Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) Termination and Integration of Halauxifen into Virginia Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) Production

Cover crops have become an important part of cropping systems in the United States, especially in the Mid-Atlantic region. Rapeseed is a popular choice due to its deep growing taproot which creates soil macropores and increases water infiltration. If not properly terminated rapeseed can become problematic due to its pod-shattering tendency and its difficulty to terminate with herbicides once it enters reproductive growth. Results indicate termination of rapeseed is most effective when the cover crop is small. Combinations that successfully terminated rapeseed include glyphosate plus 2,4-D and paraquat plus 2,4-D. Halauxifen-methyl is a new Group 4 herbicide marketed for preplant burndown horseweed (Conyza canadensis L.) control. Previous research indicates that halauxifen effectively controls glyphosate-resistant horseweed. However, little is known about control of other common winter annual weeds by halauxifen. Results indicate halauxifen has a narrow spectrum of control providing adequate control (>80%) of horseweed, henbit (Lamium amplexicaule L.), and purple deadnettle (Lamium purpureum L.), while failing to control cutleaf evening-primrose (Oenothera laciniata Hill), curly dock (Rumex crispus L.), purple cudweed (Gamochaeta purpurea L. Cabrera), common chickweed (Stellaria media L.), and mousear chickweed (Cerastium L.). Little is known of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) tolerance to halauxifen applied preplant burndown. Results indicate cotton is more tolerant to halauxifen than 2,4-D or dicamba when the interval between preplant application and cotton planting is less than 30 days.