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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Tifton, Georgia » Crop Protection and Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #192027
Title: PURPLE NUTSEDGE (CYPERUS ROTUNDUS) RESPONSE TO METHYL BROMIDE ALTERNATIVES APPLIED UNDER FOUR TYPES OF MULCH

Author
item CULPEPPER, A - UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA
item GREY, T - UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA
item Webster, Theodore

Submitted to: Proceedings of Southern Weed Science Society
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/10/2006
Publication Date: 6/1/2006
Citation: Culpepper, A.S., Grey, T.L., Webster, T.M. 2006. Purple nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus) response to methyl bromide alternatives applied under four types of mulch [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Southern Weed Science Society Annual Meeting, January 22-25, 2006, San Antonio, TX. 59:148.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The phase out process of methyl bromide has been on going for many years. Recent research has focused on weed response to application of methyl bromide alternatives in conjunction with various types of mulch. An experiment was conducted in the autumn of 2005 at The University of Georgia Ponder Research Farm. Treatments were arranged in a factorial with 5 treatments (4fumigant options and a nontreated control) applied under 4 plastic mulches. Fumigant options included chlropicrin mixed with 1) methyl bromide, 2) methyl iodide, 3) dimethyl disulfide, 4) 1,3-dichloropropene and metham. Mulch options included 1) Low density polyethylene (LDPE), 2) metalized smooth, 3) metalized embossed, and 4) virtually impermeable (VIF). Fumigants were applied on 7 July 2005; Prelude II squash was transplanted 30 days later. Moderate to heavy natural infestations (33 plants/m2, uniformly distributed) of purple nutsedge were present. All fumigant options controlled purple nutsedge 69 to 79% when applied under LDPE mulch. Applying any of the fumigants under metalized embossed mulch did not improve control compared to control under LDPE mulch. In contrast, control was increased to 87 to 100% when fumigants were applied under metalized smooth or VIF mulch. Obtaining excellent nutsedge control in the autumn has proven extremely difficult in the past as the fumigants often dissipate too quickly to control nutsedges. Results suggest that VIF and metalized smooth mulch retain these fumigants in the soil longer, thereby improving weed control.