Orobanche ramosa L. (broomrape) control in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) with chlorsulfuron, glyphosate and imazaquin

Chlorsulfuron, giyphosate and imazaquin were evaluated in pot and field studies for their efficacy in controlling broomrape (Orobanche ramosa L.) in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) in Northern Greece. All herbicides were applied four to five weeks after tomato transplanting, when the crop was at early flowering stage and broomrape had started to develop underground attachments. The number of emerged broomrape shoots and underground attachments were less affected by herbicide treatments than the dry weight, suggesting that the herbicides suppress the growth of broomrape rather than kill its underground organs. In the pot experiments, chlorsulfuron applied at 5 g AI ha^?1 was the most effective treatment for broomrape control and the least toxic to the crop. Imazaquin and glyphosate applied at 37 and 180 g AI ha^?1, respectively, controlled broomrape but imazaquin reduced crop yield. In the field, similar rates of glyphosate and higher rates of imazaquin were not toxic to the crop but were less effective on broomrape. Chlorsulfuron applied at 10 g AI ha^?1 controlled broomrape emergence by 88%. When the herbicide was applied twice (5+10 g AI ha^?1), it gave complete control of broomrape but delayed crop maturity. The yield of tomato was not increased as a result of these treatments because of low broomrape infestation and a short competition period.     

Impact of Irrigation Timing and Weed Management Practices on Chlorophyll Content and Morphological Traits of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum Mill.)

Weeds are a major biotic constraint; compete with crop for the same resources and ultimately reduce productivity. This study evaluated the impact of irrigation intervals and weed management treatments on chlorophyll content and morphological growth of tomato to find an appropriate integrated weed management strategy. Two-year field experiments (2018/2019) were conducted at district Mardan (34°15′38″ N and 72°6′36″ E). Tomato F1 hybrid (Taj?3592) was transplanted during March. The experiments were laid out in a randomized complete-block design in split-plot arrangement with three replications. The main block comprised three irrigation intervals (3, 6, and 9 days) and the sub-block included weed management treatments: transparent polythene, black polythene, weeding except Orobanche, sole weeding of Orobanche, weeding of all weeds, copper oxychloride 1.5?kg a.i ha^?1 (single dose), copper oxychloride 1.5?kg a.i ha^?1 (split doses), copper oxychloride?+?humic acid 25?kg ha^?1 (single dose), copper oxychloride?+?humic acid 25?kg ha^?1 (split doses), copper sulphate 2?kg ha^?1 (single dose), copper sulphate 2?kg ha^?1 (split doses), ammonium sulphate 200?kg ha^?1 (single dose), ammonium sulphate 200?kg ha^?1 (split doses), pendimethalin 33 EC 1.44?kg a.i ha^?1, glyphosate 48 SL 1.5?kg a.i ha^?1, and weedy check. Lowest relative weed density (RWD) of O. cernua (2.23%) and highest RWD of O. cernua (38.01%) were recorded in the 3? and 9?day irrigation intervals, respectively. However, 3?day irrigation interval resulted in highest fresh weed biomass (5794?kg ha^?1). Moreover, the 6?day irrigation interval significantly increased chlorophyll content by 11 and 5%, leaf area by 23 and 6%, and number of branches plant^?1 by 30 and 22% compared to 9? and 3?day irrigation intervals, respectively. Among the weed management treatments, black polythene resulted in the highest weed control efficiency (96%), increasing chlorophyll content by 16%, leaf area by 33%, and number of branches plant^?1 by 64% vs. weedy check. Consequently, 6?day irrigation intervals?×?black polythene could be the best weed management strategy, followed by transparent polythene, weeding of all weeds, pendimethalin, glyphosate, and ammonium sulphate.

     

Broomrape control in faba bean (Vicia faba L.) with glyphosate and imazaquin

Field studies were carried out to evaluate the efficacy of imazaquin and glyphosate in controlling broomrape (Orobanche crenata Forsk. and O. aegyptiaca Pers.) in faba bean (Vicia faba L.) in Northern Syria. Several rates and times of application of the herbicides were tested. Nearly complete control of broomrape was achieved with both the herbicides when they were sprayed twice (when the broomrape attachments to the faba bean roots were at tubercle stage of develoment and 15 days later) at a rate of application of 80 g a.i. ha^?1 for glyphosate and 10 g a.i. ha^?1 for imazaquin. However, the yield of faba bean did not increase with these treatments, suggesting that the herbicides at these rates were still causing some physiological disorder in the plant that counteracted the beneficial effect of broomrape control on the performance of faba bean plants.     

