The objective of this research was to describe proportional differences across time and region in management practices among southern cotton farmers who experienced glyphosate-resistant (GR) weeds on their farms earlier than those who experienced them later and among farmers who were closest to one of four historical outbreak epicenters: Lauderdale County, TN; Macon County, GA; Edgecombe County, NC; and Terry County, TX. A mail survey was conducted with cotton farmers in 2012 from 13 southern, cotton-producing states. Survey responses on practices used by farmers were classified into three broad categories of labor, mechanical/tillage/chemical (MTC), and cultural. Proportions of respondents using practices from each category were identified by time and region; across which, proportional-difference tests were conducted. Results indicated respondents encountering GR weeds earlier were more likely than farmers who experienced them later to use the three broad-category practices (labor, 98 vs. 92%; MTC, 95 vs. 89%; and cultural, 86 vs. 76%) and specific practices, including hooded sprayers (76 vs. 58%), in-season herbicide change (83 vs. 60%), and field-border management (60 vs. 35%). Also, respondents closest to Lauderdale County were more likely than farmers closest to Edgecombe County to use broad-labor practices (99 vs. 91%) and specific practices, including hand hoeing (96 vs. 84%), hand spraying (49 vs. 31%), spot spraying (76 vs. 59%), wick applicator (13 vs. 11%), and field-border management (58 vs. 39%). Education programs on weed management can be developed and tailored according to the time and regional differences to provide effective information and communication channels to farmers.

Fall panicum is the most troublesome annual grass weed in sugarcane in Florida. The critical timing of fall panicum removal in sugarcane or the maximum amount of early season interference that sugarcane can tolerate before it suffers irrecoverable yield loss is not known. Field studies were conducted from 2012 to 2015 in Belle Glade, FL to determine the critical timing of fall panicum removal and season-long interference in sugarcane. The effect of season-long fall panicum interference and critical timing of removal based on 5 and 10% acceptable yield loss (AYL) levels were determined by fitting a log-logistic equation to percentage millable stalk, cane, and sugar yield loss data. Millable stalks, cane, and sucrose yield decreased as the duration of fall panicum interference increased. Season-long interference of fall panicum resulted in 34 to 60%, 34 to 62%, and 44 to 60% millable stalk, cane, and sucrose yield loss, respectively. The critical timing of fall panicum removal based on 5 and 10% AYL for millable stalks was 5 to 9 wk after sugarcane emergence (WAE). At 5 and 10% AYL, the critical timing of fall panicum removal ranged from 5 to 9 WAE and 6 to 8 WAE for cane and sucrose yield loss, respectively. These results show that fall panicum is competitive with sugarcane early in the season, demonstrating the need for timely early-season control to reduce negative effect on yield.

Production of maize in western Kenya is severely constrained by the parasitic weed striga. Although productivity of maize can be improved through adoption of improved varieties, adoption of such varieties remains low in the region, as the majority of smallholder farmers still grow unimproved open-pollinated varieties (landraces). The performance of two improved hybrid varieties was evaluated against six landraces in striga-infested soils in western Kenya. The varieties were planted in plots under natural striga infestation and were supplemented with pot experiments under artificial infestation. Striga emergence was lower in landraces than in the hybrid varieties in both field and pot experiments. Similarly, height of maize plants at harvest and grain yields were higher in the landraces than in the hybrids. After three continuous cropping seasons, in all treatments, striga seedbank density increased two to seven times. Seedbank increase was higher with hybrids and two of the landraces, ‘Rachar' and ‘Endere'. These results provide an insight into the potential role landraces could play in efforts toward an integrated management approach for striga in smallholder cropping systems. They also highlight the need to develop hybrid maize lines with local adaptation to biotic constraints, specifically striga.

