WEED INTERFERENCE IN EGGPLANT CROPS

Luiz Junior Pereira Marques,Silvano Bianco,Arthur Bernardes Cecílio Filho,Gislane Da Silva Lopes,Matheus Saraiva Bianco

doi:10.1590/1983-21252017v30n406rc

Abstract

ABSTRACT Uncontrolled weed growth interferes with the growth eggplants and crop yields. To control weeds, the main weed species must be identified in crop growing areas and during weed control periods, as weed species might vary in relation to management practices. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the main weed species and determine the periods of weed interference in the eggplant cultivar Nápoli when grown under certain cultural practices, including plant staking and sprout thinning. The experiment was carried out in 2014 using a randomized complete block design, with 3 replications. The treatments consisted of 11 periods of (1) increasing weed control and (2) increasing coexistence of eggplant with weeds from the first day of transplanting (0-14, 0-28, 0-42, 0-56, 0-70, 0-84, 0-98, 0-112, 0-126, 0-140, and up do day 154). Eggplant staking and sprout thinning were performed 42 days after transplanting (DAT). Weed identification and crop yield assessments were performed to determine the Period Before Interference (PBI), Total Period of Interference Prevention (TPIP), and the Critical Period of Interference Prevention (CPIP). The major weeds found in the eggplant cultivar Nápoli were Eleusine indica, Portulaca oleracea, and Cyperus rotundus. Coexistence between the weed community and the eggplant throughout the entire crop production cycle reduced eggplant fruit yield by 78%. The PBI was 29 DAT and the TPIP was 48 DAT, resulting in 19 days of CPIP.

Highlights

The eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) is a vegetable fruit grown globally
To inform the decision making process for the control of weeds in eggplant cultivation, this study aimed to identify the major weeds and key periods of interference with the eggplant cultivar Nápoli grown under different cultural practices, such as plant staking and sprout thinning
A total of 16 weed species were identified in the eggplant cultivar Nápoli crop grown with plant staking and sprout thinning

Summary

Introduction

The eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) is a vegetable fruit grown globally. In the state of São Paulo, Brazil, eggplant production systems occupy 1,037 ha, produce 47,549 t eggplant, and generate 1,023 jobs. The eggplant plant is a semi-shrub and has woody stems, plant staking and sprout thinning are often recommended as management practices to prevent the plants from tipping or breaking (EMBRAPA HORTALIÇAS., 2014). These management practices are beneficial to the crops and affect weed control, as they alter environmental factors within the crop. In tomato production systems, plant staking improves how solar radiation is distributed across the plant canopy (WAMSER et al, 2007). Sprout thinning prevents leaves and fruits touching the soil and improves aeration, enhancing solar radiation to the plant and the implementation of cultural practices (MIRANDA et al, 2011)

Objectives

Methods

Results