Pre-emergence herbicides for the control of broomrape (Orobanche cernua Loefl.) in sunflower (Helianthus annus L.)

Field experiments were conducted from 1989 to 1992 to determine the effects of pre-emergence herbicides in sunflower (Helianthus armuus L.) on: (1) the control of Orobanche cemua Loefl. (broomrape) and (2) crop damage and crop yield. Herbicides tested belong to the imidazolinone, sulfonylurea and substituted amide families. Imazethapy r (20–40 g ha^?1), imazapy r (12.5–25 gha^?1) and chlorsulfuron (4–6 gha^?1) controlled broomrape efficiently without crop injury. With good O. cernua control and good crop tolerance, sunflower seed yield from these treatments were generally similar to the non-infested checks and higher than the infestedchecks. Imazaquin (20–40 gha^?1), triasulfuron(4gha^?1), pdmisulfuron(3g ha^?1), acetochlor (4–4 kg ha^?1) and metazachlor (2 kg ha^?1) were less effective. Imazamethabenz (200–600 g ha^?1) and metolachlor (3–3 kg ha^?1) were ineffective. Wetconditions aftercropsowing considerably decreased O. cemua control with pre-emergence herbicides probably caused by enhanced degrädation. Des herbicides de prelevee pour la lutte contre Vorobanche (Orobanche cemua Loefl.) dans le toumesol (Helianthus annuus L.) Des expérimentations au champ ont été conduites de 1989 á 1992 pour determiner les effets d'herbicides de pré1evée du toumesol sun (a) la destruction de l'orobanche (Orobanche cernua Loefl.) et (b) la phytotoxcité sur la culture. Les herbicides testés appartenaient aux imidazolinones, aux sulfonylurdes et aux amides substituées. L'imazethapyr (20 á 40 gha^?1), l'imazapyr (12,5 á25gha^?1)et le chlorsulfuron (4 á 6 gha^?1) détruisaient efficacement l'orobanche sans occasionner de phytotoxidt6 sur la culture. Dans ces conditions, les rendements étaient généralement semblables à ceux des témoins non infestés et supérieurs à ceux des témoins infestés. L'imazaquin (20 à 40 g ha^?1), le triasulfuron (4 gha^?1), le primisulfuron (3 g ha^?1), lacétolachlor (4,4 kg ha^?1) et le métazachlor (2 kg ha^?1) étaient moins efficaces. L'imazaméthabenz (200 á 600 g ha^?1) et le métolachlor (3,3 kg ha^?1) etaient inefficaces. Des conditions humides aprfes le semis diminuaient considérablement la destruction de O. cemua par les herbicides de prélevée, probablement à cause d'une dégradation plus élevée. Vorauflaufherbigide zur Bekdmpfung der Sommerwurz Orobanche cemua Loefl. in Sonnenblume (Helianthus annuus L.) Zwischen 1989 und 1992 wurden in Sonnenblume Feldversuche zur Wirkung von Vorauflaufherbiziden aus den Gruppen der Imidazolinone, Sulfonylharnstoffe und substitutierten Amide auf die Sommerwurz Orobanche cernua und auf Kulturpflanzenschaden sowie den Ertrag durchgefuhrt. Mit Imazethapyr (20 bis 40 g ha^?1), Imazapyr (12,5 bis 25 g ha^?1) und Chlorsulfuron (4 bis 6 g ha^?1) lieβ sich die Sommerwurz wirksam bekampfen, ohne daβ Schaden an der Sonnenblume auftraten, und die Ertrage waren allgemein ahnlich oder hoher als bei der nichtparasitierten Kontrolle. Imazaquin (20 bis 40 ha^?1), Triasulfuron (4 g ha^?1).Primisulfuron (3 g ha ^?1). Acetochlor (4,4 kg ha ^?1 und Metazachlor (2 kg ha ^?1) waren weniger wirksam. Imazamethabenz (200 bis 600 g ha^?1) und Metolachlor (3,3 kg ha^?1) hatten keine Wirkung. Bei Niederschlagen nach der Saat der Sonnenblume war die Bekampfung der Sommerwurz mit Vorauflaufherbiziden vermutlich wegen verstärkten Abbaus erheblich schwächer.     

Herbicides for control of broomrape (Orobanche ramosa L.) in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.)

