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Submitted to: Proceedings of Southern Weed Science Society
Publication Type: Abstract Only Publication Acceptance Date: 1/9/2003 Publication Date: 1/10/2003 Citation: Johnson, III, W.C. 2003. Yellow nutsedge control with metham-sodium in transplanted cantaloupe [abstract]. Proceedings of Southern Weed Science Society. 56:109. Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: Metham-sodium has shown promise as an alternative to methyl bromide fumigation for weed control in vegetable crops. Irrigated field trials were conducted in 2001 and 2002 at Tifton, GA to refine metham-sodium application techniques. These trials were conducted on transplanted cantaloupe using all possible combinations of three metham-sodium rates, three preplant fumigation intervals, and two levels of plastic mulching. Preplant metham-sodium fumigation 2-wk before transplanting provided the best combination of yellow nutsedge control and protection from fumigant phytotoxicity of the preplant intervals evaluated. Fumigation with metham-sodium 1-wk before transplanting provided the most effective yellow nutsedge control, but the fumigant applied just prior to transplanting stunted cantaloupe and slightly delayed maturity. Metham-sodium fumigation 3-wk before transplanting was not as effective in controlling yellow nutsedge as fumigation closer to transplanting and yields were correspondingly lower due to nutsedge interference. Plastic mulch improved yellow nutsedge control and increased yields in all possible combinations of fumigant rates and times of preplant fumigation. Plots fumigated with the full-rate of metham-sodium had the most effective yellow nutsedge control and greatest yields compared to either nonfumigated or treated with metham-sodium at the 2x rate. The yield response is due to superior yellow nutsedge control provided by the full-rate. These preliminary results suggest that metham-sodium use patterns can be modified to make it a more attractive cost-effective alternative to methyl bromide than originally thought. |
