Effect of florpyrauxifen-benzyl formulation and rate for waterhyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) control in a mesocosm setting

Abstract

AbstractWaterhyacinth [Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms] has been the focus of national legislation efforts and has been listed as noxious, invasive, potentially invasive, or prohibited by at least seven U.S. states. Auxinic herbicides are one of the most effective control methods labeled for use in aquatic sites. In the United States, florpyrauxifen-benzyl, a synthetic auxin, was recently (2018) registered for use in aquatic sites, but limited information has been published on efficacy, especially differences between the two formulations. Therefore, the purpose of this work was to evaluate two formulations of florpyrauxifen-benzyl—suspension concentrate (SC) and emulsifiable concentrate (EC)—at three rates each (14.8, 29.5, and 58.9 g ai ha−1) for control of E. crassipes under outdoor and greenhouse conditions. All rates of each florpyrauxifen-benzyl formulation reduced E. crassipes biomass by 90% to 100% when compared with nontreated plants at 5 wk after treatment. Based on plant recovery in the outdoor trial, there was some evidence that the lowest rate (14.8 g ai ha−1) of florpyrauxifen-benzyl SC and EC may not be as efficacious at reducing E. crassipes biomass as the SC and EC formulations when applied at 29.5 and 58.9 g ai ha−1. Future work should evaluate the florpyrauxifen-benzyl rates tested in this research against E. crassipes in field trials and/or an operational setting to confirm findings.