Physiological Performance of Seeds and Level of Herbicide Residues Depending on Application of 2.4-D in Wheat

Horseweed control through application of 2.4-D in the winter season is an alternative to manage biotypes resistant to herbicides that belong to other mechanisms of action. The objectives of this study were to assess the physiological quality of wheat seeds and determine the rate of 2.4-D residue, as function of application stages and herbicide rates. The treatments were arranged in factorial scheme, with three application stages (flowering, soft dough and hard dough), and four 2.4-D rates (0; 504; 1,008 and 2,015 g a.i. ha-1). The application of 2.4-D in the wheat crop changed physiological seed quality by increased the rate and total percentage of germination. The application of 2.4-D resulted in herbicide accumulation in seeds, especially when application was carried out at the soft dough stage. Also, the increase in herbicide rate increased the level of residue in the seeds. However, regardless of stage of application for 2.4-D and herbicide rate in use, the values of residue found in the seeds were below the allowed maximum limit.