Influence of Temperature, Rainfall, Grass Species, and Growth Stage on Efficacy of Fluazifop

Abstract

Field experiments were initiated to determine the efficacy of fluazifop as influenced by growth stage for green, yellow, and giant foxtail, large crabgrass, and Japanese millet. Additionally, the influence of air temperature and simulated rainfall on fluazifop efficacy for green foxtail and Japanese millet was determined by greenhouse and growth-room experiments. In both 1983 and 1984, fluazifop activity was reduced as the growth stage increased from 3- to 5- to 7-leaf for all species. Significant differences among species in susceptibility to fluazifop were evident with the descending order of tolerance: green foxtail > large crabgrass > yellow foxtail > giant foxtail > Japanese millet. Increasing the air temperature from 18 to 30 C reduced fluazifop control of green foxtail at herbicide rates less than 0.14 kg ai/ha but did not affect Japanese millet. A 1- to 2-h rain-free interval was required for optimum control of green foxtail and Japanese millet at 0.07 kg/ha fluazifop; the interval was reduced to 45 and 15 min, respectively, when fluazifop rates were 0.14 kg/ha. The longer rain-free interval required for optimum control of green foxtail compared to Japanese millet may reflect a slower rate of herbicide absorption in green foxtail.