A field study was conducted on tolerance of four seashore paspalum cultivars to postemergence (POST) herbicides in Georgia during 1995 and 1996. Quinclorac (0.8 kg/ha) and MON 12000 (0.07 kg/ha) at recommended rates were the only POST herbicides that did not affect the performance of any seashore paspalum cultivar (≥ 89%). When the rates were increased to three times recommended, the quality of ‘AP 10’ (≥ 96%) and ‘PI 28960’ (93%) cultivars was not affected, but the quality of ‘HI 25’ (≥ 84%) and ‘K-7’ (77%) was lower when compared with respective untreated plots. HI 25 recovered within 4 wk, but K-7 required 6 wk or longer. Dicamba at 1.7 kg/ha affected the quality of K-7 (69%) more at 2 wk than the other cultivars (85 to 92%). Diclofop, imazaquin, and 2,4-D plus mecoprop plus dicamba significantly reduced the quality of all cultivars 2 wk after treatment (WAT). The quality of all cultivars was similar at 2 WAT with diclofop at 1.1 kg/ha (79 to 84%). However, when treated with imazaquin at 0.4 kg/ha, the quality of K-7 (65%) was lower than AP 10 (85%), HI 25 (77%), and PI 28960 (81%), and when treated with 2,4-D plus mecoprop plus dicamba at 1.1 + 0.6 + 0.1 kg/ha, the quality of AP 10 (75%), PI 28960 (72%), and K-7 (57%) was lower than HI 25 (87%). POST applications of quinclorac, dicamba, and MON 12000 were safe to use for weed control in paspalum cultivars, whereas the safety of diclofop and imazaquin was marginal, and 2,4-D plus mecoprop plus dicamba was unacceptable.

Field trials evaluated sequential applications of plant growth retardants (PGRs) to bahiagrass for a 3-yr period at two Florida locations: Newberry (north Florida) and Okeechobee (south Florida). Seven PGRs from various chemical families were used: glyphosate, fluazifop, sethoxydim, maleic hydrazide, trinexapac-ethyl, imazapic, and imazaquin. In 1991 and 1992, PGRs reduced turf color for 2 to 4 wk after treatment (WAT) at the Newberry location but remained above acceptable levels (> 5.0) and recovered by 6 WAT. In 1993, glyphosate, fluazifop, and maleic hydrazide reduced turf color below acceptable levels (< 5.0) 4 WAT, but turf color was acceptable by 6 WAT. Turf color was slightly reduced following single and sequential imazapic applications in Okeechobee; however, turf recovered by 8 WAT. Cumulative seedhead suppression at both locations increased during the 3 yr resulting in at least a 60% reduction in seedhead numbers. Seedhead production each year was 10 to 50% less at 12 WAT in treated plots than in the previous year. Single applications of imazapic and imazapic + imazaquin provided 85 to 100% seedhead suppression for 12 WAT and 100% suppression for up to 16 wk following sequential applications made 8 wk after the initial application (WAI). Single applications of glyphosate, fluazifop, and maleic hydrazide provided ≥ 70% seedhead suppression for 4 to 8 WAT. Sequential applications of fluazifop made 8 WAI provided > 70% control of seedheads through 8 to 16 WAI for 3 yr.

Two experiments were conducted over a two-year period for large crabgrass control in centipedegrass. The experiments were: (a) sequential applications of PRE and POST herbicides, and (b) POST herbicides applied as sequential or tank-mixed applications. Large crabgrass control was greater than 80% throughout the spring and summer when dithiopyr was applied PRE at 0.14 kg/ha late in February or when tank mixed at the same rate with sethoxydim at 0.11 kg/ha and applied POST in late May. Control was similar from a sequential program of dithiopyr applied PRE at 0.14 kg/ha in February and followed either by dithiopyr at 0.14 kg/ha or sethoxydim at 0.11 kg/ha as POST in early to mid-summer. Dithiopyr at 0.28 kg/ha as a POST application in late May did not control large crabgrass consistently. Control was > 80% for 6 to 8 wk when the POST dithiopyr treatment was repeated at the same rate 1 mo later. Sethoxydim applied POST controlled large crabgrass greater than 80% throughout the spring and summer when applied once at 0.22 kg/ha or twice at 0.11 kg/ha in each of two applications. Dithiopyr applied alone or with sethoxydim as sequential or tank-mixed treatments caused slight to moderate centipedegrass injury but was commercially acceptable (< 30%). However, injury from tank-mix herbicides was similar to either applied alone. Quinclorac severely injured (> 30%) centipedegrass, and 8 to 10 wk were required for recovery.

