The use of pre-emergence herbicides in cassava decreases the need of manual weeding

Abstract

ABSTRACT Weed management consists of a fundamental practice in cassava, with mechanical and chemical control widely used. The objective of this work was to evaluate the efficacy of pre-emergence herbicides, as well as to determine the interaction of these with weeding complementation in the weed management in cassava. Two experiments were conducted in Junqueiro (Alagoas). In 2015/16, the experimental design was based on randomized blocks, with treatments distributed in a split-split-plot scheme, with four replications. In the main plot, four pre-emergence associations of clomazone + flumioxazin in different doses were evaluated, in addition to a control without herbicide. In the subplots, the Caravela and Pretinha cassava cultivars were evaluated, while in the sub-subplots the control complementation was evaluated using or not the manual weeding. In the 2016/17, the plot design and layout remained the same as for 2015/16, except for the composition of the herbicide treatments, since the standardization of clomazone dose has been chosen, varying only the doses of flumioxazin. The association of clomazone and flumioxazin has shown efficacy in weed control, with a greater residual as higher doses are used. This association provided higher shoot and root yield. Weeding complementation along the cassava cycle can increase its yield.

Keywords

• weed community
• chemical control
• integrated weed management
• Manihot esculenta