Evaluation of Integrated Practices for Common Purslane (Portulaca oleracea) Management in Lettuce (Lactuca sativa)¹

Studies were conducted to develop a weed management strategy for common purslane in lettuce based on available cultural and chemical control methods and an understanding of common purslane biology. A wide-band application of bensulide or pronamide reduced common purslane emergence compared with the standard narrow band. Both narrow and wide bands of pronamide as well as a wide band of bensulide reduced the time required to thin and hoe lettuce. The wide-band pronamide treatment reduced thinning time more than did the narrow band. Overall, none of the herbicide weed management expenses were lower for pronamide treatments than for bensulide and the control. Wide-band bensulide reduced weed management expenses compared with the control, whereas narrow bands did not. Common purslane plants uprooted 1 or 2 wk after emergence (WAE) did not produce any viable seed. Plants uprooted 3 WAE produced from I to 60 viable seeds, and seed production increased rapidly from 4 to 6 WAE. Flame and 2% (v/v) glyphosate treatments reduced seed production by uprooted common purslane.