Herbicides for Iron Clay Peas

Metolachlor

• Metolachlor protects against annual grasses and broadleaf weeds, according to Cornell University. Labeled for use under the brand name Dual, this preplant and pre-emergent herbicide is applied before cowpea planting and before weeds emerge. Metolachlor is a selective herbicide, targeting specific plants without damaging iron clay peas and other legumes. Controlled weeds include crabgrass, pigweed, pusley and yellow nutsedge.

Sethoxydim

• Poast, the herbicide label approved for iron clay peas, features sethoxydim as its active ingredient and provides selective grass weed control in interseeded cover crops as a postemergent herbicide. The Poast label recommends early applications after weeds emerge but while they are still small. Weeds controlled include crabgrass, foxtail, fescue, oats, millet, ryegrass, Johnsongrass.

Imazethapyr

• Pursuit controls grass and broadleaf weed control in iron clay peas, soybeans, peanuts and other legumes using the active ingredient imazethapyr. Applied as a preplant incorporated, pre-emergent and early postemergent herbicide for established weeds, Pursuit soaks into the soil and provides residual control against germinating weeds. The Pursuit label warns that only one application should be used on iron clay peas per year. Peas should be at least 3 inches tall to avoid injury. Weeds controlled include wild mustard, nightshade, pigweed, crabgrass, nutsedges and sunflowers.

Halosulfuron

• Sandea 75 WDG contains the active ingredient halosulfuron. It provides protection against most broadleaf weeds and yellow nutsedge, according to Michigan State University. Growers using Sandea should expect serious stunting or crop thinning. Apply 1/2 ounce per acre approximately three weeks after emergence.

Bentazon

• Bentazon, commercial known as Basagran, provides broadleaf weed control when applied as an early postemergent herbicide. While slight damage may occur to young iron clay peas, a lower application rate of 3/4 pound per acre minimizes damage and improves crop rebound. Most plants outgrow any specking or bronzing within 10 days, according to the Bentazon label. Controlled weeds include ragweed, mustard, cocklebur, buckwheat and yellow nutsedge.