Orobanche aegyptiaca control in tomato fields with sulfonylurea herbicides

Field experiments were conducted from 1994 to 1997 at two locations to study the effectiveness of chlorsulfuron and triasulfuron applied through different irrigation methods (chemigation) for control of Orobanche aegyptiaca Pers. in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill). Three split applications of chlorsulfuron at 2.5 g a.i. ha−1 and of triasulfuron at 7.5 g a.i. ha−1, through conventional sprinkler irrigation systems, 10–14 days apart followed immediately by sprinkling with water, controlled O. aegyptiaca by about 90% and 80% and increased crop yield 25–47% and 30%, respectively, without any crop injury symptoms. Repeated applications of the same herbicides at half rates resulted in slightly higher O. aegyptiaca control and crop yield than only one herbicide application at double rate. Chemigation by the sprinkler systems (microsprinklers, 60 m3 ha−1) slightly increased the herbicide efficiency as compared with the high volume spray (800 m3 ha−1). O. aegyptiaca control from sulfonylureas applied by drip chemigation was poor, as this probably requires very accurate timing and the herbicide distribution in the soil was not uniform.