Effect of Nozzle Selection and Carrier Volume on Glyphosate Control of Nutsedge (<i>Cyperus</i> spp.)

Abstract

Glyphosate applied during the fallow period reduces the nutsedge population resulting in less nutsedge in the fall vegetable crop. Some farmers have reported a lack of nutsedge control during the fallow period possibly due improper application methods. The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of nozzle selection and spray volume on nut­sedge control. Studies were conducted at the Plant Science Research and Education Unit in Citra, FL. The treatments were a factorial design with two nozzle types and four application volumes in a randomized complete-block design with four replications. The two nozzle types were air induction and extended range. The four application volumes were 10, 20, 40, and 60 gallons/acre (GPA). Data collected were nutsedge control, height, dry foliar biomass, and tuber germination. Data were analyzed with analysis of variance and means were separated with Fisher’s Protected LSD. No differences were measured between nozzle types for any of the measured variables. Tuber germination was less at 10 and 20 GPA compared to 40 and 60 GPA and the nontreated. Glyphosate translocates through the plant and tubers. The high glyphosate rate reduced the effect of spray volume. Farmers can apply glyphosate during the fallow period at lower application volumes and receive the same amount of control.