Palmer Amaranth Control Research Articles

Interval between sequential glufosinate applications influences weed control in cotton

AbstractDicamba and 2,4-D systems control many problematic weeds; however, drift to susceptible crops can be a concern in diverse production areas. Glufosinate-based systems are an alternative, but current recommended rates of glufosinate can result in variable control. Research was conducted in 2017 and 2018 to investigate the optimum time interval between sequential glufosinate applications and determine if the addition of glyphosate with glufosinate is beneficial for controlling Palmer amaranth and annual grasses in cotton. The interval between sequential applications (1, 3, 5, 7, 10, or 14 d or no second spray) was the whole plot and herbicide option (glufosinate or glufosinate plus glyphosate) was the subplot. Combined over herbicides, Palmer amaranth 15- to 20-cm tall (at four locations) was controlled 98% to 99% with sequential intervals of 1 to 7 d compared with 70% to 88% with intervals of 10 or 14 d. Lowest biomass weight and population densities were noted with 1- to 7-d intervals. Large crabgrass 15- to 20-cm tall (at five locations) was controlled 93% to 98% with glufosinate applications 3- to 7-d apart as compared with 76% to 81% with applications 10- to 14-d apart. Lowest biomass weights were observed with 1- to 7-d intervals. When glufosinate controlled grass less than 93%, adding glyphosate was beneficial. Neither interval between sequential applications nor herbicide option influenced cotton yield. Shorter time intervals between sequential application and including glyphosate can improve the effectiveness of a glufosinate-based system in managing Palmer amaranth and large crabgrass.

Evaluation of optimal droplet size for control of Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) with acifluorfen

AbstractAcifluorfen is a nonsystemic PPO-inhibiting herbicide commonly used for POST Palmer amaranth control in soybean, peanut, and rice across the southern United States. Concerns have been raised regarding herbicide selection pressure and particle drift, increasing the need for application practices that optimize herbicide efficacy while mitigating spray drift. Field research was conducted in 2016, 2017, and 2018 in Mississippi and Nebraska to evaluate the influence of a range of spray droplet sizes [150 μm (Fine) to 900 μm (Ultra Coarse)], using acifluorfen to create a novel Palmer amaranth management recommendation using pulse width modulation (PWM) technology. A pooled site-year generalized additive model (GAM) analysis suggested that 150-μm (Fine) droplets should be used to obtain the greatest Palmer amaranth control and dry biomass reduction. Nevertheless, GAM models indicated that only 7.2% of the variability observed in Palmer amaranth control was due to differences in spray droplet size. Therefore, location-specific GAM analyses were performed to account for geographical differences to increase the accuracy of prediction models. GAM models suggested that 250-μm (Medium) droplets optimize acifluorfen efficacy on Palmer amaranth in Dundee, MS, and 310-μm (Medium) droplets could sustain 90% of maximum weed control. Specific models for Beaver City, NE, indicated that 150-μm (Fine) droplets provide maximum Palmer amaranth control, and 340-μm (Medium) droplets could maintain 90% of greatest weed control. For Robinsonville, MS, optimal Palmer amaranth control could be obtained with 370-μm (Coarse) droplets, and 90% maximum control could be sustained with 680 μm (Ultra Coarse) droplets. Differences in optimal droplet size across location could be a result of convoluted interactions between droplet size, weather conditions, population density, plant morphology, and soil fertility levels. Future research should adopt a holistic approach to identify and investigate the influence of environmental and application parameters to optimize droplet size recommendations.

Comparison of weed control technologies for protoporphyrinogen oxidase‐resistant Palmer amaranth

