Herbicidal activity of slow-release herbicide formulations in wheat stands infested by weeds

Abstract

This study addresses herbicidal activity of experimental formulations of metribuzin and tribenuron-methyl embedded in the degradable matrix of natural poly-3-hydroxybutyrate [P(3HB/MET) and P(3HB)/TBM] in stands of soft spring wheat (Triticum aestivum, cv. Altaiskaya 70) infested by weeds – white sweet clover Melilotus albus and lamb’s quarters Chenopodium album – under laboratory conditions. Indicators of herbicidal activity were the density and weight of the vegetative organs of weeds measured during 30-day and 50-day experiments. Wheat crop yield was estimated as dependent on the method of herbicide delivery and the decrease in weed density. The experimental MET and TBM formulations showed pronounced herbicidal activity against the weed species used in the study. The effectiveness of the experimental formulations in inhibiting weed growth was comparable to and, sometimes, higher than that of the commercial formulations (positive control). The amount of the biomass of the wheat treated with the experimental herbicide formulations was significantly greater than that of the wheat treated with commercial formulations.