in Wistar rats, focusing on oxidative stress, hematological parameters, and lipid profiles, with specific dose optimization. Methodology: Ag/Ag₂O NPs were synthesized using Olea europaea leaf extract, and their properties were confirmed via XRD, FTIR, SEM, EDS, and UV-visible spectroscopy. Wistar rats exposed to metribuzin (110 mg/kg/day) were treated with two doses of Ag/Ag₂O NPs (0.062 mg/kg and 0.125 mg/kg). Hematological and biochemical markers were assessed to evaluate the NPs' protective effects. Results: Physicochemical characterization confirmed the successful formation of Ag/Ag₂O NPs loaded with phytochemicals, exhibiting crystallite sizes of 23 nm and 19 nm, a particle size of 25 nm, and significant peaks in XRD, FTIR, and UV-Vis spectra indicating the formation of Ag/Ag₂O. Metribuzin exposure led to significant hematological disruptions (elevated WBC, reduced RBC and hemoglobin) and worsened lipid profiles (increased cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides). The lower NP dose (0.062 mg/kg) improved WBC, RBC, hemoglobin, and platelet counts, normalized lipid levels, and positively influenced biochemical markers such as serum creatinine and uric acid. In contrast, the higher NP dose (0.125 mg/kg) showed mixed results, with some improvements but an increase in triglycerides and continued elevation of ASAT and ALAT enzyme levels. Conclusion: Ag/Ag₂O NPs synthesized via green methods using olive leaf extract effectively mitigated metribuzin-induced toxicity, especially at lower doses, by improving oxidative stress markers and hematological and biochemical profiles. Dose optimization is crucial to maximize therapeutic benefits and minimize adverse effects, underscoring their potential in treating chemical-induced toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many natural areas are colonised by the invasive species Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle. Its presence in natural ecosystems damages the ecological richness while competing with native flora. A. altissima is one of the most widespread weed species in natural areas of temperate regions such as conservation parks, archaeological sites and communication corridors. Not many active ingredients are available to control this weed since the most popular, glyphosate, has been banned by many municipalities. To test the efficacy of alternative herbicides, naturally occurring populations in Collserola Conservation Park in Barcelona (Catalonia, Spain) were treated with different herbicides using three different techniques. Aclonifen, metribuzin, flazasulfuron, metsulfuron-methyl, fluroxypyr, isoxaflutole + thiencarbazone-methyl and triclopyr mixed with 2.4-D, fluroxypyr, aminopyralid and clopyralid were applied by stem injection, cut stump injection or basal bark techniques to trees of about 5 cm diameter. Cut stump and stem injection both gave almost total control of the trees while basal bark showed more varied results depending on the herbicide. The best control was achieved when flazasulfuron or triclopyr were present as active ingredients and poorer control was observed when using metsulfuron-methyl or isoxaflutole + thiencarbazone-methyl. Aclonifen showed no damage to the trees. Metribuzin worked better if the cut stump injection technique was used. These results showed that several alternatives are available to the use of glyphosate, which has been banned for some uses due to environmental concerns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article "Analysis and management of herbicidal mixtures in a high‐intensity agricultural landscape in Belgium" discusses the impact of a stewardship program on reducing exceedance events for algae and macrophytes in Belgium. The authors identified a minor error in the data analysis programming but clarified that it did not affect the overall conclusions of the study. The study grouped sampling occasions into different risk groups and highlighted the compounds contributing to toxicity in algae and macrophytes. The stewardship program was credited with reducing exceedance events for both algae and macrophytes by 2013. [Extracted from the article]

Effective herbicide resistance management in Avena fatua is a crucial challenge to sustain wheat production. Using classic bioassay confirmed fenoxaprop-P-ethyl resistance in A. fatua biotypes in four districts of Punjab, Pakistan (Khushab, Mianwali, Bhakkar, and Sargodha). The efficacy testing of herbicide mixtures comprising clodinafop-propargyl plus metribuzin, pinoxaden plus sulfosulfuron, pinoxaden plus metribuzin, and sulfosulfuron plus clodinafop-propargyl had concentrations at 100%, 75%, and 50% of the recommended dose for each herbicide to control A. fatua resistant to fenoxaprop-P-ethyl. Results indicated that A. fatua displayed widespread resistance to fenoxaprop-Pethyl, ranging from 4.12 to 5.49, in all the surveyed districts. Every mixture of herbicides demonstrated 100% mortality at 100% and 75% of the authorized dose, demonstrating high efficacy in suppressing the weeds. At 100% and 75% of the recommended dose, every tested herbicide mixture showed 100% mortality, indicating high efficacy in controlling weeds. At 50% doses, clodinafop-propargyl plus metribuzin exhibited higher efficacy in controlling weeds than other herbicide mixtures. It is the first report of A. fatua from Punjab, Pakistan, stating resistance to fenoxaprop-P-ethyl. The improved herbicide combinations will be beneficial in minimizing the possible emergence of cross-resistance, decreasing wheat production losses, and efficiently managing A. fatua. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conserving insects as biological control agents of weeds is a critical part of weed management strategy as it employs target specific organisms to control the economic losses caused by weeds in crop fields. Lema praeusta (Fab.) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is an important biocontrol agent of two Commelinaceae weeds, Commelina benghalensis L. and Murdannia nudiflora (L.) Brenan growing in rice fields. Growers apply 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and metribuzin to control these weeds. Indiscriminate use of herbicides is not safe for the environment and non-target organisms. So, we have evaluated the effects of recommended field doses of 2,4-D (3.33 mg/ml) and metribuzin (0.8 mg/ml), which are applied to control these weeds, in redox metabolism and survival of L. praeusta young virgin females. Exposure to recommended field doses of 2,4-D and metribuzin in young virgin females resulted increase of total reactive oxygen species and hydrogen peroxide in herbicide exposed insects than control insects, and these parameters were higher in metribuzin exposed insects than 2,4-D exposed insects. Activity of catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione-S-transferase and malondialdehyde content were higher in metribuzin exposed insects than 2,4-D exposed insects. Six-days old females lived up to 26 and 18 days when exposed to 2,4-D and metribuzin, respectively, while control females lived up to 107 days on C. benghalensis. The above observations suggested that both herbicides are harmful for the biocontrol agent, L. praeusta, and between two herbicides, metribuzin is more harmful. Therefore, it is necessary to re-evaluate herbicide usage practices to safeguard non-target organisms and promote sustainable agriculture management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metribuzin, a widely used triazine herbicide, persists in agricultural soils and poses significant environmental pollution threats globally. The aim of this study was to investigate the biodegradation of metribuzin by actinobacterial strains in vitro at different environmental conditions. From an initial screen of 12 actinobacterial strains, four bacteria exhibited robust growth in the presence of the metribuzin as the sole carbon source at 50 mg/L concentration. The optimization of metribuzin biodegradation under different conditions (pH, temperature and inoculum size) using a spectrophotometric method revealed that maximum degradation of metribuzin occurred at a pH of 7.2, a temperature 30 °C, and at an inoculum volume of 4%. Subsequent GC-MS validation confirmed the remarkable biodegradation capabilities of the actinobacterial isolates, where the strain C1 showed the highest rate of metribuzin degradation of 83.12%. Detailed phylogenetic identified the active strains as Streptomyces toxytricini (CH), Streptomyces stelliscabiei (B2), and two Streptomyces