Tank Mixtures Research Articles

Quality and Yield of Broccoli Hybrids Treated Postemergence with Tank Mixtures of Chelated Iron and Bentazon

Increased broccoli production in the eastern United States necessitates the exploration of novel concepts to improve weed management in this region. Currently, there are minimal selective postemergent herbicide options available for broccoli growers in the southeastern United States. Research was conducted to determine if bentazon, an effective nutsedge herbicide, could be used safely for broccoli when tank-mixed with chelated iron in both greenhouse and field settings. Initial greenhouse screens in Charleston, SC, demonstrated that when 224 g⋅ha−1 active ingredient of chelated iron was tank-mixed with bentazon, a reduction in injury occurred in most of the cultivars that were evaluated. However, based on injury ratings, yield parameters, and broccoli quality observed in the field, it appears that the applications of chelated iron yielded no positive effects. Furthermore, for some of the broccoli cultivars it appeared to exacerbate bentazon injury in the field.

CONTENT AND RATIO OF PHOTOSYNTHETIC PIGMENTS IN STIPULES OF WINTER PEA WITH USING DIFFERENT GROWING TECHNOLOGIES

The article describes the results of research on the content and ratio of photosynthetic pigments in the stipules of winter peas using different cultivation technologies. The objects of the study were winter pea plants (Pisum sativum L.) of variety NS Moroz, plant growth regulator (PGR) Endofit L1 RK, bacterial preparation Bioinoculant BTU-r, microfertilizers «LF-Bobovi» and Biobor 140. The purpose of our research was to study the formation of photosynthetic pigments of winter pea plants under the action of growth regulator Endophyte L1 RK, bacterial preparation Bioinoculant BTU-r, their complex applying and foliar treatment systems with microfertilizers «LF- Bobovi» and Biobor 140. Analysis of chlorophyll and carotenoid content in alcohol extract (96.0%) was performed using a spectrophotometer Ulab − 102UV (China) at different values of wavelength: λ = 441; λ = 649; λ = 665. The volume of the working solution was 25 ml. Calculations of these indexes were performed according to the formulas of H. K. Lichtenthaler. During the study period, the influence of plant growth regulator, bacterial preparation, and foliar fertilization on the content of chlorophyll a and b, their sum, and concentration of carotenoids in the stipules of winter pea plants were evaluated. The research results indicate the dependence of these indicators on the use of the growth regulator and the bacterial drug, as well as on foliar fertilization. It was found that the implementation of foliar treatment in the phase of 3-5 stipules and complex use (in phases 3-5 of stipules and buttons) phase with tank mixtures of micro fertilizers «LF- Bobovi» (1.5 l / ha and 2.5 l / ha) and Biobor 140 (1.0 l / ha) led to an increase of the content of chlorophyll a and b, their total amount and carotenoid content. The highest content of chlorophylls a and b, their sum, and carotenoids in the stipules of winter pea plants were in the variant with the combined use of pre-sowing seed treatment with growth regulator Endophyte L1 RK (0.01 l / t), bacterial preparation Bioinoculant BTU-r (2 l / t) and at foliar treatment with microfertilizers «LF- Bobovi» (1.5 l / ha and 2.5 l / ha) and Biobor 140 (1.0 l / ha).The search for ways and opportunities to increase the grain yield of winter pea varieties Moroz due to the introduction of new technological methods of its cultivation remains relevant. A possible solution to the problem of improving the productivity of winter peas is the use of different mechanisms of action of plant growth regulators, inoculation with symbiotic microorganisms, and foliar feeding with tank mixtures of chelated microfertilizers.

