Avaliação do efeito do mulching e do glifosato no controlo de infestantes na cultura da beringela (Solanum melongena L.)

Abstract

Weeds pose a threat to eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) production because they interfere with the development and growth of this crop. Poor or lack of control of weeds can result in reduced yield, increased production costs and increased time spent on control. As a way of minimizing the impacts of weeds, a viable alternative is to adopt integrated management, as it allows for higher yield and good crop development. In this context, a trial was conducted in the experimental field of the Faculty of Agronomy and Forestry Engineering (FAEF), from October 2023 to January 2024, with the aim of evaluating the effect of mulching and glyphosate on weed control in eggplant crops. The eggplant variety used was Black Beauty, in a total area of ​​340 m2, divided into 20 plots, with five (5) treatments, namely: T1 - Control, T2-Zero tillage+mulching, T3-Weeding, T4-Zero tillage+mulching+glyphosate and T5-Zero tillage, in a randomized complete block experimental design (DBCC), with four (4) replications. The variables analyzed in relation to the composition of the weed community were: frequency, height, abundance, coverage, dry biomass, time of weeding and glyphosate application and efficiency of weed control. Regarding the crop, the height of the plants, the average number of eggplants per plant and crop yield were evaluated. ANOVA was performed using Fisher's test, followed by comparison of the means with Tukey's test, both at a 5% significance level. In this study, 24 weed species were identified, distributed across 14 families, with the most frequent family being Poaceae. The tallest species were: Sesamum alatum (91.3 cm), Imperata cylindrica (67.9 cm) and Eleusine indica (65 cm). The most abundant species with the greatest coverage were: Gomphrena celosoides and Cyperus rotundus. The control methods that showed the greatest efficiency were Zero tillage + mulching + glyphosate and weeding, respectively. The weeding treatment tended to present the best yield (3.3 tons/ha), however, it took more time (39 man-days/ha) to perform when compared with the application of glyphosate (approximately 8 man-days/ha).(TRADUÇÃO NOSSA)