2018 ASHS Annual Conference

Purple nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus L.) is a significant weed of Tabasco peppers grown on plastic mulch in Avery Island, Louisiana. Because nutsedge pierces plastic mulch, it competes directly with the crop. This presents a difficult pest control problem for producers, as there is no effective sedge control herbicide labeled for over the top application in Tabasco peppers. Due to its effectiveness at controlling many sedge species, halosulfuron is commonly used to control purple nutsedge in other vegetable crops. Halosulfuron was applied over the pepper plants at rates of 0.25, 0.50, and 1.00 oz/Acre, with 0.25% (by volume) non-ionic surfactant using a CO₂ backpack sprayer delivering 18 GPA. Tabasco pepper yield was not reduced by the halosulfuron rates evaluated in the study.