Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) and common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) can cause detrimental soybean yield loss. Due to widespread resistance to glyphosate and ALS-inhibiting herbicides, growers rely on protoporphyrinogen oxidase inhibiting herbicides (PPO) such as flumioxazin applied preemergence (PRE) and fomesafen postemergence (POST) to control both weeds. Experiments were conducted with the overarching goal of reducing PPO selection pressure for Palmer amaranth and common ragweed. Flumioxazin alone PRE controlled Palmer amaranth near 100%. However, sulfentrazone combined with pyroxasulfone or pendimethalin provided similar control to flumioxazin. Acetochlor and linuron controlled common ragweed <74%, yet controlled Palmer amaranth >96%. Glufosinate applied POST controlled Palmer amaranth and common ragweed 74-100%, regardless of PRE treatment. Flumioxazin PRE followed by fomesafen POST controlled common ragweed well; however, several non-PPO herbicide treatments or programs with only 1 PPO-inhibiting herbicide provided similar common ragweed control as the 2 PPO system (flumioxazin followed by fomesafen). Treatments consisting of a PRE and POST herbicide controlled Palmer amaranth at least 80% and common ragweed 95%. To reduce PPO selection pressure, soybean producers growing glufosinate-resistant soybean may use flumioxazin PRE followed by glufosinate POST whereas non-glufosinate-resistant soybean growers should reduce PPO herbicide use by using a non-PPO herbicide PRE. Alternatively, these producers can effectively reduce PPO selection pressure by implementing residual combinations of a PPO-inhibiting herbicide + non-PPO with spectrums of weed control that overlap at either Palmer amaranth or common ragweed. / Master of Science in Life Sciences / Soybean producers planted 35.4 million hectares in the US during 2018. Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) and common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) are both common and problematic in soybean production. The introduction of a glyphosate-resistant soybean cultivars coupled with glyphosate allowed soybean producers to easily control these weeds along with many other broadleaf and grass weeds. However, over reliance on glyphosate selected for biotypes of common ragweed and Palmer amaranth resistant to the herbicide. In response, soybean producers have reverted to preemergence (PRE) herbicides and alternative modes of action postemergence (POST) to control these herbicide-resistant weeds. One such herbicide mode of action is inhibition of protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO). Flumioxazin and fomesafen are both PPO-inhibiting herbicides and have been widely used in soybean, however increasing reliance on PPOs has selected for resistant common ragweed and Palmer amaranth biotypes. This research focused on reducing risk of PPO-inhibiting herbicide resistance development (“selection pressure”) by finding alternatives to or combinations with PPOinhibiting herbicides that would effectively control both weeds and thus preserve effectiveness of a valuable herbicide group. Of PRE herbicides applied alone, flumioxazin was the only treatment to control Palmer amaranth >79% 14 DA-PRE at Painter 2017. However, combination of PRE herbicides such as sulfentrazone or metribuzin in combination with pyroxasulfone, and pendimethalin + sulfentrazone, all controlled Palmer amaranth well. While metribuzin and pendimethalin alone did not provide as much control, a POST application of glufosinate coupled with these residual herbicides adequately controlled Palmer amaranth. Soybean producers can effectively control Palmer amaranth with a non-PPO PRE herbicide followed by glufosinate postemergence (POST) or residual combinations of a PPO + non-PPO while reducing risk of herbicide resistance development. Several PRE herbicide treatments adequately controlled common ragweed. During 2017, residual herbicides that controlled common ragweed at least 90% included flumioxazin, flumioxazin + clomazone, linuron, or metribuzin, fomesafen + linuron, and linuron + clomazone. All treatments controlled common ragweed greater than 94% during 2018, except metribuzin, linuron, and clomazone, which controlled the weed 75, 86, and 90%, respectively. Fomesafen alone or in combination with metribuzin controlled common ragweed 80 to 84%. Regardless of PRE, glufosinate POST controlled common ragweed 99% 56 and 70 days after planting (DAP). In fields infested with common ragweed yet to develop PPO resistance, growers should use a non-PPO herbicide in combination with flumioxazin PRE. Additionally, tank mixtures of effective MOAs PRE followed by glufosinate rather than a PPO POST may reduce herbicide selection pressure. The final study set out to determine which was more critical to controlling herbicideresistant Palmer amaranth and common ragweed in soybean, a PPO-inhibiting herbicide applied PRE or POST. Flumioxazin applied PRE controlled both weeds almost completely. Acetochlor and linuron did not control common ragweed as well, but controlled Palmer amaranth >96%. Both metribuzin and clomazone were weaker on common ragweed and Palmer amaranth. However, all PRE herbicide treatments followed by glufosinate or fomesafen controlled Palmer amaranth and common ragweed at least 80 and 