heliomycini (C1, C3). Structural analysis by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the extensive biotransformation of the herbicide molecule. Our findings highlight the immense untapped potential of soil actinobacteria, particularly the Streptomyces heliomycini C1 strain, as versatile bioremediation agents for removing persistent agrochemical pollutants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pesticides are being used in unregulated and excessive amounts to increase crop yield, causing food and water contamination. Continuous consumption of these pesticides can lead to a variety of health problems, including cancer, respiratory problems, neurological disorders, and reproductive problems. Vibrational spectroscopy uses the unique vibrational modes of these chemicals to identify and quantify their composition with high sensitivity, selectivity, speed, and accuracy. Density functional theory (DFT) can accurately model the vibrational response of these pesticides. Metribuzin, with a triazinone type ring structure, is one such commercial weedicide that is widely used but has not been extensively studied in literature, especially the study of its vibrational modes is lacking. Metribuzin's Raman and infrared (IR) vibrational modes were analyzed in the present article. The calculated bond length, Raman, and IR spectra (using aug‐cc‐pVTZ B3LYP level of theory) were experimentally confirmed. All the major vibrational modes of Metribuzin were assigned. Also, the basis set comparison was performed for DFT/B3LYP method for Raman spectrum calculation of Metribuzin. The errors in wavenumber and intensity of the Raman vibrational modes for each basis set were compared. Hence, the complete study of Metribuzin's structure and vibrational modes was presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa) production is complex, with strict regulatory constraints and challenges associated with a lack of labeled pesticides due to its status as a novel crop in the US. Four experiments were conducted in 2020 and 2021 to establish herbicide tolerances for hemp production in the coastal plain of Georgia, USA. Objectives included evaluating hemp response to pretransplant or posttransplant herbicides, determining if planting method influenced herbicide injury from residual preplant applied herbicides, and understanding how plastic mulch may influence hemp flower yields. When applied one day prior to transplanting, maximum hemp crop visual injury was less than 12% compared to the untreated control, with acetochlor, flumioxazin, fomesafen, pendimethalin, and norflurazon while dithiopyr, halosulfuron, isoxaben, and isoxaflutole resulted in greater than 50% injury. Posttransplant applications of S-metolachlor, acetochlor, pendimethalin, and clethodim resulted in less than 15% injury while halosulfuron, metribuzin, trifloxysulfuron, imazethapyr, and prometryn applications resulted in greater than 50% injury to plants. Preplant and posttransplant applied herbicides were found to have little effect on total tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), or total cannabinoids in the dry flower after harvest. In a separate experiment, injury from halosulfuron and metribuzin was 52% to 56% less when planted with a mechanical transplanter as compared to the practice of using a transplant wheel to depress a hole in the soil followed by hand transplanting. In the final experiment, hemp dry flower yield in a non-plastic mulched (bareground) system was similar to that in a plastic mulched system. However, early season plant above-ground biomass was less in the plastic mulched system, which may have been due to elevated soil temperatures inhibiting early season growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: This study investigates factors contributing Amaranthus albus control failure in processing tomato fields in northern Israel. The study region is characterized by a significant climate gradient from east to west, providing the opportunity to investigate the effect of critical elements of the agricultural environment, e.g., temperature. Eight populations were collected from commercial fields in this region. Post‐emergence herbicide efficacy of metribuzin, a photosystem II inhibitor, and rimsulfuron, an acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibitor, was assessed through dose–response analyses at various growth stages. Temperature effects on control efficacy and resistance mechanisms were also explored. RESULTS: Standard metribuzin dose (X) was ineffective on A. albus plants with more than six true‐leaves, whereas 2X dose proved effective. Rimsulfuron at 16X dose was ineffective on plants with more than four true‐leaves. We report here the first case of target site resistance to ALS inhibitors in A. albus, due to point mutation in the ALS gene (Pro197 to Leu). Furthermore, our findings suggest potential involvement of CYT P450 enzymes in enhanced metabolizing of rimsulfuron. An overall decrease in dry weight was observed in response to both herbicides at 16/22 °C (P < 0.0001). Rimsulfuron was effective against only one population when applied at 28/34 °C. A possible fitness cost associated with target site‐resistant biotypes was observed under low temperature conditions, leading to effective control. CONCLUSION: This regional‐scale study highlights the challenges faced by growers, emphasizes the need for adapting management practices to the local climatic conditions and lays the groundwork for implementing location‐specific weed management strategies in commercial fields. © 2024 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The objective was to evaluate the efficacy of pre-emergence herbicides mixture applied to the soil with and without dead cover crops (Sorghum bicolor) for the control of Amaranthus hybridus L. (smooth pigweed) and its selectivity in soybeans. This study was structured in split plot (2 × 6 + 2), where factor A plots (with and without dead cover) and factor B six herbicides mixture: flumioxazin + S-metolachlor (50.4 + 1,008 g a.i. ha−1), flumioxazin + imazethapyr (60 + 127.2 g a.i. ha−1), pyroxasulfone + sulfentrazone (137.6 + 160 g a.i. ha−1), diuron + sulfentrazone (400 + 200 g a.i. ha−1), metribuzin + S-metolachlor (326.4 + 1,344 g a.i. ha−1) and sulfentrazone + imazethapyr (200 + 100 g a.i. ha−1) and two untreated control plots. As for the results, the herbicides flumioxazin + S-metolachlor, flumioxazin + imazethapyr and pyroxasulfone + sulfentrazone showed excellent control (97–99%) and were not influenced by the plot with and without dead cover. They also showed higher yield soybeans (<2,244 kg ha−1). All herbicides were selective to the soybeans. Overall, pre-emergence herbicides and cover crops were efficient methods for the control of A. hybridus, which farmers should use to avoid losses in yield soybeans due to weed competition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A two-year field experiment was conducted in two consecutive seasons to evaluate the response of wheat to pre-emergence (PRE) and early post-emergence (EPOST) herbicides. The herbicides prosulfocarb (3200 g ai ha−1) and chlorotoluron plus diflufenican (1380 + 92 g ai ha−1) were applied PRE, whereas the herbicides flufenacet plus diflufenican (240 + 120 g ai ha−1) and flufenacet plus diflufenican plus metribuzin (119.7 + 119.7 + 44.8 g ai ha−1) were applied EPOST at the second leaf growth stage of wheat. Heavy rainfalls that followed the PRE treatments and cold temperatures that occurred during the EPOST applications resulted in crop injuries and reduced yields in prosulfocarb, chlorotoluron plus diflufenican and flufenacet plus diflufenican the first and the second year, respectively. Weather conditions such as heavy rainfalls and low temperatures that may occur during and after herbicide treatments should be considered to avoid crop injuries and increase crop safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil enzymes and microbial activity are an indicator of soil quality for assessing the sustainability of agricultural ecosystems. The present study determined the persistence of metribuzin and clodinafop-propargyl and response of soil quality indicators to (1) conservation agriculture (continuous zero tillage and surface residue retention) and conventional agriculture (continuous tillage and removal/incorporation of residues) practices and (2) weed management practices in a wheat field under rice-wheat system. The shift from conventional to conservation agriculture practices increased the