Rate and Time of Bentazon/Atrazine Application for Broadleaf Weed Control in Corn (Zea mays)

Abstract

The effects of herbicide–adjuvant combinations and times of application on weed density and corn yield were determined in a 3-yr field study. At a given rate and time of application of bentazon/atrazine, Assist and Merge were equally effective adjuvants. Assist would be the adjuvant of choice for bentazon/atrazine rather than Merge because of its currently lower cost. Weed density depended on the rate and time of application of bentazon/atrazine. In general, bentazon/atrazine applied at early stages (7 d after emergence) of the development of corn seedlings or at high or intermediate rate (1.6 or 0.8 kg ai/ha) maintained low weed densities, with a relatively small range of variation over years. Delay in time (14 or 21 d after emergence) or reduction in herbicide rate (0.4 kg ai/ha) increased the risk of high weed pressure, although it was not always associated with yield loss. The best time for the application of postemergence herbicide appears to be a few days prior to the onset of the critical period of weed control.