Cover crops have become an important part of cropping systems in the United States, especially in the Mid-Atlantic region. Rapeseed is a popular choice due to its deep growing taproot which creates soil macropores and increases water infiltration. If not properly terminated rapeseed can become problematic due to its pod-shattering tendency and its difficulty to terminate with herbicides once it enters reproductive growth. Results indicate termination of rapeseed is most effective when the cover crop is small. Combinations that successfully terminated rapeseed include glyphosate plus 2,4-D and paraquat plus 2,4-D. Halauxifen-methyl is a new Group 4 herbicide marketed for preplant burndown horseweed (Conyza canadensis L.) control. Previous research indicates that halauxifen effectively controls glyphosate-resistant horseweed. However, little is known about control of other common winter annual weeds by halauxifen. Results indicate halauxifen has a narrow spectrum of control providing adequate control (>80%) of horseweed, henbit (Lamium amplexicaule L.), and purple deadnettle (Lamium purpureum L.), while failing to control cutleaf evening-primrose (Oenothera laciniata Hill), curly dock (Rumex crispus L.), purple cudweed (Gamochaeta purpurea L. Cabrera), common chickweed (Stellaria media L.), and mousear chickweed (Cerastium L.). Little is known of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) tolerance to halauxifen applied preplant burndown. Results indicate cotton is more tolerant to halauxifen than 2,4-D or dicamba when the interval between preplant application and cotton planting is less than 30 days. / Master of Science in Life Sciences / Cover crops are an important part of cropping systems in the United States, especially in the Mid-Atlantic region. Producers utilize cover crops to aid in weed suppression, reduce soil erosion, as well as to increase soil health. Cereals, legumes, and Brassicaceae species are popular cover crops planted either as monocultures or mixtures. Rapeseed can become problematic due to its difficulty to terminate once it enters reproductive stage, as well as its podshattering characteristic. Experiments were conducted to evaluate various herbicides and herbicide combinations for rapeseed termination two application timings. At three locations where rapeseed averaged 12 cm in height at early termination, and 52 cm in height at late termination, glyphosate + 2,4-D was most effective, controlling rapeseed (96%) 28 days after early termination (DAET). Paraquat + atrazine + atrazine (92%), glyphosate + saflufenacil (91%), glyphosate + dicamba (91%), and glyphosate (86%) all provided at least 80% control 28 DAET. Paraquat + 2,4-D (85%), glyphosate + 2,4-D (82%), and paraquat + atrazine + mesotrione (81%) were the only treatments to provide at least 80% control 28 days after late termination (DALT). At one location where rapeseed was much taller (41 cm early termination; 107 cm late termination), herbicides were much less effective, as no herbicide treatments provided greater than 80% control. Results indicated that rapeseed size at time of termination was more critical to successful termination than herbicide choice. Prior to the development of glyphosate-resistant horseweed, producers were able to control horseweed and other weeds with glyphosate applied preplant burndown. Producers now rely on auxin herbicides tank mixed with glyphosate and a residual herbicide to control horseweed and other winter weeds prior to cash crop planting. Experiments were conducted to evaluate halauxifen-methyl, a new Group 4 herbicide, for control of horseweed and other commonly encountered winter annual weeds. Halauxifen (89%) controlled small horseweed (<5 cm in height at time of application) similar to dicamba (91%), while providing better control of large horseweed (79%) (>15 cm in height at time of application) than either dicamba (77%) or 2,4-D evaluated (64%). Halauxifen provided adequate control (>80%) of henbit (Lamium amplexicaule L). and purple deadnettle (Lamium purpureum L.), while failing to effectively control of cutleaf evening-primrose (Oenothera laciniata Hill), curly dock (Rumex crispus L.), purple cudweed (Gamochaeta purpurea L. Cabrera), common chickweed (Stellaria media L. Vill.), and mousear chickweed (Cerastium L.). Results indicate that halauxifen has a narrow spectrum of control and should be tank mixed with 2,4-D or glyphosate in order to control weeds other than horseweed and henbit. Glyphosate plus dicamba or 2,4-D plus a residual herbicide is typically applied prior to cotton planting. Previous research has shown that as long as rainfall requirements and rotation intervals are met, no adverse effects on cotton is observed from 2,4-D or dicamba herbicides. Little is known of cotton tolerance to halauxifen applied preplant burndown. Experiments were conducted to determine if halauxifen applied sooner than the labeled 30-day rotation interval would injure cotton. Very little injury was observed from halauxifen (9%) applied at-planting, however dicamba (26%) and 2,4-D (21%) applied at the same timing did injure cotton. Auxin herbicides applied earlier in the season resulted in little injury (<2%). Early season injury was transient as cotton recovered later in the season and seedcotton yield was unaffected.

