Selective Weed Control in Sugarbeets

Abstract

Nine field trials were carried out during 1968 and 1969 to study selective weed control in sugarbeets(Beta vulgarisL.) by preemergence and postemergence applications. The trials were conducted at various regions of Israel, under a wide range of climatic and edaphic conditions. Among the preemergence treatments, the herbicide 1-methyl-3-(2-benzothiazolyl)-urea (hereinafter referred to as benzthiazuron) gave adequate weed control and selectivity to sugarbeets. However, when heavy infestation with grasses was present, an addition of isopropyl carbanilate (propham) was needed to increase the spectrum of weed control. A preemergence application of 1-butyl-3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1-methylurea (neburon) on each side of the drill-row of sugarbeets together with an over-band application of benzthiazuron or 5-amino-4-chloro-2-phenyl-3(2H)-pyridazinone (pyrazon) improved weed control. Among postemergence treatments, a mixture of pyrazon and propham gave excellent broad-spectrum weed control. Applying this combination in an emulsion with a non-phytotoxic oil considerably improved weed control.