Stale seedbed weed control in cucumber

Field studies were conducted from 1995 to 1997 near Tifton, GA, to determin e the benefits of stale seedbed weed control in cucumber. Three stale seedb ed management systems-(1) power till stale seedbeds twice (2 x), (2) glypho sate application immediately after planting, and (3) combination system of stale seedbeds power tilled once 2 wk prior to planting followed by glyphos ate application immediately after planting cucumber-were evaluated as main plots. Subplots were weed management systems after planting cucumber: inten sive, basic, and cultivation alone. Weed densities were generally greater i n 1996 and 1997 than in 1995. Yellow nutsedge was the overall predominant s pecies in 1995 (46 plants m(-2)), with Florida pusley being the predominant species in 1996 and 1997, at 80 and 124 plants m(-2), respectively. Genera lly, stale seedbeds shallow tilled 2 x had fewer weeds and greater cucumber yields than stale seedbeds treated with glyphosate. Glyphosate did not ade quately control emerged Florida pusley on stale seedbeds, resulting in redu ced cucumber yield. Clomazone preemergence and bentazon/halosulfuron postem ergence were used for broadleaf weed control in the intensive weed manageme nt: system. These herbicides injured cucumber plants, delayed maturity, and reduced yield. Based on our results, stale seedbeds shallow tilled 2 x can be integrated into cucumber production and provide effective cultural weed control. Furthermore, these systems will replace the need for potentially injurious herbicides.