Comparing the efficacy of nicosulfuron and foramsulfuron with common herbicides in forage corn (Zea mays) in Birjand region

In order to compare the effectiveness of new herbicide, nicosulfuron and foramsulfuron in compared to commonly used corn herbicides in Birjand, a study was conducted based on randomized complete block design with 12 treatments and three replications in 2009 in Birjand University Agricultural Research Field. Treatments were post emergence application of nicosulfuron and foramsulfuron in amounts of 1, 1.5, 2 and 2.5 L/h, post emergence application of 2, 4 –D + MCPA at 1.5 L/ha concentration and pre emergence application of alacholor and atrazin at 5 L/ha and 1.5 kg/ha, respectively. Moreover, weed free and weedy check plots were considered in each block. The results showed that applying nicosulfuron (2 L/ha) reduced 68% of green foxtail density (Setaria viridis L.), while no significant difference was seen in applying foramsulfuron, nicosulfuron (2.5 L/ha) and alacholor. The use of nicosulfuron 2.5 L/ha reduced 87% of dry matter weight of green foxtail (Setaria viridis L.). However there were no significant difference between the treatment of foramsulfuron (2 and 2.5 L/ha) and nicosulfuron (2 L/ha). Similarly, nicosulfuron and foramsulfuron (2.5 L/ha) decreased 88 and 81% of broad-leaved weeds density. The highest corn forage yield showed in foramsulfuron (2 and 2.5 L/ha) and nicosulfuron (2 and 2,5 L/ha) application