Atrazine, Bifenox, and Shade Effects on Crownvetch (Coronilla varia) Nodulation and Nodule Activity

Abstract

Studies were conducted to determine whether photosynthesis-inhibiting herbicides atrazine or bifenox, and shade affect the number, weight, senescence, and N fixation activity of nodules on the roots of the perennial legume crownvetch. Atrazine and bifenox were applied at rates of 2.24 kg ai/ha to shaded and unshaded plots. The shade was varied during the growing season to simulate changing irradiance levels beneath a corn canopy. Atrazine and bifenox treatments reduced nodule number to 13 and 42% of the untreated control, respectively, in 1980, and 18 and 35% in 1981. Shade treatments reduced nodule number to a low of 40% of the control in 1980 and 50% in 1981. Combined effects of herbicides and shade on nodule numbers were more than additive. Nodule fresh weights were reduced an average of 37% by herbicide treatments and 39% by shade treatments. Sloughed nodule numbers decreased in the herbicide and shaded treatments, suggesting that the reduction in nodule numbers was due to fewer nodules being produced. Nodule numbers were reduced a greater percentage by herbicides and shade than was herbage dry matter production. Specific nodule activity (SNA) did not differ in nodules from the atrazine, bifenox, or shade treatments on the six sampling dates in 1980 or on two of three sampling dates in 1981.