Evaluation of Herbicides for Container-Grown Acerola (Malpighia punicifolia L.) Under Greenhouse Conditions

Abstract

The use of herbicides alachlor, napropamide, diuron, dalapon, metribuzin, simazine, and terbacil resulted in excellent preemergence control of grass and broadleaf weeds in container-grown acerola plants. A greenhouse experiment was conducted for weed control on acerola to evaluate efficacy and to determine the extent to which acerola would tolerate various concentrations of these herbicides. All herbicides tested reduced weeds substantially after 120 days, with the exception of metribuzin at 1X and 2X, which killed the plants. Diuron, terbacil, and simazine caused some yellowing of the leaves at the base of the plants. Results indicate that it is possible to grow acerola in containers for about 120 days with excellent growth and satisfactory control of weeds.