Three field trials were conducted in south Georgia under irrigated conditions in 2002/2003 and 2003/2004 to evaluate the effects of imazapic residues on oat growth and yield. Imazapic at 70 g ai/ha was applied during the first weeks of May, June, July, August, and September to bare soil. No additional tillage was performed after the herbicide application. Oats (cv. Coker 227) were planted the first week of October. Oat plant populations were not reduced by any timing of imazapic. Generally, oat plant heights and forage yields were reduced when imazapic was applied in August and September (1–2 mo before planting). Grain yields were not reduced by any timing of imazapic. Results of these tests suggest that the current 18-mo rotational restriction for oats following an application of imazapic could be reduced to 4 mo.

Nomenclature: Imazapic; oats, Avena sativa L. ‘Coker 227’.

Additional index words: Carryover, crop rotations, herbicide persistence, imidazolinone, plant-back restrictions.

Abbreviations: DAP, days after planting.