Genetically modified (GM) canola (Brassica napus L.) has been widely adopted in Canada since its commercial release in 1995 and now represents over 85% of the canola grown in western Canada. Concurrently, GM canola volunteers have become an increasing management problem in cultivated fields and are ubiquitous in adjacent ruderal (non-cropped disturbed) habitats. However, systematic post-release monitoring is lacking and the ecological and agronomic impacts of escaped GM canola are poorly understood. In this dissertation, I characterize the escape, demography and distribution of GM canola in ruderal habitats in southern Manitoba, at multiple spatial and temporal scales. I characterized GM herbicide tolerance traits in 16 escaped canola populations. The progeny of 129 plants were tested in herbicide trials; 74% of plants produced glyphosate-tolerant progeny, 63% produced glufosinate-tolerant progeny, and 34% produced multiple herbicide-tolerant progeny as a result of gene flow between escaped plants. At the population-scale, four escaped GM canola populations were monitored and periodic matrix models were constructed to describe the dynamics and persistence of flowering plants. Escaped populations were observed to flower in synchrony with adjacent crops and were projected to persist for 2 to 5 years, confirming the potential for gene flow between escaped and cultivated canola populations. At the landscape-scale, the distribution of escaped canola was surveyed in three agricultural regions. Regional factors were important determinants of distribution; escaped canola density was positively correlated with canola cropping intensity and with traffic intensity, and was negatively correlated with distance to grain distribution centres. Local seed dispersal had negligible impact on distribution compared to landscape-scale anthropogenic seed inputs resulting from agricultural transport. These findings suggest that escaped canola persists as a metapopulation, where long-distance dispersal and colonization compensate for frequent extinction of local populations. Escaped populations play an important role in the persistence and spread of GM traits at large spatial scales, with substantial implications for the coexistence of GM and non-GM crops, and especially for organic and reduced-tillage farming operations. Landscape-scale management approaches, designed and implemented collaboratively by multiple stakeholders, are necessary to mitigate the risks of contamination resulting from GM trait escape. Regulation and ongoing monitoring of GM crops must acknowledge and address the dynamic regional nature of seed- and pollen-mediated gene flow.

Genetically modified (GM) canola (Brassica napus L.) has been widely adopted in Canada since its commercial release in 1995 and now represents over 85% of the canola grown in western Canada. Concurrently, GM canola volunteers have become an increasing management problem in cultivated fields and are ubiquitous in adjacent ruderal (non-cropped disturbed) habitats. However, systematic post-release monitoring is lacking and the ecological and agronomic impacts of escaped GM canola are poorly understood. In this dissertation, I characterize the escape, demography and distribution of GM canola in ruderal habitats in southern Manitoba, at multiple spatial and temporal scales. I characterized GM herbicide tolerance traits in 16 escaped canola populations. The progeny of 129 plants were tested in herbicide trials; 74% of plants produced glyphosate-tolerant progeny, 63% produced glufosinate-tolerant progeny, and 34% produced multiple herbicide-tolerant progeny as a result of gene flow between escaped plants. At the population-scale, four escaped GM canola populations were monitored and periodic matrix models were constructed to describe the dynamics and persistence of flowering plants. Escaped populations were observed to flower in synchrony with adjacent crops and were projected to persist for 2 to 5 years, confirming the potential for gene flow between escaped and cultivated canola populations. At the landscape-scale, the distribution of escaped canola was surveyed in three agricultural regions. Regional factors were important determinants of distribution; escaped canola density was positively correlated with canola cropping intensity and with traffic intensity, and was negatively correlated with distance to grain distribution centres. Local seed dispersal had negligible impact on distribution compared to landscape-scale anthropogenic seed inputs resulting from agricultural transport. These findings suggest that escaped canola persists as a metapopulation, where long-distance dispersal and colonization compensate for frequent extinction of local populations. Escaped populations play an important role in the persistence and spread of GM traits at large spatial scales, with substantial implications for the coexistence of GM and non-GM crops, and especially for organic and reduced-tillage farming operations. Landscape-scale management approaches, designed and implemented collaboratively by multiple stakeholders, are necessary to mitigate the risks of contamination resulting from GM trait escape. Regulation and ongoing monitoring of GM crops must acknowledge and address the dynamic regional nature of seed- and pollen-mediated gene flow.

