Published online by Cambridge University Press: 12 June 2017
Three experiments evaluated sicklepod interference with soybean with and without preplant incorporated applications of chlorimuron plus metribuzin or imazaquin. Sicklepod density, weed-free period, and weedy period were examined. In the absence of herbicides, soybean seed yield was reduced with 2 sicklepod plants row m-1, whereas 8 plants row m-1 were necessary to reduce yield when herbicides were used. Herbicide use also increased soybean yield at higher sicklepod densities. Chlorimuron plus metribuzin reduced sicklepod dry matter at 8 plants row m-1. To maintain soybean yield, a weed-free period of 4 wk after emergence was required, regardless of treatment. Both herbicide treatments resulted in increased soybean yield at the zero and two wk weed-free periods; however, they did not affect soybean yield when the weed-free period was 4 wk or more. Imazaquin reduced sicklepod density when plots were left weedy full-season, and further reductions were noted with chlorimuron plus metribuzin. A sicklepod weedy interval of 8 wk reduced soybean yield when untreated, but either herbicide treatment extended that interval to 16 wk.