A study was established to evaluate interactions between imazamox at 0 and 44 g ai ha−1 mixed with propanil at 0, 1,120, 2,240, 3,360, and 4,480 g ai ha−1 for the control of red rice and barnyardgrass. Blouin's Modified Colby's procedure was used to test for interactions. At 7 d after treatment (DAT), a synergistic response occurred for red rice treated with imazamox at 44 g ha−1 mixed with propanil at 3,360 and 4,480 g ha−1 by increasing expected control of 62% to an observed control of 67 and 75%, respectively, and the synergistic response continued across all evaluations through 49 DAT. No antagonism occurred for any imazamox plus propanil mixture for red rice control. An antagonistic response was shown for barnyardgrass control with imazamox at 44 g ha−1 mixed with any rate of propanil, at 7 DAT. However, imazamox plus propanil at 4,480 g ha−1 resulted in a neutral response at 14 through 49 DAT. Rice treated with imazamox plus propanil at 4,480 g ha−1 plus imazamox resulted in a yield of 6,640 kg ha−1. The synergistic response observed for red rice control with a mixture of imazamox plus propanil can benefit producers by increasing control of red rice, and this mixture contains two different modes of action that can be part of an overall resistance management strategy.

Topramezone controls weeds in tolerant, cool-season turfgrasses, but injury potential during establishment has received limited investigation. The objectives of this research were to evaluate the tolerance of ‘Penn A-4’ creeping bentgrass, ‘Manhattan V' perennial ryegrass, and ‘Titan' tall fescue to topramezone at 18.5, 37, or 74 g ae ha−1 during establishment. Grasses were seeded in strips in October, and treatments were applied at 0, 2, 4, or 6 wk after seeding (WAS). Perennial ryegrass and tall fescue had minimal (≤ 8%) injury from all treatments, and ground cover was greater or equal to the nontreated at all application timings. Topramezone applied 4 WAS at 37 and 74 g ha−1 injured creeping bentgrass 16 and 23% at 2 wk after treatment, respectively. However, all other topramezone rates and timings caused < 10% injury. Mesotrione at 175 g ai ha−1 injured creeping bentgrass 14 to 43% at all timings and was more injurious than topramezone. Mesotrione applied at 2, 4, or 6 WAS controlled lesser swinecress ≥ 99% at 20 WAS, whereas applications on the day of seeding provided 71% control. All topramezone treatments provided poor control (< 70%) of lesser swinecress at 20 WAS. Overall, perennial ryegrass and tall fescue are tolerant to topramezone during establishment at the rates tested. Seedling creeping bentgrass has better tolerance to topramezone from 18.5 to 74 g ha−1, than to mesotrione at 175 g ha−1 and may provide end-users an HPPD inhibitor for use during establishment.

Giant ragweed is one of the most competitive annual broadleaf weeds in soybean production fields in the midwestern United States and eastern Canada because of its early emergence, rapid growth rate, high plasticity, and resistance to glyphosate and acetolactate synthase inhibitors. Therefore, early-season management of giant ragweed is critical to avoid yield loss. The objectives of this study were to evaluate control of glyphosate-resistant giant ragweed through the integration of preplant tillage or 2,4-D; PRE or early POST (EPOST) followed by (fb) late POST (LPOST) herbicide programs with or without preplant tillage or 2,4-D; and their effect on soybean injury and yield. A field study was conducted in 2013 and 2014 in David City, NE in a field infested with glyphosate-resistant giant ragweed. Preplant tillage or 2,4-D application provided > 90% control of glyphosate-resistant giant ragweed 14 d after preplant treatment. Giant ragweed control and biomass reduction were consistently > 90% with preplant tillage or 2,4-D fb sulfentrazone plus cloransulam PRE or glyphosate plus cloransulam EPOST fb glyphosate plus fomesafen or lactofen LPOST compared with ≤ 86% control with same treatments without preplant tillage or 2,4-D. PRE or EPOST fb LPOST herbicide programs preceded by preplant treatments resulted in giant ragweed density < 2 plants m−2 and soybean yield > 2,400 kg ha−1 compared with the density of ≥ 2 plants m−2 and soybean yield < 1,800 kg ha−1 under PRE or EPOST fb LPOST herbicide programs. The contrast analysis also indicated that preplant tillage or 2,4-D fb a PRE or POST program was more effective for giant ragweed management compared with PRE fb POST herbicide programs. Integration of preplant tillage would provide an alternative method for early-season control of giant ragweed; however, a follow up application of herbicides is needed for season-long control in soybean.