95%, respectively. To reduce PPO selection pressure, soybean producers growing glufosinate-resistant soybean may use flumioxazin PRE followed by glufosinate POST whereas non-glufosinate-resistant growers should reduce PPO herbicide use by using a non-PPO herbicide PRE. Alternatively, these producers can effectively reduce PPO selection pressure by implementing residual combinations of a PPO-inhibiting herbicide + non-PPO with spectrums of weed control that overlap at either Palmer amaranth or common ragweed. Results from these experiments suggest PPO-inhibiting herbicides are critical for common ragweed and Palmer amaranth control. Previous research has shown effective tank mixtures with various effective MOAs has reduced the risk of herbicide resistance development. Protoporphyrinogen oxidase herbicides should be used sparingly and in combination with effective non-PPO herbicides to reduce selection pressure. / Soybean producers planted 35.4 million hectares in the US during 2018. Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) and common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) are both common and problematic in soybean production. The introduction of a glyphosate-resistant soybean cultivars coupled with glyphosate allowed soybean producers to easily control these weeds along with many other broadleaf and grass weeds. However, over reliance on glyphosate selected for biotypes of common ragweed and Palmer amaranth resistant to the herbicide. In response, soybean producers have reverted to preemergence (PRE) herbicides and alternative modes of action postemergence (POST) to control these herbicide-resistant weeds. One such herbicide mode of action is inhibition of protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO). Flumioxazin and fomesafen are both PPO-inhibiting herbicides and have been widely used in soybean, however increasing reliance on PPOs has selected for resistant common ragweed and Palmer amaranth biotypes. This research focused on reducing risk of PPO-inhibiting herbicide resistance development (“selection pressure”) by finding alternatives to or combinations with PPOinhibiting herbicides that would effectively control both weeds and thus preserve effectiveness of a valuable herbicide group. Of PRE herbicides applied alone, flumioxazin was the only treatment to control Palmer amaranth >79% 14 DA-PRE at Painter 2017. However, combination of PRE herbicides such as sulfentrazone or metribuzin in combination with pyroxasulfone, and pendimethalin + sulfentrazone, all controlled Palmer amaranth well. While metribuzin and pendimethalin alone did not provide as much control, a POST application of glufosinate coupled with these residual herbicides adequately controlled Palmer amaranth. Soybean producers can effectively control Palmer amaranth with a non-PPO PRE herbicide followed by glufosinate postemergence (POST) or residual combinations of a PPO + non-PPO while reducing risk of herbicide resistance development. Several PRE herbicide treatments adequately controlled common ragweed. During 2017, residual herbicides that controlled common ragweed at least 90% included flumioxazin, flumioxazin + clomazone, linuron, or metribuzin, fomesafen + linuron, and linuron + clomazone. All treatments controlled common ragweed greater than 94% during 2018, except metribuzin, linuron, and clomazone, which controlled the weed 75, 86, and 90%, respectively. Fomesafen alone or in combination with metribuzin controlled common ragweed 80 to 84%. Regardless of PRE, glufosinate POST controlled common ragweed 99% 56 and 70 days after planting (DAP). In fields infested with common ragweed yet to develop PPO resistance, growers should use a non-PPO herbicide in combination with flumioxazin PRE. Additionally, tank mixtures of effective MOAs PRE followed by glufosinate rather than a PPO POST may reduce herbicide selection pressure. The final study set out to determine which was more critical to controlling herbicideresistant Palmer amaranth and common ragweed in soybean, a PPO-inhibiting herbicide applied PRE or POST. Flumioxazin applied PRE controlled both weeds almost completely. Acetochlor and linuron did not control common ragweed as well, but controlled Palmer amaranth >96%. Both metribuzin and clomazone were weaker on common ragweed and Palmer amaranth. However, all PRE herbicide treatments followed by glufosinate or fomesafen controlled Palmer amaranth and common ragweed at least 80 and 95%, respectively. To reduce PPO selection pressure, soybean producers growing glufosinate-resistant soybean may use flumioxazin PRE followed by glufosinate POST whereas non-glufosinate-resistant growers should reduce PPO herbicide use by using a non-PPO herbicide PRE. Alternatively, these producers can effectively reduce PPO selection pressure by implementing residual combinations of a PPO-inhibiting herbicide + non-PPO with spectrums of weed control that overlap at either Palmer amaranth or common ragweed. Results from these experiments suggest PPO-inhibiting herbicides are critical for common ragweed and Palmer amaranth control. Previous research has shown effective tank mixtures with various effective MOAs has reduced the risk of herbicide resistance development. Protoporphyrinogen oxidase herbicides should be used sparingly and in combination with effective non-PPO herbicides to reduce selection pressure.

