Glyphosate for Weed Control in Plantains

Abstract

This paper summarizes the results obtained on weed control, phytotoxicity, and yield of plantain as affected by Glyphosate and Paraquat treatments. Postemergence activity of Glyphosate and that of Paraquat on weeds in plantain fields were compared at the Corozal and Gurabo Substations. All plots, with the exception of the checks, received initially a preemergence application of Ametryn at the rate of 4.48 kg/ha. Glyphosate rates of 4.68, 9.36 and 18.72 L/ha, and Paraquat at the rates of 2.34, 4.68 and 9.36 L/ha, were subsequently applied to weeds four times at an approximately 2-month interval. Postemergence weed control was excellent at all three rates of Glyphosate application. Weed control with Paraquat was not as effective. As to drift effect of the herbicides, plantains appeared to be more susceptible to Glyphosate than to Paraquat. Fruit production as indicated by the number and weight of fruits increased with the increments of Glyphosate concentrations at the Corozal Substation. Yield was not proportionately increased with Glyphosate concentrations at the Gurabo Substation. The differential response to Glyphosate could be attributed to the fact that more severe plantain injuries occurred at the Gurabo Substation than at the Corozal Substation. Glyphosate at 4.68 L/ ha rate can be used effectively to control weeds in order to achieve high yields with no noxious effect on plantains.