Although the herbicide atrazine applied on the corn crop is selective to this crop it can cause phytotoxicity in sensitive/rotational crops. Two experiments were carried out under field conditions to evaluate the residual effect of atrazine, applied on corn crop, on successive sunflower crop. One experiment was conducted in Montividiu, Goiás - Brazil and the other in Londrina, Paraná- Brazil. The experiments were arranged in a split-plot design in randomized complete blocks. Intervals between atrazine application on the corn crop and sunflower sowing were as the plots and atrazine rates sprayed on the corn crop the subplots. In Montividiu, sunflower was sowed at 90, 116 and 128 days after atrazine application (DAA) at the rates of 0 (untreated control), 1.5 and 2.5 kg ha-1. In Londrina, sunflower was sowed 60, 90 and 120 DAA at the rates of 0 (untreated control), 3.0 and 6.0 kg ha-1. Sunflower yield was significantly reduced by atrazine residues (3.0 and 6.0 kg ha-1) at 60 DAA. None of the sunflower characteristics was significantly affected by atrazine residues when sowing was conducted at 90, 116, 120 and 128 days after atrazine application on corn crop in both experiments.
residue; triazine; Helianthus annuus
