Using non‐chemical options in integration with reduced rates of imazethapyr in weed management of pinto bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.).

In order to investigate the effects of reduced imazethapyr rates integrated with non‐chemical weed management treatments on weed control and pinto bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) seed yield, the field studies were carried out at the Research Field of University of Tabriz, Iran in 2016 and 2017. The experiment was a factorial randomised complete block design with five levels of imazethapyr rates and four levels of non‐chemical managements. The weed density and biomass were reduced in all non‐chemical weed management treatments when combined with imazethapyr, compared with those treated with imazethapyr only (control). In both years, non‐chemical weed management treatments increased pinto bean seeds per plant and seed yield when integrated with imazethapyr. Pinto bean seeds per plant and seed yield in 2017 were greater than those in 2016 and also there was no significant difference between those in 0.75X and 1X. The relative ranking of non‐chemical weed management treatments for weed control efficacy and pinto bean seed yield was hand weeding > straw mulch > living mulch. Integration of imazethapyr with non‐chemical weed managements could increase the weed control efficacy and seed yield of pinto bean whereas would reduce herbicide application in sustainable production systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]