Herbicide test on mata-barata (Andira sp.)

Abstract

"Mata-barata", probably Andira humilis M., is a short stemmed perennial weed, which reduces the grazing capacity of “cerrados" of the high central plateau of Brazil. It starts growth in the spring, even before the wet season, forming islands of dense vegetation impeding the regrowth of grass. Due to its dense and deep root system the eradication by hand or machinery is expensive. The present test was designed to study the use of herbicides in the control of the weed. Four herbicides were used. One application using knapsack equipment was made for each herbicide at the beginning of the rainy season. The following herbicides were employed: Formula 40 at 20 kg/ha and Kuron, 2,4,5-T and Tordon 101 were applied at 15 kg/ha. At the last observation, made eleven months following hercibide application, only Tordon 101 controled the weed growth. No damage was noticeable to molasses grass or other native grasses. Germination of native species was limited by the residual herbicide effect until two and a half months after treatment.