Herbicide mixtures for post-emergence control of horseweed in coffee interrow

Glyphosate-resistant biotypes of horseweed (Conyza spp.) have been a constant problematic for coffee growers all over Brazil. Therefore, this work was developed with the objective of evaluating efficacy of different herbicides, applied isolated or in mixture, for horseweed control in coffee plantation interrows. A field trial was performed with the following treatments (g ha-1): glyphosate at 925, glufosinate-ammonium (GA) at 500, saflufenacil at 49, flumioxazin at 50, glyphosate + GA (925 + 500), glyphosate + saflufenacil (925 + 49), glyphosate + flumioxazin (925 + 50), GA + saflufenacil (500 + 49), GA + flumioxazin (500 + 50) and glyphosate + saflufenacil + clethodim (925 + 49 + 108), besides check plots without herbicide application. The treatment with clethodim was included considering a possible concomitant presence of sourgrass (Digitaria insularis (L) Fedde) in the areas. At the moment of herbicide application, horseweed was 40 cm tall in pre-flowering. Percent control was evaluated at 7, 14, 21 and 28 days after application (DAA), as well as mass of dry matter at 28 DAA. In general, adequate control of horseweed was obtained with glufosinate-ammonium applications, isolated or in mixture with glyphosate, saflufenacil or flumioxazin. Mixture of glyphosate and saflufenacil has also reached high control of horseweed infestation, without difference to GA treatments. As conclusion, horseweed infestations in coffee interrow may be efficiently controlled with tank mixtures of herbicide.

Evaluation of broadcast and spot herbicide applications for spreading dogbane (Apocynum androsaemifolium L.) management in lowbush blueberry fields

Spreading dogbane is a creeping herbaceous perennial weed in lowbush blueberry. Management is limited primarily to spot applications of dicamba, though recent herbicide registrations facilitate the evaluation of new broadcast and spot herbicide applications. The objectives of this research were to determine (1) the effect of sequential postemergence (POST) mesotrione application interval on spreading dogbane, (2) the effect of sequential POST mesotrione and foramsulfuron applications on spreading dogbane, (3) the effect of POST herbicide tank mixtures on spreading dogbane, (4) the effect of summer and fall spot herbicide applications on spreading dogbane, and (5) the effect of spot applications of dicamba tank mixtures with sulfonylurea herbicides on spreading dogbane. Broadcast mesotrione (144 g a.i. ha−1) and foramsulfuron (35 g a.i. ha−1) applications did not control spreading dogbane. Control was not improved by sequential applications of either herbicide. Broadcast mesotrione + foramsulfuron applications reduced non-bearing-year density and may be more effective than either herbicide applied alone. Broadcast flazasulfuron applications reduced non-bearing-year shoot density and flazasulfuron + foramsulfuron applications reduced non-bearing-year and bearing-year shoot densities. Summer spot applications of foramsulfuron and flazasulfuron caused 70% injury to spreading dogbane but did not reduce shoot density, and dicamba continues to be the most effective spot herbicide treatment. Fall spot applications did not control spreading dogbane due to early senescence of spreading dogbane shoots. Spot applications of dicamba at 0.96 or 1.92 g a.e. L water−1 provided equivalent spreading dogbane control and efficacy was not improved by tank mixture with foramsulfuron, flazasulfuron, or nicosulfuron + rimsulfuron.

Efficacy of herbicides, herbicide combinations and herbicide tank mixtures on lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.)

Abstract. The research was conducted during 2019 - 2021 on pellic vertisol soil type. Under investigation was lentil cultivar Ilina (Lens culinaris Medik.). A total of 23 variants were investigated: untreated control, 8 herbicides – Pendistar 40 SC (pendimethalin), Dual gold 960 EC (S-metolachlor), Lentagran VP (pyridate), Challenge 600 SC (aclonifen), Zencor 600 SC (metribuzin), Wish top (quizalofop-P-ethyl), Zetrola (propaquizafop) and Passat 40 (imazamox), as well as combinations and tank mixtures between them. Soil-applied herbicides were used during the period after sowing before emergence. Foliar-applied herbicides were used during 2-3, 4-5 or 6-7 real leaf stage of the lentil. All of the herbicides, herbicide combinations and herbicide tank-mixtures were applied in a working solution of 300 l/ha. Mixing of foliar-applied herbicides was done in the tank on the sprayer. The combinations of herbicide Lentagran with soil-applied herbicides Pendistar and Dual gold, as well as herbicides Challenge with foliar-applied herbicides Wish top and Zetrola had an additive effect on herbicide efficacy. The herbicides Lentagran and Zencor, as well as their combinations, successfully controlled Clearfield and ExpressSun sunflower self-sown plants in lentil crops. The foliar-applied herbicide Passat controlled all annual and perennial broadleaved and graminaceous weeds and self-sown plants. The use of foliar-applied herbicide Passat and soil-applied herbicide Zencor at a dose of 900 g/ha led to high phytotoxicity in lentil plants – rate 3 according to the scale of EWRS. Double use of Zencor at doses of 600 + 300 g/ha and the combined use of the herbicides Challenge and Zetrola led to low phytotoxicity in lentil – rate 2 according to the scale of EWRS. The highest yields of lentil seeds were obtained by use of herbicide combinations Pendistar 5 l/ha + Lentagran 500 + 500 ml/ha and Pendistar 5 l/ha + Lentagran 1 l/ha. High yields were also obtained when combining Challenge 3 + 1 l/ha with Wish top 1.25 l/ha, as well as by the herbicide combination Challenge 4 l/ha + Wish top 1.25 l/ha.

