Weed Control in Irrigated Seedling Alfalfa (Medicago sativa)

Abstract

Spring-applied herbicides were evaluated in the field in 1982 through 1984 in western Nebraska for selective weed control in irrigated seedling alfalfa (Medicago sativaL. ‘Appollo’). Weed densities were least in plots treated preplant with benefin [N-butyl-N-ethyl-2,6-dinitro-4-(trifluoromethyl)benzenamine] in combination with postemergence applications of 2,4-DB [4-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy) butyric acid]. Combinations of sethoxydim {2-[1-(ethoxyimino)butyl]-5-[2-(ethylthio)propyl]-3-hydroxy-2-cyclohexen-1-one} with bromoxynil (3,5-dibromo-4-hydroxybenzonitrile) and fluazifop-butyl {(±)-2-[4-[[5-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pyridinyl] oxy] phenoxy] propanoic acid} with bromoxynil provided less grass control than sethoxydim or fluazifop-butyl applied alone. Annual weeds did not reduce alfalfa stand density.