Comparison of Single and Double Drip Tapes for PRE Herbicide Application for Control of Nutsedge spp. in Plasticulture Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum)

Abstract

Field studies were conducted in 2015 and 2016 in Auburn and Shorter, Alabama, to evaluate single and double drip tapes for PRE application of herbicides under polyethylene mulch beds for yellow and purple nutsedge (C. esculentus & C. rotundus, respectively) control as well to monitor tomato crop response (height and yield). Three PRE-applied herbicides [fomesafen (280 g ai ha-1), halosulfuron (54 g ai ha-1), S-metolachlor (1.4 kg ai ha-1)] were applied using either a single drip tape running down the center of the bed, or two drip tapes spaced equidistantly in the bed. A no-herbicide control was also included. Treatments were applied after drip tapes were purged of air and beds were pre-wetted. Drip tape treatment had no influence on yellow nutsedge punctures. However, purple nutsedge punctures were reduced by double trip tape treatments compared to single drip tape treatments, regardless of herbicide injected. Comparisons among herbicide treatments revealed that S-metolachlor provided the greatest reduction in yellow nutsedge punctures, while fomesafen provided the greatest reduction in purple nutsedge punctures.