Differential control of Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) and smooth pigweed (Amaranthus hybridus) by postemergence herbicides in soybean (Glycine max)

Field studies were conducted in South Carolina to evaluate the herbicides acifluorfen, chlorimuron, and imazaquin for control of Palmer amaranth and smooth pigweed in soybean, when applied 3 wk after weed emergence. Palmer amaranth was more difficult to control than smooth pigweed. Compared to untreated controls, acifluorfen, chlorimuron, and imazaquin reduced Palmer amaranth and smooth pigweed biomass 78 and 96%, 80 and 98%, and 82 and 99% at 30 d after treatment (DAT), 60 DAT, and at soybean harvest, respectively. The high rate (140 g/ha) of imazaquin provided greater control of Palmer amaranth than other herbicide treatments at soybean harvest. Except for the 140 g/ha rate of imazaquin, inadequate control of Palmer amaranth resulted in lower soybean seed yields for all herbicide treatments than the weed-free control. However, all herbicides controlled smooth pigweed to provide soybean seed yields similar to the weed-free control.