Uptake, Translocation, and Metabolism of Bentazon by Two Pepper Species (Capsicum annuum and Capsicum chinense)

Similar uptake and translocation patterns were observed in sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L. ‘Keystone Resistant Giant’) and hot pepper (Capsicum chinense L. ‘Bohemian Chili’) following foliar applications of 14C-bentazon [3-isopropyl-1H-2,1,3-benzothiadiazin-4(3H)-one 2,2-dioxide]. In both species, most of the 14C absorbed remained in the treated leaves, with minimal acropetal and basipetal translocation from the application site. A significantly faster rate of herbicide metabolism occurred in hot pepper at 1 and 4 days after application compared to sweet pepper. Two unidentified metabolites of bentazon were isolated from methanol extracts of the two species.