The positive influence of ultrasound (US) on crystallization processes is shown by the dramatic reduction of the induction period, supersaturation conditions and metastable zone width. Manipulation of this influence can be achieved by changing US-related variables such as frequency, intensity, power and even geometrical characteristics of the ultrasonic device (e.g. horn type size). The volume of the sonicated solution and irradiation time are also variables to be optimized in a case-by-case basis as the mechanisms of US action on crystallization remain to be established. Nevertheless, the results obtained so far make foreseeable that crystal size distribution, and even crystal shape, can be 'tailored' by appropriate selection of the sonication conditions.

Digitaria insularis biotypes resistant to glyphosate have been detected in Brazil. Studies were carried out in controlled conditions to determine the role of absorption, translocation, metabolism, and gene mutation as mechanisms of glyphosate resistance in D. insularis. The susceptible biotype absorbed at least 12% more 14C-glyphosate up to 48 h after treatment (HAT) than resistant biotypes. High differential 14C-glyphosate translocation was observed at 12 HAT, so that >70% of the absorbed herbicide remained in the treated leaf in resistant biotypes, whereas 42% remained in the susceptible biotype at 96 HAT. Glyphosate was degraded to aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA), glyoxylate, and sarcosine by >90% in resistant biotypes, whereas a small amount of herbicide (up to 11%) was degraded by the susceptible biotype up to 168 HAT. Two amino acid changes were found at positions 182 and 310 in EPSPS, consisting of a proline to threonine and a tyrosine to cysteine substitution, respectively, in resistant biotypes. Therefore, absorption, translocation, metabolism, and gene mutation play an important role in the D. insularis glyphosate resistance.

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