Cogongrass management generally requires multiple herbicide applications, however, success is limited if not integrated with other methods. Experiments were conducted to evaluate the use of cover cropping systems with herbicides on cogongrass control. Field studies determined that sequential glyphosate applications in the summer were necessary to achieve 80% or greater control, but a single application could be effective if weather conditions allowed early planting and good cover crop establishment of Roundup Ready soybeans. Studies also indicated that the use of ALS-resistant Italian ryegrass and white clover crop combinations showed no effect, but imazapyr applications made in May or June provided 80% or higher control by October. Greenhouse experiments showed that delayed planting at least 1 month after imazapyr preemergence applications from 70 to 280 g ae ha-1, significantly reduced emergence failure, height and biomass reductions of legumes used for revegetation.

Aplicações repetitivas do herbicida glyphosate podem resultar em mudanças nas populações de plantas daninhas, devido a uma pressão seleção sobre espécies de plantas daninhas tolerantes ao herbicida. No entanto, os mecanismos de tolerância dessas espécies não estão completamente compreendidos, e a elucidação desses mecanismos é fundamental nas recomendações de estratégias para o manejo de plantas daninhas tolerantes ao glyphosate. Sendo assim, os objetivos desta pesquisa foram: (i) avaliar a dinâmica do banco de sementes das espécies de plantas daninhas Commelina benghalensis L., Ipomoea grandifolia (Dammer) O’Don e Richardia brasiliensis Gomez (tolerantes), Amaranthus hybridus L. e Galinsoga parviflora Cav. (suscetíveis), em áreas tratadas intensivamente com doses de glyphosate por dois anos consecutivos, (ii) caracterizar os mecanismos de tolerância C. benghalensis e I. grandifolia ao herbicida glyphosate e (iii) estudar a eficácia de controle sobre as plantas daninhas tolerantes por herbicidas alternativos isolados e em mistura com glyphosate. Nos estudos de dinâmica do banco de sementes foram coletadas periodicamente amostras de solos de uma área com aplicação repetitiva do glyphosate para analise quantitativa e qualitativa através de extração das sementes e de germinação de sementes em casa-de-vegetação. Na caracterização dos mecanismos de tolerância, experimentos foram instalados para quantificar a absorção e a translocação de 14 C glyphosate pelas plantas C. benghalensis, I. grandifolia, A. hybridus e Glycine max resistente (R) e suscetível (S) ao glyphosate, às 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, 48 e 72 horas após tratamento (HAT); analisando-se, ainda, o metabolismo do glyphosate pelas plantas daninhas a 72 HAT. Cromatografia de camada delgada foi utilizada para determinar à composição química das ceras epicuticulares e microscopia eletrônica de varredura para a caracterização da superfície foliar das plantas daninhas. Experimento em casa de vegetação com os herbicidas alternativos carfentrazone, flumioxazin, sulfentrazone, chlorimuron-ethyl e bentazon foi conduzido para testar as interações aditivas, sinergísticas ou antagônicas com glyphosate no controle de plantas daninhas tolerantes. Os resultados foram: Ao final de dois anos de aplicação repetitiva de glyphosate houve um acréscimo do banco de sementes das plantas daninhas tolerantes, e um decréscimo no banco de sementes das plantas daninhas sensíveis ao glyphosate. A taxa de absorção e translocação do 14 C glyphosate em A. hybridus e Glycine max R e S foi maior que das demais plantas estudadas; I. grandifolia apresentou excelente taxa de absorção, entretanto, a translocação desta espécie foi reduzida. Em C. benghalensis a taxa de absorção foliar do glyphosate foi baixa, porém, não houve impedimento a translocação. Em C. benghalensis foi encontrado, além de glyphosate, o metabólito ácido aminometilfosfônico (AMPA). As ceras da cutícula foliar de A. hybridus e I. grandifolia apresentaram características predominantemente hidrofílicas, e a superfície foliar não apresentou tricomas, sendo observado uma grande quantidade de estômatos. As ceras epicuticulares destas duas espécies de plantas daninhas apresentaram forma cristalina apenas em A. hybridus. Em C. benghalensis as ceras são relativamente mais hidrofóbicas, o que pode ter influenciado na menor penetração de glyphosate; sendo que, a superfície foliar apresenta tricomas e um número menor de estômatos, e estes estão recobertos por cera epicuticular. / Intensive applications of the herbicide glyphosate for weed control may result in the weed population changes, through selection pressure of the glyphosate tolerant weed species. However, the glyphosate tolerance mechanisms of these species are not completely understood, and the elucidation of these mechanisms is fundamental to the recommendations of alternative herbicides to glyphosate tolerant weed management. Therefore, the objectives of this research were: (i) to evaluate the weed seed bank dynamic of the species Commelina benghalensis L., Ipomoea grandifolia (Dammer) O’Don and