Research Article

Mesotrione control and pigment concentration of large crabgrass (Digitaria sanguinalis) under varying environmental conditions

  1. James D McCurdy1,*,
  2. J Scott McElroy2,
  3. Dean A Kopsell1,
  4. Carl E Sams1

Article first published online: 20 FEB 2009

DOI: 10.1002/ps.1723

Issue

Pest Management Science

Pest Management Science

Volume 65, Issue 6, pages 640–644, June 2009

Additional Information

How to Cite

McCurdy, J. D., McElroy, J. S., Kopsell, D. A. and Sams, C. E. (2009), Mesotrione control and pigment concentration of large crabgrass (Digitaria sanguinalis) under varying environmental conditions. Pest. Manag. Sci., 65: 640–644. doi: 10.1002/ps.1723

Author Information

  1. 1

    Plant Sciences Department, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA

  2. 2

    Department of Agronomy and Soils, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA

*PO Box 1, Shek Wu Hui Post Office, NT, Hong Kong.

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 1 MAY 2009
  2. Article first published online: 20 FEB 2009
  3. Manuscript Accepted: 21 NOV 2008
  4. Manuscript Revised: 13 NOV 2008
  5. Manuscript Received: 21 JUN 2008

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Keywords:

  • mesotrione;
  • Digitaria sanguinalis;
  • large crabgrass;
  • carotenoids;
  • environmental conditions

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Mesotrione is a carotenoid biosynthesis-inhibiting herbicide currently labeled for crabgrass (Digitaria spp.) control. Mesotrione control of large crabgrass has been reported to vary with temperature and relative humidity; however, the effect of irradiance on mesotrione efficacy has not previously been reported. Likewise, little is known about pigment concentrations of Digitaria spp. The present research investigated the effects of mesotrione on large crabgrass, Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop., control and pigment concentrations under varying irradiance at three temperatures.

RESULTS: Mesotrione (0.28 kg ha−1) control of large crabgrass did not differ between temperature levels (18, 26 and 32 °C). Control was similar at tested irradiance levels (600, 1100 and 1600 µmol m−2 s−1). Mesotrione reduced large crabgrass chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and total carotenoid concentrations, as well as chlorophyll a to b ratios. Treated plant bleaching was highest 7 days after treatment (DAT) but decreased by 21 DAT. Treated plants were less than 10% necrotic 3 and 7 DAT but nearly 35% necrotic 21 DAT. Treated large crabgrass bleaching was highest and photochemical efficiency was lowest 7 DAT. These results indicate that some plant recovery occurs prior to 21 DAT.

CONCLUSION: Although mesotrione efficacy has previously been reported to vary according to environmental factors, mesotrione control of large crabgrass did not vary with measured temperature and irradiance levels in this study. On account of crabgrass convalescence, secondary applications of mesotrione may control large crabgrass more effectively when applied prior to 21 DAT. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry

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