Management of Singapore daisy (Sphagneticola trilobata) in plantations

Abstract

Singapore daisy is an invasive alien weed, now a problem in non-cropped areas as well as in perennial crop based systems. Two different experiments were conducted to find the most effective chemical and cultural method to manage Singapore Daisy. In the herbicidal study, 2,4-D, glyphosate, tank mix of 2,4-D + glyphosate, metsulfuron-methyl and premix of metsulfuron-methyl + chlorimuron-methyl were used. Of these, metsulfuron-methyl + chlorimuron-ethyl @ 10.0 g ha−1 and metsulfuron-methyl alone @ 10.0 g ha−1 were found very effective for controlling of this problem weed, followed by combination sprays of 2,4-D @ 1000 g ha−1 + glyphosate @ 820 g ha−1 and glyphosate alone @ 820 g ha−1 and 1640 g ha−1. The visual symptoms of phytotoxicity appeared around 4–7 days after the application of herbicides. Among the cultural control methods, removing the weed along with top 5 cm of soil followed by sowing cowpea was found to be very effective.