Absorption, translocation and metabolism of 14C‐glyphosate in several weed species*

Abstract

Summary:The pattern and extent of 14C‐glyphosate [N‐(phosphonomethyl)glycine] translocation from the treated leaf and metabolism of 14C‐glyphosate were studied in field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis L.), hedge bindweed (Convolvulus sepium L.). Canada thistle [Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop.] tall morning glory [lpomoea purpurea (L.) Roth.] and wild buckwheat (Polygonum convolvulus L.). 14C was translocated throughout the plants within 3 days with accumulation in the meristematic tips of the roots and shoots evident. Cross and longitudinal sections of stems and roots showed that the 14C was localized in the phloem. Field bindweed translocated 3–5% of the applied 14C from the treated leaf, hedge bindweed 21.6%, Canada thistle 7.8%, tall morningglory 6.5%, and wild buckwheat 5%. Field bindweed, Canada thistle, and tall morningglory metabolized the parent glyphosate to aminomethylphosphonic acid to a limited extent. This metabolite made up less than 15% of the total 14C. Of the total 14C applied to excised leaves, 50% had disappeared within 25 days.