Weed control in green beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) with soil-applied herbicides

Field trials were conducted in 2008 and 2009 to evaluate weed control in green beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) with soil-applied herbicides. The weed population in the both years was consisted mainly of summer grasses and broadleaf weeds. The weediness in the both years was relative high. Weed density in the untreated control plots was 146.0 plants m 2 in 2008 and 176.2 plant m 2 in 2009. The most dominant weeds were Echinochloa-crus galli, Portulaca oleracea and Galinsoga parviflora in 2008 and Portulaca oleracea, Amaranthus retroflexus and Chenopodium album in 2009. Efficacy of herbicides in control of prevailing weeds 28 and 56 DAT was ranged of 37% to 100% in 2008 and 93% to 100% in 2009, respectively. Lower herbicide efficacy in 2008 was most likely due to dryer soil conditions after PPI and PRE application and domination of Echinochloa crus-galli. Green beans were not visibly injured by any of herbicide treatments in 2008, but linuron and prometryn caused 13.8 and 15.3% transient injury in 2009. Green beans yield was markedly affected by herbicide efficacy, particularly in the second year, where yield was similar to that of the weed-free control.