Evaluation of Lumax® for preemergence weed control in maize in Nigeria

The efficacy of various herbicides against weeds of maize was studied in field trials at Ibadan, Nigeria in 2003 and 2004. The formulations were atrazine (Gesaprim® 90 WDG at 3.5 kg a.i. ha−1 and Rhonazine® 80 WP at 3.0 kg a.i. ha−1), a mixture of atrazine and metolachlor (Primextra® Gold™ 660 SC at 4.0 kg a.i. ha−1 and Primextra® 500 FW at 2.5 kg a.i. ha−1), and a mixture of mesotrione, S-metolachlor and atrazine (Lumax® at five rates: 1.88–2.96 kg a.i. ha−1). Unweeded and hoe-weeded treatments were controls. Lumax® at all rates, Rhonazine® at 3.0 kg a.i. ha−1, and Primextra® at 2.5 kg a.i. ha−1 controlled sedges, Commelina benghalensis, and Pueraria phaseoloides as effectively as the weeded control (95–100%). Weed density and biomass were significantly reduced and maize yield increased by 12–22%. The highest yield was in treatments with 2.15 − 2.96 kg a.i. ha−1 of Lumax® and 3.5 kg a.i. ha−1 of Gesaprim®, and the weeded control. Lumax® is more effective for weed control at lower rates than the previously used formulations.