IMPACT OF TIMING AND FREQUENCY OF IN-ROW CULTIVATION FOR WEED-CONTROLIN DRY BEAN (PHASEOLUS-VULGARIS)

Effectiveness of rotary hoeing with cultivation and comparison of an i n-row cultivator with a standard row-crop cultivator were determined i n dry edible bean. The effectiveness of in-row cultivation conducted a t various timings and frequencies was examined. The in-row cultivator was more effective in reducing weed populations than the standard cult ivator, although at least two mechanical weeding operations were neede d to reduce weed populations to levels of the herbicide check (EPTC [S -ethyl dipropyl carbamothioate] plus ethalfluralin). When the in-row c ultivation was delayed until the second trifoliolate stage or later, w eed populations were greater than those in the herbicide check. In sit uations with high weed populations, rotary hoeing prior to cultivation was required to reduce weed populations to levels similar to the herb icide check. An in-row cultivator has potential to improve mechanical weed control options in a crop such as dry edible bean. The types of a djustments made in combination with soil textures, soil moisture, and operator experience affect overall weed control. Thus, it is expected that the level of weed control will vary from year to year and even fi eld to held for the same operator.