Evaluation of Imazetapyr herbicide efficiency for weed control in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.

Field experiments were conducted in Zanjan, Markazi, Esfahan, and Chaharmahal va Bakhtiari provinces to evaluate Imazetapyr herbicide efficiency for weed control in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in 2006. There were four replications at each site and treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design. In Zanjan, maximum weed biomass reduction by 91 and 88 percent were achieved for pre emergence application of imazethapyr (0.5 l/ha) plus postemergence application of imazethapyr (0.5 l/ha), and pre emergence application of imazethapyr (1 l/ha), respectively. Imazethapyr in all manner of application (preplant incorporation, pre emergence, and postemergence) did not have unacceptable phytotoxic effects on common bean. Post emergence application of Imazethapyr did not have excellent potential as weed control tool in common bean. Although Imazethapyr did not provide the best weed control, by regarding to the restriction of herbicides available for broadleaf weed control in common bean, it is essential to consider registration of this herbicide. However, to be identified as having utility for adequately weed control, more investigation about the effects of Imazethapyr on prevalent weed species is a necessity.