Timing of Total Postemergence Herbicide Applications to Maximize Weed Control and Corn (Zea mays)Yield

Abstract

Grass and broadleaf herbicides are available for effective, single-application total postemergence weed control in corn. Field experiments were conducted in 1992 and 1993 on sites with dense natural weed infestations to determine the effects of weed interference prior to herbicide application on corn yield. Nicosulfuron plus bromoxynil was applied at 5-, 10-, 15-, or 20-cm weed canopy heights in plots with or without weed interference. Crop injury was more severe when herbicides were applied to smaller corn. Herbicide applications made to 5-, 10-, or 15-cm tall weeds provided nearly complete weed control. Weed interference did not reduce corn height or grain yield when postemergence applications were made to weeds 10 cm or less in height. Weed interference reduced corn height and grain yield in 1992 when applications were made to 15-cm tall weeds even though weed control was nearly complete. Weed control was incomplete and corn height and grain yield were reduced when applications were delayed until weeds were 20 cm tall.