Control of Wild Cane in Soybeans

Greenhouse and field studies showed that α,α,α,-trifluro-2,6-dinitro-N,N-dipropyl-p-toluidine (trifluralin) gave better control of wild cane [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] when incorporated in the soil above rather than below the wild cane seed. Of four herbicides studied in field experiments, trifluralin gave the best control of wild cane in soybeans (Glycine max L., var. Clark) followed by S-propyl dipropylthiocarbamate (vernolate). Herbicides were more effective than cultivation in controlling wild cane, but neither alone was adequate. A combination of cultivation plus herbicides markedly increased soybean yields on wild cane infested areas. These results show that an economical crop of soybeans can be produced on wild cane infested land.