A greenhouse experiment was carried out to evaluate the efficacy of fomesafen in controlling Amaranthus hybridus grown under different soil humidity levels and to determine the lowest level of soil humidity failing to prevent this herbicide's effectiveness in controlling this species. The experimental design was arranged in randomized blocks with a 5 x 5 factorial scheme. The treatments consisted of five intervals between the last irrigation and herbicide application (0, 6, 12, 24 and 48 hrs) and five fomesafen doses (0.0, 62.5, 125.0, 250.0 and 375.0 g ha-1). When the plants reached the four-leaf pair stage, 10 mm of simulated rain were applied. At the end of the rain simulation period, the herbicide was applied using a pressurized backpack sprayer with CO2, with 120 Lha-1 of spray volume. On days 5, 22, 29 and 43 after application, the control was evaluated using a visual scale as well as plant height (cm) and on day 43, dry weight of the root and aerial part was assessed. Satisfactory control levels were obtained for a 375.0 g ha-1 fomesafen dose, regardless of the time interval between the last irrigation and herbicide application or soil moisture content; Fomesafen sprays of 250.0 g ha-1 at intervals shorter than 24 hrs between the last irrigation and herbicide application and/or in soils with water contents higher than 0.12 cm³ cm-3 did not affect herbicide efficacy in controlling A. hybridus. Fomesafen applications of 125.0 g ha-1 at time intervals shorter than 12 hrs between the last irrigation and herbicide application and/or in soils with water contents higher than 0.15 cm³ cm-3 did not affect herbicide efficacy in controlling A. hybridus.
Protox inhibitors; water deficit; weed
