ARS | Publication request: SQUASH TOLERANCE TO HALOSULFURON AND APPLYING HALOSULFURON THROUGH DRIP TAPE.

Submitted to: Georgia Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association Winter Conference Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: December 30, 2001
Publication Date: April 1, 2002
Citation: Webster, T.M. 2002. Squash tolerance to halosulfuron and applying halosulfuron through drip tape [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference, Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, January 11-12, 2002, Savannah, Georgia. p. 47.

Technical Abstract: Greenhouse and field studies evaluated the potential fit of halosulfuron for weed management in squash systems. Early season squash injury from halosulfuron was significant (up to 35%) in greenhouse studies. When applied PRE to direct seeded squash, injury increased with halosulfuron rate. Halosulfuron injured squash (12-17%) where applied to transplants, but there were no differences among application method (PRE vs. POST) or halosulfuron rate (Up to 0.75 oz/A). There were no differences in crop or weed response to halosulfuron application method (PRE vs. drip tape) in field studies. However, relative to halosulfuron PRE, application through the drip tape had numerically higher crop yields (neither were different from the nontreated control) and numerically lower nutsedge populations at the conclusion of the season (both were lower than the nontreated control). Fall applications of halosulfuron reduced spring nutsedge shoot populations s48, 85, 91 and 98% from 1, 2, 4, and 8 oz/A of halosulfuron, respectively (relative to nontreated control). Cumulative squash yields from 12 harvest between May and July indicated no injury from 1, 2, or 4 oz/A of halosulfuron. The highest rate tested, halosulfuron 8 oz/A, did reduce squash yields relative to 1 and 2 oz/A. While fall appliction of halosulfuron is not a registered treatment, this may be one means of managing the nutsedge tuber bank over time.