Competition and Control of Weeds in Kale Leaf Crop

Abstract

Weed population responsed to weed control practices was carried out to evaluate weed seed bank, weed populations, and the effects of the herbicides applied preemergence of cultivation on kale leaf control. The first experiment involved an evaluation of the site including soil type and previous types of management. The seed bank was then evaluated to estimate both the composition and populations of weeds present, which could, then, be compared to the weeds growing. There was a positive correlation between the weed seed bank and above ground weed communities. The second experiment involved testing the effects of the herbicides at their recommended rates on weed control and the phytotoxicity on a kale leaf. The crop was most significantly affected by atrazine followed by oxyfluorfen and then alachlor. Three main weed species dominated the weed growth in this experiment were smooth mimosa (Mimosa invisa), slender amaranth (Amaranthus viridis) and purple nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus). The third experiment involved a bioassay testing, again of phytotoxicity of the three herbicides on nine separate crops; sweet corn, soybean, mungbean, swamp morning glory, cucumber, tomato, pepper, cabbage and coriander. Cabbage and coriander were not affected by any herbicides.