Efficacy and selectivity of pre- and post-emergence herbicides in chia (Salvia hispanica L.) under mediterranean semi-arid conditions

Abstract

In the present study, the selectivity and efficacy of several post and pre-emergence herbicides in chia (Salvia hispanica L.) were examined. Field experiments were conducted at two locations with different soil types and environmental conditions. Our results showed that the pre-emergence application of pendimethalin, oxyfluorfen and linuron reduced total weed density by 71-74%, 74-82% and 53-55%, respectively. Despite their high effectiveness against specific weed species, the abovementioned herbicides had a negative effect on plant density and biomass yield. In addition, herbicides bentazon and fluazifopp- butyl which applied post-emergence did not affect significantly plant height and biomass yield. In conclusion, the herbicides linuron, pendimethalin and oyxfluorfen do not seem to be a viable option for weed control in chia crop, whereas the postemergence applied herbicides did not affect significantly plants' growth. Further evaluation of chia tolerance to herbicides is needed under different application rates in order to make safe suggestions for chemical control of weeds. © 2018 Academic Press.