Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) response to preemergence herbicides

Field studies were conducted during the 2004 and 2005 growing seasons in the south Texas and the High Plains of Texas sesame growing areas to evaluate sesame tolerance and weed control following various preemergence herbicides. All herbicides controlled Amaranthus tuberculatus at least 89%, while diuron, flumioxazin at 0.14 kg ai/ha, and S-metolachlor controlled Brachiaria platyphylla greater than 90%. Flufenacet controlled B. platyphylla 78% and all other herbicides controlled this weed less than 70%. Cloransulam, diclosulam, flufenacet, and flumioxazin-treated plots had few sesame plants emerge and resulted in little or no yield. S-metolachlor alone caused no sesame stand reduction in south Texas, but S-metolachlor plus metribuzin caused at least 49% stand reduction in both years. Fluometuron, prometryn, and S-metolachlor-treated plots produced the greatest sesame yield.