Richardia brasiliensis Gomez (tolerants to glyphosate), Amaranthus hybridus L. and Galinsoga parviflora Cav. (susceptibles to glyphosate), in areas that had been intensively treated with glyphosate rates for two consecutive years; (ii) to characterize the glyphosate tolerance mechanisms of C. benghalensis and I. grandifolia, and (iii) to study the efficacy of alternative herbicides in mixture with glyphosate in the control of tolerant weeds. The weed seed bank dynamic was evaluated through soil samples collected periodically, and analysed quantitative and qualitativelly by greenhouse germination test and seeds counting. Experiments were conducted to caracterize the absorption and translocation of 14 C glyphosate by C. benghalensis, I. grandifolia, A. hybridus and Glycine max resistant (R) and susceptible (S) to glyphosate, at 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, 48 and 72 hours after treatment (HAT); and analysing the glyphosate metabolism by the weeds at 72 HAT. Thin layer chromatography was used to determine the chemical composition of the epicuticular layers and eletronic microscopy to caracterize the foliar surface of the weeds. Greenhouse experiment with the alternative herbicides carfentrazone, flumioxazin, sulfentrazone, chlorimuron-ethyl and bentazon were conducted to test aditive, sinergistic or antagonic interactions with glyphosate on the control of the tolerant weeds. After two years of repetitive glyphosate application there was an increase in the weed seed bank of the tolerant species, and a decrease of the weed seed bank of the susceptible species to glyphosate. The rate of absorption and translocation of the 14 C glyphosate by A. hybridus and Glycine max R and S was higher than the other studied plants, likewise I. grandifolia presented an excelent rate of absorption, even tough, the translocation of this species was reduced. In C. benghalensis the glyphosate rate of foliar absorption was low, however, there was a free translocation of the herbicide. No glyphosate metabolites were observed in I. grandifolia and A. hybridus, however, in C. benghalensis it was found, besides glyphosate, the aminophosphonic acid (AMPA) metabolite. The cuticle waxes of A. hybridus and I. grandifolia presented predominantly hydrophilic characteristics, and the foliar surface did not present tricomes, being observed a great amount of stomata. The epicuticular waxes of this two weed species presented crystal form only in A. hybridus. In C. benghalensis the waxes were relatively more hidrofobics, which could be influenced on lower penetration of glyphosate; the foliar surface present tricomes and fewer stomata, and these are recovered by epicuticular wax.

Faz-se necessária a continuidade no processo de geração de informações provenientes da pesquisa dirigida, buscando-se caracterizar a situação atual do uso de glyphosate e outros herbicidas aplicados em pós-emergência, na cultura do milho Roundup Ready 2 (RR2) e Liberty Link (LL), isso por meio da obtenção de informações que possam fomentar o posicionamento mais seguro destas tecnologias. Sem dúvida, esse assunto exige novas pesquisas, visando proporcionar condições que favoreçam o uso sustentável desta ferramenta que vêm apresentando grande potencial de utilização pelos produtores brasileiros, propiciando benefícios relacionados ao controle de plantas daninhas. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo a avaliação das respostas do milho RR2, submetido à aplicação de manejos, formulações e doses do herbicida glyphosate e, também, as repostas do milho RR2/LL à aplicação de diferentes associações de herbicidas. Para isso, foram conduzidos experimentos testando dois manejos, duas formulações e cinco doses de glyphosate (fatorial triplo 2x2x5), em milho de primeira safra (verão) e segunda safra (safrinha), durante uma sequência de dois anos agrícolas (2012/13 e 2013/14), totalizando quatro experimentos com 20 tratamentos cada, que foram realizados na estação experimental da C.Vale - Cooperativa Agroindustrial (Palotina- PR). Além destes, conduziu-se um experimento complementar, com os mesmos tratamentos, numa propriedade agrícola em Marechal Cândido Rondon-PR, na primeira safra de 2012/13. Também foram realizados dois experimentos distintos com oito tratamentos cada, utilizando glyphosate, amônio-glufosinato e herbicidas aplicados normalmente no milho convencional (atrazine e nicosulfuron), estes foram conduzidos na primeira safra de 2012/13 e repetidos na primeira safra de 2013/14, ambos em uma propriedade agrícola em Marechal Cândido Rondon-PR. Para o aprimoramento dos dados, foram conduzidos mais seis experimentos em casa de vegetação (três em Piracicaba-SP e três em Palotina-PR), com os mesmos tratamentos dos experimentos realizados em campo, com o propósito de alcançar informações adicionais que permitissem melhor entendimento do comportamento da cultura após ser submetida à aplicação dos tratamentos. Foram analisadas diversas variáveis relacionadas ao desempenho agronômico da cultura (aferições de alturas, diâmetro de colmo, índices de clorofila, massa