AbstractConfirmation of protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO)‐resistant Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri S.Watson) in 2015 limited weed control options for soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] producers. With already prevalent 5‐enolpyruvyl‐shikimate‐3‐phosphate synthase‐, acetolactate synthase‐, beta‐tubulin‐, and very‐long‐chain fatty acid‐resistant Palmer amaranth, there are few remaining effective pre‐emergence and postemergence herbicides labeled in soybean. The recent commercialization of soybean varieties resistant to dicamba and 2,4‐D give producers effective options to control multiresistant Palmer amaranth. To evaluate new and existing technologies and postemergence herbicide options, two experiments were conducted in 2017. These experiments were conducted in Marion and Crawfordsville, AR, two locations with confirmed PPO‐, 5‐enolpyruvyl‐shikimate‐3‐phosphate synthase‐, acetolactate synthase‐, beta‐tubulin‐, and very‐long‐chain fatty acid‐resistant Palmer amaranth. Each technology was tested over three pre‐emergence programs with distinct levels of control (74, 88, and 95%). At 28 d after pre‐emergence, the first postemergence applications were made when Palmer amaranth was approximately 4 in in height. Fourteen days later, visible weed control ratings showed that glufosinate‐, 2,4‐D‐, and dicamba‐resistant programs resulted in at least 95% control of Palmer amaranth across all pre‐emergence treatments, better than the 83% control provided by the glyphosate‐resistant soybean program. Visible control ratings taken 14 d after the second postemergence treatment showed separation between the glufosinate‐ (97%), 2,4‐D‐ (97%), and the dicamba‐resistant (96%) programs from the glyphosate‐resistant program (59%). The results indicate that effective pre‐emergence programs followed by postemergence programs containing glufosinate, 2,4‐D, or dicamba will provide extended control of PPO‐resistant Palmer amaranth but this may not be feasible in a glyphosate‐resistant soybean system.

Efficacy of Late-Season Herbicide Programs for Controlling Palmer Amaranth in Postharvest Wheat Stubble

Efficacy of Late-Season Herbicide Programs for Controlling Palmer Amaranth in Postharvest Wheat Stubble

Droplet size impact on lactofen and acifluorfen efficacy for Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) control

AbstractHerbicide applications performed with pulse width modulation (PWM) sprayers to deliver specific spray droplet sizes could maintain product efficacy, minimize potential off-target movement, and increase flexibility in field operations. Given the continuous expansion of herbicide-resistant Palmer amaranth populations across the southern and midwestern United States, efficacious and cost-effective means of application are needed to maximize Palmer amaranth control. Experiments were conducted in two locations in Mississippi (2016, 2017, and 2018) and one location in Nebraska (2016 and 2017) for a total of 7 site-years. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of a range of spray droplet sizes [150 (Fine) to 900 μm (Ultra Coarse)] on lactofen and acifluorfen efficacy for Palmer amaranth control. The results of this research indicated that spray droplet size did not influence lactofen efficacy on Palmer amaranth. Palmer amaranth control and percent dry-biomass reduction remained consistent with lactofen applied within the aforementioned droplet size range. Therefore, larger spray droplets should be used as part of a drift mitigation approach. In contrast, acifluorfen application with 300-μm (Medium) spray droplets provided the greatest Palmer amaranth control. Although percent biomass reduction was numerically greater with 300-μm (Medium) droplets, results did not differ with respect to spray droplet size, possibly as a result of initial plant injury, causing weight loss, followed by regrowth. Overall, 900-μm (Ultra Coarse) droplets could be used effectively without compromising lactofen efficacy on Palmer amaranth, and 300-μm (Medium) droplets should be used to achieve maximum Palmer amaranth control with acifluorfen.

Integrated pigweed (Amaranthus spp.) management in glufosinate-resistant soybean with a cover crop, narrow row widths, row-crop cultivation, and herbicide program

AbstractSuccessful pigweed management requires an integrated strategy to delay the development of resistance to any single control tactic. Field trials were implemented during 2017 and 2018 in three counties in Kansas on dryland (limited rainfall, nonirrigated), glufosinate-resistant soybean. The objective was to assess pigweed control with combinations of a winter wheat cover crop (CC), three soybean row widths (76, 38, and 19 cm), row-crop cultivation 2.5 weeks after planting (WAP), and an herbicide program to develop integrated pigweed management recommendations. All combinations of the four components were assessed by 16 treatments. All treatments with the herbicide program resulted in excellent (>97%) pigweed control and were analyzed separately from the other components. Treatments containing row-crop cultivation reduced pigweed density and biomass 3 and 8 WAP in all locations compared with the 76-cm row width plus no CC treatment. CC impacts were mixed. In Riley County, Palmer amaranth density and biomass were reduced; in Reno County, no additional Palmer amaranth control was observed; in Franklin County, the CC had greater waterhemp density and biomass compared with the treatments containing no CC. Narrow row widths achieved the most consistent results of all cultural components when data were pooled across locations: Decreasing row widths from 76 to 38 cm resulted in a 23% reduction in pigweed biomass 8 WAP and decreasing row width from 38 to 19 cm achieved a 15% reduction. Row-crop cultivation should be incorporated where possible as a mechanical option to manage pigweed, and narrow row widths should be used to suppress late-season pigweed growth when feasible. Inconsistent pigweed control from CC was achieved and should be given special consideration before implementation. The integral use of these components with an herbicide program as a system should be recommended to achieve the best pigweed control and reduce the risk of developing herbicide resistance.

