Control of three Euphorbia species through herbicides applied during pre-emergence on sugarcane straw

Abstract

The permanence of straw on the ground changes the phytosociology of weeds and affects control by the difficulty of transposing from straw to soil; thus, it is extremely important to transport it as quickly as possible. This research had the goal to know the effectiveness of two herbicides, applied on straw in different periods without rain, in controlling three weed species from the Euphorbia genus. The experiments were conducted in a greenhouse using a completely randomized design, arranged in split-plot in time (rainless periods: 0, 15, 30 and 45 days), with three replications. Seeds were distributed over the soil and covered by a 10 t ha^-1 straw layer. The application of diuron + hexazinone + sulfometuron-methyl and tebuthiuron herbicides was performed during pre-emergence on the straw. Then, respecting the rainless period, planters received an irrigation of 20 mm water. On day 43, the visual control and dry mass of the aerial parts were evaluated. Data were submitted to analysis of variance and adjusted to the linear or quadratic equation model. E. hirta was 100% controlled by the two herbicides in all periods without rain. Tebuthiuron was not effective in controlling E. heterophylla and E. hyssopifolia after 45 days without rain. Diuron + hexazinone + sulfometuron-methyl herbicide is effective in controllling the three Euphorbia species, even whenapplied on the straw and after the 45-day period to be leached. Diuron + hexazinone + sulfometuron applied over sugarcane straw was effective in controlling all Euphorbia species studied.