Fluazifop-P Tank-Mixtures with Clethodim for Annual Grass Control in Flax (Linum usitatissimum)

Field studies were undertaken in 1992 and 1993 to investigate the control of wild oat and green foxtail in flax with reduced rates of fluazifop-P and clethodim applied as tank-mixtures. Fluazifop-P plus clethodim at 50 + 18 g ai/ha controlled wild oat and green foxtail and was as effective as full rates of either herbicide applied alone. These rates represent a 20% reduction in total amount of active ingredient required to control wild oat and green foxtail. Application of fluazifop-P, and/or clethodim prior to the 3- to 4-leaf stage failed to control late emerging grass weeds. Application of graminicide mixtures at or after the 3- to 4-leaf stage controlled late emerging grass weeds and did not affect flax yield. When applied late, fluazifop-P at 175 g/ha tended to reduce flax yield, although weed control was acceptable and no foliar injury was observed following treatment. The efficacy of graminicide mixtures was reduced by addition of bromoxynil plus MCPA to the spray mix.