The Effect of Certain Nonionic Surfactants on the Uptake and Translocation of Herbicides in Bracken (Pteridium Aquilinum [L.] Kuhn)

130The effect of three nonionic surfactants, Silwet L-77, Triton X-45, and Agral 90, on the uptake and movement of (¹⁴C)-asulam and (¹⁴C)-glyphosate was investigated using pinna explants of two varieties of bracken (Pteridium aquilinum var. aquilinum and var. esculentum). All of the surfactants enhanced absorption and translocation of both compounds, especially when applied to mature fronds. Silwet proved to be a superior additive for use with both herbicides on P. esculentum, while Silwet and Triton were most effective as adjuvants with asulam on P. aquilinum. The role of these surfactants is discussed.