Influence of plant metabolic disruptors on glufosinate weed control

Additives that disrupt plant metabolic pathways might be an option to obtain higher stability in weed control levels when applying herbicides impacted by environmental conditions. Field experiments were conducted to determine if the addition of metabolic inhibitors, such as NBD-Cl and baicalin [glutathione S -transferase (GST) inhibitors], diethyl maleate [glutathione depleter], or an ultra-low dose of saflufenacil [reactive oxygen species inducer] to glufosinate spray solution would impact weed control. A novel premixture formulation, including glufosinate and the plant-occurring flavonoid baicalin (GST inhibitor) was tested for weed control efficacy. Additionally, the absorption and metabolism of glufosinate in Palmer amaranth ( Amaranthus palmeri S. Wats.) were evaluated following the application of the herbicide and NBD-Cl. Compared to glufosinate alone, adding an ultra-low dose of saflufenacil to the glufosinate spray solution increased Palmer amaranth control and reduced biomass at daylight applications (between 9 and 11 am). When baicalin was formulated with glufosinate, efficacy increased for Palmer amaranth and common lambsquarters ( Chenopodium album L.) compared to a formulation with only glufosinate (no baicalin). The application of NBD-Cl with glufosinate did not impact absorption or reduce metabolism, which hints that GSTs do not detoxify glufosinate. Although these preliminary findings are promising and offer a new control option for farmers, additional research is necessary, including studies across other species and biotypes (resistant vs. susceptible).