Agriculture plays a central role in providing food security and essential goods globally. Producers must consider and manage risk to ensure that the production system and its associated individuals are capable of enduring unexpected and disruptive events. Analyzing the different types of risk and accompanying uncertainties that growers experience can be essential to better reflect and understand the realities of their circumstances, but these concepts are not always accounted for in the adoption process. Drawing on the importance of risk and uncertainty, this study aims to assess the different types of risk and uncertainties involved in the risk decision-making process of the processed raspberry industry, where plastic mulch is a new production technique. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants involved in the use, research, outreach, manufacturing, and distribution of plastic mulch, specifically polyethylene (PE) mulch and soil-biodegradable mulch (BDM). Findings indicate that risk can be present in various forms including production, price, and hidden risks, with production and price risks being the most significant to all participants. When accounting for overall risk, PE mulch was considered riskier to industry representatives but less risky to growers and most research and outreach specialists. BDM was considered risky due to the uncertainties about durability, degradability, and the unknown impacts on the environment if BDM fragments do not degrade readily. The application of PE mulch and/or BDM can be beneficial for the raspberry production systems but will require time for additional research and effort to disseminate information to a wider agricultural audience.

A survey of weed flora and basic weed management practices was conducted in commercial strawberry [Fragaria × ananassa (Weston) Duchesne ex Rozier ssp. ananassa] fields in central Florida during the 2019 to 2020 field season. Forty-one fields on 14 farms were surveyed, which represents a total of 907 ha or 23% of the acreage planted to strawberries in Florida. All conventional fields were fumigated, and combinations of chloropicrin and 1,3-dichloropropene were used on 72% of the fumigated acreage. Preemergence or postemergence herbicides were used in row middles on 100% of the conventional acreage, but preemergence herbicides applied under the plastic mulch were only used on 12% of the acreage. A total of 47 weed species were identified during the survey. The five weed species with the highest frequency were goosegrass [Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn.], cutleaf evening primrose (Oenothera laciniata Hill), Carolina geranium (Geranium carolinianum L.), common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.), and eclipta [Eclipta prostrata (L.) L.] which occurred in 83%, 63%, 58%, 58%, and 46% of all fields surveyed, respectively. The five species with the highest overall relative abundance were E. indica, O. lanciniata, G. carolinium, A. artemisiifolia, and Brazil pusley (Richardia brasiliensis Gomes). The frequency and distribution of E. indica is of particular concern, because populations in strawberry fields are thought to be resistant to paraquat, which is the primary herbicide used for crop termination. Weed density tended to be low overall, which suggests the integrated weed management (IWM) programs adopted by most growers are effective. Mean weed density tended to be similar on conventional and organic fields and unaffected by fumigant applied the year of the survey or the number of years strawberries had been grown consecutively in a field. Weed management research moving forward should focus on the development of IWM programs for E. indica, O. lanciniata, G. carolinium, and A. artemisiifolia.

Weeds are managed in Florida strawberry production systems with plastic mulches, fumigants, and herbicides. There are limited post-transplant options to control weeds that emerge in the planting holes in the plastic-covered beds, but flumioxazin at 107 g ai ha−1 can be applied pretransplant under the plastic mulch to control broadleaf and grass weeds. Three research trials were conducted in Balm and Dover, FL, in 2017 and 2018 to evaluate tolerance of the strawberry cultivar ‘Radiance’ to flumioxazin rates ranging from 54 to 6,854 g ha−1 and to estimate herbicide persistence under the plastic mulch. Shoot damage was observed at 428 to 857 g ha−1 (4× and 8× the label rate, respectively), but a significant increase in the number of dead plants was not observed until the treatment rate was 857 g ha−1 at one site and 3,427 g ha−1 at a second site (8× and 32× the label rate, respectively). Berry yields were unaffected by rates lower than 857 g ha−1. Flumioxazin persisted throughout the growing season (approximately 150 d) with no reduction in soil concentration. We conclude that applied at the label rate, flumioxazin is a safe pretransplant weed management option for season-long weed control in strawberry with no yield reduction at rates below 8× the label rate. Caution is recommended for growers who plant a second crop on the same bed.

