Control of Smoothseed Alfalfa Dodder (Cuscuta Approximata) in Alfalfa (Medicago Sativa)

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the most appropriate control methods for smoothseed alfalfa dodder (Cuscuta approximata Bab.), infesting alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) in Van, Turkey. The effects of imazethaphyr and imazamox herbicides and their application times, including three cutting heights of alfalfa, on controlling dodder were investigated. The study had a split-plot design with four replications, and the trial was conducted under field conditions from 2010 to 2013. The results indicated that pre-emergence applications of imazethaphyr, pre- and post-emergence applications of imazamox, suppressed dodder during the first year after application; however, the effect decreased in the following years. In 2013, a substantial decrease in the hay yield and raw protein ratio of alfalfa was found. In addition, the control of dodder was not significantly affected by different cutting heights. (C) 2017 Friends Science Publishers