Greenhouse studies were conducted to evaluate sensitivity of red rice ecotypes from Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas to soil- and foliar-applied herbicides. Ecotype response to herbicides was variable. Molinate at 4.48 kg ai/ha controlled red rice ecotypes 92 to 100% and cultivars ‘Lemont,’ ‘Mars,’ and ‘Maybelle’ 39 to 63%. Red rice control with thiobencarb at 4.48 kg ai/ha was at least 89%. The tank mixture of fenoxaprop at 0.08 kg ai/ha plus fluazifop-P at 0.10 kg ai/ha controlled red rice and rice cultivars more than for either herbicide applied alone. Red rice and rice cultivar control with paraquat at 0.70 kg ai/ha was 83 to 100%. Blackhulled red rice TX 4 was less sensitive to paraquat and glufosinate than other ecotypes and cultivars. Glufosinate at 1.12 kg ai/ha was required to provide at least 94% control of ecotype TX 4.

Studies were conducted to observe the effect of full and reduced rates of postemergence (POST) herbicides on seedling and rhizome johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense) at different growth stages. Herbicides and labeled rates included primisulfuron at 40 g/ha, nicosulfuron at 35 g/ha, fluazifop-P at 210 g/ha, and clethodim at 140 g/ha. Contour graphs to predict johnsongrass control at different growth stages and herbicide rates were developed. Excellent seedling and rhizome johnsongrass control was obtained with reduced rates of herbicides applied at the three- to five-leaf stages. Primisulfuron at 20 g/ha resulted in 90% or greater control of seedling johnsongrass in the three- to four-leaf stage. Rhizome johnsongrass at this growth stage required 30 g/ha of primisulfuron for the same level of control. Nicosulfuron at 17.5 and 26.3 g/ha provided 90% or greater control up to the four-leaf stage of seedling and rhizome johnsongrass, respectively. Fluazifop-P and clethodim were more effective than primisulfuron and nicosulfuron. Fluazifop-P at 105 g/ha resulted in 90% or greater control of seedling and rhizome johnsongrass up to the seven- and five-leaf stages, respectively. Clethodim at 35 g/ha controlled seedling johnsongrass at least 90% up to the eight-leaf stage. Clethodim at 70 g/ha provided 90% or greater control of rhizome johnsongrass if applied at the three- to four-leaf stages.

Field studies were conducted from 1993 to 1995 to evaluate MON-12051 for turfgrass tolerance and control of yellow and purple nutsedges. The availability of herbicides for selective control of these weeds in turfgrass is limited. A sulfonylurea compound, MON-12051, has recently been developed for selective control of the nutsedges in turfgrass. When MON-12051 was applied at 0.07 to 0.14 kg ai/ha, the injury to Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue, bermudagrass, and zoysiagrass was slight, with a maximum of 10% injury. At these rates, MON-12051 outperformed both bentazon and imazaquin in controlling yellow and purple nutsedges. Averaged over all tests 6 wk after treatment, yellow nutsedge control with MON-12051 was 83%. Control averaged 44% during the same period when treated with bentazon, whether applied once at 2.24 kg ai/ha or twice at 1.12 kg ai/ha. Purple nutsedge control averaged 96% when treated with MON-12051 in Kentucky bluegrass, while control was 42% with imazaquin applied at 0.19 and 0.43 kg ai/ha.