In field tests conducted on oriental and flue-cured tobacco, six herbicides were evaluated for their effect on broomrape (Orobanche ramosa L.) control and on tobacco growth, yield and chemical composition. Imazaquin+pendi-methalin (1:6) at 0.09+0.55 kg a.i. ha^?1 soil in corporated before transplanting controlled broomrape effectively only in 1990 and signifi cantly reduced tobacco yield. Glyphosate (as Roundup 360 ga.e.1^?1 and Armada (90 ga.e.l^?1) and sulfosate, each at 0.2+0.3 kg a.e. ha^?1 and imazaquinat 0.07+0.1 kg a.i. ha^?1 foliar applied at 40 days and 60 days after transplanting gave excellent control of broomrape, with no adverse effect on tobacco growth or yield; however, the 9% formulation of glyphosate was damaging. Maleic hydrazide gave moderate to good (up to 80%) control of broomrape. Reducing sugars in flue-cured tobacco and nicotine in both oriental and flue-cured tobacco were higher where a her bicide was used. Des herbicides pour lutter contre Orobanche ramosa L. dans le tabac (Nicotiana tabacum L). Dans des expérimentations au champ conduites sur du tabac oriental et ‘flue cured’, six herbicides ont étéévalués pour leur effet sur Orobanche ramosa L. ainsi que sur la croissance, le rendement et la composition chimique du tabac. Le mélange imazaquin+pendiméthalin (1:6 à 0.09+0.55 kg ha^?1, incorporé avant le repiquage, n'a permis de détruire l'orobanche qu'en 1990 et réduisait de manière significative le rendement du tabac. Le glyphosate (Roundup, 360 m.a. 1^?1 et Armada, 90 g m.a. l^?1) et le sulfosate chacun aux doses 0.2+0.3 kg m.a. ha^?1 et l'imazaquin 0.07+0.1 kg m.a. ha^?1 appliqués en post-levée 40 et 60 jours après le repiquage donnaient d'excellents résultats contre l'orobanche, sans effet sur la croissance du tabac et sur son rendement, si l'on excepte la formulation de giyphosate 9%. L'hydrazide maléique donnait des résultats moyens à bons (jusqu'à 80% d'efficacité). Les teneurs en sucres réducteurs chez le tabac ‘flue cured’ et en nicotine chez les tabacs ‘flue cured’ et oriental étaient plus élevées lorsqu'un herbicide avait été utilisé. Herbizide zur Bekämpfung von Orobanche ramosa L. in Tabak (Nicotiana tabacum L.) In Freilandversuchen wurden in Orient- und Vir-gin-Tabak 6 Herbizide hinsichtlich der Bekämpfung der Sommerwurz Orobanche ramosa sowie des Wachstums, des Ertrags und der chemischen Zusammensetzung des Tabaks geprüft. Mit einer Mischung von Imazaquin mit Pendimethalin zu 0,09+0,55 kg AS ha^?1, vor dem Pflanzen in den Boden eingearbeitet, konnte die Sommerwurz nur 1990 wirkungsvoll bekämpft werden, aber der Tabakertrag wurde signifikant reduziert. Glyphosat (als Roundup [360 g AS 1^?1] und als Armada [90 g AS 1^?1) mit Sulfosat zu 0,2+0,3 kg AS ha^?1 und Imazaquin zu 0,07 sowie 0,1 kg AS ha^?1, 40 bzw. 60 Tage nach dem Pflanzen angewandt, wirkten hervorragend, ohne Wuchs und Ertrag des Tabaks zu beeinträchtigen, ausgenommen bei der 9% igen Glyphosatformulierung. Mit Maleinhydazid ließ sich die Sommerwurz befriedigend bis gut (bis zu 80 %) bekämpfen. Der Gehalt an reduzierenden Zuckern im Virgin-Tabak und Nikotin in beiden Tabaken war erhöht, wenn ein Herbizid angewandt worden war.     

Weeding and nitrogen effects on farmers' wheat crops in semi-arid Morocco

The effects of three weeding systems with and without top-dressed nitrogen were examined in 40 experiments on bread wheat and durum wheat planted by farmers in the Chaouia (semi-arid area of Morocco) in 1984–1985 and 1985–1986 growing seasons. In both years, hand-weeding to simulate collection of forage reduced weed numbers by 30% and removed 63% of the weed dry weight. Treatment with 2, 4-D removed 66% of the weeds and reduced weed dry weight by 82%, in 1985–1986. Hand-weeding for forage produced 427 kg ha^?1 weed dry matter in both years, but wheat grain yields were 179 kg ha^?1 lower than with 2.4-D treatments. Over both years, the cost of each kg weed forage was 0·43 kg grain yield loss. Without weeding grain yields were 130 kg ha^?1 lower than 2, 4-D treatments. Weed control with 2,4-D increased wheat grain yields over both non-weeded and hand-weeded treatments by an average of 154 kg ha^?1. Overall, there were no significant effects of nitrogen on wheat or weed yields nor interactions between top-dressed nitrogen and weeding systems. A total of 157 weed species belonging to 29 botanical families were identified on the 40 experimental sites over both years; 89% were dicotyledons. Papaver rhoeas L. (common poppy), 2, 4-D susceptible plant, was the most annual weed in wheat fields in Chaouia.     