Metam potassium (metam-K) is a soil fumigant used commonly in Florida at the end of the tomato and pepper production season. The fumigant essentially cleans a field by killing the established weeds and crops after harvest. The goal of this project was to determine the optimal rate of metam-K for the effective termination of tomato, pepper, and established weeds such as purple nutsedge, goosegrass, and dogfennel. Tomato, pepper, and purple nutsedge at bed center were effectively terminated with the metam-K rate of 65 kg ha−1. Optimal rates required for the termination of goosegrass and dogfennel were 91 and 156 kg ha−1, respectively. In contrast, metam-K at 500 to 680 kg ha−1 was required to terminate purple nutsedge on bed edges. The reduced efficacy of metam-K at bed edge might be related to the limited movement of metam-K in soil.

Weeds can cause significant yield loss in watermelon production systems. Commercially acceptable weed control is difficult to achieve, even with heavy reliance on herbicides. A study was conducted to evaluate a spring-seeded cereal rye cover crop with different herbicide application timings for weed management between row middles in watermelon production systems. Common lambsquarters and pigweed species (namely, Palmer amaranth and smooth pigweed) densities and biomasses were often lower with cereal rye compared with no cereal rye, regardless of herbicide treatment. The presence of cereal rye did not negatively influence the number of marketable watermelon fruit, but average marketable fruit weight in cereal rye versus no cereal rye treatments varied by location. These results demonstrate that a spring-seeded cereal rye cover crop can help reduce weed density and weed biomass, and potentially enhance overall weed control. Cereal rye alone did not provide full-season weed control, so additional research is needed to determine the best methods to integrate spring cover cropping with other weed management tactics in watermelon for effective, full-season control.

Fomesafen is a protoporphyrinogen oxidase–inhibitor herbicide with an alternative mode of action that provides PRE weed control in strawberry [Fragaria×ananassa (Weston) Duchesne ex Rozier (pro sp.) [chiloensis×virginiana]] produced in a plasticulture setting in Florida. Plasticulture mulch could decrease fomesafen dissipation and increase crop injury in rotational crops. Field experiments were conducted in Balm, FL, to investigate fomesafen persistence and movement in soil in Florida strawberry systems for the 2014/2015 and 2015/2016 production cycles. Treatments included fomesafen preplant at 0, 0.42, and 0.84 kg ai ha−1. Soil samples were taken under the plastic from plots treated with fomesafen at 0.42 kg ha−1 throughout the production cycle. Fomesafen did not injure strawberry or decrease yield. Fomesafen concentration data for the 0.0- to 0.1-m soil depth were described using a three-parameter logistic function. The fomesafen 50% dissipation times were 37 and 47 d for the 2014/2015 and 2015/2016 production cycles, respectively. At the end of the study, fomesafen was last detected in the 0.0- to 0.1-m depth soil at 167 and 194 d after treatment in the 2014/2015 and 2015/2016 production cycles, respectively. Fomesafen concentration was less than 25 ppb on any sampling date for 0.1- to 0.2-m and 0.2- to 0.3-m depths. Fomesafen concentration decreased significantly after strawberry was transplanted and likely leached during overhead and drip irrigation used during the crop establishment.

Purple nutsedge is difficult to control in vegetable plasticulture due to its ability to penetrate the plastic mulch. Experiments were conducted in Spring 2011 and 2012 at the Plant Science Research and Education Center in Citra, Florida, and in Spring and Fall 2013 at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in Balm, Florida. The objective was to determine tomato (cv. Amelia, Charger, and Florida 47) tolerance and purple nutsedge response to herbicides and herbicide tank-mixes applied POST-directed to base of tomato. Chlorimuron-ethyl, flazasulfuron, fomesafen, halosulfuron, imazosulfuron, rimsulfuron, nicosulfuron, and trifloxysulfuron applied POST-directed to the base of the crop did not cause crop damage. Halosulfuron or tank-mixes that contained halosulfuron tended to provide the greatest nutsedge suppression in all experiments. Halosulfuron or nicosulfuron+rimsulfuron applications when tomato (cv. Charger) were flowering reduced marketable yields by 22-28% compared to the nontreated control. No yield reductions occurred with Florida 47 or Amelia cultivars. Flazasulfuron provided similar purple nutsedge suppression to halosulfuron and did not damage tomato. Tank-mixes that contained halosulfuron tended not to provide any added benefit over halosulfuron alone. This research identified herbicides that are safe for use as a POST-directed application in tomato. Additional research is needed to evaluate efficacy of these herbicides on broadleaf weeds.