fresca e seca de parte aérea, massa seca da raiz, produtividade e massa de 100 grãos) e relacionadas a qualidade dos grãos produzidos (teste de germinação, teor de proteínas, teores de macro e micronutrientes). A partir dos resultados alcançados, demonstrou-se que mesmo variando a formulação ou manejo utilizado, altas doses de glyphosate podem ser prejudiciais ao desenvolvimento do milho RR2, e também que nicosulfuron e algumas associações triplas de herbicidas podem trazer danos ao milho apresentando tecnologias transgênicas que conferem tolerância a herbicidas. / It is necessary to continue the information generation process from directed research, trying to characterize the current situation of the use of glyphosate and another herbicides applied in post-emergence, in corn Roundup Ready (RR2) culture, this by obtaining informations that can foment safer positioning of this technology. No doubt, this topic demands new researches, aiming to provide conditions that favor the sustainable use of this tool that has been showing high potential of use by Brazilian producers, providing these benefits related to the weeds control. The present work has the objective of evaluation of RR2 Corn replies, submitted to application managements, formulations and dosages of glyphosate herbicide and, also the replies of Corn RR2 and RR2/LL, to the application of different associations of herbicides. For that it was conducted experiments testing two managements, two formulations and five dosages of glyphosate (triple factorial 2x2x5), in corn of first crop (summer) and second crop (winter corn crops), during one sequence of two agricultural years (2012/13 and 2013/14), totalizing four experiments of 20 treatments each, that were performed in the experimental station of C.Vale Cooperativa Agroindustrial (Palotina-PR). Besides these, it was conducted one complementary experiment, with the same treatments, in an agricultural property in Marechal Cândido Rondon-PR, in the first crop of 2012/13. It was also realized two different experiments with eight treatments each, using glyphosate, ammoniunglufosinate and herbicides usually applied in conventional maize (atrazine and nicosulfuron), these were conducted in the first crop of 2012/13, and repeated in the first crop of 2013/14, both in an agricultural property in Marechal Cândido Rondon- PR. For data improvement, it was conducted more six experiments in a greenhouse (three in Piracicaba-SP and three in Palotina-PR), with the same treatments of the experiments carried out in field, with the purpose to reach additional information that allowed a better understanding of the crop behavior after being submitted to the treatments application. Several variables were analyzed related to the agronomic development of the crop (culture measurements, stem diameter, chlorophyll index, fresh and dry matter of the air part, root dry mass, productivity and weight of 100 grains) and related to quality of produced grains (germination test, proteins content, macro content and micronutrients). From the results achieved, it was shown that even by varying the formulation or management used, high dosages of glyphosate can be harmful to the development of RR2 corn and that also nicosulfuron and some triple associations of herbicides can bring damage to corn showing transgenic technologies that confer tolerance to herbicides.

Aplicações repetitivas do herbicida glyphosate podem resultar em mudanças nas populações de plantas daninhas, devido a uma pressão seleção sobre espécies de plantas daninhas tolerantes ao herbicida. No entanto, os mecanismos de tolerância dessas espécies não estão completamente compreendidos, e a elucidação desses mecanismos é fundamental nas recomendações de estratégias para o manejo de plantas daninhas tolerantes ao glyphosate. Sendo assim, os objetivos desta pesquisa foram: (i) avaliar a dinâmica do banco de sementes das espécies de plantas daninhas Commelina benghalensis L., Ipomoea grandifolia (Dammer) O’Don e Richardia brasiliensis Gomez (tolerantes), Amaranthus hybridus L. e Galinsoga parviflora Cav. (suscetíveis), em áreas tratadas intensivamente com doses de glyphosate por dois anos consecutivos, (ii) caracterizar os mecanismos de tolerância C. benghalensis e I. grandifolia ao herbicida glyphosate e (iii) estudar a eficácia de controle sobre as plantas daninhas tolerantes por herbicidas alternativos isolados e em mistura com glyphosate. Nos estudos de dinâmica do banco de sementes foram coletadas periodicamente amostras de solos de uma área com aplicação repetitiva do glyphosate para analise quantitativa e qualitativa através de extração das sementes e de germinação de sementes em casa-de-vegetação. Na caracterização dos mecanismos de tolerância, experimentos foram instalados para quantificar a absorção e a translocação de 14 C glyphosate pelas plantas C. benghalensis, I. grandifolia, A. hybridus e Glycine max resistente (R) e suscetível (S) ao glyphosate, às 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, 48 e 72 horas após tratamento (HAT); analisando-se, ainda, o metabolismo do