Hybrid membranes represent a promising alternative to the limitations of organic and inorganic materials for high productivity and selectivity gas separation membranes. In this study, the previously developed concept of emulsion-polymerized mixed matrix (EPMM) membranes was further advanced by investigating the effects of surfactant and compatibilizer on inorganic loading in poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) (PPO)-based EPMM membranes, in which inorganic part of the membranes originated from tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS). The polymerization of TEOS, which consists of hydrolysis of TEOS and condensation of the hydrolyzed TEOS, was carried out as (i) one- and (ii) two-step processes. In the one-step process, the hydrolysis and condensation take place in the same environment of a weak acid provided by the aqueous solution of aluminum hydroxonitrate and sodium carbonate. In the two-step process, the hydrolysis takes place in the environment of a strong acid (solution of hydrochloric acid), whereas the condensation takes place in weak base environment obtained by adding excess of the ammonium hydroxide solution to the acidic solution of the hydrolyzed TEOS. For both one- and two-step processes, the emulsion polymerization of TEOS was carried out in two types of emulsions made of (i) pure trichloroethylene (TCE) solvent, and (ii) 10 w/v% solution of PPO in TCE, using different combinations of the compatibilizer (ethanol) and the surfactant (n-octanol). The experiments with pure TCE, which are referred to as a gravimetric powder method (GPM) allowed assessing the effect of different experimental parameters on the conversion of TEOS. The GPM tests also provided a guide for the synthesis of casting emulsions containing PPO, from which the EPMM membranes were prepared using a spin coating technique. The synthesized EPMM membranes were characterized using 29Si nuclear magnetic resonance (29Si NMR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and gas permeation measurements carried out in a constant pressure (CP) system. The 29Si NMR analysis verified polymerization of TEOS in the emulsions made of pure TCE, and the PPO solution in TCE. The conversions of TEOS in the two-step process in the two types of emulsions were very close to each other. In the case of the one-step process, the conversions in the TCE emulsion were significantly greater than those in the emulsion of the PPO solution in TCE. Consequently, the conversions of TEOS in the EPMM membranes made in the two-step process were greater than those in the EPMM membranes made in the one-step process. The latter ranged between 10 - 20%, while the highest conversion in the two-step process was 74% in the presence of pure compatibilizer with no surfactant. Despite greater conversions and hence the greater inorganic loadings, the EPMM membranes prepared in the two-step process had glass transition temperatures (Tg) only slightly greater than the reference PPO membranes. In contrast, despite relatively low inorganic loadings, the EPMM membranes prepared in the one-step process had Tgs markedly greater than PPO, and showed the expected trend of an increase in Tg with the inorganic loading. These results indicate that in the case of the one-step process the polymerized TEOS was well integrated with the PPO chains and the interactions between the two phases lead to high Tgs. On the other hand, this was not the case for the EPMM membranes prepared in the two-step process, suggesting possible phase separation between the polymerized TEOS and the organic phase. The latter was confirmed by detecting no selectivity in the EPMM membranes prepared by the two-step process. In contrast, the EPMM membranes prepared in the one-step process in the presence of the compatibilizer and no surfactant showed 50% greater O2 permeability coefficient and a slightly greater O2/N2 permeability ratio compared to the reference PPO membranes.

Waterhemp was a sporadic weed in Kentucky soybean production since the 1970’s. Waterhemp’s presence was not significant until the 1990’s after a widespread adoption of imazaquin and imazethapyr herbicides in the late 1980’s by Kentucky farmers which resulted in ALS-resistant waterhemp in some Kentucky areas. The introduction of glyphosate resistant soybeans in 1996 resulted in glyphosate-containing products being widely used by Kentucky farmers. Waterhemp populations resistant to glyphosate have occurred in Kentucky in the past few years. The majority of Kentucky soybeans are produced in some type of conservation tillage system, primarily to conserve soil and water, which is advantageous on Kentucky’s rolling topography. Glyphosate controls a wide range of weeds and popular with farmers because of this characteristic. However, waterhemp resistant to glyphosate developed in some fields with the continuous glyphosate usage. Waterhemp control research trials were conducted in Union and Hancock Counties in Western Kentucky in an attempt to find herbicide combinations to provide season-long control. Waterhemp populations in these studies were resistant and susceptible to glyphosate but the resistant populations were great enough to cause soybean yield loss if not controlled. KEYWORDS: Amaranthus tuberculatus, Herbicide Resistance, EPSPS, PPO, ALS

