Evaluation of Postemergence Herbicides for Melon Weed Control

Abstract

Bentazon (Basagran®) at 0.5 to 2.0 lb a. i. /A, halosulfuron (Permit®) at 0.025 to 0.10 lb a.i A, and pyridate (Lentagran®) at 0.25 to 1.5 lb a.i. /A were applied postemergence on cantaloupe and watermelon. Bentazon was marginally safe on cantaloupes and controlled purslane and pigweeds. Morningglory and Wright's groundcherry were not effectively controlled by bentazon. Bentazon appeared to be less injurious to watermelons relative to cantaloupes. Halosulfuron was safe on both cantaloupes and watermelons (<15% injury). Halosulfuron at greater than 0.05 lb /A was effective in controlling only Hyssop spurge and London rocket. In one test, halosulfuron gave acceptable control (85 %) of morningglory. Purslane and groundcherry were not controlled by halosulfuron. Pyridate was not safe on cantaloupes causing severe crop stand reduction. Pyridate was safer on watermelons and caused marginally acceptable injury, however, weed control was not effective against groundcherry, spurge or London rocket. Pyridate appeared to give acceptable control of morningglory in one test.