Chemical management of Pilea microphylla in orchid seedlings

Abstract

Orchidaceae species are produced on a large scale for commercialization of its flowers. However, because of its slow development, the substrate is subject to weed infestation, such as brilhantina (Pilea microphylla). Thus, we aimed to evaluate the selectivity of herbicides to the orchid seedlings of genre Rhynchostylis ([Rhynchostylis gigantea Alba x Rhynchostylis gigantea] X Rhynchostylis gigantea Semi-Alba) and control of P. microphylla. A completely randomized design with four replicates per treatment was adopted. The herbicides studied were oxyfluorfen (0, 120, 240, and 480 g ha^-1 a.i.), flumioxazin (0, 12.5, 25 and, 40 g ha^-1 a.i.), nicosulfuron (0, 20, 40, and 80 g ha^-1 a.i.), and mesotrione (0, 96, 144, and 192 g ha^-1 a.i.), with a control without application for each molecule. At the time of spraying, the plants of orchid presented four leaves and were 5 cm high, while P. microphylla was 10 cm high. Nicosulfuron did not control P. microphylla, while oxyfluorfen and flumioxazin showed control levels exceeding 90% on 14 days after application (DAA). The mesotrione showed low ability to control the weed, reaching around 35% efficiency at 49 DAA. All herbicides were selective to the hybrid seedlings Rhynchostylis. The oxyfluorfen and flumioxazin molecules were efficient in controlling P. microphylla in the tested dose ranges.