Hybrid membranes represent a promising alternative to the limitations of organic and inorganic materials for high productivity and selectivity gas separation membranes. In this study, the previously developed concept of emulsion-polymerized mixed matrix (EPMM) membranes was further advanced by investigating the effects of surfactant and compatibilizer on inorganic loading in poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) (PPO)-based EPMM membranes, in which inorganic part of the membranes originated from tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS). The polymerization of TEOS, which consists of hydrolysis of TEOS and condensation of the hydrolyzed TEOS, was carried out as (i) one- and (ii) two-step processes. In the one-step process, the hydrolysis and condensation take place in the same environment of a weak acid provided by the aqueous solution of aluminum hydroxonitrate and sodium carbonate. In the two-step process, the hydrolysis takes place in the environment of a strong acid (solution of hydrochloric acid), whereas the condensation takes place in weak base environment obtained by adding excess of the ammonium hydroxide solution to the acidic solution of the hydrolyzed TEOS. For both one- and two-step processes, the emulsion polymerization of TEOS was carried out in two types of emulsions made of (i) pure trichloroethylene (TCE) solvent, and (ii) 10 w/v% solution of PPO in TCE, using different combinations of the compatibilizer (ethanol) and the surfactant (n-octanol). The experiments with pure TCE, which are referred to as a gravimetric powder method (GPM) allowed assessing the effect of different experimental parameters on the conversion of TEOS. The GPM tests also provided a guide for the synthesis of casting emulsions containing PPO, from which the EPMM membranes were prepared using a spin coating technique. The synthesized EPMM membranes were characterized using 29Si nuclear magnetic resonance (29Si NMR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and gas permeation measurements carried out in a constant pressure (CP) system. The 29Si NMR analysis verified polymerization of TEOS in the emulsions made of pure TCE, and the PPO solution in TCE. The conversions of TEOS in the two-step process in the two types of emulsions were very close to each other. In the case of the one-step process, the conversions in the TCE emulsion were significantly greater than those in the emulsion of the PPO solution in TCE. Consequently, the conversions of TEOS in the EPMM membranes made in the two-step process were greater than those in the EPMM membranes made in the one-step process. The latter ranged between 10 - 20%, while the highest conversion in the two-step process was 74% in the presence of pure compatibilizer with no surfactant. Despite greater conversions and hence the greater inorganic loadings, the EPMM membranes prepared in the two-step process had glass transition temperatures (Tg) only slightly greater than the reference PPO membranes. In contrast, despite relatively low inorganic loadings, the EPMM membranes prepared in the one-step process had Tgs markedly greater than PPO, and showed the expected trend of an increase in Tg with the inorganic loading. These results indicate that in the case of the one-step process the polymerized TEOS was well integrated with the PPO chains and the interactions between the two phases lead to high Tgs. On the other hand, this was not the case for the EPMM membranes prepared in the two-step process, suggesting possible phase separation between the polymerized TEOS and the organic phase. The latter was confirmed by detecting no selectivity in the EPMM membranes prepared by the two-step process. In contrast, the EPMM membranes prepared in the one-step process in the presence of the compatibilizer and no surfactant showed 50% greater O2 permeability coefficient and a slightly greater O2/N2 permeability ratio compared to the reference PPO membranes.

Submitted by Pedro Henrique Rodrigues (pedro.henriquer@ufpe.br) on 2015-03-05T16:55:31Z No. of bitstreams: 2 Filipe Santana da Silva - Dissertação de Mestrado - Centro de Informática - 2012.pdf: 1889466 bytes, checksum: 40445fee934930648cf335bdbaebbc31 (MD5) license_rdf: 1232 bytes, checksum: 66e71c371cc565284e70f40736c94386 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2015-03-05T16:55:31Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 Filipe Santana da Silva - Dissertação de Mestrado - Centro de Informática - 2012.pdf: 1889466 bytes, checksum: 40445fee934930648cf335bdbaebbc31 (MD5) license_rdf: 1232 bytes, checksum: 66e71c371cc565284e70f40736c94386 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012-03-05 / Muitas aplicações não conseguem tratar a ambiguidade presente em fontes de dados e informação. Tal fato ganhou maior notoriedade a partir do desenvolvimento de tecnologias relacionadas à web semântica, principalmente com as ontologias. O estudo de modelos com certo grau de complexidade representacional relacionados às doenças infecciosas, especificamente as Doenças Tropicais Negligenciáveis (DTNs), vem gradualmente ganhando interesse por parte dos pesquisadores. O presente estudo visa representar um conjunto de conhecimento complexo sobre a transmissão de Doenças Tropicais Negligenciáveis e os possíveis processos que ocorrem a partir do desenvolvimento destas, como o falecimento de indivíduos, em uma ontologia: a NTDO (Neglected Tropical Disease Ontology). A partir do modelo básico de transmissão de doenças, incluindo vetores artrópodes, e do conteúdo tabular com a representação de vetores, patógenos, hospedeiros, locais de ocorrência e doenças causadas, foi possível descrever um Padrão de Projeto Ontológico (PPO) para a representação de tais processos, refinados e testados segundo consultas em Lógica de Descrições. Outros resultados foram encontrados a partir da representação de processos complexos relacionados ao falecimento de indivíduos por causas específicas. No presente estudo, conhecimento acerca das DTNs foi descrito a partir de informações legadas presentes em tabelas, e puderam ser expressas em uma ontologia formal. A NTDO evidencia eventos complexos com marcações temporais e sequência de processos, desde a transmissão de um patógeno ao falecimento de um indivíduo por uma doença. Assim, a NTDO pode permitir a construção de consultas inteligentes em bancos de dados de Morbidade e Mortalidade. Ainda, pode permitir uma inovação no que concerne a vigilância de casos de doenças relacionados a infecções por doenças, principalmente negligenciadas, por possibilitar o estudo de um amplo conjunto de variáveis, inerentes aos registros de morbidade e mortalidade, e a conseqüente construção de novo conhecimento sobre os dados de saúde.