dissipation of metribuzin and clodinafop propargyl and significantly enhanced soil dehydrogenase (DHA) and urease activity. The residues of metribuzin and clodinafop in grain and straw samples from all treatment were below maximum residue limits (<0.01 µg g−1). Post-emergence application of clodinafop-propargyl plus metribuzin caused significant inhibition in DHA and urease activity at 7 days after treatment (DAT) compared to unsprayed control. However, from 31 DAT till crop harvest (115 DAT), herbicide treated plots had higher enzymatic activity than unsprayed plots. Intervention of one hoeing following herbicide application had greater stimulation in enzyme activity than sole herbicide. Conservation agriculture practices had higher colony development (CD) and ecophysiological (EP) indices than conventional agriculture practices for heterotrophic bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes. All tillage, residue and weed management practices had non-significant effect on alkaline phosphatase activity and phosphate solubilizers, in soil. Adoption of conservation agriculture practices along with integrated weed management seems to be the best way of sustaining the soil biological parameters and cycling of various important soil nutrients which may potentially alter vital soil processes resulting in increased agricultural sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to assess the impact of three biostimulants and a herbicide on selected unit parameters of potato yield. The research results came from a three-year field experiment that was established using the randomised sub-blocks method in three replications. In the experiment, two cultivars of edible potato were grown and the yield-protective effect of treatments was assessed: (1) control object without protection with preparations; (2) herbicide clomazone + metribuzin; (3) biostimulant PlonoStart and herbicide clomazone + metribuzin; (4) biostimulant Aminoplant and herbicide clomazone + metribuzin, and (5) biostimulant Agro-Sorb Folium and herbicide clomazone + metribuzin. As a result of the limited competition of weeds in the objects with the use of biostimulant and herbicide, a higher average weight of one potato tuber, a higher share of commercial tubers > 35 mm and a higher share of large tubers > 50 mm was obtained compared to the control object. The highest average weight of one tuber (108.2 and 85.4 g, respectively) and the highest share of commercial (97.1 and 96.3%, respectively) and large tubers (60.6 and 60.5%, respectively) were obtained in the objects where the Agro-Sorb Folium biostimulant + Avatar 293 ZC herbicide were used. and PlonoStart + Avatar 293 ZC. The correlation analysis confirmed a significant negative relationship between the number of weeds and average weight of one potato tuber, share of commercial tubers and share of large tubers. Weather conditions during the conduct of the research also significantly differentiated weed numbers and quality parameters of potato yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is employed in many countries in the food, pharmaceutical, and other industries due to its high oil, antioxidant, and protein content for human consumption and cattle feed, as well as straw fodder. The current study aimed to investigate the herbicidal effects of preemergence and post-emergence herbicides on the morphological and physiological traits of sesame and associated weeds under field conditions. The current study employed two commercial pre-emergence herbicides pendimethalin (Fist super 45.5% CS) and metribuzin (Marine El-Nasr 70% WG), and three post-emergence herbicides namely haloxyfop-methyl (Galint super 10.8% EC), clethodim (Secrit 12% EC) and mix of clethodim 7.5% + haloxyfop-methyl 15% (Fine 22.5% EC). The treatments were applied at 21 and 35 days after sowing (DAS) and hand hoeing was applied as well. Biomass (fresh weight gm-2) of broad-leaved, grass, and total weeds in sesame field were determined during the summer seasons 2020 and 2021. The results showed in both seasons that all weed control treatments reduced weed biomass while increasing yield components. Higher weed control efficiency was observed with post emergence application of clethodim, cethodim + haloxyfop-methyl followed by hand hoeing. Pre emergence application of pendimethalin 0.75 kg ha-1 followed by post emergence application of quizalofop ethyl 0.0050 kg ha-1 was found to be the better treatment to control the weeds in broadcasted sesame. Also, application of pre- and post-emergence herbicides recorded significantly lower fresh weight of all weeds. A significant increase in all agronomic traits of sesame yield such as No. of branches/Plant, No. of capsules/Plant, No. of grains/capsules, 1000 grains weight (g), grain yield (kg/4200 m²), stalk yield (kg/4200 m²) and straw yield) were recorded with all treatments when compared to untreated control during the two seasons 2020 and 2021. Moreover, there was no significant (p = 0.05) difference in chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, and carotenoids levels between all herbicides or between the two-hand hoeing and unwedded control. Interestingly, no phytotoxic symptoms appeared on sesame leaf pigments in response to herbicide application. Also, the side effect of herbicides on subsequent crops was investigated and the results revealed no harmful effect due to residual effect from any of the tested herbicides to seed germination percentage of barley and green beans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study proceeded in the spring of 2022 to assess the efficiency of Metribuzin herbicide alone and combined with some agricultural methods, such as mulching and hoeing, to control potato weeds. The effect of Metribuzin at a rate of 400 g ha-1 with mulching reduced the total weed density to 19.0 plants m-2, similar to Metribuzin at a rate of 800 g ha-1 (16.0 plants m-2 ). The efficiency of Metribuzin herbicide at 400 g ha-1 combined with one or two hoeings reduced the number of weed densities by 19.3 and 10.6 plants m-2 for one hoeing and two hoeings, respectively. The effect positively manifested in plant heights, the number of leaves, the foliage dry weight, and its reflection on the potato yield weight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was conducted at Research Farm A, College of Agriculture, Ganj Basoda, District Vidisha (M.P.) during the rabi season of 2021-22. The application of clodinafop propargyl + metsulfuron methyl @ 60 + 4 g a.i. ha-1 as post emergence produced maximum grain yield (4854 kg ha-1), straw yield (7789 kg ha-1) and net monetary return (Rs 72502 ha-1) with BC ratio 2.77 as compared to other herbicidal treatments and it was statistically at par with clodinafop propargyl + metribuzin @ 60 + 175 and clodinafop propargyl + carfentrazone ethyl @ 60 + 20g a.i. ha-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the adsorption behavior of herbicides Metribuzin and Bentazon using a soil model incorporating Layered Double Hydroxide (LDH) and humic acid. Mg3AlCl-LDH, synthesized at pH 10, was combined with humic acid to produce two distinct materials: Mg3–5%HA and Mg3–10%HA. These materials were characterized using FTIR, XRD, and SEM techniques. The research confirms that humic acid adsorbs onto the LDH surface without altering its structure, resulting in negatively charged materials. While both materials fully adsorb Metribuzin at 20 mg/L, their adsorption capacities diverge at higher concentrations, with Mg3–10%HA exhibiting a higher capacity than Mg3–5%HA. In contrast, Bentazon’s adsorption is unaffected by humic acid content, displaying identical adsorption capacities in both materials at different concentrations. Both herbicides exhibit rapid adsorption kinetics, reaching equilibrium in 15 minutes. The Avrami model accurately predicts equilibrium adsorption capacities, with Metribuzin primarily adsorbed through electrostatic attraction and hydrogen bonding, while Bentazon’s adsorption is limited due to electrostatic repulsion. The adsorption of both herbicides by Mg3-HA materials is not influenced by pH variations, likely due to the surface charge of the materials. Metribuzin retention in soil containing LDH and humic acid is effective, increasing with higher humic acid concentrations, whereas Bentazon demonstrates greater mobility and resistance. These findings provide valuable insights for developing efficient water decontamination techniques, with implications for environmental protection and public health. Policymakers, researchers, and