Investigation of the effectiveness of some pre-emergence herbicides on weeds in apricot orchards

This study was conducted during the 2025 vegetation period in apricot orchards located in Dilek Mahallesi of Yeşilyurt district (Malatya province) and Bilaluşağı village of Baskil district (Elazığ province) to determine the efficacy of certain pre-emergence herbicides against weed species. The effects of different weed management practices, including control, mechanical cultivation, Pendimethalin (450 g/L), Penoxsulam + Florasulam (150 g/L + 75 g/L), Indaziflam (500 g/L), and Flazasulfuron (%25), were evaluated in terms of weed density, total weed cover, and fresh and dry biomass. The experiments were set up according to a randomized block design with four replications; weed density was measured at four different periods, coverage area at six different periods, and biomass at the harvest period. Results showed that weed density, cover, and biomass were highest in the control plots at both locations. The dominant weed species were identified as Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers., Convolvulus arvensis L., Setaria verticillata (L.) P. Beauv., and Sorghum halepense (L.) Pers. Mechanical cultivation provided the highest early-season weed suppression; however, its effectiveness decreased as the season progressed. Pendimethalin and Indaziflam treatments provided more stable and long-term weed control. Flazasulfuron showed moderate efficacy, whereas Penoxsulam + Florasulam was insufficient, particularly against perennial weed species. Mechanical cultivation was the most effective treatment in reducing biomass. Overall, none of the treatments alone provided complete season-long weed control, highlighting the necessity of integrated weed management approaches.