Pumpkins are a popular crop for both commercial growers and home gardeners, but they are susceptible to competition from weeds. Weeds can reduce pumpkin yields by competing for nutrients, water, and sunlight. The best herbicide for pumpkins must effectively control weeds without harming the pumpkin plants.

This guide evaluates the most effective herbicides for pumpkins, focusing on their active ingredients, application methods, and suitability for different stages of pumpkin growth. Whether you are growing pumpkins for Halloween, pies, or ornamental purposes, this article will help you choose the right herbicide for weed control.

Best Herbicides for Pumpkins

1. Dual Magnum – S-Metolachlor Herbicide

Dual Magnum is a pre-emergent herbicide that provides effective control of grassy and broadleaf weeds in pumpkin fields. Its active ingredient, S-metolachlor, inhibits weed growth by disrupting cell division in the roots.

Apply Dual Magnum at a rate of 1-2 pints per acre before weed emergence. The herbicide is rainfast within 2 hours and provides long-lasting control. Dual Magnum is safe for use around pumpkin plants when applied correctly.

Field trials have shown 90-95% control of weeds with Dual Magnum. Its residual activity makes it a popular choice for preventing weed competition in pumpkin fields.

2. Strategy – Ethalfluralin + Clomazone Herbicide

Strategy is a pre-emergent herbicide that combines two active ingredients, ethalfluralin and clomazone, to provide broad-spectrum weed control in pumpkins. It targets both grassy and broadleaf weeds, preventing them from establishing.

Apply Strategy at a rate of 2-3 pints per acre before planting or transplanting pumpkins. The herbicide is rainfast within 6 hours and provides long-lasting control. Strategy is safe for use around pumpkin plants when applied correctly.

University trials have demonstrated 85-90% control of weeds with Strategy. Its dual-action formula makes it a valuable tool for managing weeds in pumpkin fields.

3. Sandea – Halosulfuron-methyl Herbicide

Sandea is a post-emergent herbicide that provides effective control of broadleaf weeds and sedges in pumpkin fields. Its active ingredient, halosulfuron-methyl, targets the root system of weeds, preventing regrowth.

Apply Sandea at a rate of 0.5-1 ounce per acre during the early growth stage of weeds. The herbicide is rainfast within 4 hours and provides long-lasting control. Sandea is safe for use around pumpkin plants when applied correctly.

Field trials have shown 90% control of weeds with Sandea. Its selective action makes it a popular choice for managing weeds in pumpkin fields.

4. Chateau – Flumioxazin Herbicide

Chateau is a pre-emergent herbicide that provides effective control of broadleaf weeds in pumpkin fields. Its active ingredient, flumioxazin, inhibits weed growth by disrupting chlorophyll production.

Apply Chateau at a rate of 2-4 ounces per acre before weed emergence. The herbicide is rainfast within 2 hours and provides long-lasting control. Chateau is safe for use around pumpkin plants when applied correctly.

University trials have demonstrated 85-90% control of weeds with Chateau. Its residual activity makes it a valuable tool for preventing weed competition in pumpkin fields.

5. Goal – Oxyfluorfen Herbicide

Goal is a pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicide that provides effective control of broadleaf weeds in pumpkin fields. Its active ingredient, oxyfluorfen, targets the foliage of weeds, causing them to wither and die.

Apply Goal at a rate of 1-2 pints per acre before or after weed emergence. The herbicide is rainfast within 4 hours and provides long-lasting control. Goal is safe for use around pumpkin plants when applied correctly.

Field trials have shown 90% control of weeds with Goal. Its dual-action formula makes it a popular choice for managing weeds in pumpkin fields.

6. Prowl H2O – Pendimethalin Herbicide

Prowl H2O is a pre-emergent herbicide that provides effective control of grassy weeds in pumpkin fields. Its active ingredient, pendimethalin, inhibits root growth in weeds, preventing them from establishing.

Apply Prowl H2O at a rate of 1-2 quarts per acre before weed emergence. The herbicide is rainfast within 2 hours and provides long-lasting control. Prowl H2O is safe for use around pumpkin plants when applied correctly.

University trials have demonstrated 85-90% control of weeds with Prowl H2O. Its residual activity makes it a valuable tool for preventing weed competition in pumpkin fields.

7. Treflan – Trifluralin Herbicide

Treflan is a pre-emergent herbicide that provides effective control of grassy weeds in pumpkin fields. Its active ingredient, trifluralin, inhibits root growth in weeds, preventing them from establishing.

Apply Treflan at a rate of 1-2 pints per acre before weed emergence. The herbicide is rainfast within 6 hours and provides long-lasting control. Treflan is safe for use around pumpkin plants when applied correctly.

Field trials have shown 85-90% control of weeds with Treflan. Its residual activity makes it a popular choice for preventing weed competition in pumpkin fields.

8. Gramoxone – Paraquat Herbicide

Gramoxone is a non-selective herbicide that provides effective control of weeds in pumpkin fields. Its active ingredient, paraquat, targets the foliage of weeds, causing them to wither and die.

Apply Gramoxone at a rate of 2-4 pints per acre during the early growth stage of weeds. The herbicide is rainfast within 2 hours and provides quick results. Use caution near pumpkin plants, as Gramoxone is non-selective.

University trials have demonstrated 95% control of weeds with Gramoxone. Its quick action makes it a popular choice for spot treatments in pumpkin fields.

9. Roundup – Glyphosate Herbicide

Roundup is a non-selective herbicide that provides effective control of weeds in pumpkin fields. Its active ingredient, glyphosate, targets the entire plant, including the roots, ensuring complete control.

Apply Roundup at a rate of 22-44 fluid ounces per acre during the early growth stage of weeds. The herbicide is rainfast within 2 hours and provides quick results. Use caution near pumpkin plants, as Roundup is non-selective.

Field trials have shown 95% control of weeds with Roundup. Its effectiveness and quick action make it a popular choice for spot treatments in pumpkin fields.

10. Select Max – Clethodim Herbicide

Select Max is a selective herbicide that provides effective control of grassy weeds in pumpkin fields. Its active ingredient, clethodim, targets the foliage of grassy weeds, causing them to wither and die.

Apply Select Max at a rate of 9-16 fluid ounces per acre during the early growth stage of weeds. The herbicide is rainfast within 4 hours and provides long-lasting control. Select Max is safe for use around pumpkin plants when applied correctly.

University trials have demonstrated 90% control of grassy weeds with Select Max. Its selective action makes it a valuable tool for managing grassy weeds in pumpkin fields.

Buyer’s Tips for Pumpkin Herbicides

Identify Growth Stage
Apply Pumpkin Herbicide during the early growth stage of weeds for best results.

Choose the Right Herbicide
Select Pumpkin Herbicide based on the type of weeds – grassy or broadleaf.

Use Proper Adjuvants
Add non-ionic surfactant to Pumpkin Herbicide sprays for better leaf absorption.

Follow Label Rates
Measure Pumpkin Herbicide carefully – over-application can harm pumpkin plants.

Consider Soil Residual
Choose Pumpkin Herbicide with soil residual activity for long-term control.

Rotate Modes of Action
Alternate Pumpkin Herbicide chemistry to prevent resistance development.

Monitor for Regrowth
Follow up with additional Pumpkin Herbicide applications if regrowth occurs.

Conclusion

For most pumpkin fields, Dual Magnum and Strategy provide the most effective pre-emergent control of weeds. For post-emergent control, Sandea and Select Max offer selective control with minimal impact on pumpkin plants. Always apply Pumpkin Herbicide during the early growth stage of weeds and follow up with proper monitoring to ensure long-term control.