Brachiaria brizantha control by using fluazifop-p-butil on Tifton 85 pasture formation

Abstract

This study was carried out with the aim of assessing the efficacy of the fluazifop-p-butyl herbicide to control Brachiaria brizantha, cultivar Marandu, in the formation of Tifton 85 grazing. Treatments consisted of five doses of fluazifop-p-butyl herbicide (0.0, 62.5, 125.0, 187.5 and 250.0 g ha-1) plus controls with no herbicide, in a completely randomized layout, with four replications. Each plot consisted of a 10-L capacity pot, with two B. brizantha plants and two Tifton 85 plants. The herbicide application was conducted before the tillage of B. brizantha, when they were about 15 cm high. Visual assessments of control of B. brizantha and intoxication of Tifton 85 plants, at 07, 21 and 45 days after application were carried out. Sixty days after application, plants were harvested at ground level and oven-dried. Regrowth was assessed in the same manner, 60 days after cutting, to determine their dry weight. Control of B. brizantha was noted to be above 50%, from doses of 218.75 g ha-1 at 45 days after application. The fluazifop-p-butylherbicide did not show to be efficient in the control of B. brizantha in the doses assessed and caused intoxication to Tifton 85 plants.