THE EFFICIENCY OF USING AGRAS DRONES FOR SPRAYING, THEIR DESIGN, TECHNICAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL FEATURES

Agrotechnical operations on spraying crops from diseases and pests are an important part of almost any agricultural technology. They make up a significant part of the cost of all agricultural technology and, as a result, the cost of the final product. The use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) has a huge potential in agriculture and every year the interest in their use grows primarily in the implementation of the tasks of precision farming. The object of research in this article is the process of spraying work areas with Agras unmanned aerial vehicles. The aim of the study is to study the effectiveness of DJI's Agras drones in spraying cultivated plants with pesticides, diseases, weeds and to establish their design and operating features. The objectives of the work are to establish the design and mode features of unmanned aerial vehicles Agras T16, T20 and T30; to find out their productivity on spraying of cultural sites and to substantiate possible reserves in increase of productivity of drones-sprayers. The research methodology is based on the method of cognitive activity, mathematical modeling, methods of analysis and synthesis of both information from official sources and information from the works of other researchers. The scientific work considers the excellent technical and operational features of hexacopters Agras T16, T20 and T30. The performed analysis allows us to assert the dynamics in improving the efficiency of their use. The practical aspects of their use in spraying with plant protection products, the choice of the required mode of exploitation are substantiated. It is noted that the performance of sprayers depends on the diameter of the swing of the rotors, which create a downward flow of air, the number of rotors and the height above the crop surface. Their maximum permissible speed is limited by the performance of the installed pumps, the capacity of the nozzles to ensure a given rate of discharge of the working drug, by properties of substances of the tank mixture, etc. The calculation of operational productivity Sparaying Drones Agras T16, T20 and T30 at the length of the runs of sections 750 and 1000 m is given. Productivity of Sparaying Drones Agras T16, T20 and T30 at a run length of 1000 m is obtained, respectively, 7.65; 8.29 and 10.5 ha/h. With the reduction of the run length to 750 m, the productivity of all Sparaying Drones Agras T16, T20 and T30 increases, respectively 8.40; 9.10 and 11.06 ha/h. Analyzing the balance of time of change of Agras drones in percentage it was found, that about 25 % is due to downtime of unregulated time, which is caused by technical malfunctions, organizational problems and weather conditions. The most important reserves in increasing the productivity of DJI's Agras drones for spraying cultivated plants with pesticides, diseases and weeds have been noted.

Pelargonic Acid and Caraway Essential Oil Efficacy on Barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) P.Beauv.) and Johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense (L.) Pers.)

Bioherbicides are naturally originated products posing alternatives to synthetic herbicides for weed control. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of pelargonic acid and microencapsulated caraway essential oil on barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) P.Beauv.) and johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense (L.) Pers.). Two separate pot experiments were conducted at the Agricultural University of Athens (spring 2021), arranged in a completely randomized design (CRD) with six weed control treatments replicated four times. Treatments included the applications of: microencapsulated caraway essential oil at 50 g L−1 (CAR), CAR plus a commercial adjuvant (CAR + adj), i.e., alcohol ethoxylate at 1.8 g L−1, pelargonic acid at 36.3 g L−1 (PA), PA plus a commercial adjuvant (PA + adj), i.e., alcohol ethoxylate at 1.8 g L−1, and a tank mixture of pelargonic acid at 64 g L−1 plus microencapsulated caraway essential oil at 50 g L−1 (PA + CAR). An untreated control (CON) was also included. The results of the current research confirmed the knock-down effect of pelargonic acid against both barnyardgrass and johnsongrass and demonstrated the low efficacy of caraway microcapsules. The addition of a commercial adjuvant improved the efficacy of caraway essential oil but did not appear to affect the performance of pelargonic acid. No synergistic effects were observed between pelargonic acid and microencapsulated caraway essential oil. Further research is needed to optimize the use of these and other natural herbicides for weed control in agriculture and as components of sustainable integrated weed management (IWM) systems.