An experimental turfgrass growth regulator, V-10029, was compared with trinexapac-ethyl, a growth regulator used commonly on highly maintained turfgrasses, to evaluate growth suppression patterns and suppression of seedhead formation; the latter was evaluated on turfgrass species and annual bluegrass, a weedy species that appeared and developed seedheads in tall fescue. Plugs of creeping red fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, and creeping bentgrass were taken from the field into a greenhouse. V-10029 at three rates (0.015, 0.029, and 0.059 kg/ha) was compared to an untreated control and trinexapac-ethyl at a label rate (0.382 kg/ha for perennial ryegrass and 0.287 kg/ha for the other four species). Of the eight replications for each treatment, four were not mowed for the purpose of evaluating suppression of seedhead formation, and four were used for weekly clipping collection to evaluate growth suppression. Compared to the untreated control, V-10029 at all three applied rates caused significant seedhead suppression in both tall fescue infested with annual bluegrass (> 90%) and perennial ryegrass (50 to 80%). Trinexapac-ethyl was not as effective, causing seedhead suppression levels of 57% in annual bluegrass found in tall fescue and 43% in perennial ryegrass. V-10029 caused unacceptable levels of discoloration (> 20%) in all turfgrass species, and discoloration increased with increasing rates of application. Patterns of growth suppression for tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, and perennial ryegrass, in response to V-10029 at all rates and to trinexapac-ethyl, were similar on a percent of suppression basis. Growth of creeping bentgrass was suppressed by V-10029 only at high rates. In contrast, creeping red fescue was significantly injured by V-10029 at all rates. The greatest growth suppression, in response for all treatments, occurred 2 to 3 wk after application. The effect of trinexapac-ethyl dissipated after 4 wk, while V-10029 was effective until 5 to 7 wk after treatment. Observed effects of V-10029 were consistent with its activity as an ALS-inhibiting herbicide and, therefore, as a Class D turfgrass growth regulator.

Control and regrowth of hemp dogbane, wild blackberry, and triazine-resistant common lambsquarters (TR-CHEAL) were studied in no-till corn from 1992 to 1994. Hemp dogbane, wild blackberry, and TR-CHEAL population increased 10, 123, and 177%, respectively, between 1992 and 1994 in plots treated with PRE applications of paraquat, atrazine, and metolachlor (weedy checks). POST applications of tank mixtures of 35 g ai/ha nicosulfuron or 20 g/ha primisulfuron with 280 g/ha 2,4-D or 140 g/ha dicamba, and 560 g/ha dicamba applied alone controlled hemp dogbane, wild blackberry, and TR-CHEAL 67 to 98%. These treatments reduced the population or prevented expansion of these weeds the year following treatment. In 1992, corn yield response to weed control was inconsistent. In 1993 and 1994, all plots treated with POST herbicides yielded higher than the weedy check. Corn yield of plots treated with combinations of nicosulfuron or primisulfuron with 2,4-D or dicamba and 560 g/ha dicamba applied alone were 102 to 149% and 124 to 153% higher than the weedy check in 1993 and 1994, respectively.

Glyphosate was evaluated at 0.8, 1.3, and 1.7 kg ae/ha applied at the two-leaf, four-leaf, or two- to three-tiller growth stage for red rice control. In addition, red rice seedheads were counted concurrently with soybean harvest at each of three locations to assess treatment effect on seedhead reduction. Field studies were conducted at Starkville, MS, in 1994 and 1995 and Shaw, MS, in 1995. A significant rate response was not observed for red rice control 2 and 4 wk after treatment (WAT) or for seedhead reductions. Glyphosate controlled red rice 88, 91, and 88% 2 WAT when applied to two-leaf, four-leaf, or two- to three-tiller red rice, respectively. Due to subsequent seedling emergence, control from glyphosate applications to two- or four-leaf red rice 4 WAT was 51 and 84%, respectively. Red rice treated at the two- to three-tiller stage was controlled 91% 4 WAT. When compared to the nontreated control, seedheads were reduced 97% by two- to three-tiller applications, compared to 87 and 56% reductions from four- and two-leaf applications, respectively.

