Control of Sulfonylurea-Resistant Kochia (Kochia scoparia)

Abstract

Greenhouse and field experiments were conducted to assess the effectiveness of herbicide tank mixtures for control of sulfonylurea (SU)-resistant and -susceptible kochia biotypes. Kochia control at three growth stages was evaluated for fluroxypyr, dicamba, 2,4-D, bromoxynil, and bromoxynil plus MCPA. Control decreased as kochia size increased, especially at less than full labeled herbicide rates. Treatments containing bromoxynil provided best overall control in the greenhouse but were less effective on larger kochia plants in the field. Dicamba and fluroxypyr provided similar, effective kochia control both in greenhouse and field experiments. 2,4-D did not provide acceptable kochia control regardless of formulation, rate, or application timing. All kochia biotypes responded similarly to non-SU herbicides. In the field, inclusion of an SU herbicide in the treatment generally resulted in no increased R-kochia control above that provided by the non-SU herbicide. R-kochia population dynamics can affect selection of alternative control strategies.