Response of Early-Maturing Cabbage (Brassica oleraceavar.capitata) to Metolachlor

Abstract

The effect of three rates of metolachlor on ‘Prime Time’ and ‘Tastie’, early maturing, fresh-market cabbage was evaluated in two geographically distinct regions of New York in 1986 and 1987. Metolachlor, when applied at 1.1, 1.7, and 2.2 kg ai/ha either pretransplant or 48 h after transplanting, caused no observable negative effects on either cabbage variety in either year when grown on sandy loam soils on Long Island. On a central New York silt loam soil, injury from metolachlor at 1.7 and 2.2 kg/ha applied post-transplant was negligible and transient. Metolachlor applied post-transplant caused a delay in maturity of Tastie cabbage in both years but not Prime Time; however, total yields equalled those of the weed-free controls with both varieties. Metolachlor applied pretransplant frequently caused excessive and persistent injury and often reduced cabbage yields.