Antagonism of Glyphosate Toxicity to Johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense) by 2,4-D and Dicamba

Abstract

Greenhouse studies were conducted to determine the basis for reduced johnsongrass control when glyphosate was applied in mixtures with 2,4-D or dicamba. Glyphosate was applied to johnsongrass at 0.28, 0.56, 0.84, and 1.12 kg/ha alone and in combination with 2,4-D or dicamba at 0.14, 0.28, 0.14, or 0.56 kg/ha. Johnsongrass shoot and root fresh weights measured 4 weeks after treatment were higher when glyphosate was applied with 2,4-D (0.28 kg/ha glyphosate) or dicamba (0.28 kg/ha or 0.56 kg/ha glyphosate) compared to glyphosate applied alone at these rates. The antagonism of johnsongrass control was not observed with combinations of some of the higher glyphosate rates with 2,4-D (0.56 or 0.84 kg/ha glyphosate) or dicamba (0.84 or 1.12 kg/ha glyphosate). The reduction of glyphosate activity on johnsongrass occurred when any of four forms of 2,4-D or two forms of dicamba were added to the glyphosate spray mixture. Glyphosate uptake into johnsongrass leaves and subsequent translocation to the roots was reduced by the presence of 2,4-D or dicamba. The reduced glyphosate uptake and translocation could account for the decreased toxicity of glyphosate to johnsongrass when applied with 2,4-D or dicamba.