Survey and Assessment of the Natural Enemies of Water Hyacinth,Eichhornia crassipes

Abstract

In northern Queensland, the addition of 2,4,5‐T butyl ester was found to be unnecessary to maintain the control of Echinochloa colona (L.) Link and Cyperus Iria L. In dry seeded rice when propanil rates were reduced below the registered rate of 4 kg a.i. ha^?1. Adequate weed control was obtained with 1.3 kg a.i. ha^?1 propanil alone. No adverse effects on rice yield were found with any of the propanil × 2,4,5‐T treatments. Low rates of propanil, 1.3 and 0.72 kg a.i. ha^?1, compared favourably with pre‐emergence treatments of thiobencarb, butachlor, oxyfluorfen and pretilachlor (plus a safener) when weed yields were low. Where water management was poor and Ischaemum rugosum Salisb. was the dominant weed, oxyfluorfen applied pre‐emergence at 0.96 kg a.i. ha^?1 produced a higher rice and a lower weed yield than the low rates of propanil. In three of the five experiments, weed growth was insufficient to depress rice yields significantly.     

Weed control in glyphosate-tolerant sugarbeet (Beta vulgaris L.)

The effect of glyphosate on weeds was evaluated in greenhouse bioassays with five weed species and compared with a commercial mixture of phenmedipham and ethofumesate. Glyphosate was more active than a mixture of phenmedipham and ethofumesate on the weeds. Solanum nigrum was the most sensitive species to both herbicide treatments. The relative potency of glyphosate between the weeds showed consistency at 50% and 90% control levels for four out of five weed species, which could be ranked independently of control level because of similar response curves. In a field trial on sugarbeet genetically engineered to acquire glyphosate tolerance, a total of 720 g a.i. ha^?1 of glyphosate applied in one, two or three applications gave similar or superior control of weeds to a total of 3.17 kg a.i. ha^?1 mixture of metamitron, phenmedipham and ethofumesate applied in three repeated applications.     

丛枝菌根真菌与小麦孢囊线虫的相互作用

 近年来, 小麦孢囊线虫(cereal cyst nematodes, CCN:主要病原为燕麦孢囊线虫Heterodera avenae)对小麦(Triticum aestivum)的危害日益严重, 亟待探索新的生防途径。丛枝菌根真菌(arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, AMF)作为环境功能生物, 对寄主植物具有生物药肥双重作用, 不仅能促进植物吸收利用养分, 而且能拮抗土传病原物、提高植物抗病性。本研究以AMF与CCN相互作用为切入点, 试图明确AMF与CCN相互作用关系, 并科学评价不同AMF抑制CCN、降低病害的效应。试验于温室盆栽条件下进行, 设接种AMF Gigaspora margarita(Gi.m)、Glomus mosseae(G.m)、Glomus intraradices(G.i)、Glomus versiforme(G.v)、Gi.m +G.m+G.i+G.v、CCN、CCN+Gi.m、CCN+G.m、CCN+G.i、CCN+G.v、CCN+Gi.m+G.m+ G.i+G.v和不接种对照(CK)共12个处理。结果表明, 接种AMF各处理均能降低小麦孢囊线虫侵染率、土壤中孢囊数和根内J2数量, 其中Gi.m处理抑制效果最大;CCN不同程度减少AMF侵入点数和产孢数量。Gi.m 和CCN+Gi.m处理的根内丛枝着生数量最多, 而后者根内的超氧化物歧化酶、苯丙氨酸解氨酶和过氧化氢酶活性显著高于其他处理、丙二醛含量则显著低于其他CCN+AM真菌处理。Gi.m和G.i处理的小麦株高、地上部干重高于其他处理;Gi.m 和CCN+Gi.m的处理的单穗重和单株产量均高于其他处理。表明AMF能不同程度拮抗CCN、促进小麦生长和提高产量, 其中, Gi.m是高效菌种。结论认为, AMF与CCN之间存在一定相互抑制作用, AMF能通过诱导植株防御反应拮抗CCN。     