The effect of the Rostov corn bug population on the sown winter wheat varieties and the used insecticides

Winter wheat occupies the main share in the structure of agricultural land in the Rostov region. The main factor in the deterioration of high-quality grain production in this area is the corn bug. Agrotechnical measures and plant protection products used in wheat cultivation have a significant impact on the formation, development and structure of the pest population. The purpose of the current study was to determine the effect of the sown winter wheat varieties on the number and phenotypic structure of the Rostov corn bug population under the use or absence of chemical treatments. In accordance with the “Methodical recommendations on the registration tests of insecticides, acaricides, molluscicides and rodenticides in agriculture” and phenogenetics methods, there have been conducted the analysis and registration of the corn bug number and the study of its phenotypic structure. There has been established that fluctuations in the number and changes in the intraspecific structure of the corn bug population depended on the varietal characteristics of the sown wheat. The most significant changes in the pest population were established on untreated sowings of the variety ‘Yuka’. There has been found out that the use of insecticides of different chemical classes reduces the number of bug larvae from 3 to 0 pcs./m2 , but at the same time, there is a transformation of the phenotype of the pest population, when the share of morphotype 1 in the structure increases on 13.5–23.5% and the share of morphotype 2 decreases on 10.4–36.3%. The greatest phenotypic modification of the corn bug population was registered on wheat sowings treated with insecticide Bi-58 New, EC (400 g/l), which indicates the need to limit its use or use in tank mixtures.

The influence of elements of cultivation technology on the phytosanitary state of crops and the yields of grain crops

The study aims to assess the impact of the main tillage system, predecessors and mineral fertilizers on the phytosanitary condition of crops and grain yield in the grain fallow crop rotation. The authors researched the educational and experimental farm «Minderlinskoye» FSBEI HE Krasnoyarsk State Agrarian University, located in the Krasnoyarsk forest-steppe conditions. It was found that the application of the herbicide tank mixture (preparations Puma Super 100 + Sekator Turbo) has a significant positive effect on the regulatory impact on the weed component of agrophytocenosis. The authors established the effect in variants with traditional moldboard main tillage (plowing at 20–22 cm) and without it in fertilized and unfertilized backgrounds. The highest technical efficiency of the herbicides applied was observed in the moldboard treatment variant (86–94%) compared to thenon-treatment variant. The authors revealed a decrease in the damage to the underground organs of spring wheatwhen placed after green manure rapeseed fallow in options with moldboard plowing by 20–22 cm and without basic tillage compared to such a predecessor as corn. The index of root rot development increases by 23.2% (plowing, fertilized background) and 37.5% (plowing, unfertilized background) when barley is placed as a second grain crop. These figures are 21.0% and 33.2% for no-tillage, which ultimately affects the yield of grain crops. The highest biological yield of spring wheat grain was obtained in the variant with moldboard plowing after green manure rapeseed fallow. The grain yield of spring wheat was higher in the variant without basic tillage on the fertilized background when placing crops of this crop after corn.

GROWTH REGULATORS AND MICROFERTILIZER ON POLEMONIUM CАERULEUM L. APPLICATION: EFFECTIVENESS FOR MEDICINAL RAW MATERIAL AND SEEDS YIELD INCREASING

