Tolerance of tomato, pepper and potato to pre-emergence applications of saflufenacil

Abstract

Three studies were conducted over a three year period (2007, 2008 and 2009) to determine the tolerance of tomato, pepper and potato to saflufenacil. Saflufenacil was applied at 25, 50 and 100 g ai ha−1 prior to transplanting tomato and pepper and prior to emergence of potato. Injury was assessed at 28 d after transplanting (DATP) tomato and pepper or 28 d after emergence (DAE) of potato. Above ground plant dry weight was also determined at 28 DATP/DAE, and marketable yield was measured at maturity of each crop. Crop injury was greater in tomato and pepper than in potato at all doses of saflufenacil. The increase in injury as saflufenacil dose increased from 0 to 100 g ai ha−1 was greater in tomato and pepper than in potato. Linear decreases in tomato, and pepper dry weight at 28 DATP/DAE, and marketable yield were observed as saflufenacil dose increased. Though dry weight and yield of potato dry weight and yield were not reduced at low doses of saflufenacil doses up to 15 g ai ha−1, other factors such as soil type and potato cultivar must be studied to confirm the level of tolerance to saflufenacil in this crop.