professionals in water management and pollution control should consider these findings to enhance current practices and technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The premixtures flufenacet plus diflufenican and flufenacet plus diflufenican plus metribuzin are two herbicides recently registered in Greece for weed control in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) with application early post-emergence to the crop (1st–3rd leaf growth stage). To evaluate the selectivity of these new herbicides, pot experiments were conducted by applying flufenacet plus diflufenican at 240 + 120 g ai ha−1 and flufenacet plus diflufenican plus metribuzin at 119.7 + 119.7 + 44.8 g ai ha−1 to bread wheat and barley, at 1st (BBCH-11), 2nd (BBCH-12) and 3rd (BBCH-13) leaf growth stage. The efficacy of the herbicides at the above-mentioned rates in pre-emergence application was also tested on three ALS/ACCase herbicide-resistant populations of Lolium rigidum Gaudin in comparison with the pre-emergence herbicides prosulfocarb and chlorotoluron plus diflufenican at 3200 g ai ha−1 and 1380 + 92 g ai ha−1, respectively. The results revealed decreased selectivity of both premixtures when applied at BBCH-11 for both winter cereals, with flufenacet plus diflufenican being less selective compared to flufenacet plus diflufenican plus metribuzin. Both herbicides highly controlled the three herbicide-resistant L. rigidum populations. The results indicated that both premixtures are effective chemical options for the management of herbicide resistant L. rigidum. To ensure crop safety and optimize efficacy, application at BBCH-12 is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mobile herbicides have a high potential for groundwater contamination. An alternative to decrease the mobility of herbicides is to apply materials with high sorbent capacity to the soil, such as biochars. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of eucalyptus, rice hull, and native bamboo biochar amendments on sorption and desorption of hexazinone, metribuzin, and quinclorac in a tropical soil. The sorption–desorption was evaluated using the batch equilibrium method at five concentrations of hexazinone, metribuzin, and quinclorac. Soil was amended with eucalyptus, rice hull, and native bamboo biochar at a rate of 0 (control—unamended) and 1% (w w−1), corresponding to 0 and 12 t ha−1, respectively. The amount of sorbed herbicides in the unamended soil followed the decreasing order: quinclorac (65.9%) > metribuzin (21.4%) > hexazinone (16.0%). Native bamboo biochar provided the highest sorption compared to rice hull and eucalyptus biochar–amended soils for the three herbicides. The amount of desorbed herbicides in the unamended soil followed the decreasing order: metribuzin (18.35%) > hexazinone (15.9%) > quinclorac (15.1%). Addition of native bamboo biochar provided the lowest desorption among the biochar amendments for the three herbicides. In conclusion, the biochars differently affect the sorption and desorption of hexazinone, metribuzin, and quinclorac mobile herbicides in a tropical soil. The addition of eucalyptus, rice hull, and native bamboo biochars is a good alternative to increase the sorption of hexazinone, metribuzin, and quinclorac, thus, reducing mobility and availability of these herbicides to nontarget organisms in soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Weed control success with pre-emergence (PRE) herbicides is affected by environmental factors including rainfall and plant residue. Two greenhouse experiments were conducted to evaluate PRE herbicide efficacy against johnsongrass [Sorghum halepense (L.) Pers.], prickly sida (Sida spinosa L.) and velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti Medik.). One experiment investigated herbicide efficacy under two crop residue amounts (2500 and 5000 kg ha−1) and the second examined herbicide efficacy influenced by simulated rain at two, four, and eight days after application (DAA). Five herbicides (pendimethalin, metribuzin, clomazone, imazethapyr and pyroxasulfone) and four nozzles types (XR, ULD, TTI and TTI60) were used. Nozzle type did not affect weed control across residue levels. Pendimethalin better controlled S. halepense under the low residue level. Imazethapyr efficacy for S. spinosa and A. theophrasti increased under high residue level. Imazethapyr applications for S. spinosa and A. theophrasti control were more effective when sprayed with the TTI nozzle regardless of rainfall timing. Longer periods without rain after application improved pendimethalin efficacy against S. spinosa and A. theophrasti, while pyroxasulfone better controlled S. spinosa with rain two DAA. Metribuzin and clomazone provided the best weed control among herbicides for all residue levels and rainfall scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herbicide degradation is one of the key processes determining whether the use of herbicide will have any impact on environmental quality, and it is dependent on various biotic and abiotic factors. The present study evaluates the impact of various abiotic factors such as soil type, application rate, incubation temperature, soil pH, soil microorganisms and sunlight on persistence of metribuzin and its effect on soil enzymes. Half-lives (DT50) varied significantly with application rate of metribuzin and physicochemical properties of soil and ranged from 15.17 to 46.59 days. Metribuzin degraded 2.2 to 6.5 times slower in sterilised soil (DT50 = 35.21 to 115.60 days) as compared to unsterilised soil, indicating microbial degradation is one the most predominant contributors towards degradation of metribuzin in soil. Increase in degradation rate on exposure to sunlight indicated photodegradation also contributes significantly to the degradation of metribuzin. Deaminometribuzin, diketometribuzin and deaminodiketometribuzin metabolites of metribuzin were detected in all treatments. Dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase activities were significantly affected by application of metribuzin while urease activity remained unaffected. The physicochemical properties viz. pH, organic matter content and temperature should be considered along with application rate of metribuzin in order to achieve satisfactory weed control and reduce environmental risk associated with the use of metribuzin in different crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

White lupine (Lupinus albus L.) is a well-known green manure crop in Hungary, but the production of seeds can be badly impacted by weeds. The sweet white lupine 'Nelly' was grown on acidic sandy soil, and experimental plots were treated with different herbicides. Flumioxazin (0.06 kg ha−1), pendimethalin (5 L ha−1), dimethenamid-P (1.4 L ha−1), pethoxamid (2 L ha−1), clomazone (0.2 L ha−1), metobromuron (3 L ha−1), and metribuzin (0.55 L ha−1) were applied pre-emergence (1–2 days after sowing). Imazamox was also tested and applied post-emergence (1 L ha−1) when some basal leaves were clearly distinct (BBCH 2.3). In this paper, the weed control efficiency and the phytotoxicity of herbicides applied to lupine are examined. Vegetation index datasets were collected 12 times using a manual device and 2 times using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The phytotoxicity caused by herbicides was visually assessed on several occasions throughout the breeding season. The frequency of weed occurrence per treatment was assessed. The harvested seed yields, in kg ha−1, were analyzed after the seeds were cleaned. The herbicides metribuzin and imazamox caused extensive damage to white lupine. While pendimethalin, dimethenamid-P, pethoxamid, and clomazone were outstanding in several measured indicators, the final ranking which summarizes all the variables showed that only the pethoxamid and clomazone treatments performed better than the control. Metribuzin and imazamox were highly phytotoxic to white lupine. In the future, it would be appropriate to integrate more post-emergence active substances into trials, and the pre-emergence herbicides involved in this study should be further tested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Safflower is a multipurpose crop with several uses that can offer benefits to rainfed cereal-based cropping systems due to its tolerance to cold, drought, salinity, and its reduced need for agricultural inputs. Safflower requires good weed control for optimum yields because it is a very poor competitor with weeds, especially at the early growth