Potential new tool for weed control in organically grown agronomic crops
University of Nebraska, Northeast Res. and Ext. Center-Haskell Ag Lab, USA (1)
University of Nebraska, Department of Agronomy & Horticulture, USA (2)
Field experiments were conducted during summer 2007 to determine a baseline information on crop and weed tolerance to broadcast flaming utilizing different rates of propane. The species evaluated were: maize (Zea mays), sorghum (Sorghum halepense), soybean (Glycine max), sunflower (Helianthus annuus), barnyardgrass (Echinocloa crus-galli), green foxtail (Setaria viridis), velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti) and redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus). The propane rates applied were 0, 12.1, 30.9, 49.7, 68.5 and 87.22 kg/ha. The response of the plants to propane rates were described by log-logistic models. Plant response to flame varied depending on the species, growth stage and propane rate. Broadleaf weeds were more susceptible to flames than grasses. Field maize and sorghum were less susceptible, while soybean and sunflower were severely injured. Of all crops tested, broadcast flaming has the most potential for use in field maize.