Investigations into the growth suppressing effect on nicosulfuron-treated johnsongrass Sorghum halepense on corn Zea mays
Gubbiga, N.; Worsham, A.; Corbin, F., 1996: Investigations into the growth suppressing effect on nicosulfuron-treated johnsongrass Sorghum halepense on corn Zea mays. Weed sciencet 44(3): 640-644
Greenhouse and growth chamber experiments were conducted to determine the reasons for stunted growth and yield suppression of corn noticed sometimes in nicosulfuron-treated corn fields infested with heavy population of johnsongrass. Results indicated that in the absence of johnsongrass, nicosulfuron applied broadcast POST at 35 g ai ha-1 had no effect on corn. However, growth reduction of corn occurred when nicosulfuron-treated johnsongrass and corn were allowed to share the same rooting medium with their root systems intermingle. The reduction in growth was even greater when corn foliage or the soil surface were also treated with johnsongrass. The extent of growth reduction of corn growing with nicosulfuron-killed johnsongrass depended on weed density and herbicide application rate. Greater growth reductions occurred at four johnsongrass plants per pot compared to two and at a higher application rate of 100 microgram nicosulfuron per plant. In general, johnsongrass killed by nicosulfuron appeared to be more phytotoxic to corn than plants killed by paraquat. Nicosulfuron provided excellent control of johnsongrass and improved corn growth by two to three times that of not controlling johnsongrass, but it could not elevate corn growth to the level obtained when johnsongrass was controlled by paraquat or in the absence of interference from johnsongrass.Other references