Studies on the effects of Metsulfuron methyl on the parasitism of sorghum byStriga hermonthica(Del.) Benth

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Abstract
Metsulfuron methyl (Ally‐Dupont), a sulphonylurea herbicide, was tested at rates of 0.5–2.0 g a.i./ha for the control of Striga hermonthica (Del.) Benth. in two cultivars of sorghum in pot experiments. There was good to excellent Striga control at 1.0–2.0 g a.i./ha applied either pre‐emergence or post‐emergence to CSH‐1 or N‐13 sorghum. The herbicide was unacceptably toxic to the Striga‐susceptible CSH‐1 cultivar when applied pre‐emergence, thus eroding any benefits of Striga control. In the Striga‐tolerant N‐13 cultivar there were considerable increases in the growth of infected plants. The herbicide was better tolerated from post‐emergence applications by both cultivars, and CSH‐1 plants recovered enough growth from Striga infection to produce grain yields at 1–5 and 2.0 g a.i./ha. Herbicide application at 4 weeks after planting sorghum was less damaging than at 2 weeks. Herbicide safening with 1,8‐naphthalic anhydride did not provide any additional benefits with post‐emergence application. The efficacy of the pre‐emergence herbicide was similar with surface or incorporated application.