Oxyfluorfen for Directed Postemergence Weed Control in Chile Peppers (Capsicum annuum)

Abstract

Field experiments were conducted in 1990 and 1991 near Artesia and Las Cruces, NM to evaluate directed POST treatments of oxyfluorfen for the control of broadleaf weeds that emerge after thinning chile peppers. At Artesia, Wright groundcherry and prostrate pigweed reduced red pepper yield by 33% in untreated plots in 1990 and clusterflower reduced yield by 19% in 1991. At Las Cruces, Wright groundcherry, Palmer amaranth and common lambsquarters reduced yield by 61% in 1990 and by 76% in 1991. A sequential treatment of oxyfluorfen at 0.14 kg ai ha-1 2 wk after thinning, when the peppers were 15 cm tall, followed by 0.14 kg ha-1 4 wk after thinning controlled all species except common lambsquarters without injuring the peppers.