Broadleaves, grasses, and nutsedge species are persistent problems with limited management options for strawberry growers in Florida. Field experiments were conducted in 2015-2016 (year 1) and 2016-2017 (year 2) at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in Balm, FL, to evaluate weed control and strawberry tolerance to herbicides applied through the drip irrigation. 2940 g ai ha-1 EPTC, 105 g ai ha-1 flumioxazin, 570 g ai ha-1 fomesafen, 52 g ai ha-1 halosulfuron, 3585 g ai ha-1 napropamide, oxyfluorfen 560 g ai ha-1, and 1070 g ai ha-1S-metolachlor were applied through a single drip tape at 7 or 14 d prior to transplanting. Halosulfuron was the most injurious herbicide, causing 18 and 46% injury at 35 d after transplanting (DATP) in year 1 when the herbicide was applied 7 and 14 d prior to transplanting, respectively. However, strawberry plants recovered from the initial injury and there was no reduction in total berry yield. None of the other herbicides evaluated elicited significant crop injury nor reduced berry yield. Averaged over application timings, EPTC, fomesafen, and napropamide suppressed yellow nutsedge emergence to 49, 64, and 41% of the nontreated control, respectively. Flumioxazin, fomesafen, and halosulfuron suppressed black medic emergence to 55, 52, and 55% of the nontreated control, respectively. None of the herbicides evaluated adequately suppressed Carolina geranium. Overall, results suggest that the evaluated herbicides with the exception of halosulfuron are safe for use on strawberry and would give growers an alternative management option. Drip-applied herbicides permit application closer to the transplant date and would be helpful as part of a weed control program for weed suppression.

Bell pepper producers are faced with the challenge of controlling weeds following the phase-out of methyl bromide (MBr). Numerous attempts have been made to find a single fumigant or herbicide to control a broad spectrum of weeds. Adequate weed control in bell pepper will likely require weed management systems utilizing both fumigant and herbicide options. A weed management system including the fumigant dimethyl disulfide (DMDS) plus chloropicrin (Pic) plus the herbicide napropamide prior to transplant followed by S-metolachlor POST may be necessary to replace MBr. Field experiments were conducted during 2010 and 2011 near Ty Ty, Georgia to determine bell pepper and weed response to DMDS plus Pic or in systems with napropamide and/or S-metolachlor. Bell pepper were not significantly injured by DMDS plus Pic or napropamide. Injury caused by S-metolachlor was transient and plants fully recovered by 4 weeks after treatment (WAT). Yellow nutsedge control 6 WAT using DMDS plus Pic applied at 468 or 560 L ha−1 controlled yellow nutsedge 91 to 95%. Large crabgrass control 6 WAT was 92 to 100% when DMDS plus Pic was applied at 468 or 560 L ha−1 with or without a(n) herbicide (S-metolachlor or napropamide). Palmer Amaranth control prior to harvest was 21, 64, and 85% using DMDS plus Pic at 374, 468, or 560 L ha−1, respectively. DMDS plus Pic applied at 468 or 560 L ha-1 with napropamide followed by S-metolachlor POST gave 95 to 99% control of Palmer amaranth 6 WAT. Consistent weed control and optimum yields were obtained when DMDS plus Pic was used at 468 L ha−1 plus napropamide beneath plastic mulch followed by S-metolachlor POST.

Mulches used in plasticulture systems could decrease dissipation of fomesafen, a protoporphyrinogen oxidase inhibitor, and dissuade producers from using the herbicide for fear of crop injury in subsequent growing seasons. Field experiments were conducted in Balm, FL, in 2015 and 2016 to investigate the effect of different plastic mulches on fomesafen dissipation, squash tolerance, and efficacy on purple nutsedge. Squash was injured less than 5% from fomesafen applications. The use of plastic mulches reduced purple nutsedge density at transplant by 60% compared with the no-mulch treatment. At transplant, treatments with low-density polyethylene mulch (LDPE), virtually impermeable film (VIF), and totally impermeable film (TIF) mulch had greater than 2-fold the fomesafen concentrations than treatments with clear or no mulch. At harvest in 2015, LDPE, VIF, and TIF treatments had greater fomesafen concentrations than clear and no-mulch treatments; however, concentrations in 2016 were similar for all treatments. Fomesafen can persist at high concentrations throughout the growing season in Florida plasticulture possibly limiting producer options for crop rotation and the use of cover crops.

