Determination of critical period for weed control in the second crop corn under Mediterranean conditions

Abstract

Weeds are a major constraint in corn production. Understanding the critical period for weed control (CPWC) can be a tool for effective weed control and reducing the impacts of weeds. Three experiments were conducted to determine CPWC in the second corn crop from 1996 to 1998. The critical period for weed control in the second crop corn in the mediterranean region was determined to be from 131 to 927 growing degree days (GDD) after sowing in 1996, from 337 to 731 GDD in 1997 and from 266 to 551 GDD in 1998 for 10% yield loss; for 2.5 - 5% yield loss, the critical period starts with germination and lasts longer. Preemergence (PRE) or presowing (PPI) herbicides would be preferred to avoid higher yield losses. If a farmer can tolerate 10% yield loss, a postemergence (POST) herbicide can be applied in the second week after crop sowing, and the field should be kept weed free for 4 or 5 weeks. The duration of weed competition and time of weed removal also affect tasseling, silking, plant height, stem diameter, first ear’s height and number of kernels in an ear, all of which correlate with corn yield.