Herbicidal activity of slow-release herbicide formulations in wheat stands infested by weeds

Abstract

The present study reports the herbicidal activity of metribuzin and tribenuron-methyl embedded in the degradable matrix of natural poly-3-hydroxybutyrate [P(3HB)/MET and P(3HB)/TBM]. The developed formulations were constructed as films and microgranules, which were tested against the weeds such as white sweet clover Melilotus albus and lamb's quarters Chenopodium album in the presence of soft spring wheat (Triticum aestivum, cv. Altaiskaya 70) as the subject crop for investigation. The activity was measured in laboratory scale experiments by determining the density and weight of the vegetative organs of weeds. The study was also aimed at testing the effect of the experimental formulation on the growth of wheat crop as dependent on the method of herbicide delivery. The experimental MET and TBM formulations showed pronounced herbicidal activity against the weed species used in the study. The effectiveness of the experimental formulations in inhibiting weed growth was comparable to and, sometimes, higher than that of the commercial formulations (positive control). The amount of the biomass of the wheat treated with the experimental herbicide formulations was significantly greater than that of the wheat treated with commercial formulations.

Constructing sustained‐release herbicide formulations based on poly‐3‐hydroxybutyrate and natural materials as a degradable matrix

“…34 Other research showed the efficacy of slow-release formulations in wheat plant communities contaminated with weeds. 35 However, because of the relatively high cost of PHAs and the extensive use of pesticides in agriculture, a more effective approach is to blend available natural materials with PHAs rather than to use PHAs alone. Moreover, this approach corresponds to the concept of industrial ecology and 'green' chemistry, focused on deriving new available materials from renewable sources.…”

“…Slow‐release formulations of the ‘Zellek Super’ herbicide loaded into films and microgranules of P(3HB‐co‐3 HV) were prepared and investigated by a team of researchers , showing effective suppression of model weeds . Other research showed the efficacy of slow‐release formulations in wheat plant communities contaminated with weeds . However, because of the relatively high cost of PHAs and the extensive use of pesticides in agriculture, a more effective approach is to blend available natural materials with PHAs rather than to use PHAs alone.…”

Designing for effective controlled release in agricultural products: new insights into the complex nature of the polymer–active agent relationship and implications for use

“…The present study builds on our previous work, 13 where DCD was extruded as a composite material within a biodegradable polymer matrix, namely poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐ co ‐3‐hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV). This bacterial polyester has been studied extensively for the controlled release of drugs, 14–16 food packaging additives 17 and agrichemicals 18–22 due to its ability to slow the rate of water diffusion, biocompatibility and biodegradability in almost any environment, including soils, fresh water systems and oceans. Our previous study revealed that, at loading of 250 g kg −1 mobilization of DCD from the PHBV matrix occurs via four distinct mechanisms: (i) initial rapid dissolution of surface available DCD, (ii) channelling of water through voids and pores in the PHBV matrix, (iii) gradual diffusion of water and DCD through layers of PHBV, and (iv) biodegradation of the PHBV matrix 13 .…”

Thermal, mechanical and biodegradation studies of biofiller based poly-3-hydroxybutyrate biocomposites

“…A series of studies described P(3HB) microparticles, granules, films, and pellets loaded with the herbicide metribuzin and the fungicide tebuconazole; release kinetics of the active ingredients and degradation of the polymer matrix were investigated in soil microecosystems [15][16][17]. The efficacy of the formulations was evaluated in laboratory wheat ecosystems contaminated with weeds and infected with fusarium pathogens [18][19].…”