Influence of Application Timing and Glyphosate Tank-Mix Combinations on the Survival of Glyphosate-Resistant Giant Ragweed (Ambrosia trifida) in Soybean

In recent years, glyphosate-resistant (GR) giant ragweed has become an increasingly problematic weed in soybean in Missouri and throughout many areas of the Midwest. Field trials were conducted in 2010 and 2011 to determine the influence of various application timings and glyphosate tank-mix combinations on the survival of GR giant ragweed in soybean. Glyphosate was applied alone and in combination with selected tank-mix combinations early POST (EPOST) to 10-, 20-, or 30-cm GR giant ragweed. Treatments received late POST (LPOST) applications approximately 3 wk after EPOST applications, once GR giant ragweed resumed growth. GR giant ragweed survival 2 wk after EPOST applications (2 WAEPOST) ranged from 60 to 100%. Glyphosate plus fomesafen applications to 10-cm plants resulted in 60% survival of GR giant ragweed, which was the lowest survival observed across all treatments and application timings. However, GR giant ragweed survival ranged from 37 to 98% 4 wk after LPOST applications (4 WALPOST). Glyphosate plus fomesafen applications to 10-cm plants resulted in 37% survival of GR giant ragweed 4 WALPOST, which was the lowest survival observed across all treatments and application timings. Few differences in soybean yields were observed between herbicide treatments within application timings in either year, and all herbicide treatments resulted in yields higher than the nontreated control. In 2011, soybean yields were reduced following glyphosate tank-mix combinations to larger plants. Overall, higher soybean injury and GR giant ragweed survival was observed in response to glyphosate tank-mix combinations made to taller plants. Results from this research indicate that additional methods of GR giant ragweed control, other than POST-only glyphosate tank-mix combinations, will be needed for effective management of GR giant ragweed in GR soybean.