Introduction. The article presents the results of the use of growth regulators and micro-fertilizers on the medicinal culture namely Polemonium ceruleum L. according to the concept of exogenous bioregulation of growth processes, the productivity of raw materials and the content of biologically active substances in raw materials. Rhizomes with roots of this species (Rhizomata cum radicibus Polemonii) are included in the Russian State Pharmacopoeia 14th edition as an expectorant.
 The purpose of this work is to identify the possibility of increasing the yield and quality of Polemonium caeruleum medicinal plant raw materials with foliar treatment by Hardy’s retardant, Siliplant micronutrient fertilizer, Zircon growth regulator and their tank mixture under conditions of the Non-chernozem zone of the Russian Federation.
 Materials and methods. Experiments to study the effect of Siliplant microfertilizer, Zircon growth regulator, their tank mixture, and Hardy’s retardant on the growth, development and bioproductivity of Polemonium caeruleum plants was conducted in 2019-2020 in the field crop rotation at the All-Russia Medicinal Plants Research Institute (VILAR). In the second and third years of the growing season, two treatments of plants were performed with preparations at the following consumption rates: Siliplant (1 l / ha), Zircon (50 ml / ha), Siliplant (1 l / ha) + Zircon 50 ml / ha), Hardy (0, 2 l/ha), in the control plants were treated with water. Consumption of solution - 300 l / ha. The first treatment was conducted in the budding phase (2nd decade of May), the second - two weeks after the first. The quantitative content of triterpene saponins in terms of β-escin in medicinal raw materials was determined according to the Russian Farmacopeia (FS 2.5.0039.15).
 Results. Microfertilizer Siliplant and Hardy retardant increased the yield of roots and rhizomes of Polemonium caeruleum plants by 0.24 and 0.16 t/ha, respectively. The highest content of biologically active substances was observed in plants treated with Siliplant, Siliplant + Zircon and Hardy, the excess over the control was 22 %, 11 %, and 7 %, respectively, while in the variant with the growth regulator Zircon the opposite picture was observed – the content of biologically active substances on 14 % less. The tests carried out showed that all experimental options for seed yield and weight of 1000 pcs. outnumbered control. The greatest increase in seed yield was observed in the Siliplant and Hardy variants (25 and 17 %, respectively). The Siliplant + Zircon and Zircon variants showed lower efficiency – the excess was 11 and 6 %. In addition, the treatment of plants with all studied preparations is an effective method of increasing sowing qualities: energy of seed germination increases by 50-63 % and germinating capacity by 6-13 %.
 Conclusion. The results of the study are relevant for the development of environmentally friendly agricultural technologies for the cultivation of Polemonium cаeruleum medicinal crops.

Эффективность гербицидов в уничтожении сорняков и падалицы ярового рапса в звене севооборота яровой рапс - яровая пшеница в условиях Тульской области

Studies conducted in the production conditions of the Tula region have shown that the cultivation of spring wheat after spring rapeseed using technologies without the use of dump plowing at the early stages of crop development leads to a problem with the fall of spring rapeseed. As a weed, it rises simultaneously or earlier than spring wheat, develops faster, competing with the crop for nutrients, soil moisture and light. The task of the research was to determine the optimal timing of the use of various herbicides and their tank mixtures in order to destroy weeds and, above all, rapeseed carrion. It has been found that their use is more effective in the middle of the tillering phase of spring wheat, as this avoids the negative effects of drugs on the culture, effectively destroying weeds and rapeseed carrion. The use of herbicides in the middle of the tillering phase of the crop led to an increase in the yield of spring wheat by 0.33 - 0.48 t/ha compared with the control variant. Keywords: SPRING WHEAT, RAPESEED CARRION, CROP ROTATION, WEEDS, HERBICIDES, YIELD

Assessment of pesticide use against Tephrtidae fruit fly and other pest among small-scale solanaceous vegetable farmers in Bugorhe-Kabare the Democratic Republic of Congo

Ninety-six farmers interviewed in Kabare, east of the DR Congo during 2021 and WHO Hazard Class and health effects (2005) used. Farmers majority were males (79.17%), ranging 30 to 60 years, used different pesticides in vegetable farms and the main solanaceous crops cultivated is tomato. The use of insecticide and fungicide were high, with many different formulations of the difference class types recorded in use, (20%) endocrine disruptors, (40%) cholinesterase inhibitors, (35%) carcinogen and potential carcinogens suspected to be. A lot of out of those pesticides are unregistered for general use. Farmers applied pesticide once a week and did not have specific instructions either from the label or from extension staff regarding these tank mixtures. The skin effects, headaches and dizziness are dominant. They do not have a good system of pesticide packaging management. We propose options to reduce pesticide application based upon integrated pest Management (IPM) and agro ecology. Moreover, IPM increases farmer economy, thus decreasing poverty. We suggest that the Congolese government must create a quarantine, control and surveillance service for phytosanitary products, fruits and vegetables within the DRC country and at these borders.

