Adjuvant Combinations with Quizalofop for Wild Oat (Avena fatua) Control in Peppermint (Mentha piperita)

Abstract

Field experiments were conducted at Kalispell, MT, to determine the optimum adjuvant combination for wild oat control in peppermint with quizalofop. Quizalofop was applied to four- and eight-leaf wild oat plants at 20 and 50 g ai/ha with either a nonionic surfactant (NIS) or methylated seed oil (MSO) alone or in combination with 28% urea ammonium nitrate (UAN) liquid fertilizer. Differences among adjuvants were most apparent when quizalofop was applied at the lowest rate. MSO was more effective than NIS for enhancing quizalofop activity. Quizalofop efficacy with both adjuvants increased when applied with UAN. Greater than 90% wild oat control was obtained with the lowest rate when applied with MSO plus UAN to four-leaf wild oat plants. These results demonstrate the potential to improve the consistency of weed control as well as reduce postemergence herbicide rates when applied with the proper adjuvant combination.