Effect of Date of Treatment of Johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense) on Soybean (Glycine max) Yields

Abstract

In a 6-yr field study, johnsongrass growing in ‘Forrest’ soybeans for the entire growing season reduced yields 45% in the year with most rainfall and 69% in the year with least rainfall. Yields of soybeans grown without johnsongrass competition were 56% higher in the year with the most rainfall than in the year with least rainfall. Yields of soybeans with full-season competition were reduced 75% from those in the year with most rainfall as compared with those in the year with least rainfall. The number of weeks of johnsongrass competition required to significantly reduce soybean yields varied from 3 wk, in the year with least rainfall, to 8 wk, in the year with most rainfall. Nine applications of sethoxydim at 0.84 kg ai ha-1or haloxyfop at 0.55 kg ai ha-1each year did not reduce soybean growth or yields.