Tolerance of spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to trifluralin deep-incorporated in the autumn or spring

Field experiments at Lacombe on a Ponoka loam soil (9·6% organic matter) during 1982 and 1983 investigated the tolerance of spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cv. Neepawa in a weed free situation to trifluralin applied at 0·0–3·0 kg ai ha^?1 in the autumn or spring and incorporated to a depth of 10 cm. Rates of trifluralin above 1·0 kg ai ha^?1 applied in the autumn or spring reduced the percent stand of wheat compared to an untreated control. Two weeks after emergence the crop showed 37 or 47% injury indicated by delayed growth, following application at 1·0 kg ai ha^?1 in the autumn or spring, respectively. The wheat recovered throughout the course of the growing season. At harvest, trifluralin applied in the autumn or spring at rates below 1·0 kg ai ha^?1 caused a yield increase while higher rates caused a yield decrease compared to the untreated control. Spring application caused a greater yield loss than autumn application. The tolerance of spring wheat to trifluralin at rates required for weed control (1·1 kg ai ha^?1 or higher) on this soil type is marginal.     

Effect of nitrogen fertilizer application on growth, biomass production and N-uptake of torpedograss (Panicum repens L.)

A glasshouse study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different rates (0, 50, 100, 200 and 400 kg ha^?1) of nitrogen (N) fertilizer application on the growth, biomass production and N‐uptake efficiency of torpedograss. The growth responses of torpedograss to the N application were significant throughout the observation periods. Torpedograss grown for 60 days obtained the highest total biomass of 23.0 g plant^?1 with an application of 200 kg ha^?1 N, followed by 20.4 g plant^?1 with an application of 100 kg ha^?1 N; when it was grown for 90 days a significantly higher biomass of 102.3–106.0 g plant^?1 was obtained with the 200–400 kg ha^?1 N than the biomass (68.0 g plant^?1) obtained with the fertilizer applied at a lower rate. When the torpedograss was grown for 130 days the highest biomass was 230.0 g plant^?1 with the 400 kg ha^?1 N application, followed by a biomass of 150.0 g plant^?1 with the 200 kg ha^?1 N application, but the above‐ground shoot in all treatments was over mature for animal food. The ratio of the above‐ground shoot to the underground part increased with the increase in N application up to 400 kg ha^?1 during the 90 days after planting (DAP), but the above‐ground shoot biomass was the same with the 200 and 400 kg ha^?1 N. The agronomic efficiency of the N application decreased to 5–38 with the increase in N application to 400 kg ha^?1, which was less than half the agronomic efficiency with the 200 kg ha^?1 N. The agronomic efficiency of N was very low (5–22) during the 60 DAP, which indicated that the N application would not be economically viable in this period for torpedograss as a pasture, and short‐duration plants could be cultivated in torpedograss‐infested fields to minimize weed‐crop competition. The nitrogen concentration (%) in the torpedograss increased with the increase in N application, but N‐uptake efficiency was the opposite and the value was very low with the 400 kg ha^?1 N. The above results lead us to conclude that the N application rate of 200 kg ha^?1 is the most effective for torpedograss growth.     

Effects of sodium azide and methyl bromide on soil bacterial populations,enzymic activities and other biological variables

The application of a granular formulation of sodium azide (Smite 8G), to pine nursery beds at rates of 0, 22.4, 67.2 and 134.5 kg active ingredient ha^?1 under water seal or plastic seal, was compared over a 1-year period with methyl bromide, applied at a rate of 650 kg ha^?1, to determine the effects of soil bacterial populations, soil enzymic activities, development of mycorrhizal roots, weed population and incidence of root diseases. Bacterial populations at 24 days after treatment had increased in proportion to the amount of sodium azide added; however, highest numbers of bacteria were recorded from the methyl bromide-treated plot. At the last sampling date no significant differences were observed in bacterial populations among treatments. Neither sodium azide nor methyl bromide caused permanent changes in soil enzymic activities or adversely affected mycorrhizal root development on pine seedlings. Sodium azide at 134.5 kg ha^?1 and methyl bromide both significantly decreased the number of Cyperus spp. plants in plots; however, the number of pine seedlings exhibiting a root disease was highest in plots receiving these treatments.     

