Abstract: Greenhouse experiments evaluated azafenidin and thiazopyr applied separately, as a tank mix, or in rapid succession, for preemergence control of yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus) and hairy beggarticks (Bidens pilosa). Average of yellow nutsedge shoot dry weights at 21 and 42 d after treatment (DAT), indicated that azafenidin at 0.28, 0.56, and 1.12 kg ai/ha controlled 70, 86, and 90%, respectively, and thiazopyr at 1.12 kg/ha controlled 10% of yellow nutsedge. However, when thiazopyr at 1.12 kg/ha was tank-mixed with azafenidin at 0.28, 0.56, and 1.12 kg/ha, yellow nutsedge control averaged for 21 and 42 DAT was reduced to 41, 69, and 78%, respectively. Root plus tuber dry weight of yellow nutsedge increased threefold when 1.12 kg/ha thiazopyr was mixed with 0.28 kg/ha azafenidin, compared to azafenidin applied alone at the above rate. When the herbicides were applied sequentially, within minutes of each other, the antagonistic responses were reproduced, independent of the order of herbicide application. Thiazopyr applied at 0.56 and 1.12 kg/ha stimulated the emergence and establishment of hairy beggarticks and antagonized azafenidin for the control of yellow nutsedge based on a mathematical model. Although thiazopyr reduced the preemergence herbicidal efficacy of azafenidin on hairy beggarticks control, antagonism could not be determined because of the stimulatory effects of thiazopyr on hairy beggarticks emergence.
Nomenclature: Azafenidin; thiazopyr; hairy beggarticks, Bidens pilosa L. #3 BIDPI; yellow nutsedge, Cyperus esculentus L. # CYPES.
Additional index words: Herbicide interaction, stimulation, scarification, antagonism, spanish needles, Bidens alba, Bidens leucantha.
Abbreviations: DAT, days after treatment; PRE, preemergence; WAT, weeks after treatment.