stage, but registered pre-emergence herbicides are not available. This research investigated the effects of several pre-emergence herbicides on weed control and the yield of safflower in central Italy, through two field experiments in 2019 and 2020. Aclonifen, metazachlor, s-metolachlor, propyzamide, and metribuzin were applied as pre-emergence herbicides. The main weeds were the following: Papaver rhoeas L., Conyza canadensis (L.) Cronq., and Ammi majus L. in experiment 1, and wild sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) in experiment 2. Metazachlor and metribuzin gave the highest phytotoxicity on safflower in both experiments, with values ranging from 48% to 75% and from 30% to 75% (in a scale of 0–100%), respectively, and seem to be not advisable as pre-emergence herbicides. Aclonifen, s-metolachlor, and propyzamide can be considered selective and safe to the safflower, showing the lowest values of phytotoxicity that ranged from 0 to 10%. Metazachlor and s-metolachlor gave the highest total weed control with values of 92% and 97%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preemergence herbicides are traditionally applied uniformly throughout the area; however, weed control may vary due to spatial variability of the soil within the same area. Precision agriculture tools such as variable rate applications of herbicides improve weed control, making it necessary to know the physicochemical characteristics of the soil. The objective of this study was to map the spatial variability of sorption–desorption and agronomic efficiency of indaziflam and metribuzin for weed management in a field of 17.5 ha of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Fifty-five soil samples were collected (0–10 cm depth) and based on their physicochemical characteristics and the sorption and desorption coefficients for indaziflam and metribuzin, determined by a batch equilibrium method, thematic maps were generated for each variable in QGIS (Quantum Geographic Information System). In addition, the bioavailability concentration of each herbicide was determined, and its efficacy was evaluated in controlling Amaranthus hybridus and Eleusine indica in a representative soil sample. The sorption coefficient (Kd(s)) of indaziflam ranged from 6.9 to 40.5 L kg−1, the sorbed percentage (S%) from 61 to 86.6%, the desorbed percentage (D%) from 8.4 to 33.1%, and the total bioavailability (TB%) from 26 to 55.7%. The Kd(s) values of metribuzin ranged from 1.1 to 4.3 L kg−1, S% from 22.8 to 33.9%, D% from 17.2 to 22.0%, and TB% from 79.4 to 96.7%. Organic matter was highly correlated with the TB% of indaziflam (r = –0.8) and metribuzin (r = –0.7). Soil solution equilibrium concentration (Ce) of 1.9 g a.i. ha−1 of indaziflam controlled 80% of A. hybridus and E. indica. The Ce values of metribuzin were 55.2 and 111.2 g a.i. ha−1 to control 80% of A. hybridus and E. indica, respectively. Recommendations of varied doses provided reductions of 17.6% in the total application of indaziflam and 9.8% of metribuzin concerning the highest dose recommended in the field. The characterization of the soil physicochemical characteristics as well as the determination of the total bioavailability of indaziflam and metribuzin, by knowing the sorption–desorption coefficients, allowed for the recommendation of variable and precise doses of herbicides for the efficient management of A. hybridus and E. indica in preemergence, reducing potential negative environmental impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metribuzin, a widely used triazine herbicide, persists in agricultural soils and poses significant environmental pollution threats globally. The aim of this study was to investigate the biodegradation of metribuzin by actinobacterial strains in vitro at different environmental conditions. From an initial screen of 12 actinobacterial strains, four bacteria exhibited robust growth in the presence of the metribuzin as the sole carbon source at 50 mg/L concentration. The optimization of metribuzin biodegradation under different conditions (pH, temperature and inoculum size) using a spectrophotometric method revealed that maximum degradation of metribuzin occurred at a pH of 7.2, a temperature 30 °C, and at an inoculum volume of 4%. Subsequent GC-MS validation confirmed the remarkable biodegradation capabilities of the actinobacterial isolates, where the strain C1 showed the highest rate of metribuzin degradation of 83.12%. Detailed phylogenetic identified the active strains as Streptomyces toxytricini (CH), Streptomyces stelliscabiei (B2), and two Streptomyces heliomycini (C1, C3). Structural analysis by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the extensive biotransformation of the herbicide molecule. Our findings highlight the immense untapped potential of soil actinobacteria, particularly the Streptomyces heliomycini C1 strain, as versatile bioremediation agents for removing persistent agrochemical pollutants.

Grain legumes represent important crops for livestock feed and contribute to novel uses in the food industry; therefore, the best cultivation practices need to be assessed. This study aimed to identify herbicides to meet the current need for controlling broadleaf weeds without phytotoxicity in the grain legume crop per se. Field experiments were undertaken during the 2019 and 2020 growing seasons and laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replicates as follows: four grain legume crops (vetch, pea, faba bean, and white lupine) and nine pre-emergence (PRE) or post-emergence selective (POST) herbicide treatments (PRE: aclonifen, pendimethalin plus clomazone, metribuzin plus clomazone, benfluralin, terbuthylazine plus pendimethalin, S-metolachlor plus pendimethalin, flumioxazin; POST: pyridate, imazamox) alongside weedy check plots. Plant phytotoxicity, crop dry matter, yield features, weed presence, and weed dry matter were assessed during the experiments. There was differential efficacy among the nine herbicide treatments; the weed control was more effective in the case of Veronica arvensis L. and Sonchus spp. L. compared with Chenopodium album L., Sinapis arvensis L., and Silibum marianum L. regardless of the herbicide treatment. The most effective PRE herbicide was flumioxazin, which had the greatest control over the majority of weeds (>70%) resulting in the lowest total weed biomass. The second-best treatment was benfluralin and the mixture of terbuthylazine plus pendimethalin (both had only limited control in S. arvensis). The best POST herbicide was imazamox, with only limited control in S. arvensis. The tested herbicides caused low to medium and transient levels of phytotoxicity mainly in vetch and secondly in peas but not in faba beans and lupines. Concerning all weed management treatments, benfluralin resulted in the highest grain yields for all four grain legume crops during both growing seasons. Among grain legumes, vetch had the highest competitive ability against weeds, whereas peas were the least tolerant against weed competition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field experiment was run in two years to evaluate five organic materials as the potential alternatives for the use of the herbicides to lessen the weed infestation in tomato production. The application rate of corn residues + sawdust (CRSD), rice straw + sawdust (RSSD), wheat straw + sawdust (WSSD), barley straw + sawdust (BSSD), and shredded date palm leaves + sawdust (SDPLSD) as the mulch materials were 8.5, 9.8, 9.3, 9.4, and 8.8 t ha−1, respectively. Based on the results, SDPLSD represented the lowest weed dry matter by 79.1 g m−2, which was followed by metribuzin, metribuzin + rimsulfuron, WSSD, and BSSD, with recording 114.9, 120.0, 122.6, and 137.0 g m−2 of weed dry mass, respectively, in 2016. Moreover, SDPLSD indicated the highest level of weed control efficacy (WCE) by 82.7% in 2017. The most total marketable yield (TMY) was observed in the covered plots with SDPLSD, which was 62.1 and 61.9 t ha−1 in 2016 and 2017, respectively. Overall, SDPLSD could be a rational alternative for herbicide options because of its performance in controlling weed invasion as well as enhancing TMY. