Weed Management in Wide- and Narrow-Row Glyphosate-Resistant Sugarbeet

Planting glyphosate-resistant sugarbeet in narrow rows could improve weed control with fewer herbicide applications and cultivations. Field studies were conducted in 2007 and 2008 at multiple locations in Michigan to compare weed management and sugarbeet yield and quality in glyphosate-resistant sugarbeet planted in 38-, 51-, and 76-cm rows. At all locations, weed densities and biomass were less after glyphosate treatments than after conventional herbicide treatments. Weed densities and biomass also were less in 38- and 51-cm rows compared with 76-cm rows following a single glyphosate application when weeds were 10 cm tall. Averaged over row width, sugarbeet treated with glyphosate when weeds first reached 2 cm in height and again as needed thereafter yielded similarly to sugarbeet treated when weeds were 5 to 10 cm tall. However, root yields were reduced when glyphosate application was delayed until weeds averaged 15 cm in height. Sugarbeet root and sugar yields were greater from 38- and 51-cm row widths than from the 76-cm row widths, averaged over all herbicide treatments. Regardless of row width, initial glyphosate applications should be made before weeds reach 10 cm in height to maximize yield and minimize weed competition with sugarbeet.