The Use of Preemergence Herbicides for Weed Control Around Young Coffee Seedlings

Abstract

The preemergence herbicides Monuron, Diuron, Neburon, Simazine, Atrazine, Amizine, Fenac, Silvex, and DNBP were tested each at three dosages on the surface of soil planted to young coffee seedlings in plastic bags. In general, the best weed control was obtained by using Diuron at the rate of 2 pounds per acre, Neburon at the rate of 16 pounds per acre, Simazine at the rate of 2 pounds per acre, and Amizine at the rates of 2, 4, and 8 pounds per acre. Monuron at 8 pounds per acre caused severe stunting of coffee seedlings and the death of some. Root weight was greatly reduced. Diuron and Atrazine both tended to produce good seedling appearance, but reduced root weight. Fenac and Silvex caused malformed and stunted leaves in surviving coffee seedlings, and DNBP reduced coffee seedling vigor. Untreated checks grew poorly, and were the weediest at all times.