Control and translocation of saflufenacil in fleabane (Conyza spp.) according to plant integrity

Efficient herbicide absorption and translocation, and satisfactory weed control can be affected by the site of herbicide application. However, during harvesting of crops of previous soybean sowing, the cutting process made by harvesters on the fleabane may generate a difficult management in pre sowing of the crop by limiting the leaf area of the absorption of the herbicide. Experiments were conducted to evaluate the control efficiency and translocation potential of saflufenacil in fleabane plants with different leaf and stem conditions. Experiment I was arranged in a 2x10 factorial scheme, with factor A corresponding to leaf integrity, and factor B corresponding to different levels of injury and saflufenacil application. Weed control was evaluated at 7, 14, and 21 days after herbicide treatment (DAT), and dry matter was evaluated at 21 DAT. Experiment II consisted of applying saflufenacil to different fleabane structures, where the percentage of necrotic area was evaluated at 1, 3, 5, and 7 DAT. Fleabane control was higher than 75% in all treatments with saflufenacil application, with greater control in plants previously defoliated. Saflufenacil application on 10 and 20 cm hairy fleabane plants was also efficient in all treatments. Saflufenacil application in old stem showed a larger necrotic area, while application in the site of the cutting resulted in a lower necrotic area. The main pathway for translocation of saflufenacil is via xylem and the stem proved to be the absorption element of the herbicide when leaf area is limited.

Recent Developments in Small Punch Testing: Interlaboratory Tests and Standardization

Small specimen testing techniques are developed mainly for characterization of the structural materials with a limited volume of material. One of the most used miniature specimen testing techniques is the small punch (SP) test which is based on the testing of thin disc shaped samples. From the operational point of view SP test can be considered as a non-destructive method, because the material volume cut from industrial component is not diminishing its structural integrity. This benefit can be significant for the use in nuclear power generation sector, as many components are considered as irreplaceable and conventional testing techniques are not applicable for the determination of current mechanical properties. Although SP testing has been used for more than 40 years, there are still many research and development subjects. The article describes the SP test method as a suitable supplement to classical methods for evaluating mechanical properties that are fundamental for the nuclear power plant integrity and operational lifetime assessment processes. Main part of the article is focused on the current status of ASTM and EN standardization processes that are essential for possible usage in nuclear power plant integrity assessment and other industrial areas as well. Paper also describes results of the ongoing interlaboratory study which task is to determine repeatability and reproducibility of results obtained from material testing.