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.