Experiments were conducted in North Carolina in winter/spring 1992, 1993, and 1994 to determine crop tolerance, weed response, and clopyralid residue levels in fruit of ‘Chandler’ strawberry plants treated with clopyralid. Clopyralid at 0.07, 0.14, 0.20, or 0.28 kg ai ha−1 applied POST over strawberry plants and vetch resulted in 100% control of vetch species, 49 to 83% control of black medic, and less than 6% crop injury. As a comparison, 2,4-D at 0.84 kg ai ha−1 applied POST at 5 to 10% strawberry bloom resulted in 50% control of black medic and 48 to 73% crop injury, while 2,4-D at 0.84 kg ai ha−1 applied POST to 7- to 9- and 9- to 10-leaf strawberries resulted in 5 to 22% crop injury and no adverse affect on strawberry yield. Single applications of clopyralid at 0.07, 0.14, or 0.28 kg ai ha−1 applied POST to weed-free strawberries at the 5- to 6-, 6- to 7-, 9- to 10-, or 12- to 14-leaf stage caused less than 6% injury and did not adversely affect strawberry yield. In 1993 with preharvest intervals (PHI) of 39, 66, and 101 d after treatment all clopyralid residue levels in strawberry fruit were below the detectable level of 0.3 parts per billion (ppb). In 1994, with PHI of 30, 59, and 87 d after treatment trace clopyralid residues were found in strawberry fruit with a range from 0.25 to 1.9 ppb, with a level of detection of 0.2 ppb.

In plasticulture vegetable production systems, broadleaf weeds and grasses emerge in the crop planting holes and between the raised beds. Weeds emerging on the bare ground between the raised beds can be the most difficult to control. Experiments were conducted in the spring and fall of 2014 at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in Balm, FL, to evaluate a range of herbicides for use in row middles in vegetable crops. Weed counts and control ratings did not differ over time and as a result are averaged across 2, 4, and 8 wk after treatment. In the absence of PRE herbicides, carfentrazone did not differ from the nontreated control, whereas paraquat reduced total weed density by 67 and 61% in the spring and fall, respectively. In the fall, carfentrazone tank-mixed with flumioxazin, S-metolachlor + flumioxazin, or paraquat tank-mixed with flumioxazin, S-metolachlor, metribuzin, or S-metolachlor + flumioxazin had 81 to 90% fewer broadleaf weeds than the nontreated control. Total weed density was 70 to 90% lower than the nontreated control when carfentrazone was tank-mixed with flumioxazin or S-metolachlor + flumioxazin or paraquat was tank-mixed with flumioxazin, S-metolachlor, oxyfluorfen, metribuzin or S-metolachlor + flumioxazin. Similar trends occurred in the spring. A tank mix of a soil residual herbicide and POST burn-down herbicides tended to have a greater reduction in weed numbers compared to the POST treatment alone. The most consistent row middle tank-mixes were paraquat tank-mixed with flumioxazin, S-metolachlor + flumioxazin, or S-metolachlor + oxyfluorfen.

Methyl bromide (MBr) was a widely used fumigant in plasticulture because of its effectiveness against soil-borne pests and weeds in high-value crops; however, it was found to be a class 1 ozone-depleting substance and is no longer available for use in most of the United States. A mixture of 1,3-dichloropropene and chloropicrin (Pic-Clor 60) is an alternative that has been used to control soil-borne pathogens and nematodes, and has marginal control of weeds. Virtually impermeable film (VIF) and totally impermeable film (TIF) retain fumigants in the soil longer than the low- and high-density polyethylene films typically used in plasticulture production systems. The increased retention by these films may result in greater control of recalcitrant weeds such as nutsedge. Four rates of Pic-Clor 60 (112, 168, 224, and 280 kg ai ha−1) used with TIF, 280 kg ai ha−1 of Pic-Clor 60 used with VIF, and one nontreated control with VIF were evaluated for 2 yr to assess control of yellow and purple nutsedge and to determine an efficacious Pic-Clor 60 rate used with TIF. TIF with a lower rate of 224 kg ai ha−1 of Pic-Clor 60 significantly controlled nutsedge populations compared to a high rate of 280 kg ai ha−1 with VIF.

