Evaluation of the Indoor Efficacy of Various Foliar-Applied Herbicides on Sicyos angulatus Seedlings

Abstract

Sicyos angulatus is an increasingly pervasive alien species, has been identified as a significant contributor to the deterioration of biodiversity within the northern quadrant of the china. The objective of this investigation was to assess the efficacy of seven herbicides in suppressing the growth of S. angulatus seedlings, specifically targeting the early developmental phase. The application of the herbicides took place during the trileaf stage, a critical growth period. The herbicides under scrutiny included Prometryn, Thifensulfuron methyl, Nicosulfuron, Mesotrione, Bentazone, Imazethapyr, and a composite of Dicamba-Glyphosate-Triclopyr, with water serving as the control. To ensure consistent application and growth conditions, calibrated sprayers and standardized soil conditions were utilized. Data collection encompassed observations of toxicity, measurements of fresh weight, assessment of fresh weight effect, and the implementation of ANOVA to discern treatment variances, facilitating graphical comparison. The results indicated that all evaluated agents exhibited inhibitory effects on the seedlings. The Bentazone treatment exhibited an excellent control effect, with a fresh weight inhibition rate exceeding 95% on                  S. angulatus seedlings. Similarly, the Mesotrione and Dicamba-Glyphosate-Triclopy treatments demonstrated a good control effect, resulting in a fresh weight inhibition rate of over 85%. When treated with Prometryn, the S. angulatus seedlings displayed a moderate control effect, as indicated by a fresh weightinhibition rate exceeding 55%. However, Thifensulfuron methyl, Nicosulfuron, andImazethapyr showed poor control effects with a fresh weight inhibition rate below 55%. In light of these findings, it is posited that Mesotrione, Bentazone, and the Dicamba-Glyphosate-Triclopyr blend manifest as viable candidates for the prophylaxis and remediation of the early-stage growth of S. angulatus. Paramount to the study's conclusions is the lack of statistically significant disparity in the suppression outcomes across the concentration spectrum of the aforementioned efficacious agents. Hence, when juxtaposing ecotoxicological ramifications and economic considerations, the adoption of a concentration commensurate with the standard unitary dosage is proposed.