Enlist volunteer corn affects the crop development and seed quality of Enlist soybean

Abstract

: Enlist TM technology is a new trait on soybean and corn conferring tolerance to auxinic-type (2,4-D choline) and graminicides (aryloxyphenoxypropionates – FOPs) herbicides. However, the occurrence of volunteer corn tolerant to 2,4-D and FOPs can become a significant weed on soybean cropping systems, affecting the crop yield and reducing seed quality. This research aimed to evaluate herbicides to Enlist TM volunteer corn control and their effects on plant development, crop yield, and physiological seed quality of Enlist TM soybean. Field experiment was performed in a complete randomized block experimental design with four replicates, using a density of 10 plants · m -2 of Enlist TM volunteer corn. Treatments consisted of herbicides applied at 3-4-leaves stage of volunteer corn with haloxyfop-P-methyl, clethodim, pinoxaden, cloransulam-methyl and imazethapyr regarding to a control with and without volunteer corn. The development and yield components of Enlist TM soybean were evaluated and physiological seed testing performed on soybean’s seeds. Clethodim controlled Enlist TM volunteer corn, whereas haloxyfop-P-methyl, pinoxaden, and cloransulam-methyl showed insufficient control levels (30-35%) at 30 days after spray. Imazethapyr exhibited 84% of control of Enlist TM volunteer corn and injured the Enlist TM soybean, affecting its seed viability. Enlist TM volunteer corn interferences negatively the soybean crop yield, yield components, and affects the plant development pattern.