In order to study weed control efficiency and soil persistence, a field experiment was carried out in Ultisol-Kandiucult with table beet (Beta vulgaris L.) cultivar Tall Top. The treatments were: metamitron applied in pre-emergence at 2,8; 3,5 and 4,2 kg.ha-1 a.i, plus two controls, one weeded and another always with weeds, in a randomized block design with four replications. Weed control and selectivity were evaluated at 28 and 70 days and persistence in soil at 0, 21, 49 and 70 days after treatments (DAA), with bioassays using lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) cultivar Elisa Crespa. The main weeds occuring in the trial were Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn, Galinsoga parviflora Cav. and Coronopus dydimus (L.) Sm. Metamitron at the applied rates was apparently selective to table beets, considering the leaves. G. parviflora and C. dydimus were efficiently controlled with any of the applied rates up to 70 DAA. E. indica was well controlled until 28 DAA with all rates and until 70 DAA only with 3,5 and 4,2 kg.ha-1. Residual activity for 2,8 and 3,5 kg, lasted until 70 DAA, but for 4,2 kg it was longer. Chemical weed control improved yield with an increase on table beet roots of commercial type.
chemical control; residual period; yield; Beta vulgaris L.; bioassay
