Iodosulfuron plus mefenpyr-diethyl - a new foliar herbicide for weed control in cereals

Iodosulfuron-methyl-sodium (proposed common name ISO; named in this paper i odosulfuron) is a new sulfonylurea herbicide for control of grass and broad leaved weeds in winter, spring and durum wheat, triticale and rye. Low dosa ges of 10 g a.i./ha provide a highly flexible herbicidal potential for earl y to mid postemergence applications. Selective usage is possible through the addition of the safener mefenpyr-di ethyl which reduces the crop injury without influencing herbicidal efficacy on grassy and broad-leaved weeds. Iodosulfuron is an inhibitor of acetolactate synthase (ALS). Mefenpyr-dieth yl enhances the metabolism / detoxification of the herbicide selectively in cereal crop plants (wheat, triticale, winter rye) but not in monocotyledon ous and dicotyledonous weeds, Both molecules have favourable toxicological and environmental profiles wit h low risk potentials. Rapid soil degradation and limited bioavailability i ndicate no carry over risks when used under normal agricultural and environ mental conditions.