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beneficial bacteria are used as plant growth promoters in agriculture. The off-target effects of herbicides on beneficial bacteria are needed to be investigated. This study was carried out to determine the positive or negative effects of active compounds of herbicides on the reproduction of beneficial bacteria, Bacillus cereus and Pseudomonas putida. The herbicides used in this study contained active compounds such as Fluazifop-p-buthyl, Pendimethalin and Metribuzin. Effects of the active compounds were evaluated on the bacteria under in vitro, greenhouse and field conditions. Three doses of each active compound were used: the recommended dose (N), twice the recommended dose (2N) and three folds (3N) the recommended dose. It was observed that the increased dose of Pendimethalin, Fluazifop-p-buthyl, Metribuzin had significant effects on B. cereus and P. putida under in vitro conditions. Also, the increased dose of Pendimethalin, Fluazifop-p-buthyl significantly reduced the density of both bacteria. On the other hand, increasing doses of Pendimethalin decreased the density of P. putida, but did not affect that of B. cereus. Under greenhouse conditions, the density of B. cereus was not affected with increased doses of Fluazifop-p-buthyl and Metribuzin while the bacteria concentration were increased with doses of pendimethalin. As the doses of active substances increased, P. putida bacterial density also increased in greenhouse. Under field conditions, the recommended doses of Pendimethalin, Metribuzin did not inhibit B. cereus density, while the dose of Fluazifop-p-buthyl increased the bacterial concentration. Additionally, under similar conditions, Fluazifop-p-buthyl and Metribuzin did not affect P. putida, while Pendimethalin decreased concentration of P putida. In the present study results showed that increased active substances of Pendimethalin, Fluazifop-p-buthyl and Metribuzin are decreasing or increasing the densities of P. putida and B. cereus with dependent on experimental conditions. All these active substances are not eradicating the beneficial bacterial population in soil. It would be appropriate to give some quantitative values of the obtained results in the abstract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon dots (CDs) are the emerging class of carbonized materials with an ultra-small size (< 10 nm) and remarkable optical properties. In this paper, blue emissive CDs were synthesized from Plumeria obtusa (PO) flower named "PO-CDs" via a conventional hydrothermal approach. The as-prepared PO-CDs showed emission at 419 nm when excited at 335 nm with a high quantum yield (18%). This approach is effortless, inexpensive, and very reliable with the view of the green and facile method. The intensity of as-prepared PO-CDs was quenched by metribuzin pesticide via a static quenching mechanism. The reduction in PO-CDs intensity offers a wider linear range of calibration from 0.5 to 100 μM, with the detection limit of 22.57 nM. Lastly, the interaction and quenching mechanism between PO-CDs and metribuzin confirmed by various analytical techniques. The PO-CDs-based fluorescent probe was effectively applied to detect metribuzin in the cherry tomato samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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IntroductionRain-fed Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) is vulnerable to weed competition because of its tiny stature, slow establishment, and limited vegetative growth. Weed control is necessary for maximum seed yield and seed quality. Crop yield losses are primarily a result of competition with weeds for nutrients, moisture and space. Therefore, weed control at this period plays an important role to gain high roduction. Although the vast majority of lentil production is under rain-fed conditions, there is a little published information on weed control with herbicides in rain-fed lentils. Herbicides due to efficiency and expense savings play a essential role in weed control. The purpose of this research was to determine the best time to application effective herbicides in weeds control for the maximum rain-fed Lentil production in Khorramabad. Materials and MethodsThe Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) field experiment was carried out as split plot based on complete randomized block design with three replications during 2017-2018 in Khorramabad (48.21°E, 33.29°N, 1170 m above sea level, 450 mm average yearly precipitation) Iran. The following herbicides were used: Oxyfluorfen (EC 24%) 1 Li ha-1, Isoxaflutole (SC 480) 200 Ml ha-1, Flumetsulam(WG 800) 20 g ha-1, Metribuzin (WP 70%) 500g ha-1, Pendimethalin Aria(EC33%) 4 li ha-1, Pendimethalin Prowl (CS45.5%) 4li ha-1, Imazethapyr (SL10%) 350 ml ha-1 and Pendimethalin prowl 2li ha-1plus Imazethapyr 350 ml ha-1. Herbicide applicatioin time at 3 levels; IAP application (Immediately after planting), PRE application and IBCE (eraly post herbicide application at fourth lentil node stage) was assigned to the main and sub plots respectively. The fields were in wheat cultivation in the year before the experiments. The soil at the test sites was a silty loam with a pH of 7.9 and organic matter of 1.11%. Lentil was sown at a density of 75 kg seed ha-1 by hand on December 21, 2017. Herbicides were sprayed with an electric knapsack sprayer MATABI (calibrated to deliver 300 L ha-1. In order to evaluate the effect of treatments on weeds density and biomass, at the beginning of lentil flowering, sampling was done from a surface of 0.3 m-2 area and weed density and weed biomass recorded. At lentil physiological maturity, the yield and yield components were measured by harvesting lentil plants from a 1-m2 area in each plot (Izadi & Maghsoudi, 1400). The data were subjected to the analysis of variance using SAS. Means were compared using Duncan's Multiple Range test at P=0.05 level of significance. Results and DiscussionThe results indicated that the lowest weed density and weed biomass were associated with Flumetsulam and Prowl plus Imazethapyr. The average weed densities for the postemergence and preemergence treatments of the eight evaluated herbicides were 14.9% and 31.0% lower, respectively, compared to the herbicide application immediately after planting. The least herbicide injury effects on the Lentil crop were assigned to the Pendimethalin Aria, Pendimethalin Prowl, Prowl plus Imazethapyr, Imazethapyr and Flumetsulam. In the case of Oxyfluorfen herbicide, weed density for early postemergence application treatment was 84.1% lower than in PRE application. In the case of Isoxaflutole herbicide, the mean weed density for application immediately after planting was 79.3% lower than for early post-application. In the case of Flumetsulam herbicide, the mean of weed biomass for application immediately after planting was 73.3% and 66.6% less than preemergence and early post-application, respectively. With the exception of Flumetsulam herbicide, there was no significant difference between the different herbicide application times in terms of weed biomass. The highest average Lentil grain yield per unit area was observed when Flumetsulam herbicide was applied immediately after planting. On the other hand, the lowest average Lentil grain yield per unit area was recorded when Isoxaflutole herbicide was applied immediately after planting. No significant differences in Lentil grain yield per unit area were found between the different application times for the herbicides Metribuzin and Imazethapyr. Based on cluster analysis grouping of relative efficacy of control treatments, immediately after planting application or preemergence application of Flumetsulam and early postemergence application of Imazethapyr were better than the other herbicide treatments for Lentil weed control, whereas the lowest relative efficacy was related to preemergence application of Oxyfluorfen, immediately after planting application of Isoxaflutole and Metribuzin, and preemergence application of Pendimethalin Arya. ConclusionBased on the results of this research, the application of flumezolam immediately after planting (20 g ha-1) and imazatapir( 350 ml ha-1) as pre-emergence application have had more efficiency for weed control in lentil than other herbicide treatments, while the pre-emergent application of oxyfluorfen, the application immediately after planting of isoxaflotel and metribyozin have had the effects of plant burning on lentil crops and the pendimethalin Aria herbicide is not recommended in lentil farms because of to the lack of control of broadleaf weeds under normal conditions in lentil fields. In general, among the experimental treatments, in terms of the level of control efficiency and the level of safety for the lentil crop, the application of flumetsulam immediately after planting was the best herbicide treatment.

