IMPROVED CONTROL ON UNWANTED BANANA PLANT (Musa spp.)

Abstract

An improved method of controlling unwanted banana plant (Musa spp.) with a mixture of glyphosate isopropylamine 48.6 per cent w/v, metsulfuron-methyl 20 per cent w/w and water in the ratio 4:1:16 is reported in this paper. Field trials in an oil palm plantation showed that a single application of 0.5 ml to 0. 6 ml of this mixture soaked in bamboo stick was able to achieve 100 per cent mortality in a single application inserted into the basal region of the trunk of the banana plant. Follow-up treatment was not necessary as the treatment also prevented the growth of any suckers. On the other hand, although the conventional method of using 2,4-D amine 86.5 per cent w/v and water in ratio 1:6 was able to achieve 100 per cent mortality, it was unable to prevent the growth of suckers satisfactorily. The treatments were done on standing banana plants that have not been po/larded as is commonly done. Keywords: Musa spp., weed management, unwanted banana plant, glyphosate, metsulfuron-methyl, 2,4- D amine