Hybrid membranes represent a promising alternative to the limitations of organic and inorganic materials for high productivity and selectivity gas separation membranes. In this study, the previously developed concept of emulsion-polymerized mixed matrix (EPMM) membranes was further advanced by investigating the effects of surfactant and compatibilizer on inorganic loading in poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) (PPO)-based EPMM membranes, in which inorganic part of the membranes originated from tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS). The polymerization of TEOS, which consists of hydrolysis of TEOS and condensation of the hydrolyzed TEOS, was carried out as (i) one- and (ii) two-step processes. In the one-step process, the hydrolysis and condensation take place in the same environment of a weak acid provided by the aqueous solution of aluminum hydroxonitrate and sodium carbonate. In the two-step process, the hydrolysis takes place in the environment of a strong acid (solution of hydrochloric acid), whereas the condensation takes place in weak base environment obtained by adding excess of the ammonium hydroxide solution to the acidic solution of the hydrolyzed TEOS. For both one- and two-step processes, the emulsion polymerization of TEOS was carried out in two types of emulsions made of (i) pure trichloroethylene (TCE) solvent, and (ii) 10 w/v% solution of PPO in TCE, using different combinations of the compatibilizer (ethanol) and the surfactant (n-octanol). The experiments with pure TCE, which are referred to as a gravimetric powder method (GPM) allowed assessing the effect of different experimental parameters on the conversion of TEOS. The GPM tests also provided a guide for the synthesis of casting emulsions containing PPO, from which the EPMM membranes were prepared using a spin coating technique. The synthesized EPMM membranes were characterized using 29Si nuclear magnetic resonance (29Si NMR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and gas permeation measurements carried out in a constant pressure (CP) system. The 29Si NMR analysis verified polymerization of TEOS in the emulsions made of pure TCE, and the PPO solution in TCE. The conversions of TEOS in the two-step process in the two types of emulsions were very close to each other. In the case of the one-step process, the conversions in the TCE emulsion were significantly greater than those in the emulsion of the PPO solution in TCE. Consequently, the conversions of TEOS in the EPMM membranes made in the two-step process were greater than those in the EPMM membranes made in the one-step process. The latter ranged between 10 - 20%, while the highest conversion in the two-step process was 74% in the presence of pure compatibilizer with no surfactant. Despite greater conversions and hence the greater inorganic loadings, the EPMM membranes prepared in the two-step process had glass transition temperatures (Tg) only slightly greater than the reference PPO membranes. In contrast, despite relatively low inorganic loadings, the EPMM membranes prepared in the one-step process had Tgs markedly greater than PPO, and showed the expected trend of an increase in Tg with the inorganic loading. These results indicate that in the case of the one-step process the polymerized TEOS was well integrated with the PPO chains and the interactions between the two phases lead to high Tgs. On the other hand, this was not the case for the EPMM membranes prepared in the two-step process, suggesting possible phase separation between the polymerized TEOS and the organic phase. The latter was confirmed by detecting no selectivity in the EPMM membranes prepared by the two-step process. In contrast, the EPMM membranes prepared in the one-step process in the presence of the compatibilizer and no surfactant showed 50% greater O2 permeability coefficient and a slightly greater O2/N2 permeability ratio compared to the reference PPO membranes.

<p>  </p> <p>In Midwestern soybean [<em>Glycine max </em>(L.) Merr.] systems, especially in Indiana, three summer annual weed species are among the most common and troublesome for soybean producers: tall waterhemp (<em>Amaranthus tuberculatus</em>), giant ragweed (<em>Ambrosia trifida</em>), and horseweed (<em>Conyza canadensis</em>). Evolved resistance to current herbicides [e.g. glyphosate and acetolactate synthase (ALS) ihibitors], coupled with a dearth of new herbicide active ingredients being commercialized in the last two decades, has made controlling these problematic weeds particularly challenging. Trifludimoxazin is a novel protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO)-inhibiting herbicide that is currently under development for use in soybean and is likely to be commercially applied either alone or in combination with the herbicide saflufenacil. Research herein was conducted to investigate foliar control of tall waterhemp (including genotypes that are resistant to applications of other PPO inhibitors), giant ragweed, and horseweed following applications of trifludimoxazin alone and in combination with other herbicides. Additionally, the efficacy of soil-residual applications of trifludimoxazin and trifludimoxazin plus saflufenacil was evaluated for tall waterhemp and compared to other preemergence herbicides commonly used in soybean. Finally, soybean response to preplant applications of trifludimoxazin and trifludimoxazin plus saflufenacil at various preplant timings was investigated along with impact of adding the WSSA Group 15 herbicides acetochlor, pyroxasulfone, and <em>S</em>-metolachlor to preemergence applications of trifludimoxazin plus saflufenacil.