Differential Susceptibility of Field Bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) Biotypes to Glyphosate

Biotypes of field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis L. ♯3 CONAR) identified in Indiana varied widely in susceptibility to glyphosate [N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine] but not to 2,4-D [(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)acetic acid] or bentazon [3-isopropyl-1H-2,1,3-benzothiadiazin-4(3H)-one 2,2-dioxide] in field tests. Significant differences in injury to two of the biotypes occurred with glyphosate applied at 1.12 to 4.48 kg ai/ha in greenhouse tests. Differences of greater than 70% in injury rating, root and shoot dry weight, and shoot regrowth dry weight occurred between the two biotypes at 2.24 kg/ha glyphosate. The susceptibility of the tolerant biotype at 2.24 kg/ha glyphosate was decreased by 40% as it increased in age, while the susceptible biotype sustained complete foliar necrosis when treated at all plant ages tested. Susceptibility differences between the two biotypes could not be correlated to differences in leaf stomatal or epidermal cell number. These studies suggested that the variable control of field bindweed observed in the field may be due to the occurrence of biotypes within a given population of this weed which differ in their susceptibility to glyphosate.