Field experiments were conducted in Louisiana to evaluate the effectiveness of tillage, tillage plus herbicide, and herbicide-only fallow programs in controlling bermudagrass. Tillage of fallow fields three times at 3- to 4-wk intervals between row formation in late May and planting in late September or early October reduced bermudagrass infestations in the newly planted crop in December 44 to 51%. When the final tillage operation was replaced by glyphosate postemergence at either 2.24 or 3.36 kg ai/ha in late August, bermudagrass infestation level in December on the surface of the newly planted rows was reduced to below 20%. Two applications of glyphosate at 3.36 kg/ha were more effective than tillage only and as effective as tillage twice followed by glyphosate in reducing bermudagrass infestation levels in the newly planted crop. Application of atrazine at 3.36 kg ai/ha, imazapyr at 0.68 kg ai/ha, metribuzin at 1.68 kg ai/ha, or sulfometuron at 0.14 and 0.28 kg ai/ha to newly formed rows in late May of the fallow period did not reduce the need for tillage or an application of glyphosate during the fallow period to control bermudagrass, but imazapyr at 1.12 kg/ha did. Sugarcane shoot populations in December of the fallow year were similar for the treatment programs despite differences in bermudagrass infestation levels, which ranged from 11 to 94%. However, sugarcane stalk number and height and cane and sugar yield in the plant-cane crop the following year were highest when glyphosate was applied to bermudagrass as two applications either alone or following the application of atrazine or metribuzin, when tillage was followed with one application of glyphosate, and in 1 yr when imazapyr alone was applied to newly formed rows.

The potential of alachlor, SAN 582H (Proposed name, dimethenamid), chlorimuron plus metribuzin, clomazone, imazaquin, imazethapyr, metolachlor, sulfentrazone, and trifluralin plus flumetsulam to injure rice the year following application to soybean was evaluated on silty clay and silt loam soils in Louisiana. These herbicides did not cause rice injury or yield reduction. Rice tolerance of the amine salt of 2,4-D or thifensulfuron plus tribenuron applied 0, 7, 14, and 28 d prior to planting was also evaluated on these soils. The amine salt of 2,4-D at 1.1 kg ai/ha injured rice 43 and 52% on silty clay and silt loam soils, respectively, in 1994 when applied the day of planting. In 1995, injury was 78 and 88% on these respective soils at this timing. When applied 7 d or more before planting, 2,4-D amine injured rice in one of four trials. Thifensulfuron plus tribenuron (17 + 9 g ai/ha) injured rice in one of four trials when applied the day of planting, but did not injure rice when applied 7 d before planting. No visual rice injury was observed when 2,4-D amine or thifensulfuron plus tribenuron was applied 14 or 28 d before planting. Rice grain yield was not affected by thifensulfuron plus tribenuron regardless of the interval between application and rice planting. In contrast, rice grain yield was reduced in all trials when 2,4-D amine was applied on the day of planting, and in one of four trials when applied 7 or 14 d before planting.

Field experiments were conducted from 1993 to 1995 to compare weed control by the isopropylamine salt of glyphosate at 0.21, 0.42, 0.63, and 0.84 kg ae/ha applied at three stages of weed growth. Weed control by glyphosate applied at these rates alone or with ammonium sulfate at 2.8 kg/ha was also evaluated. In other experiments, potential interactions between glyphosate and acifluorfen, chlorimuron, and 2,4-DB were evaluated. Velvetleaf, prickly sida, sicklepod, pitted morningglory, entireleaf morningglory, palmleaf morningglory, and hemp sesbania were controlled more easily when weeds had one to three leaves compared with control when weeds had four or more leaves. Glyphosate controlled redroot pigweed, velvetleaf, prickly sida, sicklepod, and barnyardgrass more effectively than pitted morningglory, entireleaf morningglory, palmleaf morningglory, or hemp sesbania. Increasing the rate of glyphosate increased control, especially when glyphosate was applied to larger weeds. Greater variation in control was noted for pitted morningglory, palmleaf morningglory, prickly sida, and velvetleaf than for redroot pigweed, sicklepod, entireleaf morningglory, or hemp sesbania. Ammonium sulfate increased prickly sida and entireleaf morningglory control but did not influence sicklepod, hemp sesbania, or barnyardgrass control. Acifluorfen applied 3 d before glyphosate or in a mixture with glyphosate reduced barnyardgrass control compared with glyphosate applied alone. Chlorimuron did not reduce efficacy. Mixtures of glyphosate and 2,4-DB controlled sicklepod, entireleaf morningglory, and barnyardgrass similar to glyphosate alone.

