Sweet corn hybrid responses to thifensulfuron-methyl

Limited information exists on sweet corn (Zea mays) tolerance to postemergence (POST) applications of thifensulfuron-methyl under Ontario growing conditions. Eight sweet corn hybrids were evaluated for tolerance to thifensulfuron-methyl in four field experiments conducted in 2003 and 2004. Thifensulfuron-methyl was applied POST at 6 and 12 g.ha(-1) a.i., the registered and twice the registered rate for use in soybean in Ontario. Sweet corn hybrid responses to thifensulfuron-methyl varied. Delmonte 2038 was the most sensitive to thifensulfuron-methyl and had as much as 92% visual injury, 76% height reduction, and 98% yield reduction compared to the nontreated control. Empire, GH1861, GH2298, and GH2684 hybrids showed visual injury of 53%, 55%, 53%, and 61%, height reduction of 34%, 31%, 32%, and 26% and yield reduction of 77%, 68%, 68%, and 51%, respectively. GG214, GH2547, and GSS9299 sweet corn hybrids were not as sensitive to thifensulfuron-methyl. The initial sensitivity observed in these hybrids was minimal and transient with no effect on yield. Although thifensulfuron-methyl is safe for use on some sweet corn hybrids, it has the potential to cause severe crop injury and yield reduction in other hybrids and therefore it should not be recommended for weed management in sweet corn production in Ontario.