Field experiments were conducted over two growing seasons (1995 and 1996) and at two locations (Jay, FL, and Headland, AL) to identify the most effective herbicide program for Florida beggarweed [Desmodium tortuosum (SW) D.C.] control in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.). The most common herbicides used for Florida beggarweed control—including preemergence (PRE), early-postemergence (EPOST), mid-postemergence (MPOST) and late-postemergence (LPOST) applied treatments—were evaluated in a factorial treatment arrangement. All treatments had merit and could be assembled into programs that resulted in maximum weed control, crop yield, and net returns. However, at least two of the four treatment timings were required to reach this level. Four systems were consistently associated with the maximum statistical grouping for both yield and net returns, as well as acceptable Florida beggarweed control (> 81%). These systems were (a) paraquat + bentazon applied EPOST, followed by pyridate + 2,4-DB MPOST; (b) same as (a) only preceded by norflurazon applied PRE; (c) imazapic applied EPOST followed by pyridate + 2,4-DB MPOST; and (d) norflurazon applied PRE, followed by imazapic EPOST.

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