Abstract Background: Plants synthesize compounds of specialized metabolism to defend themselves against biotic and abiotic stresses. These compounds could be used as models for pesticide development. Among the species that have not yet been studied for the potential to produce active compounds is the kidney leaf mud plantain (Heteranthera reniformis). Objective: The goal was to evaluate the effect of hexanic, ethyl acetate and methanolic extracts of H. reniformis leaves on cress (Lepidium sativum) seed germination to determine which one have the highest biological activity; and to evaluate different concentrations of extract with the highest biological activity on lettuce (Lactuca sativa), barnyard grass (Echinochloasp.) and giant arrowhead (Sagittaria montevidensis) germination. Methods: The seeds were placed on petri dishes containing two sheets of germitest paper, and after the application of the extract, they were sealed and placed in growth chambers with controlled temperature and photoperiod. The variables analyzed were 1st and 2nd germination count, germination speed index and length of the aerial part and roots. Results: The ethyl acetate extract provided greater phytotoxicity on cress than the other extracts. In general, the highest concentration of ethyl acetate extract was the most efficient in reducing variables for all species. Conclusions: The ethyl acetate extract of H. reniformis presents inhibitory activity on the seeds of cress, lettuce, giant arrowhead and barnyard grass, but this activity was dependent on the concentration of the extract and the species studied. H. reniformis synthesizes compounds with phytotoxic activity and purification of extracts is required to isolate, identify and characterize the action mechanism of the compounds with herbicide activity, so that in the future these can be used as models for the development of herbicides.

Abstract Background: The resistance of weeds to herbicides is a problem that has been increasingly studied because of its great importance in agriculture and rapid growth of this phenomenon worldwide. The quick detection of resistant plants is extremely important for resistance management. Weed resistance to herbicides can be detected through field, greenhouse and laboratory tests. A fast way of detecting resistance is using tissue culture method, where is possible to use resistant plant clones and obtain results faster than whole-plant method in greenhouse. Objective: The aims of the research were to detect the resistance of blackjack to herbicides inhibitors of the acetolactate synthase (ALS), addition in vitro cultivation; determine the herbicide concentration of imazethapyr to 95% control of the susceptible plant population; evaluate explants growth; and, determine the herbicide concentration added to the culture medium where is possible to distinguish a resistant from a susceptible plant. Methods: Experiments were carried out in greenhouse and tissue culture laboratory. Screening was performed to select resistant and susceptible biotypes, tests for specie establishment and dose response curves in vitro were made. Results: The herbicide concentration added to the culture medium that provided 95% susceptible biotype control and efficiently differentiated susceptible biotype from resistant one was 0.6μM of imazethapyr. Conclusions: This method helps recommendations of weed management and provides a quick decision to alternative control of this specie, thus avoiding major damage to the crops.

Abstract Background: Enlist E3™ soybean is tolerant to 2,4-D, glyphosate and ammonium-glufosinate and were developed for effective management of herbicide resistant weeds such as glyphosate Herbicides, even being selective, can cause damage to crop metabolism, affect growth and development and interfere with seed physiological quality. Objective: The aim of this research was to evaluate the physiological quality of Enlist E3™ soybean seeds submitted to herbicide application. Methods: The field trial was carried out in a randomized block design with four replications. The treatments tested were 2,4-D choline + glyphosate, 2,4-D choline, glyphosate + 2,4-D amine and ammonium-glufosinate; and control without application, sprayed at V6 soybean growth stage. After harvest, the seeds were submitted to first germination count, accelerated aging, germination speed index, shoot and root length, shoot and root dry mass and electrical conductivity tests. Results: The management of Enlist E3 soybeans with Enlist herbicides (2,4-D choline + glyphosate and 2,4-D choline) as well as glyphosate + 2,4-D amine and glufosinate did not negatively impact soybean parameters such as: vigor, germination count, accelerated aging, germination speed, aerial part and primary root length, aerial part and root dry mass and electrical conductivity. Conclusions: Those herbicides can be recommended to be used on post emergence (V6) of Enlist E3 soybean.