Abstract

BORGES, Jorge A; DOMINGUEZ, Luís; CAMACARO, Olga  and  GRATEROL, Anthony. Chemical control of Pteridium esculentum (G.Forst.) Cockayne (Thomson, 2012) in Yaracuy State, Venezuela. Bioagro [online]. 2017, vol.29, n.2, pp.145-150. ISSN 1316-3361.

The effectiveness of metsulfuron-methyl (10 g·ha^-1) glyphosate (4 L·ha^-1), metsulfuron-methyl + glyphosate (10 g·ha^-1 + 4 L·ha^-1), picloram + 2,4-D amine (1.5 L·ha^-1) herbicides, and manual control (cutting) was evaluated on the regrowth, leaf damage and aerial biomass of P. esculentum fern in cattle production unit located at 1,229 masl in Bolivar Municipality, Yaracuy State. An area of 720 m² set for grazing, with a predominance of guinea grass (P. maximum) and high incidence of fern (12±4 fronds/m²) was selected. Each product was applied manually in 180 m² plots and the effect was monitored at 30, 60 and 90 days post-application. The metsulfuron-methyl showed high efficiency by reducing regrowth after 90 days, inducing foliar injury of 76.3 % at 60 days and decreasing fern leaf biomass by 88.3 %. Combining glyphosate + metsulfuron-methyl caused further damage to the fronds (81.4 %), while the picloram + 2,4-D amine was effective in delaying the regrowth although it showed low residual effect. It was observed that glyphosate, alone, has a low residual effect on the fern, but significantly affected the forage supply. In conclusion, because of its efficiency, the rational use of metsulfuron-methyl incorporated into the integrated management of fern, is a good alternative to maximize control of this invasive plant in pastures of highland livestock systems.

Keywords : Leaf damage; male fern; metsulfuron-methyl; picloram + 2,4-D amine.

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