Tolerance of eight sweet corn (Zea mays L.) hybrids to pyroxasulfone

Pyroxasulfone is an experimental herbicide for use in field corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean that may have potential for weed management in sweet corn. Tolerance of eight sweet corn hybrids to pyroxasulfone applied preemergence (PRE) at rates of 0, 209, and 418 g-ha(-1) a.i. were studied at two Ontario locations in 2005 and 2006. Pyroxasulfone applied PRE at 209 and 418 g-ha-1 caused minimal (less than 3%) injury in Harvest Gold, GH2041, GH9589, GSS9299, GG214, GG446, GG763, and GG447 sweet corn hybrids at 7, 14, and 28 days after emergence. Pyroxasulfone applied PRE did not reduce plant height, cob size, or yield of any of the sweet corn hybrids tested in this study. Based on these results, pyroxasulfone applied PRE at the rates evaluated can be safely used for weed management in Harvest Gold, GH2041, GH9589, GSS9299, GG214, GG446, GG763, and GG447 sweet corn.