Trifluralin—Systemic Insecticide Interactions on Seedling Cotton

Abstract

In greenhouse experiments, soil-incorporated combinations of 0,0-diethyl S-[2-(ethylthio)-methyl]-phosphorodithioate (phorate) or 0,0-diethyl S-[2-(ethylthio)-ethyl]-phosphorodithioate (disulfoton) with a,a,a-trifluoro-2,6-dinitro-N,N-dipropyl-p-toluidine (trifluralin) resulted in increased cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) seedling growth as compared to trifluralin used alone. This result apparently was due to the greater numbers of secondary roots in the zone of incorporation. Phorate was more effective than disulfoton in overcoming the inhibitory effect of trifluralin on secondary root development. A comparison of granular and emulsifiable phorate showed no advantage for either formulation. The combination of phorate and trifluralin in a 1-inch soil core, into which seeds of cotton were planted and surrounded by trifluralin-treated soil, also increased secondary root development as compared to using trifluralin alone.