Metsulfuron-methyl soil persistence influence in corn grown in succession

Abstract

The metsulfuron-methyl is a soil persistent herbicide and can affect the development and yield of sensitive crops grown in succession. The objective this study was evaluate the effect of the application of metsulfuron-methyl at different intervals before sowing on corn development and yield and determine a safe period between the application of the metsulfuron-methyl and corn sowing. The assay was conducted in the 2017/18 and 2018/19 seasons. The experimental design was of randomized blocks, with thirteen treatments and four replicates. The treatments were arranged in factorial scheme (2 × 6) + 1. The first factor consisted in doses of metsulfuron-methyl (1.98 and 3.96 g ha^-1). The second factor in intervals between the application of the herbicide and corn sowing (0, 15, 30, 45, 60, and 75 days), plus a control with no herbicide application. The phytotoxicity, yield, and yield components of corn were assessed. The highest phytotoxicity occurred at 3.96 g ha^-1, when the herbicide was applied on the day of sowing. Metsulfuron-methyl caused phytotoxicity and reduced corn yield. The safe interval between metsulfuron-methyl application and corn sowing was 15 and 30 days for the doses of 1.98 and 3.96 g ha^-1, respectively.