Syngenta’s Reflex 2SL herbicide approved for control of weeds in transplanted tomatoes and peppers in New Jersey

A 24(c) Special Local Needs label has been recently approved for New Jersey for use of Reflex herbicide for control of weeds in transplanted tomatoes and transplanted peppers. The use of Reflex 2SL is legal ONLY if a waiver of liability has been completed on the Syngenta website (https://www.syngenta-us.com/labels/indemnified-label-login).

Reflex is a selective preemergence herbicide for broadleaf weed control with both soil and foliar activity, but it is only labeled for preemergence use in transplanted peppers and tomatoes. The active ingredient in Reflex is fomesafen, a PPO inhibitor and the only herbicide in this family labeled for peppers and tomatoes. Broadleaved weeds are the main targetted species of this herbicide, that also activity on nutsedge. Expect excellent control of pigweed, (including Palmer amaranth), common ragweed, nightshade, and common purslane, acceptable control of common lambsquarters, morningglories and galinsoga, and suppression of field bindweed and nutsedge at the rate labeled for transplanted tomatoes and peppers. Use of a surfactant will improves postemergence control of susceptible annual broadleaf weeds. Note that annual grasses and some annual broadleaf weeds, including spurred anoda or horseweed, will NOT be controlled by Reflex 2SL.

Plasticulture

Apply Reflex 2SL at 1-1.25 pt/A as a pre-transplant non-incorporated preemergence broadcast application after final raised bed (well drained) formation but prior to laying plastic mulch. Reflex 2SLe application must be made after the final bed is formed and the drip tape is laid and immediately prior to laying plastic mulch. Soil must not be disturbed by any mechanical process after application. Transplants must have a minimum of 5 true leaves when planted into soil treated with Reflex to minimize the risk of crop injury. Ensure that Reflex 2SL treated soil is not moved into the transplant holes! Reflex 2SL can also be applied at 1-1.25 pt/A as a shielded banded spray directed toward the soil between the rows of plastic mulch pre-transplant.

Bare ground

Apply Reflex 2SL at 1-1.25 pt/A as a pre-transplant non-incorporated preemergence broadcast application up to 7 days prior to transplanting tomatoes. Avoid cultural practices that may concentrate Reflex treated soil around the transplant root ball. An overhead irrigation or rainfall event between Reflex application and transplanting will ensure herbicide activation and will likely reduce the potential for crop injury due to splashing. Transplants must have a minimum of 5 true leaves when planted into soil treated with Reflex to minimize the risk of crop injury. Ensure that Reflex 2SL treated soil is not moved into the transplant holes!

Consider rotational crops when applying Reflex 2SL as rotational restrictions depend on whether Reflex 2SL was applied bareground or under plastic mulch.