This work aimed to evaluate tolerance of thecorn hybrids to nicosulfuron and to relate selectivity studies carried out under greenhouse conditions to field studies. Greenhouse experiments were carried out in a randomized block design, in a 33 x 3 factorial scheme, with the first factor being the corn hybrids and the second factor, the herbicide rates (0, 30 and 60 g ha-1). The effect of the treatments was evaluated based on shoot biomass. Under field conditions, a randomized block design experiment was carried out in a factorial scheme 5 x 3 (five corn hybrids, selected from the greenhouse studies, and three herbicide rates (0, 30 and 60 g ha-1). Field results were evaluated based on crop development and yield. Based on the greenhouse experiments, corn hybrids were grouped according to tolerance to nicosulfuron. In relation to crop yield in the field, nicosulfuron at 60 g ha-1 decreased crop yield by 17.4% for the hybrid B 761. When evaluating nicosulfuron selectivity to corn hybrids, field stage is necessary to verify whether the herbicide treatments have influence on grain yield.
ALS-inhibitors; selectivity; sulfonylureas; Zea mays
