Preharvest Desiccation of Grain Sorghum with Glyphosate

Bovey, R. W.; Miller, F. R.; Baur, J. R.

Preharvest Desiccation of Grain Sorghum with Glyphosate

1975

Bovey, R. W. | Miller, F. R. | Baur, J. R.

The need for an effective and nontoxic preharvest desiccant for grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) has been recognized for many years. Studies were conducted to compare glyphosate [(N-phosphonomethyl) glycine] to sodium chlorate and paraquat (1,1'-dimethyl-4,4'-bipyridinium ion) on hybrids RS 626 and Tophand. Glyphosate was more effective than sodium chlorate or paraquat in reducing grain, leaf, and stem moisture content. Glyphosate reduced grain moisture content to 13% or lower within 1 week after treatment from original grain moisture content of 20, 30 or 40%. Glyphosate prevented growth of axillary buds of grain sorghum and killed all established johnsongrass and Coloradograss in treated agreas. Lodging of grain sorghum was insignificant for 3 weeks following glyphosate treatment, despite heavy rainfall and high wind velocity. Germination of treated grain was not affected by glyphosate at rates of 0.56 and 1.12 kg/ha. The low mammalian toxicity and the absence of phytotoxicity from soil residue suggests that glyphosate may be a valuable preharvest grain sorghum desiccant.

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