Glyphosate-Resistant Giant Ragweed (Ambrosia trifida) Control with Glufosinate or Fomsafen Combined with Growth Regulator Herbicides

The development of crops resistant to 2,4-D, dicamba, and glufosinate may provide new options for the management of glyphosate-resistant (GR) giant ragweed and other herbicide-resistant weeds. A fallow field study was conducted in 2011 and 2012 to determine the control of GR giant ragweed with 2,4-D and dicamba applied alone and in combination with glufosinate or fomesafen. Dicamba and 2,4-D tank-mixed with glufosinate or fomesafen provided the highest level of control at 10 or 20 days after application (DAA). At 30 DAA, all herbicide treatments provided > 88% control of giant ragweed except glyphosate, glufosinate, and 2,4-D alone at 0.56 kg ae ha−1. Glyphosate, glufosinate, and 2,4-D alone at 0.56 kg ae ha−1also had the highest number of giant ragweed plants (> 5.8 plants m−2) and highest biomass (> 19.2 g m−2). Contrast statements between 2,4-D and dicamba indicated no differences among treatments containing these herbicides. However, contrast analysis indicated that herbicides applied alone resulted in 56, 58, and 61% control while tank-mix combinations of 2,4-D or dicamba with glufosinate or fomesafen resulted in 86, 91, and 93% control, respectively. Herbicides applied alone also had more giant ragweed plants and biomass per m−2than herbicides applied in tank-mix combinations. Tank-mixing combinations of 2,4-D and dicamba will be important for effective control of GR giant ragweed.