Halosulfuron (Sandea) soil dissipation

Halosulfuron (Sandea herbicide) is commonly used in transplanted cucurbit crops to control purple and yellow nutsedges. Crucifers of cabbage and turnip greens are often planted in the autumn following cucurbit crop harvest. A UGA crop and soil scientist decided to determine halosulfuron carryover from cantaloupe on variable pH soils, then using cruciferous crops as bioassays. Results indicate that six months after halosulfuron application in cantaloupe, registered rates of halosulfuron did affect future plantings of direct-seeded turnip green and transplanted cabbage due to dissipation. However, excessive halosulfuron rates increase chance for carryover, without regard to soil pH or application method. Therefore, the halosulfuron label registration must be followed to prevent potential crop failure.