Postemergence treatments were evaluated on June 20, 1998. As seen in Table 2, significant crop injury was evident on the treatment containing Raptor and Status and Reflex. Relatively good control of both target weed species was obtained when the 5 oz. rate per acre treatment of Raptor was applied. Scepter provided good control of sunflower and poor control of johnsongrass. However, none of the treatments provided complete control of either target weed.
Weeds compete with cultivated soybeans for moisture, space, and nutrients.
If weeds are left unchecked, they typically crowd the intended crop and reduce yield and net income. Although herbicides have a significant cost associated with their use, they often pay for themselves with higher yields and increased net income. However, not all herbicides have similar or equal costs per acre as evidenced in Table 3. Producers must evaluate the cost of herbicides when determining the best method of weed control. Johnsongrass and sunflowers are major weeds in soybeans in Central Texas.