Effect of Halosulfuron on Rotational Crops

Abstract

A field test was conducted to evaluate and determine the safety of halosulfuron on typical rotational crops such as lettuce, broccoli, spinach, onion, alfalfa, barley, field corn, and melons after an initial application on cantaloupes. Halosulfuron at 0.05 or 0.1 lb AI/A applied on cantaloupes did not detrimentally affect crop stand establishment, height, or whole plant fresh weights when alfalfa, barley, spinach, lettuce, onion, and broccoli were planted at approximately 4 to 5 MAT. Cantaloupes and field corn planted at 1 YAT were not affected in establishing a stand and in growing during the early season as height or vine lengths were measured. At 15 to 16 MAT, lettuce, onion, and broccoli were not affected in establishing a stand. Watermelon planted at 1 YAT exhibited slight stand reduction and crop injury with halosulfuron applied PREE. Alfalfa planted after PREE applications indicated slightly depressed height and yield compared to POST treatments and the untreated check. Spinach planted where POST applications were made on cantaloupes tended to show a slight reduction in fresh weight at 15 to 16 MAT. Halosulfuron does not appear to be a major deterrent to typical crop rotational schemes in the diverse desert agricultural systems.