Author
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Webster, Theodore |
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Submitted to: University of Georgia Research Report
Publication Type: Experiment Station Publication Acceptance Date: 9/1/2001 Publication Date: 10/1/2001 Citation: Webster, T.M. 2001. Halosulfuron has a variable affect on squash growth and yield. 2001 University of Georgia Vegetable Research and Extension Report. p.65-68. Interpretive Summary: Yellow and purple nutsedge are among the most troublesome weeds in Georgia vegetables. Methyl bromide is the primary means of controlling these species, however its use will be eliminated in 2005. Halosulfuron is one of the potential alternatives to methyl bromide for the management of nutsedges in several vegetable crops. However, issues of crop safety may restrict its utility in zucchini squash. Halosulfuron reduced squash growth relative to metham, but was similar to that of the nontreated control. This reduction in squash growth did not always translate into a significant reduction in crop yield. Squash yields of transplant and direct-seeded squash were highest in metham treatments. Halosulfuron treatments were similar to metham in three out of four scenarios in 2000, but only in one of four scenarios in 2001. In spite of the variable response of squash yield to halosulfuron, these treatments had yields similar to the nontreated control. Nutsedge shoot populations were relatively low in this study (1.13 shoots/ft2), therefore halosulfuron caused at most, the equivalent to low populations of purple nutsedge. Technical Abstract: Yellow and purple nutsedge are among the most troublesome weeds in Georgia vegetables. Methyl bromide is the primary means of controlling these species, however its use will be eliminated in 2005. Halosulfuron is being evaluated in several vegetable crops as a replacement for methyl bromide for the management of nutsedges. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effect of halosulfuron on zucchini squash growth and yield. Halosulfuron applied prior to laying plastic or injected through drip tape irrigation system reduced zucchini squash growth relative to metham. However, crop growth in halosulfuron treatments was similar to the nontreated control. Squash yields of transplant and direct-seeded squash were highest in metham treatments, which tended to be more consistent than halosulfuron treatments. All halosulfuron treatments were similar to metham treatments in 2000, with the exception of halosulfuron applied PRE to transplanted squash. The following year, only halosulfuron applied through drip-tape was similar to metham. In spite of the variable response of squash yield to halosulfuron, halosulfuron treatments had yields similar to the nontreated control. Nutsedge shoot populations were relatively low in this study (1.13 shoots/ft2), therefore halosulfuron caused at most, the equivalent to low populations of purple nutsedge. |
