Herbicide Options for Controlling Glyphosate-Tolerant Corn in a Corn Replant Situation

Abstract

In the spring of 2007, a widespread freeze occurred that led to the replanting of about 81,000 hectares of corn in Tennessee. Limited research was available on effective herbicide options to control failed stands of glyphosate-tolerant corn where replanting to corn was desired. Therefore, in 2007 on three failed freeze-damaged corn stands (27,000 plants/ha) and in 2008 on two non–freeze-damaged corn stands (81,000 plants/ha), studies were initiated to determine how to control the failed stand while not harming subsequent replant corn. The results from this research clearly show that producers have several effective options to manage undesirable glyphosate-tolerant corn before replanting to corn. Clethodim at 0.14 kg/ha, paraquat at 0.84 kg/ha, or paraquat at 0.70 kg/ha plus a photosystem II (PSII) inhibitor provided very good control of the original corn stand without affecting the yield of the replanted corn. Moreover, the addition of a PSII inhibitor could provide residual weed control in the replanted corn. Paraquat should be applied at rates of 0.70 kg/ha or greater to obtain consistent control of an undesirable corn stand.