Control of purple nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus) in cotton with benfuresate

The herbicide benfuresate applied preplanting to cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) fields infested with purple nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus L.) inhibited nutsedge growth for several weeks and was found selective for cotton. The best nutsedge control was achieved when the herbicide was mechanically incorporated following a preplant broadcast or band application which was activated by a sprinkler irrigation. The rate of benfuresate needed for effective and selective nutsedge control in cotton ranged from 0.80 to 1.60 kg/ha, the higher rates necessary in soils with higher clay and organic matter contents.