Cereal rye cover crop and herbicide application method affect cotton stand, Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) control, and cotton yield

AbstractSix on-farm studies determined the effects of a rolled rye cover crop, herbicide program, and planting technique on cotton stand, weed control, and cotton yield in Georgia. Treatments included: (1) rye drilled broadcast with 19-cm row spacing and a broadcast-herbicide program (2) rye drilled with a 25-cm rye-free zone in the cotton row and a broadcast-herbicide program (3) rye drilled with a 25-cm rye-free zone in the cotton row with PPI and PRE herbicides banded in the cotton planting row, and (4) no cover crop (i.e., weedy cover) with broadcast herbicides. At two locations, cotton stand was lowest with rye drilled broadcast; at these sites the rye-free zone maximized stand equal to the no-cover system. At a third location, cover crop systems resulted in greater stand, due to enhanced soil moisture preservation compared with the no-cover system. Treatments did not influence cotton stand at the other three locations and did not differ in the control of weeds other than Palmer amaranth at any location. Treatments controlled Palmer amaranth equally at three locations; however, differences were observed at the three locations having the greatest glyphosate-resistant plant densities. For these locations, when broadcasting herbicides, Palmer amaranth populations were reduced 82% to 86% in the broadcast rye and rye-free zone systems compared with the no-cover system at harvest. The system with banded herbicides was nearly 21 times less effective than the similar system broadcasting herbicides. At these locations, yields in the rye broadcast and rye-free zone systems with broadcast herbicides were increased 9% to 16% compared with systems with no cover or a rye-free zone with PPI and PRE herbicides banded. A rolled rye cover crop can lessen weed emergence and selection pressure while improving weed control and cotton yield, but herbicides should be broadcast in fields heavily infested with glyphosate-resistant Palmer amaranth.

Evaluation of the time-of-day effect of herbicides applied POST on protoporphyrinogen IX oxidase–resistant and –susceptible Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri)

AbstractStudies to evaluate the effect of application time of day (TOD) and protoporphyrinogen IX oxidase (PPO)-inhibiting herbicide–resistant Palmer amaranth on the efficacy of commonly used herbicides was conducted in Tennessee in 2017 and 2018. Treatments of fomesafen, lactofen, acifluorfen, paraquat, glufosinate, glufosinate plus fomesafen, paraquat plus fomesafen, and paraquat plus metribuzin were applied to PPO-resistant (PPO-R) and PPO-susceptible (PPO-S) Palmer amaranth at sunrise and midday. Control of Palmer amaranth with acifluorfen, glufosinate, and glufosinate plus fomesafen was greater with the midday application. However, control of Palmer amaranth with paraquat-based treatments was greater with the sunrise application. TOD effects on PPO-inhibiting herbicides and paraquat-based treatments were more prominent for the PPO-R Palmer amaranth biotype. The TOD effect observed when applying glufosinate in early morning hours on PPO-S Palmer amaranth can be minimized by adding fomesafen to the tank mix. However, this strategy did not provide consistent performance on PPO-R Palmer amaranth. The percentages of living Palmer amaranth plants and control were greater when paraquat plus metribuzin was applied to both biotypes. These results highlight the necessity of at least two effective herbicide sites of action for POST applications intended for controlling PPO-R Palmer amaranth. In addition, the timing of herbicide applications can affect their activity in both PPO-R and PPO-S Palmer amaranth populations.

