Emergence and persistence of barnyard grass ('Echinochloa colona' (L.) Link) and its management options in sorghum

Abstract

A general trend of decreasing emergence of barnyard grass ('Echinochloa colona' (L.) Link with increasing soil burial depth was found in this study. Barnyard grass emerged primarily at the soil surface (0-2 cm), while little emergence was found at the burial depth of 10 cm. Three major flushes of emergence were identified during late spring and early summer. Seed persistence decreased rapidly with increasing burial depths and duration. Research showed that wider sorghum row spacings resulted in higher weed biomass. Soil incorporation of atrazine mixed with metolachlor at sorghum planting provided effective seasonal control of barnyard grass. Further studies on barnyard grass biology and integrated weed management strategies are necessary in improving control efficacy and in reducing the risk of developing herbicide resistance.