Chemical weed control in transplanted onion (Allium cepa L.) in the Sudan Gezira

Unrestricted weed growth reduced the yield of transplanted onions (Allium cepa L.) by 26–48%. Hand-weeding once, 42 days after transplanting reduced the yield loss to 15%. Application of oxadiazon (1.1–1.3 kg ai ha^?1), pendimethalin (1.2–1.8 kg ai ha^?1), oxyfluorfen (0.14–0.43 kg ai ha^?1) and chlorthal-dimethyl (8.3–13.1 kg ai ha^?1) resulted in yields comparable to the hand-weeded control (82–126%). When sprayed at transplanting these herbicides gave excellent and persistent control of grasses (86–100%). However, they were less effective on broad-leaved weeds (38–94% control). Désherbage chimique de l'oignon repiqué (Allium cepa L.) dans la Gezireh soudanaise La croissance incontrôlée des mauvaises herbes réduit le rendement des oignons repiqués de 26–48%. Un désherbage manuel, 42 jours après le repiquage, ramène la baisse de rendement à 15%. L'application d'oxadiazon (1,1–1,3 kg ma ha^?1), de pendiméthalin (1,2–1,8 ka ma ha¹), d'oxyfluorfen (0,14–0,43 ka ma ha^?1) et de chlortal-diméthyle (8,3–13,1 kg ma ha^?1), a permis d'atteindre des rendements comparables aux témoins désherbés manuellement (82–126%). Lorsqu'ils ont été administrés au moment du repiquage, ces herbicides ont permis un contrôle efficace et persistant des monocotylédones (86–100%). Toutefois, ils se sont montrés moins efficaces à l'égard des dicotylédones (38–94% du témoin). Chemische Unkrautbekämpfung in verpflanzten Zwiebeln (Allium cepa L.) in der Region Gezira (Sudan) Ungehinderte Unkrautentwicklung in verpflanzten Zwiebeln (Allium cepa L.) verringerte die Ernte um 26–48%. Eine Handjätung, 42 Tage nach dem Auspflanzen, reduzierte den Ernteverlust auf 15%. Die Applikation von Oxadiazon (1,1–1,3 kg ai ha^?1), Pendimethalin (1,2–1,8 kg ai ha^?1), Oxyfluorfen (0,14–0,43 kg ai ha^?1) und Chlorthal- dimethyl (8,3–13,1 kg ai ha^?1) erbrachte Ernten, die mit denjenigen, der von Hand gejäteten Kontrollparzellen vergleichbar waren (82–126%). Diese Herbizide, zur Ausflanzzeit ausgebracht, ergaben eine ausgezeichnete und andauernde Kontrolle von Gräsern (86–100%), während die Wirkung gegen breitblättrige Unkräuter geringer ausfiel (38–94%).     

The Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle Oryctes rhinoceros (L)[Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Dynastinae]

Abstract

Field experiments were conducted during two dry seasons in northern Nigeria to identify suitable pre‐transplant herbicides for weed control in irrigated tomatoes. At Samaru in the northern Guinea savanna, diphenamid at 1.5 kg a.i./ha followed by supplementary hoe‐weeding, metribuzin at 0.5 kg a.i./ha, diphenamid at 3.0 kg a.i./ha, metolachlor plus metobromuron at 1.0 + 1.0 kg a.i./ha and two or three hoe‐weedings, resulted in higher tomato yields than the untreated controls, and most of these treatments reduced weed infestations significantly in both years. At Bakura, in the Sudan savanna zone, metribuzin at 0.25 and 0.5 kg a.i./ha, diphenamid at 3.0 g a.i./ha and chloramben at 1.5 kg a.i./ha plus supplementary weeding consistently resulted in yields that were similar to two hoe‐weedings and higher than the untreated controls. Three kg a.i./ha of chloramben depressed yields in all the trials. At both sites hoe‐weeding once six weeks after transplanting gave unacceptably low crop yields, but similar high yields were obtained with two or three hoe‐weedings. Supplementary hoe‐weedings were unnecessary with the application of metribuzin at 0.5 kg and metolachlor plus metobromuron at 1.0 + 1.0 kg a.i./ha. Uncontrolled weed growth resulted in a 53–67% reduction in tomato fruit yield.     

