No abstract

No abstract

Application of mefluidide (N-[2,4-dimethyl-5-([(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl]amino) phenyl]acetamide) inhibits plant development in perennial grasses . This study examined the effect of mefluidide on the morphological development and digestibility of sorghum . In the greenhouse, 5 .9 x 10_ 5 g active ingredient (a .i .) plant -' applied at the seedling, eight-leaf and boot stages reduced mean plant height 70%, 59%, and 2%, respectively . Heights were also reduced 14%, 15% and 35% by 5 .9 x 10 -8 , 5 .9 x 10 -' and 5 .9 x 10 -6 gram a.i . plant -' applied at the eight-leaf stage . Field application of 0 .26 or 0 .52 kg ha -' mefluidide at either the eight-leaf or flagleaf stage reduced mean plant height of all cultivars. Basal tiller numbers increased 319% 28 d, and dry matter production was reduced 65% 42 d following mefluidide application at the eight-leaf stage . Treated stems were 34% higher and treated leaves were 7% higher in cellulase dry matter digestibility than control plants following mefluidide application at the eight-leaf stage . These results indicate that mefluidide application to vegetative stages in sorghum may enhance the forage value of the plants while it inhibits normal plant growth .

No abstract