Weed control potential and crop safety of selected herbicides in field-grown cannas

Abstract

Herbicides were applied pre-emergence (PRE) and early post-directed (EP-DIR) to determine their effects on crop injury and control of palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) and nutsedge (Cyperus spp.) in field-grown cannas (Canna x generalis). Results indicate that PRE-applied s-metolachlor + pendimethalin was the most effective treatment for controlling palmer amaranth. All other PRE-applied treatments failed to adequately control palmer amaranth. While moderate and temporary stunting was visible, in general, no herbicides (except trifloxysulfuron) significantly decreased canna rhizome yields. EP-DIR s-metolachlor or s-metolachlor + pendimethalin did not improve nutsedge control unless halosulfuron was included in the tank mixture. Addition of halosulfuron did not increase crop injury or decrease canna yields but did significantly reduce the number of nutsedge tubers found in the canna rhizomes at harvest. Results suggest that all PRE-applied herbicides tested were safe for cannas, but the lack of adequate palmer amaranth and nutsedge control prohibits their use as stand-alone herbicides for canna production in the midsouth. Post-directing applications of halosulfuron significantly improved nutsedge control and reduced tuber infestation and, therefore, should be included in all nutsedge management programs for canna rhizome production.