Abstract
African star grass (Cynodon nlemfuensis Vanderyst) is an excellent forage for animal feed, especially in tropical and subtropical climates. However, there is little information on weed management in African star grass pastures. Two experiments were carried out in 2017 and 2018 to evaluate the response of African star grass to five herbicides of the sulfonylureas chemical group and glyphosate at a low dose. The treatments were as follows: metsulfuron-methyl (Ally®) (7.8 and 15.6 g ai ha-1 plus 0.1% v/v mineral oil); chlorimuron-ethyl (Staron®) (15.0 and 30.0 g ai ha-1 plus 0.05% v/v mineral oil); halosulfuron (Sempra ®) (112.5 and 225.0 g ai ha-1 plus 0.1% v/v surfactant); ethoxysulfuron (Gladium®) (150.0 and 300.0 g ai ha-1); nicosulfuron (Sanson®) (60.0 and 120.0 g ai ha-1); glyphosate (Roundup Original®) (360 g ae ha-1); and a control without herbicide application. The herbicides nicosulfuron (60.0 and 120.0 g ai ha-1) and glyphosate were the most phytotoxic treatments; however, none of the treatments caused the total death of African star grass plants. The herbicides metsulfuron-methyl, chlorimuron-ethyl, halosulfuron and ethoxysulfuron were selective and are potential products for use in African star grass pastures.
Highlights
Species of the genus Cynodon exhibit high productive potential and nutritional value
One widely cultivated species is African star grass (Cynodon nlemfuensis Vanderyst), which is used as an alternative for feeding herds and forming new pastures (Pedreira, 2010)
The present study aims to evaluate the response of African star grass to five sulfonylureas herbicides and to glyphosate at a low dose
Summary
Species of the genus Cynodon exhibit high productive potential and nutritional value. African star grass is propagated by stolons, since its seeds have low fertility This species presents good development in regions with rainfall indices of over 800 mm/year (Sollenberger, 2008). African star grass plants tolerate short periods of flooding (3 to 5 days) with a water depth of 2 to 5 cm (Vendramini & Mislevy, 2016). This species is resistant to drought; the plants do not develop satisfactorily in shaded areas (Andrade et al, 2009). Studies that elucidate the tolerance of African star grass to herbicides are essential to avoid toxic damage to plants and prevent from weed interference. The present study aims to evaluate the response of African star grass to five sulfonylureas herbicides and to glyphosate at a low dose
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