glyphosate pelas plantas daninhas a 72 HAT. Cromatografia de camada delgada foi utilizada para determinar à composição química das ceras epicuticulares e microscopia eletrônica de varredura para a caracterização da superfície foliar das plantas daninhas. Experimento em casa de vegetação com os herbicidas alternativos carfentrazone, flumioxazin, sulfentrazone, chlorimuron-ethyl e bentazon foi conduzido para testar as interações aditivas, sinergísticas ou antagônicas com glyphosate no controle de plantas daninhas tolerantes. Os resultados foram: Ao final de dois anos de aplicação repetitiva de glyphosate houve um acréscimo do banco de sementes das plantas daninhas tolerantes, e um decréscimo no banco de sementes das plantas daninhas sensíveis ao glyphosate. A taxa de absorção e translocação do 14 C glyphosate em A. hybridus e Glycine max R e S foi maior que das demais plantas estudadas; I. grandifolia apresentou excelente taxa de absorção, entretanto, a translocação desta espécie foi reduzida. Em C. benghalensis a taxa de absorção foliar do glyphosate foi baixa, porém, não houve impedimento a translocação. Em C. benghalensis foi encontrado, além de glyphosate, o metabólito ácido aminometilfosfônico (AMPA). As ceras da cutícula foliar de A. hybridus e I. grandifolia apresentaram características predominantemente hidrofílicas, e a superfície foliar não apresentou tricomas, sendo observado uma grande quantidade de estômatos. As ceras epicuticulares destas duas espécies de plantas daninhas apresentaram forma cristalina apenas em A. hybridus. Em C. benghalensis as ceras são relativamente mais hidrofóbicas, o que pode ter influenciado na menor penetração de glyphosate; sendo que, a superfície foliar apresenta tricomas e um número menor de estômatos, e estes estão recobertos por cera epicuticular. / Intensive applications of the herbicide glyphosate for weed control may result in the weed population changes, through selection pressure of the glyphosate tolerant weed species. However, the glyphosate tolerance mechanisms of these species are not completely understood, and the elucidation of these mechanisms is fundamental to the recommendations of alternative herbicides to glyphosate tolerant weed management. Therefore, the objectives of this research were: (i) to evaluate the weed seed bank dynamic of the species Commelina benghalensis L., Ipomoea grandifolia (Dammer) O’Don and Richardia brasiliensis Gomez (tolerants to glyphosate), Amaranthus hybridus L. and Galinsoga parviflora Cav. (susceptibles to glyphosate), in areas that had been intensively treated with glyphosate rates for two consecutive years; (ii) to characterize the glyphosate tolerance mechanisms of C. benghalensis and I. grandifolia, and (iii) to study the efficacy of alternative herbicides in mixture with glyphosate in the control of tolerant weeds. The weed seed bank dynamic was evaluated through soil samples collected periodically, and analysed quantitative and qualitativelly by greenhouse germination test and seeds counting. Experiments were conducted to caracterize the absorption and translocation of 14 C glyphosate by C. benghalensis, I. grandifolia, A. hybridus and Glycine max resistant (R) and susceptible (S) to glyphosate, at 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, 48 and 72 hours after treatment (HAT); and analysing the glyphosate metabolism by the weeds at 72 HAT. Thin layer chromatography was used to determine the chemical composition of the epicuticular layers and eletronic microscopy to caracterize the foliar surface of the weeds. Greenhouse experiment with the alternative herbicides carfentrazone, flumioxazin, sulfentrazone, chlorimuron-ethyl and bentazon were conducted to test aditive, sinergistic or antagonic interactions with glyphosate on the control of the tolerant weeds. After two years of repetitive glyphosate application there was an increase in the weed seed bank of the tolerant species, and a decrease of the weed seed bank of the susceptible species to glyphosate. The rate of absorption and translocation of the 14 C glyphosate by A. hybridus and Glycine max R and S was higher than the other studied plants, likewise I. grandifolia presented an excelent rate of absorption, even tough, the translocation of this species was reduced. In C. benghalensis the glyphosate rate of foliar absorption was low, however, there was a free translocation of the herbicide. No glyphosate metabolites were observed in I. grandifolia and A. hybridus, however, in C. benghalensis it was found, besides glyphosate, the aminophosphonic acid (AMPA) metabolite. The cuticle waxes of A. hybridus and I. grandifolia presented predominantly hydrophilic characteristics, and the foliar surface did not present tricomes, being observed a great amount of stomata. The epicuticular waxes of this two weed species presented crystal form only in A. hybridus. In C. benghalensis the waxes were relatively more hidrofobics, which could be influenced on lower penetration of glyphosate; the foliar surface present tricomes and fewer stomata, and these are recovered by epicuticular wax.

