Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
MSc. Student, Department of Plant Production and Genetics engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Birjand, Birjand, Iran
2
Associate Professor, Department of Plant Production and Genetics engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Birjand, Birjand, Iran. Member of the Plant and Environmental Stresses Research Group, University of Birjand, Birjand, Iran.
3
Associate Professor, Department of Plant Production and Genetics engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Birjand, Birjand, Iran , Member of the Plant and Environmental Stresses Research Group, University of Birjand, Birjand, Iran
4
Associate Professor, Department of Plant Production and Genetics engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Birjand, Birjand, Iran , Member of the Plant and Environmental Stresses Research Group, University of Birjand, Birjand, Iran.
Abstract
Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is recognized as an important medicinal and commercial plant in Iran, particularly in dry and semi-arid areas. Weeds are recognized as a significant limiting factor in saffron production. The limited vegetative growth of saffron results in a diminished capacity to compete with weeds for light, water, and nutrients. Saffron is a competitive weakling against weeds because to its small stature and slender foliage. The experiment was performed on a four-year-old saffron farm in the Sarayan region. Cultivation occurred in a 20 × 20 centimeter mound with a density of 4 corms per mound (equating to 100 corms per square meter). The research was conducted in the fourth year of the farm's operation using a factorial design based on a randomized full block design with three replications. The initial factor encompassed the concentration of the herbicide haloxyfop R-methyl ester at four levels: 0%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of the recommended dosage (108 g of active ingredient per hectare). The secondary factor comprised the additive at three levels: no additive, citogate oil, and corn oil (0.5% by volume). The variance analysis results indicated a significant effect of the concentration of the herbicide haloxyfop R-methyl ester and additives on the percentage reduction in the density of narrow-leaved weeds in the saffron field, including mouse barley, wild oats, cheatgrass, little seed canary grass, and their aggregate. The interaction effect between the herbicide concentration and the additive was not significant solely for wild oats; however, this interaction significantly influenced wild oats and cotton grass at a 1% probability level,. The findings of this study indicated that the application of the herbicide haloxyfop R-methyl ester in conjunction with the adjuvant citogate can enhance the efficacy of controlling narrow-leaved weeds.
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