Commelina diffusaPopulation Dynamics in Banana and Ruderal Habitats under Mechanical and Herbicide Management Regimes

Wendy-Ann P Isaac,Ayub Khan,Richard A I Brathwaite

doi:10.1155/2012/605745

Abstract

Commelina diffusais a colonising species of banana orchard habitats in St. Vincent in the Windward Islands of the Caribbean. In the present study, the population dynamics ofC. diffusawere investigated in response to mechanical weed management with either a rotary string trimmer or glufosinate in ruderal and banana habitats. The study focused on density and size distribution of the weed over time and their response to two weed management strategies. The population dynamics ofC. diffusadiffered between the two habitats. Seedling establishment appeared to be an important factor influencing the dynamics ofC. diffusain banana orchards as there was little recruitment of seeds with less flower production compared with ruderal habitats where plants produced more flowers. Plants ofC. diffusain the banana orchard habitat had a longer growth cycle. In the banana orchard habitat, theC. diffusapopulation was greater and the plants were shorter with mechanical management than in areas treated with glufosinate. The results suggest that it is possible to manipulate the dynamics ofC. diffusain banana orchards as there is less chance of seed recruitment. Further research is necessary to refine an IPM approach for the management ofC. diffusa.

Highlights

C. diffusa occurs in ruderal and agricultural habitats in the Windward Islands
Glufosinate is the only herbicide permitted for use by fair trade banana growers at the discretion of the local extension service, when the incidence of C. diffusa is above a certain threshold level
The rate of regeneration of C. diffusa stems was higher for stems that were cut using the rotary string trimmer compared to the check control treatment

Summary

Introduction

C. diffusa occurs in ruderal and agricultural habitats in the Windward Islands. The movement advocates the payment of a higher price to producers as well as higher social and environmental standards.), in 2002, with its minimal or prohibited use of herbicides, farmers have controlled weeds manually, using the cutlass or using the “rotary string trimmer.”. Glufosinate is the only herbicide permitted for use by fair trade banana growers at the discretion of the local extension service, when the incidence of C. diffusa is above a certain threshold level. These Islands are characterized by hilly topography and climate with ideal moisture conditions for the proliferation of C. diffusa. Because many of the banana plantations have been farmed for several years with virtually no crop rotations or tillage practices, further stabilization of C. diffusa populations has occurred

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