MANAGEMENT OF WEEDS ON PINEAPPLE FARM USING SELECTIVE HERBICIDE ON PEAT SOIL

Abstract

Weeds pose problem to the production of pineapple by competing for nutrients, space, light and water. Pineapple production without good weed management could reduce yield and could cause insects infestation such as mealybugs that could spread serious disease for instance pineapple mealybug wilt-associated virus. Weed management using selective herbicide kills the weed without affecting pineapple plant growth and fruit quality. Four different selective herbicides were chosen with active ingredients of Atrazine, Ametryn, Bromacil and Diuron. Three frequencies of application were chosen which are 8, 10 or 12 weeks. The results of plant growth rate showed no significant different between treatment except on unweeded plot. Bromacil showed the best control on weed followed by Ametryn, Diuron and Atrazine over period of time. Eight weeks frequency of application did not differ to 10 weeks but both frequencies provide better weeds management over 12 weeks frequency of application. Major weeds species recorded were Melastoma malabathricum, Asystasia gangetica and Fimbristylis pauciflora. The used of selective herbicide is suitable in controlling weeds on pineapple plantation on peat soil without affecting plant growth rate.