The Effect of Parentage on the Control of Volunteer Corn (Zea mays) in Soybeans (Glycine max)

Abstract

Corn (Zea maysL.) in soybeans [Glycine max(L.) Merr.] currently can be controlled with either glyphosate [N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine] applied to corn that is taller than soybeans, or diclofop {2-[4-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)phenoxy] propanoic acid} sprayed over-the-top of both corn and soybeans. We found a wide range in tolerance to over-the-top spray applications of glyphosate among 240 F2hybrids of corn. Glyphosate was then applied with a rope-wick to one tolerant and one susceptible F2corn hybrid growing in soybeans. In only two instances out of six (three stages of growth times 2 yr), the susceptible corn was controlled better than the tolerant corn; but, in these two instances, the better control was not reflected in greater soybean yields. In another experiment, one F2corn hybrid identified (in a previous study) as tolerant of diclofop and one identified as susceptible were sprayed in soybeans with over-the-top diclofop treatments. In 11 instances out of 12 (two stages of growth times three rates times 2 yr), the susceptible corn was controlled better than the tolerant corn, and in nine of these instances, the better control was reflected in greater soybean yields. Corn parentage could be important in determining the degree of control obtained with either herbicide, but this is more likely with diclofop than with glyphosate.