Integrated methods of swallow-wort (Cynanchum acutum L.) control in sugarcane

Swallow-wort (Cynanchum acutum L.) is a perennial and invasive weed that infested many sugarcane fields in Khuzestan. Field experiment was conducted to find out an efficient method for C. acutum control in sugarcane during 2018 and 2019. The experiment was split-split plots in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Main plots were pre-emergence application of metribuzin, metazachlor + qinmerac, pendimethalin, indaziflam and acetochlor; Sub plots were one time hand hoeing (four weeks after pre-emergence application), two-times hand hoeing (four and eight weeks after pre-emergence application), and without hand hoeing and sub-sub plots were post emergence application of 2,4-D+MCPA, mixture of 2,4-D+MCPA and metribuzin, and bromoxynil + MCPA herbicides. Results showed that individual application of Pendimethalin, and indaziflam herbicides, two-times if hand hoeing, and then post emergence application of 2,4-D+MCPA and metribuzin as a had the highest efficiency with an average of 96% in reducing mass dry weight. The application of mentioned treatments increased cane yield 104.7 and 102.9 t/ha respectively compared to the control (without weeding, with 110 t. ha-1). However, the experimental treatments did not show a significant effect on quality traits of sugarcane.