Project Number: 5347-21410-005-04
Project Type: Specific Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: Sep 20, 2007
End Date: Sep 30, 2011

Objective:
The objective of this research is to determine the tolerance of lesquerella seedlings to alternative pre and post-emergence herbicides. Broad spectrum weed control is essential for lesquerella [Lesquerella fendleri (Gray) Wats., Brassicaceae] production. Weed competition is particularly critical prior to closure of the lesquerella canopy, a point sometimes not reached until several months after planting. Weed seedlings can emerge in early fall and interfere with lesquerella growth and establishment.

Approach:
The study will be planted at Pecos, Texas and at the University of Arizona Maricopa Agricultural Center. Efficacy and crop safety of lesquerella to pre- emergence herbicides will be evaluated during stand establishment under flood and sprinkler irrigation with a split-plot experimental design. Main plot factor is application time of pre-emergence herbicides and the sub-plot will be tested and compared to untreated plots. The weed control efficacy and crop safety and post-emergence herbicides during stand establishment in flood irrigated level fields will also be studied. Ten different herbicides will be tested at different rates along with 4 other treatments that combine two herbicides and compared to untreated plots. Seedling density will be determined prior to spraying in each plot by counting the seedlings in a 0.25 m2 quadrant. Documents SCA with Texas A&M. Formerly 5347-21410-004-08S (8/08).