Weed competition and control in sugarcane

Losses of about 40% in cane yields due to natural stands of weeds were found in experiments conducted in sugarcane var. Co 527 in the year of planting at Guneid Sugarcane Research Station, Sudan. Weed competition lowered millable stalks per metre row by 32%, stalk height by 24%, stalk thickness by 15% and number of nodes per stalk by 14%. Tillering was the growth phase most affected by weed competition. Cane yields were increased as number of hand weedings increased, but four weedings were not markedly better than three. The average yield (67·04 t ha^?1) obtained from four weedings was not significantly (P= 0·05) better than that of three weedings carried out at 3, 6 and 9 weeks after cane planting. Juice analysis components were also affected by weeds and a 15% reduction in sucrose recovery was recorded. Reductions in the other components were only 4–7%. Atrazine and diuron (3·3 kg ha^?1), metribuzin (2·4 kg ha^?1) and metribuzin (1·3 kg ha^?1) in tank mixture with diuron (1·5 kg ha^?1) gave excellent residual weed control of the dominant weed species, Ipomoea cordofana Choisy., Brachiaria eruciformis (Sm.) Griseb., Corchorus fascicularis Lam., Ocimum basilicum L. and Dinebra retroflexa (Vahl) Panz., for most of the first growing season. Excellent control of weeds achieved by the herbicide treatments resulted in comparable yields to frequently-weeded cane. These herbicides were not phytotoxic to sugarcane var. Co 527.     

Effects of repeated applications of fluazifop-butyl, haloxyfop and sethoxydim on Elymus repens in strawberries

Fluazifop-butyl, haloxyfop and sethoxydim with adjuvant oil were applied for three successive growing seasons to established strawberries infested with Elymus repens. The weed was virtually eradicated by three applications of haloxyfop (0.8 kg a.e. ha^?1) in successive years. A similar effect was given by five applications of haloxyfop (0.4 kg a.e. ha^?1) and fluazifop-butyl (1.6 kg AI ha^?1) in three growing seasons. Lower rates of haloxyfop and fluazifop-butyl, and a high rate of sethoxydim (1.6 kg AI ha^?1) applied five times were less effective, the ground cover of E. repens shoots not being reduced by the end of the experiment although weight of living rhizome was only 10-30% of that on untreated plots. Fruit yields on treated plots generally reflected the level of E. repens control, but there was some evidence of crop phytotoxicity from herbicide treatments. During the experiment E. repens untreated plots increased from about 30-100% ground cover and reduced yield 13, 28 and 68% in successive years compared with weed-free plots.     

Application timing of asulam for torpedograss (Panicum repens L.) control in sugarcane in Okinawa island

Field and glasshouse experiments were conducted from 1995 through 1996 to evaluate application timing of asulam (methyl sulfanilylcarbamate) for torpedograss (Panicum repens L.) control in relation to plant age in sugarcane. Above‐ground shoots of torpedograss were completely controlled with asulam at 2–4 kg active ingredient (a.i.) ha^?1 applied 60 or 80 days after planting (DAP) in artificially infested pots. But some newly developed rhizome buds survived after asulam application resulting in 1–25 and 76–100% or more regrowth in 60 and 80 DAP‐applied pots, respectively. Whereas the herbicide at 2–4 kg a.i. ha^?1 applied within 60 DAP completely controlled above‐ground shoots, applied 80 DAP at 2 kg a.i. ha^?1 it did not completely control the weed in the artificially infested field. Regrowth levels were 1–25 and 76–100% or more in 60 and 80 DAP‐applied plots, respectively. Asulam at 2–3 kg a.i. ha^?1 applied 20, 40, 60 or 80 DAP in a naturally infested field completely controlled above‐ground shoots and regrowth levels were 76–100 or more, 51–75, 1–25 and 26–50% in these same DAP applied plots, respectively. The herbicide applied at 4 kg a.i. ha^?1 caused chlorosis on younger sugarcane leaves (one‐leaf stage), but when applied at 2–3 kg a.i. ha^?1, no injury symptoms were shown. The herbicide at 2–4 kg a.i. ha^?1 applied within 60 DAP resulted in remarkably higher yield and shoot biomass of sugarcane than that applied 80 DAP. This study suggested that asulam at 2–3 kg a.i. ha^?1 should be applied 60 days after planting for the maximum control of torpedograss regrowth and better yield of sugarcane. This study also indicated that torpedograss cannot be completely controlled with a single application of asulam in a naturally infested field because of rhizome fragmentation by cross plowing and distribution of rhizomes into different soil layers that require different times to emerge. The shoots emerging after asulam application could not be controlled. Another study is required to determine the interval between sequential applications of asulam for better control of torpedograss in a naturally infested field.     