Faz-se necessária a continuidade no processo de geração de informações provenientes da pesquisa dirigida, buscando-se caracterizar a situação atual do uso de glyphosate e outros herbicidas aplicados em pós-emergência, na cultura do milho Roundup Ready 2 (RR2) e Liberty Link (LL), isso por meio da obtenção de informações que possam fomentar o posicionamento mais seguro destas tecnologias. Sem dúvida, esse assunto exige novas pesquisas, visando proporcionar condições que favoreçam o uso sustentável desta ferramenta que vêm apresentando grande potencial de utilização pelos produtores brasileiros, propiciando benefícios relacionados ao controle de plantas daninhas. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo a avaliação das respostas do milho RR2, submetido à aplicação de manejos, formulações e doses do herbicida glyphosate e, também, as repostas do milho RR2/LL à aplicação de diferentes associações de herbicidas. Para isso, foram conduzidos experimentos testando dois manejos, duas formulações e cinco doses de glyphosate (fatorial triplo 2x2x5), em milho de primeira safra (verão) e segunda safra (safrinha), durante uma sequência de dois anos agrícolas (2012/13 e 2013/14), totalizando quatro experimentos com 20 tratamentos cada, que foram realizados na estação experimental da C.Vale - Cooperativa Agroindustrial (Palotina- PR). Além destes, conduziu-se um experimento complementar, com os mesmos tratamentos, numa propriedade agrícola em Marechal Cândido Rondon-PR, na primeira safra de 2012/13. Também foram realizados dois experimentos distintos com oito tratamentos cada, utilizando glyphosate, amônio-glufosinato e herbicidas aplicados normalmente no milho convencional (atrazine e nicosulfuron), estes foram conduzidos na primeira safra de 2012/13 e repetidos na primeira safra de 2013/14, ambos em uma propriedade agrícola em Marechal Cândido Rondon-PR. Para o aprimoramento dos dados, foram conduzidos mais seis experimentos em casa de vegetação (três em Piracicaba-SP e três em Palotina-PR), com os mesmos tratamentos dos experimentos realizados em campo, com o propósito de alcançar informações adicionais que permitissem melhor entendimento do comportamento da cultura após ser submetida à aplicação dos tratamentos. Foram analisadas diversas variáveis relacionadas ao desempenho agronômico da cultura (aferições de alturas, diâmetro de colmo, índices de clorofila, massa fresca e seca de parte aérea, massa seca da raiz, produtividade e massa de 100 grãos) e relacionadas a qualidade dos grãos produzidos (teste de germinação, teor de proteínas, teores de macro e micronutrientes). A partir dos resultados alcançados, demonstrou-se que mesmo variando a formulação ou manejo utilizado, altas doses de glyphosate podem ser prejudiciais ao desenvolvimento do milho RR2, e também que nicosulfuron e algumas associações triplas de herbicidas podem trazer danos ao milho apresentando tecnologias transgênicas que conferem tolerância a herbicidas. / It is necessary to continue the information generation process from directed research, trying to characterize the current situation of the use of glyphosate and another herbicides applied in post-emergence, in corn Roundup Ready (RR2) culture, this by obtaining informations that can foment safer positioning of this technology. No doubt, this topic demands new researches, aiming to provide conditions that favor the sustainable use of this tool that has been showing high potential of use by Brazilian producers, providing these benefits related to the weeds control. The present work has the objective of evaluation of RR2 Corn replies, submitted to application managements, formulations and dosages of glyphosate herbicide and, also the replies of Corn RR2 and RR2/LL, to the application of different associations of herbicides. For that it was conducted experiments testing two managements, two formulations and five dosages of glyphosate (triple factorial 2x2x5), in corn of first crop (summer) and second crop (winter corn crops), during one sequence of two agricultural years (2012/13 and 2013/14), totalizing four experiments of 20 treatments each, that were performed in the experimental station of C.Vale Cooperativa Agroindustrial (Palotina-PR). Besides these, it was conducted one complementary experiment, with the same treatments, in an agricultural property in Marechal Cândido Rondon-PR, in the first crop of 2012/13. It was also realized two different experiments with eight treatments each, using glyphosate, ammoniunglufosinate and herbicides usually applied in conventional maize (atrazine and nicosulfuron), these were conducted in the first crop of 2012/13, and repeated in the first crop of 2013/14, both in an agricultural property in Marechal Cândido Rondon- PR. For data improvement, it was conducted more six experiments in a greenhouse (three in Piracicaba-SP and three in Palotina-PR), with the same treatments of the experiments carried out in field, with the purpose to reach additional information that allowed a better understanding of the crop behavior after being submitted to the treatments application. Several variables were analyzed related to the agronomic development of the crop (culture measurements, stem diameter, chlorophyll index, fresh and dry matter of the air part, root dry mass, productivity and weight of 100 grains) and related to quality of produced grains (germination test, proteins content, macro content and micronutrients). From the results achieved, it was shown that even by varying the formulation or management used, high dosages of glyphosate can be harmful to the development of RR2 corn and that also nicosulfuron and some triple associations of herbicides can bring damage to corn showing transgenic technologies that confer tolerance to herbicides.