Confirmation ofS-metolachlor resistance in Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri)

AbstractS-Metolachlor is commonly used by soybean and cotton growers, especially with POST treatments for overlapping residuals, to obtain season-long control of glyphosate- and acetolactate synthase (ALS)–resistant Palmer amaranth. In Crittenden County, AR, reports of Palmer amaranth escapes followingS-metolachlor treatment were first noted at field sites near Crawfordsville and Marion in 2016. Field and greenhouse experiments were conducted to confirmS-metolachlor resistance and to test for cross-resistance to other very-long-chain fatty acid (VLCFA)–inhibiting herbicides in Palmer amaranth accessions from Crawfordsville and Marion. Palmer amaranth control in the field (soil <3% organic matter) 14 d after treatment (DAT) was ≥94% with a 1× rate of acetochlor (1,472 g ai ha–1; emulsifiable concentrate formulation) and dimethenamid-P (631 g ai ha–1). However,S-metolachlor at 1,064 g ai ha–1provided only 76% control, which was not significantly different from the 1/2× and 1/4× rates of dimethenamid-P and acetochlor (66% to 85%). In the greenhouse, Palmer amaranth accessions from Marion and Crawfordsville were 9.8 and 8.3 times more resistant toS-metolachlor compared with two susceptible accessions based on LD50values obtained from dose–response experiments. Two-thirds and 1.5 timesS-metolachlor at 1,064 g ha–1were the estimated rates required to obtain 90% mortality of the Crawfordsville and Marion accessions, respectively. Data collected from the field and greenhouse confirm that these accessions have evolved a low level of resistance toS-metolachlor. In an agar-based assay, the level of resistance in the Marion accession was significantly reduced in the presence of a glutathione S-transferase (GST) inhibitor, suggesting that GSTs are the probable resistance mechanism. With respect to other VLCFA-inhibiting herbicides, Marion and Crawfordsville accessions were not cross-resistant to acetochlor, dimethenamid-P, or pyroxasulfone. However, both accessions, based on LD50values obtained from greenhouse dose–response experiments, exhibited reduced sensitivity (1.5- to 3.6-fold) to the tested VLCFA-inhibiting herbicides.

Time of Day Effects on Peanut Herbicide Efficacy

ABSTRACT Recent research on the effects of time of d (TOD) when glufosinate is applied to cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) and several protoporphyrinogen-inhibiting herbicides in soybean (Glycine max L.) has growers concerned about potential TOD effects on peanut weed control. Consequently, research was conducted in 2015, 2016, and 2017 to determine if TOD influences the performance of peanut herbicides acifluorfen, bentazon, imazapic, lactofen, paraquat, and 2,4-DB. Both non- (bare-ground) and in-crop (peanut) studies were conducted. For non-crop, paraquat plus bentazon plus acifluorfen plus S-metolachlor, imazapic plus S-metolachlor plus 2,4-DB, and lactofen plus S-metolachlor plus 2,4-DB were applied to Palmer amaranth and a non-uniform mixture of annual grasses including Urochloa texana (Buckley), Dactyloctenium aegyptium (L.), Eleusine indica (L.), Digitaria spp. at 7:00, 12:00, 17:00, and 22:00 hr. For in-crop studies, two peanut weed control programs were used and herbicide programs were applied at the same TOD. Herbicides were paraquat plus acifluorfen plus bentazon plus S-metolachlor (EPOST) followed by imazapic plus S-metolachlor plus 2,4-DB, or lactofen plus S-metolachlor plus 2,4-DB (POST). For the non-crop studies, a significant interaction between TOD and herbicide program was observed for the 7 d after treatment (DAT) rating of Palmer amaranth control. Control was reduced with imazapic applied at 22:00 hr. At 14 DAT, there was no TOD effect and control was reduced with all imazapic treatments due to ALS resistance. There was no interaction between TOD and herbicide program for annual grass control. Annual grass control was unacceptable (<50%) with lactofen. For in-crop studies, there was no interaction between TOD or herbicide program. Peanut injury was lower at 7:00 hr and 22:00 hr when compared to other timings. Lactofen was more injurious to peanut than imazapic. Palmer amaranth control was not influenced by timing or herbicide program. A reduction in sicklepod control was observed at the 22:00 hr timing and with lactofen. While TOD influenced peanut injury and weed control, peanut yield was not affected.