This paper reports the preparation and herbicidal evaluation of a small library of acylhydrazones based on the synthetic herbicide metribuzin. The hydrazone linkage easily obtained by reaction of metribuzin with aliphatic and aromatic aldehydes, masks efficiently the exocyclic amino group, thereby altering significantly H-bonding with the receptor and increasing the lipophilicity relative to the parent herbicide. The structures of all compounds, including key stereochemical issues on conformation and E/Z configuration around the CN bond were thoroughly elucidated by spectroscopic methods, and unambiguously corroborated by X-ray diffraction analysis. The herbicidal assays using an aliphatic and an aromatic acylhydrazone were performed on tomato and rapeseed plants grown in greenhouse. Our results demonstrate, regardless of rate application, that such acylhydrazone formulations do not alter the selectivity of metribuzin. Moreover, the herbicide activity was even higher in the alkyl derivative than that achieved by commercial metribuzin, thus suggesting that this substance can be applied with no need of combination with chemical coadjuvants, unlike most formulations of commercially available herbicides. Therefore, the study shows the promising effect of chemical derivatization of a common herbicide as metribuzin, to improve the herbicide activity without compromising selectivity, and allowing the farmers its use in crop protection safely and effectively.

Background and Objectives: Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is one of the most strategic crops, which is very important in terms of level and nutritional value, and is known as one of the most important and most consumed crops in the world. According to the report of the World Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), in 2017, the world production of wheat was about 772 million tons, of which Iran's share was reported to be about 14 million tons. Increasing the yield of wheat per unit area depends on certain factors, one of which is the correct management of weeds to reduce their damage. Therefore, the aims of this study was to use different time of application of pre and post emergence herbicide to reduce use of herbicide for improving productivity of wheat. Materials and Methods: A field experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replications in the research farm of Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz in the year 2019-2020. Treatments in this experiment include; Uncontrolled, hand weeding, pendimethalin + atlantis, pendimethalin + metribuzin, trifluralin + atlantis, trifluralin + metribosin, pendimethalin + 2,4-D, trifluralin + 2,4-D, green mungbean + 2,4-D and 2,4-D intercropping. Wheat cv. ‘Mehregan’ was sown at 20 cm row spacing on 28 November in 2019. A seed rate of 120 kg ha-1 along with recommended fertilizer dose of 120:60:40 kg N-P2O5- K2O ha-1 was followed uniformly. Wheat matured in the 2nd week of April. Result: The control methods of hand weeding and pendimethalin+atlantis had a positive effect on increasing the weight of 1000 seeds and the treatment of trifluralin+2,4-D had a negative effect on the weight of 1000 seeds. Examining the changes in wheat grain yield among weed control levels showed that hand weeding and pendimethalin+Atlantis treatment levels had an average grain yield of 3.86 and 3.93 tons per hectare, respectively, which was more than the control, but in the rest of the experimental treatments, lower grain yield was observed. According to the obtained results, the use of pendimethalin pre-planting herbicide along with atlantis herbicide and metribuzin increased yield compared to the control treatment and the use of trifluralin herbicide. Conclusion: In general, the results of this research showed that hand weeding treatments, pendimethalin+atlantis, pendimethalin+metribuzin, improved the growth and performance characteristics of wheat by reducing the amount of weed interference and increasing the amount of absorption of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium elements in aerial organs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Reducing the use of pesticides that harm natural enemies of crop pests is important to pest management. Currently, there is limited information on how herbicides might affect natural enemies. We carried out an analysis of existing data to determine how herbicides affect natural enemies and which herbicides are the most harmful. Herbicides increased natural enemy mortality and reduced their longevity and efficacy as predators. Predatory mites and predatory true bugs were more susceptible to herbicides than other groups of natural enemies. Spiders and parasitoid wasps were the least susceptible. However, parasitoid wasps are often tested in their "protected" juvenile stages within their hosts, and the data may under-represent the sensitivity of adults. Some potential glyphosate replacement herbicides were more harmful than glyphosate. There was little or no data available for many herbicides and beneficial insects, indicating that much more research is needed on this topic. A critical component of integrated pest management is minimizing disruption of biological control by reducing the use of pesticides with significant non-target effects on natural enemies. Insecticide non-target effects testing for natural enemies has become increasingly common, but research examining the non-target effects of herbicides on natural enemies is scarce, and recommendations regarding herbicide selectivity are non-existent. We used meta-analysis to summarize laboratory bioassays testing non-target effects of herbicides on arthropod natural enemies and identify patterns in taxon susceptibility and active ingredient toxicity. Data were extracted from 78 papers representing 801 total observations. Herbicides increased natural enemy mortality and decreased longevity, reproduction, and predation. Mesostigmatan mites and hemipterans were the most sensitive to herbicides, and spiders, neuropterans, and hymenopterans were the least sensitive. Mortality was higher in juvenile predators versus parasitoids but did not differ between adults; parasitoid juveniles are likely better protected within the host. In terms of acute mortality, metribuzin, glufosinate, and oxyfluorfen were the most harmful herbicides. Only nicosulfuron, rimsulfuron, pendimethalin, phenmedipham, atrazine, and urea did not increase natural enemy mortality. The large effect size of glufosinate is particularly concerning, as it is the most likely replacement herbicide for glyphosate in many crops. Many active ingredients remain under-studied. Our analysis indicates that herbicides have a strong potential to disrupt biological control in cropping systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel biosorbent/nanocomposite was prepared from the turnip peel precursors and zinc oxide. The turnip peels biomass zinc oxide nanocomposite (TPZnOnc) was used for the remediation of metribuzin (MEB) pesticide from aqueous solution. The prepared nanocomposite was characterized using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy techniques. The point of zero charge (pHpzc) of TPZnOnc was determined using mass titration method. Batch sorption approach was utilized to study the sorption capability of MEB molecules from aqueous media. The removal of MEB from solution by TPZnOnc was studied as a function of time, initial concentration of MEB, pH and adsorbent dosage. The optimum pH for the removal of MEB was found to be 3 whereas the optimum dosage of TPZnOnc to be utilized was 600 mg/30 mL. The surface saturation of TPZnOnc with MEB molecules occurred in 1 h (equilibration time). The maximum sorption of MEB molecules occurs at initial concentration of 80 mg·L-1. Out of the utilized kinetics models, pseudo-second-order kinetic model fitted the data well with high regression constant value. Various isotherm models were applied to the sorption isotherm data. Langmuir adsorption isotherm model was found to be the best one to fit the data well with high regression constant value whereas the maximum sorption capacity (Xmax) calculated was 19.20 mg·g-1. Various thermodynamic parameters were calculated from Van't Hoff plot. Negative values of ΔG° shows that the process of sorption is spontaneous. The value of ΔG° lies in the range of -75 to -400 kJ·mol-1 suggest that the removal