</p> <p>Applications of 12.5 g ha-1 trifludimoxazin were highly efficacious in foliar applications on tall waterhemp (94% control) at 28 days after application (DAA), less effective when applied to giant ragweed (78% control, 21 DAA), and ineffective on horseweed (9% control, 28 DAA). When applied in combination with glufosinate, glyphosate, paraquat, or saflufenacil, foliar control for these species was 91% to 100%, except for trifludimoxazin plus glyphosate applied to a glyphosate-resistant population of horseweed (17%). Furthermore, foliar efficacy of trifludimoxazin applied to tall waterhemp or Palmer amaranth (<em>Amaranthus palmeri</em>) was not impacted by the presence of target-site mutations (ΔG210 or R128 in waterhemp, ΔG210 or V361A in Palmer amaranth) that confered resistance to saflufenacil and fomesafen.</p> <p>Near complete soil residual control [≥ 98% at 2 weeks after application (WAA)] of tall waterhemp was initially observed with 12.5 to 50 g ha-1 of trifludimoxazin but were less effective (39% to 69%) relative to commercial standards of pyroxasulfone (91%) or sulfentrazone (95%) by 6 WAA. Combining saflufenacil at 25 or 50 g ha-1 with soil-residual applications of trifludimoxazin improved efficacy on tall waterhemp at 6 WAA relative to trifludimoxazin alone. With the exception of 12.5 + 25 g ha-1 (74%), applications of trifludimoxazin plus saflufenacil, respectively, resulted in comparable residual tall waterhemp control (84% to 92%) as the commercial standards. </p> <p>Soybean injury following applications of trifludimoxazin was relatively low (< 10%), regardless of preplant application timing [0 to 28 days before planting (DBP)] or rate (6.25 to 25 g ha-1). However, the addition of saflufenacil increased soybean injury, especially when environmental conditions were more conducive to soybean response. For instance, at Pinney Purdue Agriculture Center (PPAC) in 2019 soybean injury 4 weeks after planting (WAP) was 28%, soybean population was reduced by 39%, and yield was reduced by 27% when trifludimoxazin plus saflufenacil was applied at 25 + 50 g ha-1. The experimental conditions that corresponded to this elevated soybean injury were coarse-texture soil, low temperatures, and high precipitation at the time of soybean emergence. Lower rates of this herbicide combination resulted in less injury, and soybean response was minimized (≤ 8%) when applications were made at least 14 DBP. The addition of Group 15 herbicides to applications of trifludimoxazin plus saflufenacil at planting did not impact soybean response, except for at PPAC in 2019, where the addition of acetochlor (51%) or pyroxasulfone (46%) to 25 + 50 g ha-1 was greater than without these Group 15 herbicides at 4 WAP (22%). Field research indicated soybean response to combinations of trifludimoxazin plus saflufenacil differed by cultivar in some instances, and greenhouse experiments determined the response was attributable to differential soybean cultivar sensitivity to the saflufenacil component of the mixture.  </p>

In this paper, the use of reinforcement learning (RL) in control systems is investigated using a rotatory inverted pendulum as an example. The control behavior of an RL controller is compared to that of traditional LQR and MPC controllers. This is done by evaluating their behavior under optimal conditions, their disturbance behavior, their robustness and their development process. All the investigated controllers are developed using MATLAB and the Simulink simulation environment and later deployed to a real pendulum model powered by a Raspberry Pi. The RL algorithm used is Proximal Policy Optimization (PPO). The LQR controller exhibits an easy development process, an average to good control behavior and average to good robustness. A linear MPC controller could show excellent results under optimal operating conditions. However, when subjected to disturbances or deviations from the equilibrium point, it showed poor performance and sometimes instable behavior. Employing a nonlinear MPC Controller in real time was not possible due to the high computational effort involved. The RL controller exhibits by far the most versatile and robust control behavior. When operated in the simulation environment, it achieved a high control accuracy. When employed in the real system, however, it only shows average accuracy and a significantly greater performance loss compared to the simulation than the traditional controllers. With MATLAB, it is not yet possible to directly post-train the RL controller on the Raspberry Pi, which is an obstacle to the practical application of RL in a prototyping or teaching setting. Nevertheless, RL in general proves to be a flexible and powerful control method, which is well suited for complex or nonlinear systems where traditional controllers struggle.

Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) and common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) are two of the most troublesome weeds in soybean. Both weeds possess widespread resistance to glyphosate and acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibiting herbicides resulting in the use of protoporphyrinogen oxidase- (PPO) inhibitors to control these biotypes, although PPO-resistant biotypes are increasing. New soybean herbicide-resistant trait technologies enable novel herbicide combinations. Combinations of two herbicide sites-of-action (SOA) improved control 19 to 25% and 14 to 19% of Palmer amaranth and common ragweed, respectively, versus using one SOA (mesotrione, dicamba, 2,4-D, or glufosinate alone). Seed production of 5 to 10 cm Palmer amaranth and common ragweed was reduced greater than 76% by fomesafen, auxin (dicamba and 2,4-D), or glufosinate containing treatments. Some weeds survived and set seed even when treated at the proper size. As weed size increased from 10 to 30 cm, control diminished and fecundity increased, underscoring the importance of proper herbicide application timing. Effective preemergence herbicides reduced the number of weeds present at the postemergence application compared to no treatment, reducing the likelihood of herbicide resistance development. Dicamba, 2,4-D, or glufosinate applied alone or auxin + glufosinate combinations reduced Palmer amaranth seed production greater than 95% when applied at first visible female inflorescence; this first report, in addition to previous reports on individual herbicides, indicates this application timing may be useful for soil seed bank management. This research informs mitigation of herbicide resistance spread and development. / Master of Science in Life Sciences / Over 30 million hectares of soybeans were harvested in 2019 in the United States, totaling over $31 billion in value. Two of the most troublesome weeds in soybean, Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) and common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) can cause even greater yield reductions in soybean, up to 79 to 95%, respectively. Frequent, exclusive, and repeated use of a single herbicide has led to multiple herbicide-resistance in both of these weeds. Co-applying two effective herbicides reduces the likelihood of resistance development. New soybean varieties have been genetically modified for resistance to herbicides that were previously unusable, allowing new herbicide combinations. Research was established to investigate these herbicide options to control and reduce seed production of Palmer amaranth and common ragweed with the overarching goal of mitigating herbicide resistance, particularly resistance to protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO) inhibiting herbicides, which are a critical part of herbicide options in soybean production. Preemergence herbicides are vital tools in herbicide programs, reducing the number of weeds present at a postemergence application and thereby reducing the risk of herbicide resistance development to the postemergence herbicide. PPO herbicides (flumioxazin, sulfentrazone, or fomesafen) applied preemergence reduced Palmer amaranth and common ragweed density at the postemergence application 82 to 89% and 53 to 94%, respectively. The preemergence herbicide used did not affect control four weeks after the postemergence herbicides were applied. Postemergence herbicides were applied targeting three weed heights: 5 to 10 cm (ideal), 10 to 20 cm, and 20 to 30 cm. Control decreased as weed height increased and larger weeds had greater biomass and seed production, underscoring the importance of proper herbicide application timing. The single site-of-action treatments dicamba, 2,4-D, glufosinate, or fomesafen resulted in greater than 85 and 92% morality of 5 to 10 cm Palmer amaranth and common ragweed, respectively. Palmer amaranth and common ragweed control improved by 19 to 25% and 14 to 19%, respectively, when using two herbicide sites-of-action increased versus using one SOA (mesotrione, dicamba, 2,4-D, or glufosinate alone). The use of two herbicide sites of action resulted in maximum biomass reductions, depending on weed height, of 57 to 96% and 73 to 85% for Palmer amaranth and common ragweed, respectively. Dicamba, 2,4-D, glufosinate alone and in combination with fomesafen reduced seed production (relative to the nontreated) of 5 to 10 cm Palmer amaranth and common ragweed greater than 98 and 76%, respectively. Dicamba, 2,4-D, and glufosinate applied alone or auxin (dicamba and 2,4-D) and glufosinate combinations reduced Palmer amaranth seed production greater than 95% when applied at first visible female inflorescence. This indicates that these herbicides may be useful in soil weed seed bank management. This research reinforces the utility of PPO herbicides for preemergence control and their efficacy postemergence when combined with another effective herbicide, a practice known to reduce herbicide resistance development. This research also reinforces the potential for dicamba, 2,4-D, or glufosinate to reduce weed seed production when applied at a delayed timing. Future research should investigate the progeny of these weeds treated with herbicides at a delayed timing to evaluate the potential for this practice to reduce herbicide resistance development.