Response of Edamame Soybean Variety AVS 4002 to Herbicides

Core Ideas Pyroxasulfone and linuron are acceptable preemergence herbicide options for edamame.Acifluorfen and fomesafen are potential postemergence herbicides.Edamame generally compensates for stand loss from residual herbicides. Edamame (Glycine max L. Merr.) is a vegetable soybean whose consumption is expected to rise in the United States. Although only a few herbicides are currently registered for use in edamame, weeds are a major constraint of this crop. Field experiments were conducted in 2013 and 2014 in Kibler, AR, to evaluate the response of edamame cultivar AVS 4002 to 24 herbicide treatments and their efficacy on prominent crop weeds. Three of the treatments were applied 7 d preplant (PPL), 15 were applied preemergence (PRE), and 6 treatments were applied postemergence (POST). In 2013, fomesafen (0.42 kg ha−1), S‐metolachlor+fomesafen premix (1.39 kg ha−1), linuron (0.84 and 1.68 kg ha−1), pyroxasulfone (PRE) (0.14 kg ha−1), did not affect the stand of edamame. In 2014, all but two soil‐applied treatments, fomesafen and sulfentrazone+carfentrazone, reduced the stand by 24 to 50%. However, yield loss occurred with metribuzin (0.56 kg ha−1; PRE), and sulfentrazone (0.21 and 0.42 kg ha−1; PRE) applied alone or in tank mixture in 2013, and the high rate of sulfentrazone in 2014. Pyroxasulfone and linuron are acceptable PRE herbicide options for edamame. The premixes of flumioxazin+chlorimuron or saflufenacil+dimethenamid‐P applied PPL provided excellent weed control (>89%) at 35 d after planting (DAP). Among the POST treatments (foliar applied), acifluorfen, and fomesafen were the best options for Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri S. Watson) control, which provided at least 95 and 93% control, respectively, at 35 DAP. None of the foliar‐applied (POST) herbicides caused yield loss.

Impact of Weed Management on Peanut Yield and Weed Populations the Following Year

ABSTRACT Field studies were conducted in 2016 and 2017 at two locations in North Carolina to evaluate common ragweed (Ambrosia artemiisifolia L.) (Lewiston-Woodville) and Palmer amaranth (Amanthus palmeri S. Wats) control (Rocky Mount), peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) yield, and estimated economic return when herbicides were applied postemergence (POST) at 2 or 6 weeks after planting (WAP); 2 and 4 WAP; 4 and 6 WAP; and 2, 4, and 6 WAP. During the following growing season, cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) was planted directly into the same plots to determine the impact of weed management during the previous season on weed density. In absence of herbicides, peanut yield was 880 and 1110 kg/ha at Lewiston-Woodville and Rocky Mount, respectively. When weed control depended on a single herbicide application, yield ranged from 1760 to 2660 kg/ha at Lewiston-Woodville, and 2080 to 2480 kg/ha at Rocky Mount. When herbicides were applied twice, peanut yield ranged from 2690 to 3280 kg/ha at Lewiston-Woodville and 3420 to 3840 kg/ha at Rocky Mount. The greatest yields were recorded when herbicides were applied two or three times. Applying herbicides increased the estimated economic return of peanut compared to the non-treated control (NTC). In cotton the following year, common ragweed populations at Lewiston-Woodville were greater following the NTC or a single herbicide application 2 WAP compared to more intensive herbicide programs. Palmer amaranth density at Rocky Mount the following year in cotton was not affected by weed management the previous year in peanut. These results illustrate the relative importance of timing and duration of weed management for peanut and how they influence weed emergence in the following cotton rotational crop.

Influence of weed size on herbicide interactions for Enlist™ and Roundup Ready® Xtend® technologies

AbstractWeed size can nfluence herbicide performance and herbicide interactions in mixtures. To control a broad range of species in soybean or cotton, POST herbicide mixtures will likely be commonplace in Roundup Ready® XtendFlex® and Enlist™ technologies. The impact of weed size on herbicide interactions that could occur in Roundup Ready XtendFlex or Enlist crops was assessed in two field experiments conducted in 2015 and 2016 at the Northeast Research and Extension Center in Keiser, AR. Combinations of glufosinate, glyphosate, dicamba, and 2,4-D were applied to either 10-cm or 30-cm weeds and evaluated for percent weed control, height reduction, and density reduction, collected 5 wk after treatment. Colby’s method was used to analyze treatments for herbicide interactions for control of barnyardgrass, Palmer amaranth, and pitted morningglory. Antagonism was identified with at least one treatment on all species. Almost all treatments were antagonistic for percent weed control, height reduction, and density reduction on barnyardgrass. When glyphosate in mixture with 2,4-D or dicamba was applied to 30-cm barnyardgrass, control declined 9% for both mixtures relative to glyphosate alone. Glufosinate plus glyphosate was antagonistic when applied to both 30-cm pitted morningglory and barnyardgrass. Glufosinate plus dicamba provided less control and density reduction of Palmer amaranth than what was expected from Colby’s equation. Overall, antagonism was more likely to be identified when applications were made to 30-cm weeds compared with 10-cm weeds. The utility of a given herbicide mixture will depend on the species present in the field and the size of those species at the time of application.

