A multy-year study reveals the importance of residual herbicides on weed control in glyphosate-resistant soybean

Abstract

A 3-year field study was conducted to assess the potential for using pre-emergent (PRE) herbicides tank mixed with glyphosate as a means of controlling weed species in soybean. In 2011/12, 2012/13 and 2013/14 growing sessions soybean cultivar Brasmax Apollo RR was planted under residues of rye. The herbicide treatments glyphosate (gly) (1,296 g a.i. ha−1), gly + S-metolachlor (1,296 + 1,920), gly + imazaquin (1,296 +161), gly + pendimethalin (1,296 + 1,000), gly + metribuzin (1,296 + 480), gly + 2.4-D amine (1,296 + 1,209) was applied in pre-emergence (PRE) over rye crop residues two days before soybean sowing. In addition, full season weed-free and weedy control plots were included. Gly + S-metolachlor and gly + pendimethalin reduced the horseweed density from 48 to 3 and 6 plants m−2, respectively. The mix containing gly + metribuzin and gly + 2.4-D amine and gly applied alone had no effect in the horseweed control. The mix containing gly + metribuzin, gly + 2.4-D amine, gly + imazaquin and gly applied alone had no effect in the crabgrass control. In contrast gly + S-metolachlor and gly + pendimethalin reduced the crabgrass density from 70 to 0 and 1 plant m−2, respectively. The soybean yield was higher with weed-free, S-metolachlor and metribuzin treatments. The use of an herbicide with residual effect had impact on weed management and soybean yield. In conclusion, a greater control of horseweed and crabgrass occurred when S-metolachlor or pendimethalin was applied PRE.