Efficacy of Oxyfluorfen 240% E C ( oxyfen ) in weed control on onion ( Allium cepa L. )

Abstract

This study was conducted at Shambat Research Station farm during the Winter season of 2007 – 2008 to evaluate efficacy and selectivity of Oxyfluorfen 240% EC ( oxyfen ) on weed control in transplanted onion . Visual observation showed the treatments at ( 0.10 , 0.15 and 0.20 kg ai / fed ) of Oxyfluorfen 240% EC ( oxyfen ) have no phytotoxicity on onion . Treatments of of Oxyfluorfen 240% EC ( oxyfen ) at ( 0.10 , 0.15 and 0.20 kg ai / fed ) rates reduced the weed ( grasses and board leaved ) by more than 90% and onion yield was increased by 50% . Oxyfluorfen 240% EC ( oxyfen ) at ( 0.10 , 0.15 and 0.20 kg ai / fed ) significantly decreased the average total number of weeds compared to control. The best result was obtained at (0.15 kg ai / fed ) followed by a hand weeding 4 weeks after spraying and it significantly decreased the average number of weeds compared to control. Some weeds were tolerant to the herbicide such as Cynodon dactylon and Cyperus rotundus . Oxyfluorfen 240% EC ( oxyfen ) at ( 0.10 , 0.15 and 0.20 kg ai / fed ) gave significantly higher yield compared to control . Oxyfluorfen at (0.15 kg ai / fed ) supported by one hand weeding at 4 weeks after spraying gave significantly higher yield compared to control but it was not significantly different from the hand weeded . The study revealed that Oxyfluorfen 240% EC ( oxyfen ) at ( 0.15 and 0.20 kg ai / fed ) can be recommended as pre-emergence application for transplanted onion weed control .