Control of Achillea millefolium L. (yarrow) by rotary cultivation and glyphosate

Various control strategies for Achillea millefolium L. (yarrow) were investigated in a dense stand of the weed at Lincoln College in 1977–1978. In early spring plots were either rotary cultivated or left undisturbed. In late spring, plots of both previous treatments were either left undisturbed, rotary cultivated or sprayed with glyphosate at 1·5 kg ha^?1. The whole experiment was rotary cultivated twice 1 week later and sown with Hordeum vulgure L. cv. Zephyr (barley) at 144 kg seed ha^?1. MCPA + dicamba at 0·9+0·15 kg ha^?1 was applied to half of each plot when the second node was detectable (Zadok 32). Rotary cultivation and glyphosate both substantially reduced the regrowth of A. millefolium but glyphosate reduced regrowth by a greater proportion when applied to undisturbed plants than when applied to plants regenerating after cultivation. Both gave a more than 95% reduction compared to the control (rotary cultivation only at sowing time) in the amount of A. millefolium present in the barley stubble in the autumn. MCPA + dicamba caused seedling mortality but did not affect the numbers of primary shoots from rhizome fragments. The grain yield of the barley increased from 2·91 t ha^?1 when A. millefolium was not controlled to 4·23 t ha^?1 with good control. The barley yield appeared to be restricted by competition from regenerating A. millefolium and by a nitrogen deficiency induced in some regimes by nitrogen immobilization in decaying rhizomes.     

Weed interference in maize, cowpea and maize/cowpea intercrop in a subhumid tropical environment. III. Influence of land preparation

The influence of no-tillage and conventional tillage on the outcome of early weed interference in maize (Zea mays L., cv. TZB), cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp, cv. VITA-5] and their intercrop at populations of 40000, 50 000 and 30 000 + 40 000 plants ha^?1 was investigated on a loamy sand Oxic Ustropept in a subhumid tropical environment between April and July 1980. Both tillage treatments received 60 kg N, 30 kg P₂O₅ and 30 kg K₂O ha^?1. Although the weed spectrum was wider under no-tillage, weed weight was only 52% of the weight recorded under conventional tillage 6 weeks after sowing and the average food energy yield reductions caused were 28 and 65%, respectively. Cropping pattern had no effect on plot weediness. With minimum or no weed interference, maize performance was better in conventional than no-tillage but worse with prolonged weed interference. Cowpea responded more to weed interference than to tillage practice. Regardless of tillage practice and weed interference duration (up to 6 weeks) after sowing, maize monoculture produced the highest food energy yield, followed by maize/cowpea intercrop and cowpea monoculture in that order.     

Diclofop-methyl antagonism by broadleaf weed herbicides: the importance of leaf expansion rate

Avena saliva cv. Amuri and A. fatua were sprayed with diclofop methyl (1.0 kg a.i. ha^?1) alone and in combination with 2,4-D (1.1 kg a.i. ha^?1), bentazone (1.0 kg a.i. ha^?1), chlorsulfuron (15 g a.i. ha^?1) or dicamba (0.3 kg a.i. ha^?1). Effects of the herbicides on leaf extension rate during the first 8 to 10 days after spraying and subsequent growth (dry weight) after 57–75 days were determined by comparison with unsprayed plants. Diclofop-methyl applied alone did not cause a decrease in leaf extension rate of A. saliva or A. fatua until at least 4 days after spraying. All broadleaf weed herbicides in combination with diclofop-methyl caused a decrease in leaf extension rate of both species within 2 days of spraying. Ten days after spraying, leaf extension rates for plants sprayed with a broadleaf weed herbicide plus diclofopmethyl (all combinations) were lower than for unsprayed plants but greater than for plants sprayed with diclofop-methyl alone. With the exception of A. fatua sprayed with bentazone, long-term growth of plants sprayed with a broadleaf weed herbicide plus diclofop-methyl (all combinations) was lower than for unsprayed plants but greater than for plants sprayed with diclofop-methyl alone. Bentazone applied with diclofop-methyl caused a substantial decrease in leaf extension rate of A. fatua within 24 h of spraying but at harvest, dry weight of plants from this treatment was similar to or less than that for plants sprayed with diclofop-methyl alone. Application of diclofop-methyl with bentazone at a rate of 0.3 kg a.i. ha^?1 also caused a reduction in leaf extension rate of A. fatua within one day of spraying. At this rate of bentazone, dry weight of plants at harvest was intermediate to that of unsprayed plants and those sprayed with diclofop-methyl alone. It is proposed that decreased leaf expansion rate during the first few days afte spraying is the cause of broadleaf weed herbicide antagonism of diclofop-methyl.