Integration of Cereal Cover Crops and Synthetic Auxin Herbicides into Rowcrop Production and Weed Management

Abstract

The occurrence of herbicide resistance weeds across the southern United States has been increasing. Research is needed to develop alternative control measures, while supporting sound agronomic practices. Greenhouse and field studies were conducted to evaluate cereal cover cropping techniques along with novel herbicides to determine their value for Mississippi growers. Field studies were performed to determine which combination of cereal cover crops (cereal rye, wheat and oats) and residual herbicides (S-metolachlor + metribuzin, S-metolachlor + fomesafen, pendimethalin, flumioxazin, sulfentrazone + metribuzin and pyroxasulfone + flumioxazin) would maximize soybean yield in the presence of weeds. Cereal cover crop termination methods were evaluated and a partial budget was generated to examine the total costs of growing soybeans utilizing cereal cover crops and residual herbicides. Residual herbicide applications averaged across all cereal cover crops controlled Amaranthus spp. greater than 89% by 28 DAT. Control by the cover crops alone was 67% for of Amaranthus spp. In all cereal species tested, cutting the cover crops 10 cm above the soil and leaving the residue reduced weed numbers compared to other termination methods. However, high production and implementation costs may prevent widespread adoption of cereal cover crops and residual herbicides in Mississippi. Aminocyclopyrachlor (AMCP) is a synthetic auxin herbicide currently labeled for non-crop use, but has characteristics which may make it useful as a preplant burndown (PPB) herbicide. The application of AMCP prior to planting of corn and cotton were evaluated and carryover effects to soybean were also evaluated. Tank mix combinations of AMCP with residual herbicides (rimsulfuron, flumioxazin, pyroxasulfone, pyroxasulfone+ flumioxazin and atrazine) were also evaluated. A rate titration of AMCP and its impacts on crop species were evaluated in the greenhouse. Corn showed tolerance to AMCP except at 0.28 kg ai ha-1 applied prior to planting. Cotton was sensitive to AMCP as rate increased closer to the planting date, but response depended upon soil texture. AMCP impacts on soybean showed greater sensitivity (90% injury) then all other species evaluated. Due to potential impacts on soybean and cotton, AMCP is not a potential PPB for use in Mississippi

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