Evaluation of 2,4-D-Choline Based Herbicide Systems in 2,4-D Tolerant Soybean (<i>Glycine max</i> L.)

Abstract

Weeds are the most limiting factor in soybean production in South Carolina. With early emergence and rapid growth, weeds effectlively compete for water, nutrients, and light resources. The recent evolution of herbicide resistant weeds has made it increasingly difficult for growers to effectively control weeds in soybean. Glyphosate and ALS-resistant Palmer amaranth biotypes have spread rapidly throughout South Carolina, especially in areas where resistance management is lacking. Soybean varieties have been recently developed with tolerance to 2,4-D. Field experiments were conducted at the Clemson University Edisto Research and Education Center located near Blackville, SC in 2012 and 2013 to evaluate selected 2,4-D choline based herbicide programs for weed management in 2,4-D tolerant soybean. Overall, all herbicide treatments were effective in controlling weeds at the POST2 timing. Palmer amaranth control was excellent; however, pitted morningglory was the most difficult. The 2,4-D plus glyphosate pre-mixture provided excellent control for all three weed species with >95% control at POST2 timing. In these treatments, the rate of 2,4-D choline plus glyphosate (1.09 kg ae ha-1 or 1.64 kg ae ha-1) did not have a significant effect on weed control (P = 0.3772). There was a decrease in pitted morningglory control 3 WAP in 2012 vs 2013 in plots treated with S-metolachlor + fomesafen because of a lack of activating soil moisture in 2012. Results from this study showed that all treatments evaluated provided good to excellent control of all 3 weed species. Based on the herbicide programs evaluated in the study, herbicide resistant weeds, such as Palmer amaranth, can be effectively controlled when treated at the correct growth stage.