White bean tolerance and weed control were examined by applying halosulfuron alone or in combination with pendimethalin, dimethenamid-P, or S-metolachlor applied PRE. All herbicides applied alone or in combination caused less than 3% visible injury 1 and 4 wk after emergence (WAE). Halosulfuron applied PRE provided greater than 95% control of common lambsquarters, wild mustard, redroot pigweed, and common ragweed and less than 55% control of green foxtail at 4 and 8 WAE. Weed density and dry weight at 8 WAE paralleled the control ratings. Dry bean yields in halosulfuron plus a soil applied grass herbicide did not differ compared to the weed-free control. Green foxtail competition with halosulfuron PRE applied alone resulted in reduced white bean yield compared to the weed-free control.

Palmer amaranth and waterhemp have become increasingly troublesome weeds throughout the United States. Both species are highly adaptable and emerge continuously throughout the summer months, presenting the need for a residual PRE application in soybean. To improve season-long control of Amaranthus spp., 19 PRE treatments were evaluated on glyphosate-resistant Palmer amaranth in 2013 and 2014 at locations in Arkansas, Indiana, Nebraska, Illinois, and Tennessee; and on glyphosate-resistant waterhemp at locations in Illinois, Missouri, and Nebraska. The two Amaranthus species were analyzed separately; data for each species were pooled across site-years, and site-year was included as a random variable in the analyses. The dissipation of weed control throughout the course of the experiments was compared among treatments with the use of regression analysis where percent weed control was described as a function of time (the number of weeks after treatment [WAT]). At the mean (i.e., average) WAT (4.3 and 3.2 WAT for Palmer amaranth and waterhemp, respectively) isoxaflutole + S-metolachlor + metribuzin had the highest predicted control of Palmer amaranth (98%) and waterhemp (99%). Isoxaflutole + S-metolachlor + metribuzin, S-metolachlor + mesotrione, and flumioxazin + pyroxasulfone had a predicted control ≥ 97% and similar model parameter estimates, indicating control declined at similar rates for these treatments. Dicamba and 2,4-D provided some, short-lived residual control of Amaranthus spp. When dicamba was added to metribuzin or S-metolachlor, control increased compared to dicamba alone. Flumioxazin + pyroxasulfone, a currently labeled PRE, performed similarly to treatments containing isoxaflutole or mesotrione. Additional sites of action will provide soybean growers more opportunities to control these weeds and reduce the potential for herbicide resistance.

Sicklepod and pitted morningglory are two of the most important weed species in row-crop production in the southeastern United States. The upcoming introduction of soybean and cotton varieties resistant to 2,4-D and dicamba will increase the reliance on these auxinic herbicides. However, it is not clear how these herbicides will affect sicklepod and pitted morningglory control. Field experiments were conducted in 2013 and 2014 in Jay, FL to determine whether 2,4-D (560 and 1,120 g ae ha−1), dicamba (420 and 840 g ae ha−1), and glyphosate (1,060 g ae ha−1) alone or in combination applied when weed shoots were 11 (early POST [EPOST]) and 22 (late POST [LPOST]) cm long effectively control and prevent seed production of sicklepod and pitted morningglory. LPOST provided more effective control of sicklepod than EPOST. This was attributed to emergence of sicklepod seedlings after the EPOST application. When glyphosate was tank mixed with 2,4-D or dicamba, sicklepod control was higher (78 to 89% and 87 to 98% in 2013 and 2014, respectively) than for single-herbicide treatments (45 to 77% and 38 to 80% in 2013 and 2014, respectively) 6 wk after treatment (WAT). Pitted morningglory control was not affected by application timing, and 2,4-D provided 91 to 100% 6 WAT, which was equivalent to treatments with tank mixtures containing glyphosate. Dicamba applied at 420 g ha−1 had the lowest pitted morningglory control (44 to 70% and 82 to 86% in 2013 and 2014, respectively). Sicklepod and pitted morningglory plants that survived and recovered from herbicide treatments produced the same number of viable seeds as nontreated plants in most treatments. The results of the present study indicated that the use of 2,4-D and dicamba alone will not provide adequate extended control of sicklepod, and the use of tank mixtures that combine auxinic herbicides with glyphosate or other POST herbicides will be necessary to manage sicklepod adequately in 2,4-D- or dicamba-resistant soybean and cotton. Because sicklepod plants that survived a single herbicide application are capable of producing abundant viable seeds, integrated approaches that include PRE herbicides and sequential POST control options may be necessary to ensure weed seed bank reductions.

