Response of Yellow Nutsedge and Soybeans to Bentazon, Glyphosate, and Perfluidone

Abstract

Laboratory, greenhouse, and field experiments were conducted in 1972 and 1973 on the efficacy of controlling yellow nutsedge ( Cyperus esculentus L.) in soybeans [ Glycine max (L.) Merr.] with bentazon [3-isopropyl-1 H -2,1,3-benzothiadiazin-(4)3 H -one 2,2-dioxide], glyphosate [N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine], and perfluidone [1,1,1-trifluoro- N -[2-methyl-4-(phenylsulfonyl)phenyl] methanesulfonamide]. Young nutsedge plants (four- to six-leaf stage) were more susceptible to foliar sprays of the three herbicides than were older (six- to eight-leaf stage) plants. Foliar application of bentazon resulted in slow acropetal translocation of the herbicide, but killed the parent tubers. Good coverage of the foliage by bentazon sprays is essential, because the bentazon frequently kills only the foliage contacted by the spray. Applied as a postemergence broadcast spray, glyphosate injured soybeans severely at rates higher than 0.3 kg/ha, but did not satisfactorily control yellow nutsedge at rates less than 2.2 kg/ha. Perfluidone was active on yellow nutsedge when applied to either soil or foliage; yellow nutsedge was controlled best with preplant incorporated treatments at 4.5 kg/ha. Applications of 4.5 kg/ha perfluidone in the field significantly injured soybeans and reduced yields.