Studies were conducted in Florida to evaluate interference of common cocklebur with peanut. Peanut yield reduction ranged from 0 to 88% for common cocklebur densities of 0–32 plants 8 m−1of peanut row, and predicted loss was similar under normal moisture conditions. When moisture levels were above normal, the impact on yield was 9–24% less than when soil moisture was normal. Common cocklebur caused peanut yield loss if allowed to interfere for more than the first 2 wk after crop emergence, and peanut had to be common cocklebur free for at least 12 wk to prevent a yield reduction. These results show common cocklebur to be more competitive with peanut than other weeds evaluated previously.

No abstract

Field experiments were conducted in 1982 and 1983 on a Dothan sandy loam (Plinthic Paleudult) at Headland, AL, to investigate minimum-tillage production of peanuts (Arachis hypogaeaL.). The experiments included two peanut varieties: a) ‘Pronto’ (an earlier maturing Spanish type), and b) ‘Florunner’ (a later maturing runner type). Two row-spacing patterns were used: a) conventional 91-cm rows, and b) a modified twin 18-cm row pattern. A constant seeding rate (140 kg/ha) was used regardless of row spacing. Six herbicide systems were evaluated within each combination of variety and row spacing. The Florunner variety outyielded the Pronto variety across both years and weed management systems. Modified twin 18-cm rows outyielded conventional 91-cm rows across years and peanut varieties. Two of the six weed management systems were successful: 1) paraquat (1,1’-dimethyl-4,4’-bipyridinium ion) + oryzalin (3,5-dinitro-N4,N4-dipropylsulfanilamide) (preemergence), paraquat (ground cracking), naptalam (N-1-naphthylphthalamic acid) + dinoseb (2-sec-butyl-4,6-dinitrophenol) (postemergence); and 2) paraquat + pendimethalin [N-(1-ethylpropyl-3,4-dimethyl-2,6-dinitrobenzenamine] (preemergence), acetochlor [2-chloro-N(ethoxymethyl)-6’-ethyl-o-acetotoluidide] + dinoseb (ground cracking), and cyanazine {2-[[4-chloro-6-(ethylamino)-s-triazine-2-yl]amino]-2-methylpropionitrile} (early postdirected spray). Both systems provided the best overall control of Texas panicum (Panicum texanumBuckl. ♯ PANTE), Florida beggarweed [Desmodium tortuosum(Sw.) DC. ♯ DEDTO], and sicklepod (Cassia obtusifoliaL. ♯ CASOB) and were acceptable for use in minimum-tillage peanut production.

Field experiments conducted at four locations in Georgia and two locations in Florida during 1992 and 1993 evaluated AC 263,222 application rates and timings, systems, and mixtures for weed control, peanut injury, and yield. All rates of AC 263,222 applied early POST (EPOST) or POST controlledIpomoeamorningglories and smallflower morningglory at least 90%, and purple and yellow nutsedge at least 81%. Florida beggarweed and sicklepod control generally was highest when metolachlor was applied PPI followed by AC 263,222 applied EPOST at 71 g/ha, AC 263,222 at 27 or 36 g/ha plus bentazon plus paraquat applied POST, or with bentazon plus paraquat applied EPOST followed by AC 263,222 applied POST at 36 or 53 g/ha. Acifluorfen and acifluorfen plus bentazon reduced Florida beggarweed and sicklepod control at several locations when applied in mixture with AC 263,222. Common ragweed and hairy indigo control were 85 to 95% with bentazon plus paraquat applied EPOST followed by AC 263,222 applied POST at 36 or 53 g/ha. Highest peanut yields were obtained with treatments providing high levels of weed control.

Experiments were conducted for two years at one location and one year at a second location to determine the effects of paraquat on a range of peanut genotypes. Paraquat caused yield reductions of most Valencia-, Spanish-, and runner-market types as compared with hand-weeded checks. Virginia-market types were less affected by paraquat treatment. Most grade characteristics were adversely affected by paraquat. Because the paraquat treatments increased the proportion of other kernels, the herbicide may be affecting yield and grade by delaying maturity.