Control of Mucuna bracteata in planting strips of immature rubber (Hevea brasiliensis)

Varghese M

Control of Mucuna bracteata in planting strips of immature rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) - Indian Journal of Natural Rubber Research 2002 - 72-75

In order to find out the number of rounds of weeding required for a satisfactory year-round control of Mucuna bracteata in planting strips, a trial consisting of eight treatments was laid out. Manual slashing was compared with three doses of Glyphosate, Paraquat in combination with 2,4-D Na salt as well as Paraquat alone and two levels of 2,4-D. It was observed that paraquat (0.43kg a.i/ ha) + 2,4-D (1.0 kg a.i/ha) and 2,4-D(1.0kg a.i./ha) gave significantly better control. Seven rounds of spraying during the period of observation (692 days) were required for effective weed control. Economic analysis of the different treatments revealed that application of 2,4-D (1.0kg a.i/ha) costs only Rs.4649/- as against Rs.16557/- for manual slashing. It is therefore concluded that growth of M. bracteata on the planting strips can be effectively and economically controlled with the use of 2,4-D.


Cover crops
Herbicides
Hevea brasiliensis
Mucuna bracteata
Planting strips