Growth-regulating characteristics of trinexapac-ethyl, paclobutrazol, and flurprimidol were investigated on ‘Tifway’ bermudagrass and four turfgrass weeds (large crabgrass, goosegrass, bahiagrass, and purple nutsedge). All treatments reduced the height of Tifway bermudagrass (25 to 37%) and large crabgrass (14 to 34%), but the height of purple nutsedge, goosegrass, and bahiagrass was not consistently changed. In 1995, all rates of trinexapac-ethyl reduced clipping weights of Tifway bermudagrass (70 to 87%) and bahiagrass (53 to 59%) more than large crabgrass, goosegrass, or purple nutsedge (< 39%). Trinexapac-ethyl (0.4 kg ai/ha) and paclobutrazol (1.1 kg ai/ha) applications increased both large crabgrass clipping weight and canopy visible density. Increased large crabgrass density was attributed to greater tiller numbers with trinexapac-ethyl (60 tillers/pot) and paclobutrazol (63 tillers/pot) compared to untreated large crabgrass plants (53 tillers/pot). Weed growth was not suppressed as much as Tifway bermudagrass growth; therefore, turfgrass stands may be adversely affected by plant growth regulator use under weedy conditions.

Dithiopyr was applied to ‘Penneagle’ creeping bentgrass seedlings 2, 4, and 8 wk after emergence (WAE) in separate studies in the summers of 1992 and 1993 to determine seedling tolerance. Dithiopyr emulsifiable concentrate (IEC) was applied at 0.14, 0.28, 0.42, and 0.56 kg ai/ha, and granular (G) dithiopyr (0.1G) was applied at 0.14, 0.21, 0.28, and 0.42 kg/ha. Dithiopyr applied 2 WAE caused unacceptable injury regardless of rate or formulation. Injury was characterized by stunting of plants, leaf tip die-back, yellowing of older leaves, and a visible decline in quality. Injury increased with increasing rate. In 1992, the EC and G formulation of dithiopyr caused similar responses, whereas in the summer of 1993, the EC caused greater turf injury. Dithiopyr applied 4 WAE caused less injury than when applied 2 WAE, and injury was acceptable. Dithiopyr applied 8 WAE only slightly injured creeping bentgrass at the high rate for both formulations in both years.

Methods were developed and evaluated that utilize state of the art weed-sensing technology in row-crop production systems. Spectral differences in green living plants and bare soil allowed ‘real-time’ weed detection, with intermittent spraying of herbicide only where weeds were present. Sensor units were mounted in 0.7-m-wide hooded sprayers providing sensors with an unobstructed view of the area between soybean rows. Single hood and commercial-size eight-row systems were evaluated, and savings in glyphosate spray solution applied using sensors ranged from 63 to 85%, compared to conventional hooded spray systems with continuous application. Weed control by the sensor-controlled spray system was equal to the conventional system. This technology can significantly reduce herbicide usage and decrease production cost without reducing weed control.

Johnsongrass, a tall, coarse, perennial grass, is the second most common and troublesome weed in field corn in Texas. Field experiments were conducted in 1996 to 1998 to evaluate an integrated johnsongrass management program in bedded and irrigated field corn. Nicosulfuron at 26.3 g ai/ha applied banded over the row to 50% of the planted area plus one cultivation resulted in johnsongrass control of aboveground and rhizome biomass and in corn yield comparable to the labeled rate (35 g ai/ha) when applied two consecutive years in the same plots. This treatment reduced cost 27% and reduced herbicide input 62% compared to nicosulfuron applied broadcast at labeled rate without cultivation. Economic benefits of this johnsongrass management program are promising for field corn producers.

