Investigating different methods of integrated weed management in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

In order to investigate efficacy of the integrated weed management in cotton fields, three experiments were carried out in three cotton growing areas of Iran, including Varamin, Khorasan, Fars in 2006. These experiments were conducted in randomized complete block design with 13 treatments and 4 replications. One of the pre plant soil mixtured herbicides (trifluralin 48% EC and ethalfluralin 33.3% EC) or a pre emergence herbicide (440g/ kg Fluometuron+440g/kg Prometryn), integrated with a post emergence herbicide (trifloxysulfuron sodium 75), or with a post emergence mechanical control (cultivator). The treatments were compared with hand weeding (weed free), weedy check and cultivator twice at using. Results showed that application of different herbicides together was more effective than using of them alone. Trifloxysulfuron sodium + trifluralin, trifloxysulfuron sodium + ethalfluralin and trifloxysulfuron sodium + (440g/kg Fluometuron + 440g/ kg Prometryn) increased weed control and cotton yield. Cultivator + ethalfluralin and cultivator + (440g/kg Fluometuron + 440g/kg Prometryn) were more effective than cultivator twice at using. Application of trifloxysulfuron sodium as a post emergence herbicide after application of a pre plant herbicide provided a good control of weeds.