Made available in DSpace on 2015-03-26T13:36:39Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 texto completo.pdf: 655720 bytes, checksum: 45203cde01cfaaa9a0bd784688103fd6 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2009-02-16 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / The goals of this work were to determine the time in which occurs the vascular occlusion and the contribution of the peroxidase (POD) and polyphenoloxidase (PPO) in this process; partially purify and characterize these enzymes and verify the effect of the use of enzymatic inhibitors combined or not with sucrose in the pulsing solution on the postharvest life of the bird-of-paradise. To determine the time of occlusion, the stalks were dry stored for different periods of time (0, 8, 16, 24, 32, 40 and 48 hours), and after being placed in water. The variation of fresh mass and the relative water content (RWC) of the sepals were evaluated within the first 24 hours, and the POD and PPO activity were determined after 100 hours. Harvested flowers were immediately placed in water and had their fresh mass variation, and POD and PPO activity daily evaluated up to 8th day, when the first floret was complete wilted. Flowers maintained for 16 hours under dry storage recuperated the initial fresh mass index and RWC after being placed in water, suggesting that the vascular occlusion occured after 16 hours of dry storage. The POD activity was higher in control stalks and the PPO was higher in stalks which suffered moderated water stress (16, 24, 32 and 40 hours). Throughout the vase life, the POD activity reached the highest level in the 8th day of vase life, and the PPO was kept constant. The POD activity was higher than the PPO in all the analyses, suggesting a higher influence of the POD in the xylematic occlusion of this specie. In the process of enzymatic characterization, the ideal pH and the optimum temperature for both enzymes were determined, as well as the optimum substrate for the PPO. The stability in different pHs, thermal stability and the effect of different inhibitors were also observed. The highest activity of POD was found in pH 5.0 and 60ºC, and the prexi incubation for 120 minutes in pH 2.5 and 25ºC lead to the inhibition of 93.1% of the initial activity, 120 minutes in 70ºC to 98.7% of inhibition and 80ºC for 10 minutes or 90ºC for 1 minute lead to complete inactivation. A complete inhibition of this enzyme was also achieved in the presence of different inhibitors, like ascorbic acid, L-cysteine, sodium metabissulfite, sodium azide, &#946;-mercaptoethanol and DTT. The PPO presented the highest activity with 4-methylcatecol as substrate, in pH 6.0 and 40ºC. Complete inactivation of this enzyme was obtaining by incubating for 10 minutes at 80ºC or using 1 mM of DTT, L-cisteyne, sodium metabissulfite and &#946;-mercaptoethanol. Finally, different pulsing solutions containing enzymatic inhibitors, combined or not with sucrose 40% were applied for 24 hours. The fresh mass variation, RWC and number of open florets were daily determined, and the longevity was determined until the wilting of the last opened floret. From the inhibitors applied alone, the sodium azide was able to provide the highest values of fresh mass, longest longevity and highest number of open florets. Combined with sucrose, the ascorbic acid and the sodium azide were able to provide the best results, with the highest number of open florets and longer longevity. The occlusion of xylematic vessels of this specie is related to the POD and PPO activity and the use of pulsing solutions containing enzymatic inhibitors is a viable technique to extend the vase life of bird-of-paradise of flowers. / Os objetivos deste trabalho foram: determinar o momento de ocorrência do bloqueio vascular e a contribuição da peroxidase (POD) e polifenoloxidase (PPO) neste processo; purificar parcialmente e caracterizar essas enzimas; e verificar o efeito da utilização de inibidores enzimáticos combinados ou não com sacarose na solução de pulsing sobre a vida pós-colheita de ave-do-paraíso. Para determinar o tempo para a oclusão, hastes florais foram armazenadas a seco por diferentes períodos (0, 8, 16, 24, 32, 40 e 48 horas), e após foram colocadas na água. A variação de massa fresca e o teor relativo de água (TRA) das sépalas foram avaliados nas primeiras 24 horas, e a atividade da POD e PPO foram determinadas após 100 horas. Flores colhidas e colocadas imediatamente na água, tiveram sua variação de massa fresca, e atividade da POD e PPO avaliadas diariamente até o 8º dia, quando o 1º florete estava completamente seco. Flores mantidas por até 16 horas em armazenamento a seco, recuperaram os valores de massa fresca e TRA iniciais após serem mantidas em água, sugerindo que o bloqueio vascular esteja ocorrendo após essas 16 horas. A atividade da POD foi maior em hastes controle e a da PPO em hastes que sofreram estresse hídrico moderado (16, 24, 32 e 40 horas). Ao longo da vida de vaso, a atividade da POD alcançou maiores níveis após o 8º dia da vida de vaso, e a da PPO manteve-se constante. A atividade da POD foi superior a da PPO em todas as análises, sugerindo uma maior influência da POD no bloqueio xilemático desta espécie. No processo de caracterização enzimática, o pH ideal e a temperatura ótima para ambas as enzimas foi determinado, bem como o substrato ótimo para a PPO. A estabilidade a diferentes pHs, estabilidade térmica e o efeito de diferentes inibidores também foram acompanhados. Maior atividade da POD foi encontrada em pH 5,0 e 60ºC, e a pré-incubação por 120 minutos em pH 2,5 a 25ºC levou a inibição de 93,13% da atividade inicial, 120 minutos a 70ºC a 98,69% de inibição, e a 80ºC por 10 minutos ou 90ºC por 1 minuto levou a inativação completa. Uma completa inibição desta enzima também foi encontrada na presença de diferentes inibidores, como ácido ascórbico, L-císteina, metabissulfito de sódio, sódio azida, &#946;-mercaptoetanol e DTT. A PPO apresentou maior atividade com 4-metil-catecol como substrato, em pH 6,0 e 40ºC. Inativação completa desta enzima foi obtida com pré-incubação por 10 minutos a 80ºC ou usando 1 mM de DTT, L-cisteína, metabissulfito de sódio e &#946;-mercaptoetanol. Finalmente, diferentes soluções de pulsing contendo inibidores enzimáticos, combinados ou não com sacarose 40% foram aplicadas por 24 horas. A variação de massa fresca, TRA e o número de floretes abertos foram determinados diariamente, e a longevidade foi acompanhada até o murchamentodo último florete aberto. A partir dos inibidores aplicados sozinhos, o sódio azida foi que proporcionou maiores valores de massa fresca, maior longevidade e maior número de floretes abertos. Combinados com sacarose, o ácido ascórbico e o sódio azida foram capaz de proporcionar os melhores resultados, com maior número de floretes abertos e maior longevidade. O bloqueio dos vasos xilemáticos desta espécie está relacionado à atividade da POD e PPO e o uso de soluções de pulsing contendo inibidores enzimáticos é uma técnica eficiente em prolongar a vida de vaso de flores de ave-doparaíso.