Photosynthetic and growth responses of zea mays L and four weed species following post-emergence treatments with mesotrione and atrazinet.

We compared photosynthesis and growth of Zea mays L (corn) and four weed species, Setaria viridis (L) Beauv (green foxtail), Echinochloa crus-galli (L) Beauv (barnyardgrass), Abutilon theophrasti Medic (velvetleaf), and Amaranthus retroflexus L (redroot pigweed), following foliar applications with atrazine, mesotrione, or a combination of atrazine and mesotrione in two greenhouse experiments. Plant responses to the three herbicide treatments were compared with responses of untreated plants (control). Photosynthesis on day 14 and dry mass of Z mays was not reduced by any of the herbicide treatments. Photosynthesis and dry mass of E crus-galli, A retroflexus and A theophrasti were significantly reduced by mesotrione and atrazine alone and in combination. Photosynthesis on day 14 and dry mass of large Sviridis plants were not suppressed by either herbicide applied alone. The mesotrione plus atrazine treatment was the most effective treatment for grass weed control because plants did not regain photosynthetic capacity and had significantly lower dry mass. Shoot dry mass of broadleaf weeds was significantly reduced by all three herbicide treatments, except for A retroflexus treated with mesotrione alone.