Research trials performed in the greenhouse compared the tolerance and response of Hordeum jubatum and desirable pasture grass species to herbicides, salinity, and flooding. Desirable grass species used in this study included: `Fawn' tall fescue (Festuca arundinaceae), `Garrison' creeping foxtail (Alopecurus arundinaceus), `Palaton' reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea), `Climax' timothy (Phleum pratense), `Alkar' tall wheatgrass (Thinopyrum ponticum), `Potomac' orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata), and `Mustang' altai wildrye (Leymus angustus). Tolerance to herbicides, salinity, and flooding varied significantly among grass species. Herbicide tolerance was tested using four herbicides at five rates each. The herbicides used were imazapic (Plateau), propoxycarbazone (Olympus), sulfosulfuron (Outrider), and flucarbazone (Everest) at rates of 0, 10, 25, 50, 100, and 200 g ha-1. Foxtail barley was least tolerant of sulfosulfuron and propoxycarbazone. Tall fescue, creeping foxtail, and reed canarygrass were susceptible to all the herbicides tested. Timothy and foxtail barley were moderately tolerant while tall wheatgrass exhibited the greatest tolerance to flucarbazone. Orchardgrass was most tolerant to propoxycarbazone. Salinity tolerance was determined by exposing grasses to increasing electrical conductivity (EC) over time. Reed canarygrass and timothy were most susceptible to salinity. Orchardgrass, creeping foxtail, and tall fescue were moderately tolerant of salinity. Foxtail barley, altai wildrye, and tall wheatgrass exhibited the highest tolerances to salinity, and continued to persist at the highest EC levels tested. Flooding tolerance was determined by flooding grasses in 18 cm of water for 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks. Grasses that were able to extend above the water surface survived, whereas plants that failed to extend beyond the water surface experienced higher mortality rates.

The purpose of this research was to evaluate a common lambsquarters (Chenopodium album) collection from Westmoreland County, Virginia, which exhibited a differential response to glyphosate treatments as compared to most other common lambsquarters. Plants from this site that survived glyphosate applications were collected in both 2002 and 2004. Greenhouse studies were conducted on F1, F2, and F3 progeny from this collection and compared to a wild type collection from Montgomery County, Virginia. Evaluations were conducted on these plants treated with a range of glyphosate rates. F1 progeny of the Westmoreland plants from both 2002 and 2004 collections showed reduced response to glyphosate relative to the Montgomery collection. Vigor reduction of F1 progeny from three 2004 Westmoreland source plants with 0.84 kg ae/ha of glyphosate ranged from 66 to 85% at 28 days after treatment (DAT), compared to 89% for the Montgomery collection. Evaluation of four Westmoreland F2 common lambsquarters lines derived from 2002 collections indicated significant differences in glyphosate sensitivity. Fifteen F2 lines were generated from 2004 collections from each of three Westmoreland source plants and from the Montgomery source. For the least sensitive Westmoreland source, vigor reduction ranged from only 24 to 36% across F2 lines in response to 1.68 kg/ha of glyphosate at 28 DAT, relative to 55 to 100% for the Montgomery source. I50 estimates for fresh weight reduction were 0.91 and 0.32 kg/ha, for these sources, respectively. Sequential treatments of 0.42, 1.26, and 1.68 kg/ha applied at three-week intervals to the least susceptible 2004 Westmoreland F2 line resulted in only 37% vigor reduction and no mortality among 360 treated plants. Growth chamber studies were also conducted on the F2 progeny of these sources to determine if differential growth responses occur in noncompetitive environments and in the absence of glyphosate treatment. Generally, few differences were observed among the Westmoreland and Montgomery collections in growth parameters including height, leaf number, leaf area, leaf size, shoot weight, and reproductive output. However, significant differences were observed with regard to root weight, root length, and root density. In germination studies, it was determined that the Montgomery source had significantly faster and greater seed germination than the Westmoreland source. The susceptibility of F3 seedlings to glyphosate varied significantly with respect to F2 parent line and glyphosate rate. Mortality of 100% was observed in F3 seedlings from the Montgomery source in response to the 3.36 kg ae/ha glyphosate rate, while no mortality was observed in Westmoreland F3 seedlings in response to this glyphosate rate. / Master of Science