Evaluation of Herbicides for Management of Weeds in Cultivation of Panax quinquefolius L.

Nine herbicide products (fluazifop-p-butyl, clethodim, MCPA-sodium, 2,4-0 amine, chlorthal dimethyl, diquat, glyphosate, ethalfluralin and oryzalin) were evaluated for use on ginseng (Panax quinquefolius). Products varied in their ability to suppress weeds and certain materials were phytotoxic to ginseng in some trials. Chlorthal dimethyl (broadleaf weeds), MCPA-sodium (broadleaf weeds), fluazifop-p-butyl (grass weeds), and clethodim (grass weeds) were found to be effective as weed control agents and did not adversely affect ginseng growth. Other products tested were either not efficacious or were phytotoxic to ginseng in some trials. Weed populations were mainly introduced into the planting sites via the straw mulches used in ginseng cultivation.