The use of plant growth regulator Biosil in peach orchards in order to increase resistance to diseases in the humid subtropics of the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus

The article analyzes the results of using the plant growth regulator Biosil® to increase the resistance of peach to the main leaf diseases (peach leaf curl (caused by Taphrina deformans (Berk.) Tul.) and shot-hole disease (caused by Stigmina carpophila (Lév.) M.B. Ellis)). The studies were carried out for four years (2018-2021) in peach orchards in the zone of humid subtropics of the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus (Sochi, Russia). The degree of development of peach leaf curl in the control variant was 10.2-25.0%. The degree of development of shot-hole disease in the control variant was 9.2-29.8%. The use of Biosil in combination with fungicides in half doses and in pure form makes it possible to increase the resistance of the crop to the studied diseases. The maximum biological efficiency (up to 70%) in relation to leaf curl and up to 60% in relation to shot-hole disease was observed when Biosil was used in a tank mixture with fungicides. The use of the plant growth regulator Biosil makes it possible to reduce the dose of fungicides in peach agrocenoses while protecting against peach leaf curl and shot-hole disease by half. The use of the studied growth regulator for four years did not lead to a decrease in its biological efficiency.

Гербициды почвенного действия в системе защиты масличного льна от сорняков на юге России

Since there are no pre-emergence herbicides in “The State Catalogue of pesticides and agrochemicals” approved for use in the Russian Federation on oil flax, in 2018–2020, we studied the pre-emergence herbicides on crop sowings in the zone of unstable moistening on leached chernozem (VNIIMK, Kras-nodar) and in the zone of insufficient moistening on ordinary chernozem (Don experimental station of VNIIMK, Rostov region). We observed the decrease in weed infestation in oil flax sowings when we ap-plied pre-emergence herbicides. The highest biological effectiveness was observed in the zone of unstable moistening, when the plants were sprayed with Tifi, WDG (0.025 kg/ha) at the stage of true leaves development of flax on the background of pre-emergence application with Frontier Optima, EC (1.2 l/ha) – 63.2%; in the zone of insufficient moistening – at pre-emergence application with the tank mixture Dual Gold, EC (1.6 l/ha) + Gezagard, SC (3.5 l/ha) – 67.8%. However, we recorded the phytotoxic effect on oil flax at application of the tank mixture Dual Gold, EC (1.6 l/ha) + Gezagard, SC (3.5 l/ha) in the amount of 23.7–35.7% on the EWRC scale (Europe-an Weed Research Council). We established the positive effect of pre-emergence soil herbicides Frontier Optima, EC (1.2 l/ha) and Dual Gold, EC (1.6 l/ha) on the oil flax seed yield and economic indicators of its production. Herbicides Frontier Optima, EC (1.2 l/ha) and Dual Gold, EC (1.6 l/ha) are recommended for inclusion into the list of preparations approved for use on oil flax in the Russian Federation. Crop foliar treatment with herbicide Tifi, WDG (0.025 kg/ha) on the background of pre-emergence application of the preparation Frontier Optima, EC (1.2 l/ha) or Dual Gold, EC (1.6 l/ha) in the zone of unstable moistening led to yield decrease by 0.29 and 0.23 t/ha, respec-tively, it did not affect the oil flax yield in the zone of insufficient moistening.

Effects of spray droplet size on pronamide control of Poa annua

AbstractAnnual bluegrass (Poa annua L.) is a problematic weed in turfgrass that has evolved resistance to 12 different herbicide sites of action. The mitotic inhibiting herbicide pronamide has both pre‐ and postemergence activity on susceptible annual bluegrass populations, but on certain resistant populations, postemergence activity is hypothetically compromised due to lack of root uptake or due to an unknown foliar resistance mechanism. Spray droplet size may affect foliar and soil deposition of pronamide, thus potentially explaining variation in population control or differential shoot and root uptake. Greenhouse experiments were conducted to quantify pronamide, flazasulfuron, and pronamide + flazasulfuron (a common tank mixture) deposition on annual bluegrass as affected by spray‐droplet size. Five droplet sizes (200, 400, 600, 800, and 1,000 μm) were sprayed in an enclosed spray chamber on two‐ to three‐leaf stage annual bluegrass plants. Fluorescent dye was added to each treatment solution to quantify the effects of herbicide and spray droplet size on herbicide deposition. Results indicate that spray droplet size affects deposition of pronamide and flazasulfuron, applied alone and in combination, on annual bluegrass. The highest foliar deposition was produced with 400‐μm spray droplets in pronamide treatments and with 200 μm spray droplets in flazasulfuron and pronamide + flazasulfuron treatments. The addition of flazasulfuron to pronamide did not affect herbicide deposition when compared with pronamide‐alone treatments. Results suggest that 200‐ to 400‐μm spray droplets are optimal for foliar deposition of pronamide. Alternatively, larger droplet sizes may facilitate better soil deposition of pronamide where root uptake is optimal.