Field trials were conducted over two spring seasons (2005 and 2006) to investigate the interference between American black nightshade and watermelon in polyethylene-mulched and nonmulched (bare ground) trials. Competition studies were performed with watermelon at 1 plant/m in-row and American black nightshade grown at 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 plants/m2 in-row. Watermelon yield reductions started to plateau at only 2 American black nightshade plants/m2. Yield reduction was 80, 89, 96, and 98% and 54, 67, 81, and 85% at 2, 4, 6, and 8 American black nightshade plants/m2 in mulched watermelon production in 2005 and 2006, respectively. When watermelon was grown on bare ground, yield reduction was 100% at 2 American black nightshade plants/m2 in 2005 and 68, 81, 89, and 93% at 2, 4, 6, and 8 American black nightshade plants/m2 in 2006, respectively. Watermelon fruit numbers were reduced due to American black nightshade interference, but no significant differences in individual fruit weight were observed.

Broadleaf weeds and nutsedge are persistent problems with limited management options for strawberry growers in Florida. Experiments were conducted in 2012 to 2013 (year 1) and 2013 to 2014 (year 2) at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in Wimauma, FL, to evaluate tolerance of two strawberry cultivars (‘Strawberry Festival' and ‘WinterStar'™) to PRE herbicides applied on the bed top or injected through the drip tape. The bed-top herbicides were applied to formed beds following fumigation but prior to laying the plastic mulch. Herbicides evaluated included two rates of EPTC, fomesafen, halosulfuron, and S-metolachlor as well as tank mixes of EPTC + S-metolachlor, fomesafen + S-metolachlor, and napropamide + oxyfluorfen. Drip-applied herbicides were applied through a single drip tape and strawberries were transplanted 1, 7, 15 and 30 d following application. Drip-applied herbicides included two rates of EPTC and fomesafen as well as two rates of a tank mix of napropamide + oxyfluorfen. None of herbicides applied on the bed top except S-metolachlor 214 g ai ha−1 consistently injured either strawberry cultivar or impacted yields. None of the drip-applied herbicides damaged the strawberry plants or reduced yields at all planting dates. In year 1, EPTC at 229 g ai ha−1 and EPTC at 229 g ha−1 + S-metolachlor at 107 g ha−1 resulted in a 70 to 86% reduction in purple nutsedge density compared to the nontreated control. No differences in nutsedge density among treatments were observed in year 2. The herbicides evaluated are safe for use on strawberry and would provide growers with alternative herbicide options, application timings, and application techniques. Further research is needed to evaluate efficacy.

Fresh market pepper and tomato are important crops in Florida. Production primarily occurs on raised beds covered with plastic mulch. Weeds emerging between the rows are often controlled with multiple applications of burndown and soil-residual herbicides. Crop damage attributed to root uptake of herbicides applied between the rows has been reported. An experiment was conducted in a greenhouse at the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center to examine the effect of root uptake of paraquat and paraquat tank-mixed with flumioxazin on pepper and tomato growth and yield. Herbicides were applied via subsurface irrigation at 0.0625×, 0.125×, 0.25×, 0.5×, 1×, 2×, 4×, 8×, and 16× labeled rates. The 1× rate was based on the estimated label rate that would be applied per plant in the field and was 0.122 g ai plant−1 (1,542 g ai ha−1) and 0.011 g ai plant−1 (143 g ai ha−1) for paraquat and flumioxazin, respectively. Root uptake caused necrosis of the veins, followed by complete tissue death at higher rates. The percentage of crop damage increased with herbicide rate for both species (P < 0.0001), with greater damage observed at the lower rates with the tank mix than with the paraquat alone. A reduction in shoot biomass and fruit yield of both crops was observed following root uptake. These results suggest that uptake of paraquat or paraquat tank-mixed with flumioxazin by pepper and tomato roots in a field situation is possible.

Methyl bromide (MBr) has been an industry standard for soil fumigation in a multitude of crops for decades. However, it has been banned by the United Nations Environment Programme, and alternatives to MBr must be implemented to sustain productivity in many vegetable crops that depend on soil fumigation. One alternative that has been implemented in some areas is methyl iodide (MeI). Efficacy of MeI has been demonstrated on many pest species and has been generally similar to MBr. Methyl iodide is a costly material, which has likely limited its adoption. Virtually impermeable film (VIF) and totally impermeable film (TIF) provide greater fumigant retention than low-density and high-density polyethylene film, which can allow for reduced fumigant application rates while maintaining fumigant efficacy. The objectives of this research were to evaluate TIF with reduced rates of shank-applied MeI : chloropicrin (Pic) (50 : 50 w/w) for the control of yellow nutsedge in tomato. Treatments included a standard rate of MeI : Pic (93.3 L ha−1 [178 kg ha−1 broadcast]) under VIF and TIF, three reduced rates (37.3, 56, 74.6 L ha−1 [71.2, 106.8, 142.5 kg ha−1 broadcast, respectively]) under TIF, and a nontreated control under TIF. Results indicate fumigant use rates may be reduced from a standard 93.3 L ha−1 under VIF to 37.3 L ha−1 (60% reduction) under TIF while providing yellow nutsedge control and maintaining tomato yields.

