In order to study the effects of chemical and mechanical control methods of weeds in saffron fields, this experiment was conducted in Torbat Heydari, Iran during 1998-1999. Results showed during growing season, annual grasses such as Hordeum murinum and perennial grasses such as Poa bulbosa were dominant and Comprised 72% of species present. Broad-leaves and perennial weeds such as Cardaria draba, were also present, metribuzin, when applied as post- or pre- emergence, and then haloxyfop and metribuzin, gave better control than other treatments which showed no significant control. The lowest weed biomass of 159.02 g/m~2 was obtained using metribuzin which controlled 83% of all weeds. On average, 92% of annual and perennial grasses were controlled byherbicide treatments, but perennial and several broad -leaved weeds such as Cardaria draba were not controlled. The best quality of saffron produced in colour intensity, essence and flavour was obtained in haloxyfop treatment. Maximum saffron yield was obtained with ethalfluralin. With atrazine , haloxyfop, and metribuzin (pre-emergence) treatments, saffron leaves senesced early and become yellow.The mean number of saffron flower in 100g of yield and mean dry weight of saffron from flowers was not affected by herbicide treatment.
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