Field evaluation of preemergence and postemergence herbicides for control of protoporphyrinogen oxidase-resistant Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri S. Watson)

AbstractPalmer amaranth accessions resistant to protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO), 5-enolpyruvyl-shikimate-3-phosphate synthase, and acetolactate synthase (ALS)-inhibitor herbicides are widespread in the Midsouth, making control difficult. Field experiments were conducted in Marion and Crawfordsville, AR, in 2016 and 2017 to assess PRE and POST herbicides labeled for use in corn, cotton, or soybean for control of multiresistant Palmer amaranth. Accessions at both locations were resistant to glyphosate and ALS inhibitors and segregating for both the R128 and ΔG210 PPO resistance mechanisms. Of the 15 herbicide treatments tested, only atrazine (1,120 g ai ha−1), pyroxasulfone (149 g ha−1), and flumioxazin (144 g ha−1) provided 85% or greater Palmer amaranth control 14 days after treatment (DAT). Visible control ratings at 35 DAT declined sharply, with no treatment providing more than 84% control, suggesting POST applications should be made no later than 28 DAT. Glufosinate (594 and 818 g ha−1), dicamba (560 g ae ha−1), 2,4-D plus glyphosate (784 g ae ha−1 plus 834 g ae ha−1), and paraquat (700 g ha−1) applied POST to 7- to 10-cm plants reduced Palmer amaranth density 83% or more 14 DAT. Both glyphosate (1,266 g ha−1) and pyrithiobac sodium (73 g ha−1) provided less than 7% Palmer amaranth control. Although flumioxazin alone at a labeled rate controlled Palmer amaranth 82% in the PRE experiment, PPO inhibitors by themselves applied POST provided no more than 37% control at 14 DAT. Effective foliar herbicides applied POST, including residual herbicides, should be made when Palmer amaranth are less than 10-cm tall for optimal control of these multiresistant Palmer amaranth accessions.

Influence of carrier water pH, foliar fertilizer, and ammonium sulfate on 2,4-D and 2,4-D plus glyphosate efficacy

AbstractCarrier water pH is an important factor for enhancing herbicide efficacy. Coapplying agrochemical products with the herbicide might save time and resources; however, the negative effect of foliar fertilizers on herbicide efficacy should be thoroughly evaluated. In greenhouse studies, the effect of carrier water pH (4, 6.5, and 9), foliar fertilizer (zinc [Zn], manganese [Mn], or without fertilizer), and ammonium sulfate (AMS) at 0% or 2.5% vol/vol was evaluated on 2,4-D and premixed 2,4-D plus glyphosate efficacy for giant ragweed, horseweed, and Palmer amaranth control. In addition, a field study was conducted to evaluate the effect of carrier water pH (4, 6.5, and 9); and Zn or Mn foliar fertilizer on premixed 2,4-D plus glyphosate efficacy for horseweed and Palmer amaranth control. In the greenhouse study, 2,4-D and premixed 2,4-D plus glyphosate provided 5% greater weed control at acidic compared with alkaline carrier water pH. Coapplied Mn foliar fertilizer reduced 2,4-D and premixed 2,4-D plus glyphosate efficacy at least 5% for weed control. Addition of AMS enhanced 2,4-D and premixed 2,4-D plus glyphosate efficacy at least 6% for giant ragweed, horseweed, and Palmer amaranth control. In the field study, few significant differences occurred between coapplied Zn or Mn foliar fertilizer for any treatment variables. Therefore, carrier water pH, coapplied foliar fertilizer, and water-conditioning adjuvants have potential to influence herbicide performance. However, weed species could play a role in the differential response of these factors on herbicide efficacy.

