Management of Weeds in Maize by Sequential or Individual Applications of Pre- and Post-Emergence Herbicides

Abstract

Weeds impose serious problems in maize (corn) production, resulting in reduced crop yields and lower profits for farmers. The adverse effects of weeds have been attributed to the competition with maize plants for light, water, and nutrients, which can result in reduced growth and yield of the crop. In this context, effective weed management is important to minimize the negative impact of weeds on maize production. This can be achieved through a combination of cultural, mechanical, and chemical control methods. The use of pre-emergence and post-emergence herbicides as sequential or individual applications of these herbicides can be an effective way to manage weeds in maize. Two consecutive field experiments were conducted in 2019 and 2020 in order to determine the efficacy of sequential and individual applications of Dimethenamid-P + Terbuthylazine and Isoxaflutole + Thiencarbazone methyl + Cyprosulfamide as pre- emergence. On the other hand, Mesotrione + Nicosulfuron and Dicamba + Nicosulfuron were used as post-emergence herbicides. The effects of the herbicides were also assayed on corn yield and related parameters. In this regard, we designed the experiment in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Accordingly, the effect of the herbicides varied according to the active ingredients of the herbicide and the weed species. In addition, the effectiveness of herbicides varied according to the assessment times. The lowest effect was found on E. crus-galli, which was obtained from Mesotrione + Nicosulfuron (MN) (35%) plots. Other herbicides showed high efficacy (95–100%). Concerning values of both years, the highest cob length, cob diameter, 1000-grain weight, and plant height were obtained in weed-free control plots and the highest grain yield was obtained in the control plots with weed-free checks as 12.88 tons/ha and 12.37 tons/ha, respectively. The lowest corn grain yield was obtained in weedy control plots in both years. Our findings demonstrate that the combination of pre- and post- emergence herbicides in maize can be an effective way chemical weed control option.