Effects of interaction and effectiveness of weed control when using tank mixtures of herbicides in maize crops

Many countries are now facing the problem of increase in resistant biotypes of weeds. The spread of herbicide-resistant weeds across agrophytocenoses poses a threat of decrease in the effectiveness of use of herbicides in agricultural fields. In order to develop anti-resistant compositions of herbicides for protection of maize (Zea mays L.) crops, we studied effects of interaction and efficiency of weed control in greenhouse and field experiments. We studied the possibility of combined use of 4-hydroxyphenyl pyruvate dioxygenase-inhibiting herbicide tolpyralate and inhibitor of transport of electrons in photosystem 2 of chloroplasts – terbuthylazine – and acetolactate synthase-inhibiting rimsulfuron. In greenhouse experiments on model objects, we found that interaction in the mixtures of tolpyralate with rimsulfuron was antagonistic, but the antagonism may be overcome by increasing the rate of applied rimsulfuron. At joint use of tolpyralate and terbuthylazine, a synergistic increase in phytotoxic effect was observed, caused by increase in the effectiveness of the blocking electron-transport chain and increase in intensity of formation of reactive oxygen species. According to the results of the field experiments, we drew the conclusion that the efficacy of using the mixture of tolpyralate and rimsulfuron depends on the species composition of weeds. In the presence of rimsulfuron-resistant weeds, interaction with tolpyralate becomes antagonistic even in the conditions of increased rate of application of rimsulfuron, and thus the effectiveness of the protection significantly decreases. At the same time, after applying tank mixture of tolpyralate with terbuthylazine, the synergistic character of the interaction was maintained toward a broad range of species of grass and dicotyledonous weeds, providing high efficiency of maize crop protection. The herbicide compositions that were analyzed and are presented in the article allow one to decrease the possibility of emergence of resistant biotypes of weeds, and also to effectively control the already existing resistant biotypes.

Mixtures of Macro and Micronutrients Control Grape Powdery Mildew and Alter Berry Metabolites.

Powdery mildew caused by the fungus Erysiphe necator is a major grape disease worldwide. It attacks foliage and berries and reduces yield and wine quality. Fungicides are mainly used for combating the disease. Fungicide resistance and the global requisite to reduce pesticide deployment encourage the use of environment-friendly alternatives for disease management. Our field experiments showed that the foliar application of the potassium phosphate fertilizer Top-KP+ (1-50-33 NPK) reduced disease incidence on leaves and clusters by 15–65% and severity by 75–90%, compared to untreated vines. Top-KP+ mixed with Nanovatz (containing the micronutrients boron (B) and zinc (Zn)) or with TruPhos Platinum (a mixture containing N, P2O5, K2O, Zn, B, Mg, Fe, Mn, Cu, Mo, and CO) further reduced disease incidence by 30–90% and disease severity by 85–95%. These fertilizers were as effective as the fungicide tebuconazole. Tank mixtures of fertilizers and tebuconazole further enhanced control efficacy in the vineyards. The modes of action of fertilizers in disease control were elucidated via tests with grape seedlings, microscopy, and berry metabolomics. Fertilizers applied preventively to the foliage of grape seedlings inhibited powdery mildew development. Application onto existing mildew colonies plasmolyzed mycelia and conidia and arrested the development of the disease. Berries treated with fertilizers or with a fungicide showed a significant increase in anti-fungal and antioxidant metabolites. Twenty-two metabolites, including non-protein amino acids and carbohydrates, known for their anti-fungal and bioactive effects, were significantly upregulated in grapes treated with fertilizers as compared to grapes treated with a fungicide, suggesting possible indirect activity against the pathogen. Esters and organic acids that contribute to wine quality were also upregulated. We conclude that integrating macro and micronutrients in spray programs in commercial vineyards shall control powdery mildew, reduce fungicide deployment, delay the buildup of fungicide resistance, and may improve wine quality.

