Weed control in forage crops

Abstract
Conyza bonariensis and Partheium hyserophorus (Compositeae) are two troublesome weeds infesting alfalfa in the Beit Shean Valley region. In the alfalfa growing season of 2009, we conducted two field trials in the Beit SheanValley. The main purpose of these trials was to test several selective herbicides for Partheium hyserophorus control. In our trial in Sde Eliahu the field was mainly infested with Conyza bonariensis. The results showed that Sencor at the rate of 100 g du-1 and a combination of Tomahawk at100 ml du-1 and Diorex at 200 ml du-1 can be used for Conyza bonariensis control and various other weeds infesting alfalfa. The two treatments delayed alfalfa development until the first harvest after herbicide application, but the plants recovered and no differenced in plant development could be observe in the second harvest.
In the second trial, which was conducted in Maoz Haim, Partheium hyserophorus was main weed infesting the field. Two treatments were found highly effective in controlling Partheium hyserophorus in alfalfa: Sencor at 100 g du-1 and a combination of Tomahawk at 100 ml du-1 and Diurex at 200 ml du-1. As mentioned previously, these treatments were also highly effective in controlling Conyza bonariensis in the trial in Sde Eliahu. These results are very encouraging, indicating that the treatments found can constitute a broad base for controlling the most troublesome weeds in alfalfa in the Beit Shean Valley.