This research was initiated to determine how soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] cultivars differ in competitive ability and also whether allelopathy functions to inhibit surrounding weed growth. Initially 280 soybean cultivars were screened in the field for competitive ability based on emergence, seedling vigor, quickness of canopy closure, and ability to inhibit growth of velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti Medic.) and foxtail millet [Setaria italica (L.) Beauv.]. Experiments were conducted at Lincoln, Nebr. on a Sharpsburg silty clay loam (fine, montmorillonitic, mesic Typic Argiudolls) during 1981 and 1982. Soybean cultivars of later maturity tended to compete more effectively with weeds. Competitive cultivars emerged quickly, rapidly formed a canopy, and were able to slow the growth of competing weed species. Twenty soybean cultivars of varying competitive ability were selected and grown in the greenhouse during 1981 and 1982 to determine the importance of allelopathy in competing with weeds. Exudates from roots of soybean cultivars grown in sand reduced the dry weight of 4‐week‐old velvetleaf plants an average of 15%, but foxtail millet was not inhibited. Incorporation of 1% ground soybean dry matter into Sharpsburg silty clay loam inhibited germination and dry weight of greenhouse grown velvetleaf an average of 46% each. Foxtail millet germination and dry weights were reduced an average of 82 and 65%, respectively. Undiluted soybean plant extracts of all cultivars tested slowed the germination and dry weight accumulation of 6‐day‐old velvetleaf and foxtail millet, but dilution of the extracts caused quite variable responses. Osmotic potential of the extract solution appeared to be the main cause of inhibition, however, extracts of some cultivars, diluted to decrease the osmotic potential, still inhibited growth. Allelopathy appears to be one mechanism for competition among soybeans and weeds. Soybean cultivars possessing the ability to chemically inhibit competing weed growth would be a great benefit to the soybean producer.

Behavior of14C-haloxyfop-methyl {methyl 2-[4-[(3-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pyridinyl] oxy] phenoxy] propanoate} was examined in intact plants of soybean [Glycine max(L.) Merr. ‘Mead’], shattercane [Sorghum bicolor(L.) Moench. ♯ SORVU], and yellow foxtail [Setaria glauca(L.) Beauv. ♯ SETLU] and in cell cultures of soybean and yellow foxtail. Foliar absorption of14C-haloxyfo-methyl by intact plants was almost complete within 48 h. Significant translocation occurred within 48 h of treatment, with soybean and shattercane plants translocating more14C than yellow foxtail. Metabolism of14C-haloxyfop-methyl in intact plants was similar among species. Haloxyfop-methyl was rapidly hydrolyzed to haloxyfop in treated leaves and then translocated to metabolically active areas within the plants. Significant quantities of polar products were also isolated. Soybean cells in suspension culture contained higher levels of14C than did yellow foxtail cells. Most of the14C in soybean cells was haloxyfop-methyl, while yellow foxtail contained mostly haloxyfop.

Research involved the behavior of BAS-9052 OH {2[1-(ethoxyimino)butyl]-5-[2(ethylthio)propyl]-3-hydroxy-2-cyclohexen-1-one} in soybean [Glycine max(L.) Merr.] and johnsongrass [Sorghum halepense(L.) Pers.] plants, and the fate of14C-BAS-9052 OH in intact plants and cell cultures of both species. Microscopic examination of seedling johnsongrass plants (two- to three-leaf stage) treated with foliar applications of 0.48 μg/plant revealed disorganized apical regions and necrotic cells within the apex and leaf primordia of the shoot. Necrotic zones were also evident at the base of expanding leaves and in root apices 1 day after treatment. Following application of14C-BAS-9052 OH, the same radioactive products were isolated from cell cultures and intact plants. Products included BAS-9052 OH and three unidentified metabolites. Greater proportions of unchanged BAS-9052 OH were extracted from the apical leaves, roots, and cell cultures of johnsongrass than of soybean. BAS-9052 OH was thermal and photo-labile, and a large portion of14C may not have entered the plant as BAS-9052 OH. However, tolerant soybean plants and cell cultures appeared to have metabolized the herbicide more rapidly than susceptible johnsongrass plants and cell cultures. An average of 64% of the14C remained in the treated leaf of johnsongrass compared with 48% in soybean. About one-half as much14C was translocated to the apical leaves of susceptible johnsongrass than tolerant soybean. Therefore, differential uptake and translocation cannot account for the selectivity of BAS-9052 OH.

Absorption of14C-chlorsulfuron {2-chloro-N-[[(4-methoxy-6-methyl-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)amino] carbonyl] benzenesulfonanide} by Canada thistle [Cirsium arvense(L.) Scop. # CIRAR] was 39% following foliar treatment and 16% when added to a nutrient solution in which the plants were growing. Translocation from the treated organ was limited regardless of treatment method; 10% of the applied14C moved out of the treated leaf and 10% moved from the roots to other parts of the plant following absorption from the nutrient solution. When applied as a foliar treatment,14C-chlorsulfuron had not been metabolized by Canada thistle 48 h later. However, when14C-chlorsulfuron was added to the nutrient solution and absorbed by the roots, nearly 25% of the14C in the plants was present as a polar product(s), 13% had an Rf value identical to benzenesulfonamide standards, and the remaining 62% was chlorsulfuron. Chlorsulfuron was not transformed similarly in a nutrient solution after 6 days in the absence of plants. Suppression of regrowth was the primary injury symptom observed following chlorsulfuron application. Chlorsulfuron also reduced whole plant weight and root bud number and weight.

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