Sensitivity of sunflower cultivar PR63E82 to tribenuron and propaquizafop in different weather conditions

Abstract

The aim of this work was to verify and assess the tolerance of the PR63E82 (ExpressSun) sunflower cultivar to tribenuron, propaquizafop and their tank-mix combination in two rates under various weather conditions. Three small-plot field trials were carried out on sunflower in Prague, Czech Republic, from 2015 to 2017. High phytotoxicity (25–56%) of tribenuron (TBM) + non-ionic surfactant was observed in 2015 and 2016 when the sunflower was sown in mid-April. In 2017, phytotoxicity was significantly lower (4–6%), probably due to a later sowing of sunflower (May), and hence higher temperatures. The main symptoms of TBM phytotoxicity were leaf chlorosis, necrosis and growth retardation. Propaquizafop (PQF) injury was minimal in 2015 and 2017. A higher phytotoxicity (10–13%) was recorded in 2016, probably due to a hail which occurred 2 days after T2 (second application term (sunflower BBCH 14)) application. Plant injury had puckered leaves and also made more side branches. TBM + PQF damaged sunflower plants most of the tested herbicide treatments (phytotoxicity 3–62%). High phytotoxicity caused stem branching, increased number of sunflower heads and decreased yield.