A field experiment was conducted at Marianna, AR in 2012 and 2013 to test various combinations of (1) soybean production systems: full-season tillage (rye plus deep tillage using a moldboard plow), full season (no rye plus no tillage), late-season tillage (wheat plus deep tillage), and late season (no wheat plus no tillage); (2) soybean cultivars: glufosinate or glyphosate resistant; and (3) four herbicide programs for management of glyphosate-resistant Palmer amaranth. At soybean harvest, Palmer amaranth control was 95 to 100% when flumioxazin plus pyroxasulfone was applied PRE. In both years full-season tillage and late-season tillage systems in combination with flumioxazin plus pyroxasulfone applied PRE increased Palmer amaranth control over the same systems in the absence of flumioxazin plus pyroxasulfone applied PRE. The addition of deep tillage in the form of a moldboard plow to the full-season and late-season systems reduced Palmer amaranth densities at harvest. Similarly, Palmer amaranth seed production was often lower in the full-season tillage and late-season tillage systems compared with the full-season and late-season no-tillage systems, regardless of soybean cultivar and herbicide programs. Overall, the use of deep tillage in the full-season or late-season systems in combination with a PRE application of flumioxazin plus pyroxasulfone provided greater control of Palmer amaranth, decreasing both density and seed production and increasing soybean grain yields.

Field studies were conducted near Crowley, LA, to evaluate the effects of simulated herbicide drift on ‘Cocodrie' rice. Each treatment was made with the spray volume varying proportionally to herbicide dosage based on a spray volume of 234 L ha−1 and an imazamox rate of 44 g ai ha−1. The 6.3%, 2.7-g ha−1, herbicide rate was applied at a spray volume of 15 L ha−1 and the 12.5%, 5.5-g ha−1, herbicide rate was applied at a spray volume of 29 L ha−1. Rice was treated at the one-tiller, panicle differentiation, boot, and physiological maturity growth stages. Injury was observed with imazamox applied at the one-tiller timing. Injury was not observed until 21 and 28 d after treatment (DAT) when imazamox was applied at the panicle differentiation and boot timings. The greatest reduction in plant height resulted from applications at the one-tiller timing at 7 and 14 DAT; however, when evaluated at harvest, plant height was reduced no more than 10%. Imazamox, averaged over rate, applied to rice at the boot timing reduced primary crop yield 66% compared with the nontreated. Applications at the boot timing resulted in an increased ratoon crop yield; however, the yield increase did not compensate for the loss in the primary crop yield.

Field and greenhouse experiments were conducted to characterize the response of a waterhemp population from McLean County, IL to foliar-applied 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD) –inhibiting herbicides and determine the population's sensitivity to herbicides from other site-of-action groups. In the field, 10 to 15–cm-tall waterhemp treated with mesotrione at 105 g ai ha−1, tembotrione at 92 g ai ha−1, or topromezone at 18 g ai ha−1 had significantly greater biomass (≥ 10%) 14 d after treatment (DAT) than waterhemp harvested the day of herbicide application, indicating growth had occurred following herbicide application. Waterhemp growth stage at the time of herbicide application influenced control. Mesotrione applied at 105 g ha−1 alone or combined with atrazine at 560 g ai ha−1 provided significantly greater waterhemp control (≥ 66%) when applied to small waterhemp plants (2 to 5 cm tall) compared with applications made to plants 5 to 10 or 10 to 15 cm tall. Glyphosate, glufosinate, fomesafen, lactofen, or acifluorfen provided greater waterhemp control (≥ 68%) 7 and 14 DAT than mesotrione, dicamba, or 2,4-D. Control of this population with atrazine, chlorimuron, and imazethapyr did not exceed 12%. Results of a greenhouse experiment with waterhemp plants grown from field-collected seed were similar to field data, and confirm the McLean County population was poorly controlled with HPPD, photosystem II, and acetolactate synthase inhibitors.

