ARS | Publication request: Weed control strategies for sweet corn

Submitted to: Washington State Weed Conference Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: October 1, 2008
Publication Date: November 5, 2008
Citation: Boydston, R.A. 2008. Weed control strategies for sweet corn. Washington State Weed Conference. Conference Abstracts. Page 20.

Technical Abstract: Sweet corn is slower to emerge and is a poorer competitor with weeds than field corn. In addition, fewer herbicide options are available for sweet corn than field corn and a greater percentage of the sweet corn acreage is grown organically. Sweet corn hybrids vary tremendously in plant height, leaf area, and other plant characteristics that affect their ability to tolerate and suppress weeds. Identifying and utilizing hybrids that tolerate or suppress weeds can decrease other weed control inputs required in sweet corn. Plant population, soil fertility, planting date and other practices can improve sweet corn’s ability to compete with weeds. Several new herbicides have been registered in the last several years that improve and expand the ability to control weeds in sweet corn production.