of MEB molecules on the surface of TPZnOnc is chemical process. Negative value of ΔH° (-82.56 kJ·mol-1) confirmed that the removal process of MEB molecules onto the surface of TPZnOnc is exothermic whereas the negative value of ΔS° confirmed that the randomness decreases at the solid--liquid interface during sorption MEB molecules on the surface of TPZnOnc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs), applied as a possible micronutrient source, in conjunction with organic pesticides in agricultural soils has the potential to alter the environmental behavior and toxicity of these chemicals to soil biota. This research examines the joint effects of ZnO NPs and the herbicide metribuzin (MTZ) on phytotoxicity to plants, toxicity to soil microorganisms, and the accumulation of Zn and MTZ in plants. After 23 days, effects on growth, photosynthetic pigment content, and oxidative stress biomarkers in bean plants (Phaseolus vulgaris) and soil enzymatic activities were evaluated. Additionally, the amounts of Zn and MTZ (and the latter's main metabolites) in soil and plant tissues were quantified. ZnO NPs reduced ammonium oxidase activity and growth among MTZ-stressed plants while reducing photosynthetic pigment levels and enhancing antioxidant enzymatic activities. MTZ had a marginal impact on the availability and accumulation of Zn in plant tissues, although significant effects were observed in some specific cases. In turn, ZnO NPs drastically affected MTZ degradation in soil and influenced MTZ accumulation/metabolization in the bean plants. Our findings indicate that the indirect effects of ZnO NPs, through their interaction with commonly used organic pesticides, may be relevant and should be taken into account in agricultural soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conclusions of the EFSA following the peer review of the initial risk assessments carried out by the competent authorities of the rapporteur Member State, Estonia, and co‐rapporteur Member State, Germany, for the pesticide active substance metribuzin and the assessment of application to amend existing residue definition are reported. The context of the peer review was that required by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 844/2012, as amended by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 2018/1659. The conclusions were reached on the basis of the evaluation of the representative use of metribuzin as a herbicide on potato and soybean (field use). The reliable end points, appropriate for use in regulatory risk assessment, are presented. Missing information identified as being required by the regulatory framework is listed. Concerns are reported where identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Weeds are the major constraint to realize the potential yield of potato crop (Solanum tuberosum) grown under a poplar-based agroforestry system.The objective of the study was to increase the productivity of the poplar-potato intercropping system through the optimization of tree-crop planting geometry with a selection of appropriate weed control measures. Two planting geometries each of poplar (8 m × 2.5 m, 7 m × 3 m paired at 2.5 m) and potato (65 cm × 18.5 cm, 75 cm × 15 cm) with six weed control treatments (atrazine 0.250 kg ha−1, metribuzin 0.350 kg ha−1, paraquat 0.300 kg ha−1, clodinafop + metribuzin 0.270 kg ha−1, weed free check and weedy check) were investigated for two years (2017–18 and 2018–19). It was observed that these applied herbicides had no phytotoxic effect on the 5 and 6-year-old poplar trees. Broad-leaved weeds dominated the sedges under the poplar-potato based agroforestry system. The potato planting geometry 75 cm × 15 cm recorded a higher weed suppressing ability till 90 days after planting (DAP). Intercropping of potatoes at 75 cm × 15 cm spacing under poplar plantation (8 m × 2.5 m) produced higher tuber weight hill−1 (343.6 and 281.6 g hill−1) and increased tuber yield by 21.8% (averaged over both years) in comparison to other poplar-potato planting geometry with clodinafop + metribuzin 0.270 kg ha−1. This herbicide recorded a nearly 84.2% decrease in total weed biomass at 90 DAP with an increased tuber yield up to 50% (29.3 and 28.9 Mg ha−1) than the weedy check (19.6 and 19.3 Mg ha−1). Findings imply that an integrated effect of poplar spacing 8 m × 2.5 m with closer potato planting geometry (75 cm × 15 cm) applied with clodinafop + metribuzin 0.270 kg ha−1 proved to be the best combination for improving the productivity of potatoes under poplar based agroforestry system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research was carried out in order to study the molecular mechanisms of herbicide binding (pinoxaden, quizalofop-P-tefuril, prometrin, metribuzin, metsulfuron-methyl) with target proteins (acetyl-CoA-carboxylase, acetolactate synthase, cytochrome P450, 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase) of weeds growing in Siberia: common wild oat (Avena fatua L.), couch grass (Elymus repens (L.) Gould), red-root amaranthus (Amaranthus retroflexus L.), white gauze (Chenopodium album L.), and green foxtail (Setaria viridis (L) P Beauv). The study was carried out in Novosibirsk oblast in 2022–2023. Using the bioinformatic methods, virtual three-dimensional complexes of pesticides and their targets have been created. A new approach to identifying the parameters of the cavity of binding sites is proposed, which consists in combining the alignment method and the machine-learning technology. Docking of pesticides with targets has been carried out. Calculation of the binding energy indicates a high degree of stability of the ligand-protein complexes. The proposed in silico approach may be useful for elucidating the behavior of herbicides when bound to weed enzymes. This approach allows a deeper understanding of the mechanism of action and ecotoxicological aspects of pesticide use. The complexes of herbicides and proteins involved have a potential high stability due to the low energy of binding to receptors, which varies from –5.60 to –13.24 kcal/mol. The value of the binding energy has not shown a direct dependence on the number of amino acid residues of the ligand-binding site. In general, the study has complemented some aspects of the molecular mechanisms of herbicide binding to weed target proteins; however, more in-depth study is required in order to localize critical amino acid points involved in the biological functions of target proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quick detection and knowledge on dynamic dissipation of photosynthetic energy processes may improve weed management. This work aimed to evaluate the dynamic dissipation of photosynthetic energy of fleabane (Conyza spp.) upon PSII- and PSI-inhibitor (photosystem I and II) herbicides application. Treatments were comprised of the application of metribuzin (PSII) and paraquat (PSI), following recommended doses for fleabane plants (40 days after germination: 10 to 12 leaves), and an untreated check. Chlorophyll a fluorescence transient was performed at 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 24, 48 and 96 h after application (HAA) and gas exchange analysis was performed at 2, 4 and 96 HAA. Injury symptoms analysis was performed at all previously mentioned time points plus 7, 14, 21, and 28 days after application (DAA). Injury symptoms were observed at 7 DAA and 2 HAA of PSII- and PSI-inhibitors, respectively, while changes in the dynamic dissipation of photosynthetic energy were observed in both cases at 0.5 HAA. At 0.5 and 1 HAA, plants showed a decrease in QA− (quinone) re-oxidation per reaction center and reduction in electron transport yield from QA− to the end electron acceptor of the PSI, for both herbicides. Moreover, plants showed a 90% decline in the performance index and an increase in energy dissipation as heat and fluorescence. Fleabane showed a significant decrease in net assimilation rate (CO2), transpiration rate and stomatal conductance within 1 HAA, for both herbicides. Therefore, PSII- and PSI-inhibitor herbicides presented a rapid negative effect on photosynthetic energy dynamics that can be monitored before the appearance of injury symptoms, which demonstrates the potential use of chlorophyll fluorescence in the rapid screening of metabolic perturbations caused by herbicides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]