Water is the primary carrier for herbicide application, and carrier-water–related factors can influence herbicide performance. In a greenhouse study, premixed formulation of glyphosate plus dicamba was mixed in deionized (DI) water at 5, 18, 31, 44, or 57 C and applied immediately. In a companion study, glyphosate and dicamba formulation was mixed in DI water at temperatures of 5, 22, 39, or 56 C and sprayed after the herbicide solution was left at the respective temperatures for 0, 6, or 24 h. In both studies, glyphosate plus dicamba was applied at 0.275 plus 0.137 kg ae ha−1 (low rate), and 0.55 plus 0.275 kg ha−1 (high rate), respectively, to giant ragweed, horseweed, Palmer amaranth, and pitted morningglory. Glyphosate plus dicamba applied at a low rate with solution temperature of 31 C provided 14% and 26% greater control of giant ragweed and pitted morningglory, respectively, compared to application at solution temperature of 5 C. At both rates of glyphosate and dicamba formulation, giant ragweed and pitted morningglory control was 15% or greater at solution temperature of 44 C compared to 5 C. Weed control was not affected with premixture of glyphosate and dicamba applied ≤ 24 h after mixing herbicide. When considering solution temperature, glyphosate and dicamba applied at low rate provided 13 and 6% greater control of Palmer amaranth and pitted morningglory, respectively, with solution temperature of 22 C compared to 5 C. Similarly, giant ragweed control was 8% greater with solution temperature of 39 C compared to 5 C. Glyphosate and dicamba applied at high rate provided 8% greater control of giant ragweed at solution temperature of 22 or 39 C compared to 5 C. Therefore, activity of premixed glyphosate and dicamba could be reduced with spray solution at lower temperature; however, the result is dependent on weed species.

Field experiments were conducted in 2013 and 2014 to determine the influence of velvetleaf densities of 0, 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, and 8 plants m−1 of row on cotton growth and yield. The relationship between velvetleaf density and seed cotton yield was described by the hyperbolic decay regression model, which estimated that a density of 0.44 to 0.48 velvetleaf m−1 of row would result in a seed cotton yield loss of 50%. Velvetleaf remained taller and thicker than cotton throughout the growing season. Both cotton height and stem diameter reduced with increasing velvetleaf density. Moreover, velvetleaf interference delayed cotton maturity, especially at velvetleaf densities of 1 to 8 plants m−1 of row, and cotton boll number and weight, seed numbers per boll, and lint percentage were also reduced. Fiber quality was not influenced by weed density when analyzed over 2 yr; however, fiber length uniformity and micronaire were adversely affected in 2014. Velvetleaf intraspecific competition resulted in density-dependent effects on weed biomass, ranging from 97 to 204 g plant−1 dry weight. Velvetleaf seed production per plant or per square meter was indicated by a logarithmic response. At a density of 1 plant m−1 of cotton row, velvetleaf produced approximately 20,000 seeds m−2. The adverse impact of velvetleaf on cotton growth and development identified in this study have indicated the need for effective management of this species when the weed density is greater than 0.25 to 0.5 plant m−1 of row and before the weed seed maturity.

Field experiments were conducted from 2011 to 2013 near Ridgetown and Exeter, Ontario, Canada to evaluate the tolerance of seven identity-preserved (IP) soybean cultivars to protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO)-inhibiting herbicides flumioxazin, saflufenacil/dimethenamid-P, and sulfentrazone applied PRE; fomesafen applied POST; as well as PRE followed by (fb) POST application. Ridgetown sites demonstrated excellent tolerance (< 10% injury) to PRE treatments, whereas PRE sulfentrazone caused up to 36% injury at 1 and 2 wk after application (WAA) at Exeter. Of the PRE fb POST treatments evaluated, those containing saflufenacil/dimethenamid-P and sulfentrazone were most injurious to soybean, with cultivar being a further determinant of injury. At Exeter 1 WAA, cultivars ‘S03W4’ and ‘S23T5’ showed 23 to 27 and 45 to 46% injury for saflufenacil/dimethenamid-P and sulfentrazone when followed by POST fomesafen, respectively. Sulfentrazone application (PRE alone or fb fomesafen) consequently reduced S03W4 yield up to 38% and S23T5 up to 25%, whereas saflufenacil/dimethenamid-P fb fomesafen reduced S03W4 by 18%. In general, PRE fb POST caused more injury than PRE treatments; however, injury diminished over time and no significant reduction to soybean yield could be attributed to adding POST fomesafen. On the basis of this study, the injury from PPO herbicides applied PRE is active ingredient, cultivar, and environment specific. Although PPO herbicides have the potential to cause unacceptable crop injury in some IP soybean cultivars, selecting a tolerant cultivar will minimize yield losses.