Efficacy of dicamba and glyphosate as influenced by carrier water pH and hardness

AbstractHerbicide carrier water hardness and pH can be variable depending on the source and geographic location. Herbicide efficacy can be affected by the pH and hardness of water used for spray solution. Field and greenhouse studies were conducted to evaluate the effect of carrier water pH and hardness on premixed dicamba and glyphosate efficacy. Treatments were combinations of water pH at 4, 6.5, or 9; and water hardness at 0 (deionized water), 400, or 800 mg L−1 of CaCO3 equivalent. In the field study, dicamba and glyphosate were applied at 0.55 and 1.11 kg ae ha−1, respectively, and half of these rates were applied in the greenhouse study. There was no interaction between carrier water pH and hardness on dicamba and glyphosate efficacy; however, the main effects of carrier water pH and hardness were significant. Herbicide efficacy was reduced with carrier water at pH 9 compared with pH 4. In the field study, common lambsquarters, common ragweed, horseweed, or Palmer amaranth control was improved 6% or more at carrier water at pH 4 compared with pH 9. Similar results were observed with water pH for giant ragweed, Palmer amaranth, or pitted morningglory control in the greenhouse study. Carrier water hardness at 400 or 800 mg L−1 reduced common ragweed, giant ragweed, or horseweed control compared with 0 mg L−1. Similarly, common lambsquarters, Palmer amaranth, or pitted morningglory control was reduced at least 10% with carrier water hardness at 800 mg L−1 compared with 0 mg L−1. These results indicate carrier water at acidic pH and of no hardness is critical for dicamba and glyphosate application, and spray solution needs to be amended appropriately for an optimum efficacy.

Efficacy of 2,4-D Choline as Influenced by Weed Size in the Texas High Plains

Aim: Postemergence timing trials based on weed size were conducted near Lubbock, TX to assess the effectiveness of 2,4-D choline + glyphosate on control of Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri S. Wats.), Russian-thistle (Salsola tragus L.), and kochia (Kochia scoparia L.) at three growth stages (3 to 5 cm, 10 to 15 cm, and 20 to 30 cm).
 Study Design: All trials were arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replications.
 Place and Duration of Study: Field experiments were conducted in 2013, 2014, and 2015 in Lubbock, TX at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center near Lubbock, TX.
 Methodology: Herbicide treatments consisted of a single postemergence application of 2,4-D choline + glyphosate at two rates, 2,4-D choline + glyphosate at two rates + glufosinate, 2,4-D choline + glyphosate + S-metolachlor, 2,4-D choline + glyphosate + acetochlor, 2,4-D choline + glufosinate, glyphosate, or glufosinate.
 Results: The greatest level of weed control for all three weed species was achieved at the 3 to 5 cm timing; however, weed size was most critical for Palmer amaranth and Russian-thistle compared to kochia. Averaged over all three years, Palmer amaranth control decreased from 93 to 74% when evaluated 21 days after treatment following applications that included 2,4-D choline when applied to plants 3 to 5 and 10 to 30 cm, respectively. For Russian-thistle, control decreased from 98 to 78% when evaluated 21 days after treatment following treatments that included 2,4-D choline when applied to plants 3 to 5 and 10 to 30 cm, respectively. For kochia, control decreased from 98 to 84% when evaluated 21 days after treatment following treatments that included 2,4-D choline when applied to plant 3 to 5 and 10 to 30 cm, respectively.

Confirmation of herbicide resistance mutations Trp574Leu, ΔG210, and EPSPS gene amplification and control of multiple herbicide-resistant Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) with chlorimuron-ethyl, fomesafen, and glyphosate.

