Study of the enhancement of herbicide activity and rainfastness by an organosilicone adjuvant utilizing radiolabelled herbicide and adjuvant

Abstract

Abstract‘Sylgard® 309’ organosilicone surfactant is a very effective adjuvant for broadleaf weed control with a number of herbicides. It is also effective in providing rainfastness lo these post‐emergence herbicide applications. To elucidate the basis for herbicide activity enhancement and rainfastness, the absorption of [14C]acifluorfen, [14C]bentazone and [14C]‘Sylgard 309’ were studied. Non‐ionic surfactants and crop oil concentrates were used as adjuvants with [14C]acifluorfen and [14C]bentazone, respectively, for purposes of comparison. Maximum absorption of [14C]acifluorfen and [14C]bentazone was obtained within 15 min after herbicide application with the organosilicone, versus ≥ 24 h with the convenlional adjuvants. [14C]‐Organosilicone absorption closely paralleled that of the [14C]‐herbicides. The organosilicone appears to exert its action by increasing greatly herbicide absorption. The enhancement effect did not appear to be a function of reduced surface tension. Rainfastness appeared to be a result of greatly accelerated herbicide penetration through the leaf cuticle in the presence of the organosilicone.