Quality and Yield of Broccoli Hybrids Treated Postemergence with Tank Mixtures of Chelated Iron and Bentazon

Increased broccoli production in the eastern United States necessitates the exploration of novel concepts to improve weed management in this region. Currently, there are minimal selective postemergent herbicide options available for broccoli growers in the southeastern United States. Research was conducted to determine if bentazon, an effective nutsedge herbicide, could be used safely for broccoli when tank-mixed with chelated iron in both greenhouse and field settings. Initial green-house screens in Charleston, SC, demonstrated that when 224 g center dot ha21 active ingredi-ent of chelated iron was tank-mixed with bentazon, a reduction in injury occurred in most of the cultivars that were evaluated. However, based on injury ratings, yield pa-rameters, and broccoli quality observed in the field, it appears that the applications of chelated iron yielded no positive effects. Furthermore, for some of the broccoli cul-tivars it appeared to exacerbate bentazon injury in the field.