ABSTRACT
This chapter covers the results from small-plot field experiments on the residue levels of the imidazolinones and their chemical nature. The fundamentals of the metabolic reactions and pathways of modern herbicides in higher plants have been thoroughly reviewed. The metabolic reactions and glucosidation of the imidazolinone herbicides are similar to those of other herbicides. A typical use of imazapyr is to spray the formulated material over the weeds. After application, the compound is absorbed by the weeds and rapidly translocated throughout the plant. Several imazaquin metabolites in the extracts were identified based on high-performance liquid chromatography comparison with synthetic standards. An imidazopyrrolo-quinoline, a pyrroloquinoline acetamide, and the parent compound were found in trace amounts in the methylene chloride fraction. The imidazolinone-derived plant residues consist of the unaltered parent compounds and metabolites. Metabolism of imidazolinones in plants involves oxidative, hydrolytic, reductive, and ring-closure processes.