Methyl bromide (MBr) was widely used as a soil fumigant to manage pests in the planting bed prior to transplanting fresh market tomato; however, it has been banned by the United Nations Environment Programme. Alternatives to MBr must be implemented to sustain productivity in fresh market tomato. Dimethyl disulfide plus chloropicrin (DMDS : Pic) is a fumigant alternative to methyl bromide for the management of yellow nutsedge and other soil-borne pests in tomato. Fumigant costs, environmental concerns, and risk mitigation measures encourage reduced fumigant application rates. Virtually impermeable film (VIF) and totally impermeable film (TIF) provide greater fumigant retention than low density and high density polyethylene film, VIF and TIF can allow for reduced fumigant application rates while maintaining fumigant efficacy. The objectives of this research were to evaluate TIF with reduced rates of shank-applied DMDS : Pic (79 : 21 w/w) for the control of yellow nutsedge in tomato. Treatments included a standard rate of DMDS : Pic (468 L ha−1) under VIF and TIF, a high rate (561 L ha−1) under VIF, three reduced rates (187 L ha−1, 281 L ha−1, and 374 L ha−1) under TIF, and a nontreated control under TIF and VIF. Results indicated rates may be reduced from a standard 468 L ha−1 under VIF to 187 L ha−1 (67% reduction) under TIF while maintaining yellow nutsedge control and tomato yields. In addition, the results indicated that nontreated TIF managed yellow nutsedge better than nontreated VIF because of decreased penetration of the mulch by yellow nutsedge.

Field trials were conducted at the Coastal Plain Experiment Station in Tifton, GA, from 2000 to 2003 to study the effects of herbicide placement on weed control and cantaloupe injury. Herbicides halosulfuron (0.036 kg ai/ha), sulfentrazone (0.14 and 0.28 kg ai/ha), clomazone (0.6 kg ai/ha), and a nontreated control were evaluated. Methods of herbicide application were preplant incorporated (PPI) under the polyethylene mulch before transplanting, posttransplanting over-the-top (POST-OTT), and posttransplanting-directed (POST-DIR) to the shoulders of polyethylene-covered seedbeds. Across all herbicide treatments, PPI and POST-DIR applications were the least injurious, with POST-OTT applications the most injurious. In general, sulfentrazone (0.28 kg ai/ha) was the most injurious herbicide and halosulfuron the least injurious, regardless of herbicide placement. Halosulfuron effectively controlled yellow nutsedge and provided versatility in methods of application, with minimal injury to transplanted cantaloupe.

Purple and yellow nutsedge are problematic weeds in Florida small fruit and vegetable production. EPTC and fomesafen are PRE herbicides that suppress both nutsedge species, but field application in Florida has shown control to be erratic. Greenhouse experiments were conducted in Gainesville, FL, from May to August 2014 and in Wimauma, FL, from March to May 2015 to investigate susceptibility of purple and yellow nutsedge to EPTC and fomesafen applications. Treatments included EPTC at 2.91 kg ai ha−1 and fomesafen at 0.42 kg ai ha−1 at 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 d after planting (DAP) tubers, plus a nontreated control. EPTC and fomesafen applications averaged across timings decreased purple and yellow nutsedge emergence, shoot height, leaf number, and shoot mass compared to the nontreated control. Herbicide applications 0 DAP reduced purple nutsedge emergence greater than 65% compared to the nontreated control and caused at least 74% injury 4 wk after planting. Herbicide applications 0 DAP decreased yellow nutsedge emergence and shoot mass compared to the nontreated control by at least 86 and 93%, respectively. Applications of EPTC and fomesafen have the ability to suppress short-term purple and yellow nutsedge growth. Applications made at or prior to tuber sprouting maximize herbicide efficacy.