Field studies were conducted in 2013 at Houlka, MS and in 2014 at Houston, MS to evaluate herbicide programs for yellow nutsedge control and sweetpotato crop response. Treatments consisted of halosulfuron-methyl at 13, 26, and 34 g ai ha−1 2 wk after transplanting (WAP) followed by (fb) S-metolachlor at 856 g ai ha−1 4 WAP; a sequential application of 13 g ha−1 halosulfuron-methyl at 2 and 4 WAP; and halosulfuron-methyl at 13 g ha−1 plus either S-metolachlor or 1,123 g ai ha−1 alachlor 2 WAP. Crop injury in treated plots ranged from 29 to 44% at 3 WAP. Injury from the sequential application increased slightly between 3 and 5 WAP (29 to 38%), but decreased between 5 WAP and harvest (19%). Injury with all other treatments was unchanged from 5 WAP through harvest. The sequential application of halosulfuron-methyl provided the greatest control of yellow nutsedge throughout the duration of the study with ≥ 83% control from 5 WAP through harvest. Control from all other treatments ranged from 38 to 78% from 5 WAP through harvest. No. 1, canner, and marketable sweetpotato yields of the hand-weeded check were 19,900; 7,140; and 27,590 kg ha−1, respectively. No. 1, canner, and marketable yields of the weedy check were only 15, 51, and 25% of the hand-weeded check, respectively. With the exception of halosulfuron-methyl at 13 g ha−1 fb S-metolachlor, which was similar to the weedy check, no. 1 and marketable yields with all treatments were greater than the weedy check, but less than the weed-free check. A sequential application of halosulfuron-methyl and a tank mix of halosulfuron-methyl plus S-metolachlor would fit well into an overall yellow nutsedge management program in sweetpotato. However, as halosulfuron-methyl is not registered for use in sweetpotato, growers must continue to manage yellow nutsedge primarily with crop rotation and sanitation.

Indaziflam is a PRE herbicide for annual broadleaf and grass control in turfgrass systems and requires a 40-wk minimum interval between application and overseeding perennial ryegrass. Currently, activated-charcoal application is recommended to reduce that interval; however, preliminary evaluations determined activated charcoal alone was not a robust mitigation practice for successful establishment during perennial ryegrass overseeding. Field research was conducted in North Carolina and Tennessee to evaluate various mitigation practices to effectively overseed perennial ryegrass into indaziflam-treated turfgrass areas. Immediately following indaziflam application (53 g ai ha−1), two scenarios were created by delivering 0 or 0.3 cm H2O before mitigation practice. Irrigated plots were air-dried before conducting mitigation practices. Evaluated mitigation practices included scalping (0.6 cm cut height; debris removed), verticutting (1.25 cm depth; debris removed), and activated-charcoal application (167 kg ha−1 applied as an aqueous slurry in 3,180 L ha−1), evaluated individually and in each two-way combination in the order scalp followed by (fb) activated charcoal, scalp fb verticut, or verticut fb activated charcoal. Twenty-four hours after mitigation practice completion, perennial ryegrass was seeded (976 kg ha−1) and maintained as a golf course fairway. Overall, perennial ryegrass cover was reduced ≥ 93% at 8 and 20 wk after treatment (WAT) when no mitigation practices were performed. Stand-alone mitigation practices variably improved perennial ryegrass establishment; however, no practice provided acceptable results for end users. Combining mitigation practices improved overseeding establishment, most notably by adding activated charcoal application or verticutting to scalping before irrigation. Across experimental runs and locations, scalp fb activated-charcoal application before irrigation reduced perennial ryegrass cover 22 to 27% at 20 WAT. Results from this research suggest mitigation practices in addition to the currently recommended activated-charcoal application should be performed by turfgrass managers to improve perennial ryegrass overseeding establishment in indaziflam-treated turfgrass areas.

