Effectiveness of flumioxazin alone and in combination with other herbicides for controlling different weed emergence patterns and species

Effective weed management is essential for maximizing sugarcane productivity, with pre-emergence herbicides representing a fundamental strategy for controlling weed infestations. The study evaluates the efficacy of flumioxazin, alone and combined with other herbicides, for weed control in sugarcane. A greenhouse experiments assessed control of various weed species: Rottboellia cochinchinensis, Urochloa decumbens, Digitaria horizontalis, Merremia aegyptia, Merremia cissoides, and Ipomoea triloba. The completely randomized 9 × 5 factorial design with four replications with nine herbicide treatments and five sowing intervals, applied in pots containing a dystrophic Red Latosol. Evaluations included percentage control at 35 d after application (DAA) and reduction in dry mass. Results showed flumioxazin alone had variable efficacy, with high initial effectiveness but significant decline over time. In contrast, combinations such as flumioxazin + metribuzin and flumioxazin + diclosulam maintained high efficacy (>90%) throughout all periods. Flumioxazin + isoxaflutole was initially effective but diminished after 20 DAA. Combinations with herbicides of similar half-lives, like metribuzin, suggested synergistic effects, while pairings with longer half-life herbicides, like imazapic, complemented flumioxazin's action. Mixtures of flumioxazin with other herbicides effectively reduced weed dry mass, highlighting the advantage of herbicide combinations for sustained and efficient weed management in sugarcane cultivation. This study emphasizes the importance of herbicide combinations in overcoming management challenges and selecting appropriate herbicides for diverse field conditions.