Efficiency of liquid humic fertilizer and herbicidal treatment in spring soft wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivation technology

One of the ways to increase the yield and quality of crop production is the development and use of agricultural technologies with minimal environmental impact on the environment. An effective method of such technologies is pre-sowing seed treatment and foliar fertilization of plants with humic substances. Therefore, the effect of the liquid complex humic fertilizer “Healthy Harvest” (LCHF) was conducted on the basis of the SEC “Vishnevsky” in the Belovsky district of the Kemerovo region during 2019–20 with an application rate of 0.5 L/ha and 1 L/ha in tank mixtures with the herbicide Magnum Super, VDG (application rate 10 L/ha). It was found that in field conditions the LCHF provided a significant decrease in the phytotoxicity of the herbicide Magnum Super, VDG (tribenuron-methyl + metsulfuron-methyl). Under the influence of the LCHF with the application rate of 0.5 L/ha and 1 L/ha, the yield increase was 2.38 t/ha and 2.61 t/ha, respectively; the antidote effect with the application rate of 0.5 L/ha gives an increase in yield in 1.26 times. LCHF were able to reduce the phytotoxic effect of the herbicide Magnum Super, VDG on wheat plants, increase the resistance of the crop and, thereby, preserve the yield. The use of the LCHF in a tank mixture with the herbicide Magnum Super, VDG made it possible to remove the of herbicide negative effect, which had a positive impact on the mass fraction of protein, raw gluten, glassiness and grain nature.

Testing of macro- and micronutrient nanoparticles on grain crops

The studies were conducted in the northern forest-steppe of the Tyumen region. Under laboratory and field conditions, different forms and dosages of macro- and micronutrient nanoparticles and associated substances were tested in the treatment of seeds and plants of spring triticale and wheat. The preparations had a positive effect on seed germination, while higher rates reduced energy and germination. The germination energy and germination of triticale seeds increased by 4-10% with the application of preparations containing nanoparticles of copper, manganese, molybdenum, biogenic iron, Titan M. Treatment of daily seedlings with manganese, calcium, molybdenum, Titan M, biogenic iron, boron, potassium increased sprout length by 7.8-25% and sprout weight by 6-8% by day 7. Only already developing sprouts responded to the application of potassium. It was noted that the application of biogenic iron causes a 4-10% decrease in laboratory germination of seeds, but promotes the development of the main root. Its increase was 9-12% compared to the control. The inclusion of biogenic iron and silicon in the mixture to the chemical dressing reduced the effectiveness against root rot from 18% at the beginning of the growing season to 30% by the harvesting period. The application of biogenic iron increased the yield by 0,5-0,6 t/ha or 23% in the system of complex crop protection compared to the control and by 0,16-0,23 t/ha with the standard scheme of crop protection. A positive effect of biogenic iron in the treatment of plants during the earing phase as a separate element of the technology and in a tank mixture with fungicides was noted.

Maize weed control and yield using different applications of tembotrione

Present study employed different methods of tembotrione applications for weed management in maize and investigated if integration of a herbicide in intra-row and hand weeding in inter-row could provide similar level of weed control to blanket application of a herbicide. The field study was conducted in 2018 and 2019 on loamy sand soil at Ludhiana and on a clay loam soil in 2018 at Langroya, in India. At Ludhiana, Cyperus rotundus L., Dactyloctenium aegyptium (L.) Willd., Acrachne racemosa Ohwi and Trianthema portulacastrum L. and, at Langroya, C. rotundus, D. aegyptium, Echinochloa colonum L. and T. portulacastrum were major weeds. Integrated use of tembotrione at 36.7 g ha−1 alone or its tank mixture with atrazine 208 g ha−1 as band application (intra-row) with manual weeding (inter-row) provided similar level of weed control and maize grain yield to blanket application of tembotrione 110 g ha−1 alone or its tank mixture with atrazine 625 g ha−1. The study concluded that integration of herbicide application on crop rows and hand weeding in inter rows could be adopted in maize.