Soybean yield loss and economic thresholds due to glyphosate resistant hairy fleabane interference

Abstract

The interference of glyphosate resistant hairy fleabane (Conyza bonariensis) has caused yield losses in soybean crop. Knowledge of the economic threshold is an important aspect for the economic management of resistant weeds. Because of it, the interference of the glyphosate resistant hairy fleabane density on the soybean yield loss was evaluated, as well as to estimate the economic threshold. Two experiments were conducted to verify the effect of different weed densities on the yield of two soybean cultivars (BRS Estância and BMX Turbo). Weed density ranged from 0 to 124 plants m-2. The yield of the BRS Estância decreased by 1.4% to the increase of one single plant, while for the BMX Turbo the loss was 25.9%. Soybean yield and economic threshold were lower for the BMX Turbo cultivar compared to the cultivar BRS Estância, which can be attributed to the genotype, competitive ability, weed development stage and/or environment. Increases in crop yield expectation, soybean price and herbicide efficiency reduce the economic threshold, indicating that the adoption of control measures should be taken when the weed density is low. Due to the high cost of hairy fleabane control, it is only feasible at high densities.