Weed control using allelopathic sunflowers and herbicide

SummaryField studies were conducted to determine if season long weed control could be achieved by combining the use of an herbicide with the natural allelochemicals produced by cultivated sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.). The weed biomass was reduced equally in plots planted with sunflowers, whether or not the herbicide was applied in each of 4 years. Weed control diminished the second year in all plots that received the same treatments as had been applied the previous year. This diminished efficacy was attributed to reduced emergence of sunflower (13.5 to 45.2 percent) in second-year plots, as a result of autotoxicity from sunflower crop residues remaining after the first-year harvest.