Herbicide-resistant weeds, especially Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri S. Watson), are problematic in row-crop producing areas of the United States. The objectives of this study were to determine if chlorimuron-ethyl, fomesafen, and glyphosate applied separately and in mixtures control A. palmeri and confirm the presence of various genotypes surviving two- and three-way herbicide mixtures. Fifteen percent of A. palmeri treated with the three-way herbicide mixture survived. Mixing fomesafen with chlorimuron-ethyl or fomesafen with glyphosate to create a two-way mixture reduced A. palmeri survival 22 to 24% and 60 to 62% more than glyphosate and chlorimuron-ethyl alone, respectively. Previously characterized mutations associated with A. palmeri survival to chlorimuron-ethyl, fomesafen, and glyphosate Trp574Leu, a missing glycine codon at position 210 of the PPX2L gene (ΔG210), and 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphase synthase (EPSPS) gene amplification; respectively, were present in surviving plants. However, 37% of plants treated with chlorimuron-ethyl did not contain heterozygous or homozygous alleles for the Trp574Leu mutation, suggesting alternative genotypes contributed to plant survival. All surviving A. palmeri treated with fomesafen or glyphosate possessed genotypes previously documented to confer resistance. Indiana soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr] fields infested with A. palmeri possessed diverse genotypes and herbicide surviving plants are likely to produce seed and spread if alternative control measures are not implemented.

Control of Atrazine-Resistant Palmer Amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) in Double-Crop Grain Sorghum

AbstractDouble-crop grain sorghum after winter wheat harvest is a common cropping system in the southern plains region. Palmer amaranth is a troublesome weed in double-crop grain sorghum in Kansas. Populations resistant to various herbicides (e.g., atrazine, glyphosate, metsulfuron, pyrasulfotole) have made Palmer amaranth management even more difficult for producers. To evaluate control of atrazine-resistant and atrazine-susceptible Palmer amaranth in double-crop grain sorghum, we assessed 14 herbicide programs, of which 8 were PRE only and 6 were PRE followed by (fb) POST applications. Visible ratings of Palmer amaranth control were taken at 3 and 8 wk after planting (WAP) grain sorghum. PRE treatments containing very-long-chain fatty acid (VLCFA)–inhibiting herbicides provided 91% control of atrazine-resistant Palmer amaranth 3 WAP, and reduced weed density 8 WAP compared to atrazine-only PRE treatments. PRE fb POST treatments, especially those that included VLCFA-inhibiting herbicides, provided greater control (71% to 93%) of both atrazine-resistant and atrazine-susceptible Palmer amaranth, respectively, at 8 WAP compared to PRE treatments alone (59% to 79%). These results demonstrated the utility of VLCFA-inhibiting herbicides applied PRE and in a layered PRE fb POST approach in controlling atrazine-resistant Palmer amaranth, as well as the importance of an effective POST application following residual PRE herbicides for controlling both atrazine-resistant and atrazine-susceptible Palmer amaranth in double-crop grain sorghum.

Herbicide Options for Control of Palmer Amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) and Common Waterhemp (Amaranthus rudis) in Double-Crop Soybean

AbstractDouble-crop soybean after winter wheat is a component of many cropping systems across eastern and central Kansas. Until recently, control of Palmer amaranth and common waterhemp has been both easy and economical with the use of sequential applications of glyphosate in glyphosate-resistant soybean. Many populations of Palmer amaranth and common waterhemp have become resistant to glyphosate. During 2015 and 2016, a total of five field experiments were conducted near Manhattan, Hutchinson, and Ottawa, KS, to assess various non-glyphosate herbicide programs at three different application timings for the control of Palmer amaranth and waterhemp in double-crop soybean after winter wheat. Spring-POST treatments of pyroxasulfone (119 g ai ha–1) and pendimethalin (1065 g ai ha–1) were applied to winter wheat to evaluate residual control of Palmer amaranth and waterhemp. Less than 40% control of Palmer amaranth and waterhemp was observed in both treatments 2 wk after planting (WAP) double-crop soybean. Preharvest treatments of 2,4-D (561 g ae ha–1) and flumioxazin (107 g ai ha–1) were also applied to the winter wheat to assess control of emerged Palmer amaranth and waterhemp. 2,4-D resulted in highly variable Palmer amaranth and waterhemp control, whereas flumioxazin resulted in control similar to PRE treatments that contained paraquat (841 g ai ha–1) plus residual herbicide(s). Excellent control of both species was observed 2 WAP with a PRE paraquat application; however, reduced control of Palmer amaranth and waterhemp was noted 8 WAP due to subsequent emergence. Results indicate that Palmer amaranth and waterhemp control was 85% or greater 8 WAP for PRE treatments that included a combination of paraquat plus residual herbicide(s). PRE treatments that did not include both paraquat and residual herbicide(s) did not provide acceptable control.