The use of fomesafen for pre-emergence weed control in cotton

Abstract

The herbicide fomesafen was found to be selective in preplanting and pre-emergence treatments in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). It was effective due to residual soil activity in controlling some of the most troublesome weeds in cotton fields,i.e., pigweed (Amaranthus spp.), black nightshade (Solarium nigrum L.), velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti Medik.) and cocklebur (Xanthium spp.). The best soil activity of fomesafen was achieved from pre-emergence or preplanting applications which were activated when the soil was wetted by rain or sprinkler irrigation, but the herbicide caused damage to the crop’s foliage if rain fell just after the cotton emergence.

The most effective and safest method for applying fomesafen in cotton fields was preplanting followed by mechanical incorporation to a depth of 10 cm. Combinations of fomesafen with trifluralin were effective and completed the spectrum of controlled weeds in cotton, including annual grasses, common purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) and field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis L.).