Chemical v/s hand weeding in young citrus and mango orchards.
McIntyre G., Barbe C.
Author Affiliation: Mauritius Sugar Industry Research Institute, Réduit, Mauritius.
Revue Agricole et Sucrière de l'Île Maurice 73 : 44-47
Abstract : Hand weeding has for a long time been the only method of weed control practised in Mauritian orchards. Trials were carried out in a Citrus and a mixed Citrus and mango orchard to find herbicide treatments for controlling a varied weed spectrum. An initial treatment of glyphosate (1.5 and 3.0 a.e./ha), bromacil plus diuron (as Krovar I) with paraquat (at 5 plus 0.25 kg a.i./ha), diuron plus paraquat (5 plus 0.25 kg a.i./ha) and paraquat alone (0.4 kg a.i./ha) was applied after emergence of the main weeds. A further treatment was applied 16 weeks later, if necessary. The main weed species were: Cyperus rotundus, Kyllinga elata, Stachytarpheta indica, Euphorbia hirta, Ageratum conyzoides, Paspalum paniculatum and Plantago lanceolata. Highly satisfactory results were obtained with alternate treatments of glyphosate and a mixture of Krovar I + paraquat. Alternate treatments of glyphosate and a mixture of diuron + paraquat were also satisfactory. The treated spaces around the fruit trees were kept weed-free for more than 40 weeks with these treatments, which did not affect growth and fruit formation.