In the Pacific Northwest (PNW), feral rye is a predominant winter annual grass weed in the low-rainfall region where a winter wheat–summer fallow rotation has been practiced for more than 130 yr. Recently, producers began including winter canola in their rotation, which provides additional herbicide options to control feral rye. A 3-yr study was conducted in Washington to determine the efficacy of clethodim, quizalofop, and glyphosate on feral rye control and winter canola yield. During the first year of the study herbicides were applied in the spring, and they increased canola yield and decreased feral rye biomass, density, and seed production similarly when compared with the nontreated control. During the last 2 yr of the study, split applications of quizalofop and glyphosate were the most effective treatments for controlling rye (> 95%) and increasing canola yield. In general, clethodim was less effective than both quizalofop and glyphosate in controlling feral rye. Results from this study indicate that quizalofop in conventional or glyphosate-resistant winter canola and glyphosate in glyphosate-resistant winter canola can effectively control feral rye.

Most tall fescue in the United States is infected with a fungal endophyte which imparts certain advantages to the plant, such as drought tolerance, insect feeding deterrence, and enhanced mineral uptake. However, the endophyte also produces ergot alkaloids that are harmful to livestock and contribute to fescue toxicosis. Because the alkaloids are concentrated in seed and stems, a potential way to reduce the likelihood of fescue toxicosis is by suppressing seedhead formation with herbicides. Research was conducted from 2012 to 2014 using metsulfuron applied alone and in combination with other herbicides in spring to determine the growth response of tall fescue, effects on forage quality, and ergot alkaloid concentration. Clipping or metsulfuron applied alone or in combination with aminocyclopyrachlor or aminopyralid reduced seedhead density by 36 to 55% compared to the nontreated control. Treatments containing metsulfuron reduced spring harvest yield 35 to 61%, but no differences were observed in the summer or year-after harvests. The same treatments increased crude protein levels by 1.03 to 2.14% and reduced acid detergent fiber levels by 1.60 to 2.76% compared to the nontreated control at spring harvest. Treatments containing metsulfuron reduced ergot alkaloid concentration 26 to 34% at the spring harvest, but no differences were observed in summer-harvested forage. Results from this study indicate metsulfuron applied alone or in combination with aminocyclopyrachlor or aminopyralid can potentially reduce the severity of fescue toxicosis and improve forage quality.

Volunteer horseradish plants that emerged from root segments remaining after harvest can reduce yields of rotational crops as well as provide a host for pathogens and insects, thus reducing the benefits of crop rotation. POST applications of halosulfuron in corn can be an effective component to improve management of volunteer horseradish, but the replant interval from application to safe planting of commercial horseradish has not been determined. Fall herbicide applications are another possible volunteer horseradish management strategy than can be implemented once crops are harvested. Therefore, field experiments were conducted to evaluate the safe replant interval of horseradish following halosulfuron applications and to determine the efficacy of fall herbicide applications for volunteer horseradish control. Visual estimates of horseradish injury were greatest (85%) in plantings made zero months after halosulfuron applied at two times the approved rate; moreover, for all rates, injury decreased as the time after halosulfuron application increased. No herbicide injury or root biomass reduction occurred on horseradish at any halosulfuron rate from replanting beyond 4 mo after halosulfuron application. Control of volunteer horseradish was 91% or greater for all fall herbicide applications that included 2,4-D. Furthermore, volunteer horseradish shoot density was the lowest following combinations of 2,4-D tank-mixed with halosulfuron or rimsulfuron : thifensulfuron (0.2 and 0.4 shoots m−2, respectively) compared with the nontreated control (5.1 shoots m−2). This research demonstrates the effectiveness of both halosulfuron and 2,4-D as components of an integrated management strategy for volunteer horseradish control and the potential for halosulfuron applications without soil persistence beyond 4 mo affecting subsequent commercial horseradish production.