Greenhouse and field experiments were conducted to determine the response of corn (Zea mays), barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crus-galli), common lambsquarters (Chenopodium album), large crabgrass (Digitaria sanguinalis), velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti), and yellow foxtail (Setaria lutescence) to RPA 201772. Barnyardgrass, large crabgrass, velvetleaf, and common lambsquarters were more susceptible than yellow foxtail to RPA 201772. Velvetleaf was the most susceptible species and rates above 18 g ai/ha of RPA 201772 controlled 100% of the population 4 wk after treatment (WAT). Percent control of all the weed species increased with increased RPA 201772 rates. In the field, the dry weights of yellow foxtail decreased as the rate of RPA 201772 increased from 0 to 210 g/ha. However, a 60% reduction of dry weight of yellow foxtail was recorded at 140 g/ha of RPA 201772 compared to the untreated check 6 WAT, whereas at 12 WAT the dry weight of yellow foxtail was reduced to only 15% because of intraspecific competition. Yellow foxtail was moderately susceptible to RPA 201772. Corn was tolerant to RPA 201772; the GR80 value was 435 g/ha in the greenhouse. The bleaching injury to corn in the field was less than 10%, and it was found only with the 210 g/ha rate of RPA 201772. This injury was temporary and the plants recovered within 2 to 3 wk. Based on the GR80 values, velvetleaf was the most susceptible, followed by common lambsquarters, large crabgrass, barnyardgrass, and yellow foxtail.

In field studies in 1991, 1992, and 1993, rimsulfuron at 26 and 35 g ai/ha, sequentially at 26 g/ha, at 26 g/ha plus metribuzin at 280 g ai/ha, and metribuzin at 280 g/ha were evaluated POST for weed control in transplanted ‘Agriset’ tomato. Common lambsquarters was controlled by rimsulfuron at 35 g/ha. Rimsulfuron plus metribuzin gave consistent control of common ragweed, but jimsonweed control was inconsistent and goosegrass control was generally low. Rimsulfuron treatments caused slight (< 12%) temporary injury to new terminal growth of tomato. Yield of tomato fruit was consistently high in the metribuzin, metribuzin plus rimsulfuron, and rimsulfuron sequential treatments. In greenhouse studies, giant foxtail and large crabgrass control by rimsulfuron was above 95 and 85%, respectively, but goosegrass was not controlled. Height of four tomato cultivars was not reduced, but dry weight of ‘Floradade’ and ‘Sunbeam’ was reduced by rimsulfuron.

Field studies were conducted from 1994 to 1996 in Michigan to evaluate postemergence (POST) herbicides for hemp dogbane control in corn. Studies were initiated at no-tillage and chisel-plowed sites each of the three years. Nicosulfuron and primisulfuron were evaluated alone and in combination with 2,4-D amine or dicamba. In 1995 and 1996, CGA-152005 plus primisulfuron was also applied alone and in combination with 2,4-D or dicamba. Control varied among years and sites. Nicosulfuron, primisulfuron, and CGA-152005 plus primisulfuron applied alone controlled 30% of the hemp dogbane, and dicamba or 2,4-D alone controlled 42 and 66%, respectively. Tank mixtures of nicosulfuron, primisulfuron, or CGA-152005 plus primisulfuron with dicamba were more effective and more consistent than dicamba alone. Combinations of nicosulfuron, primisulfuron, or CGA-152005 plus primisulfuron with 2,4-D gave the most effective and consistent control across sites, with an average of 93% control. In general, treatments controlled only shoots that had emerged at the time of application. New shoots emerged following herbicide application at the chisel-tillage sites in 1994 and 1995 but not at the no-tillage sites. However, in 1996, shoot emergence following treatment occurred in both no-tillage and chisel-tillage sites.

Field studies were conducted to examine weed control efficacy and crop injury with SAN 582 (proposed name, dimethenamid) in irrigated ‘Russet Burbank’ potato. SAN 582 applied preemergence (PRE) at 1.1 to 1.7 kg ai/ha controlled light to moderate infestations of redroot pigweed, common lambsquarters, and hairy nightshade > 90%. Season-long control of these species with mixtures of SAN 582 plus metribuzin or rimsulfuron was > 98% and was similar to or better than registered mixtures. Green foxtail control with SAN 582 alone ranged from 83 to 100%, depending on rate and year. SAN 582 mixtures with metribuzin or rimsulfuron usually controlled green foxtail > 90%. In weed-free plots, SAN 582 was applied alone PRE or early postemergence (EPOST) at rates up to 3.4 kg/ha. SAN 582 applied EPOST usually caused 10 to 30% more potato injury than when applied PRE, but U.S. No. 1 yield was not reduced by SAN 582 applied either PRE or EPOST. SAN 582 shows good potential for PRE use in irrigated potato.