Two field assays were carried out to evaluate the rainfall effects on sulfosate and glyphosate herbicide activity, using different formulations, under two growing seasons (winter and summer). The experiments were conducted at the FCAV/UNESP Experimental Station, Jaboticabel, Brazil, during 2000/01. The formulations were glyphosate SA (1.0 L ha-1), WG (0.5 L ha-1), Transorb (0.75 L ha-1) and sulfosate SA (1.09 L ha-1). In the field, all the trials were arranged in a randomized block experimental design, with four replications. The treatments were arranged in factorial design 5 x 4 + 1 factors, with five periods between the herbicide spraying and the rain incidence (1, 2, 4, 6 and > 48 h), plus one control treatment. The herbicide treatments were applied using a back spraying, with six nozzles DG 11002, spaced by 0.5 m, at 30 p.s.i. constant pression. Artificial rain was provided by a top irrigation system raining 18-19 mm during one hour. The artificial rain reduced glyphosate action, mainly in the shorter periods between herbicide application and the rain incidence. The herbicide symptoms appeared quicker in the summer trials. The Transorb formulation (advertised as not affected by rain one hour after spraying) had the phytointoxication symptoms reduced by the rain up to six hours after spraying, both in the summer and winter. The herbicide sulfosate promoted better control when the rain occurred six hours after spraying, in both seasons.
weed control; winter and summer; rainfastness; glyphosate; sulfosate
