Use of glyphosate in the management of Panicum maximum cv. BRS Zuri intercropped with maize

Abstract

ABSTRACT The intercropping between maize and forage species is an alternative commonly used within farming systems. Competition among crops may be a limiting factor in intercropping, compromising maize and forage yield. Although necessary, the literature does not provide satisfactory answers on the interaction of forage crops launched in the market recently, such as BRS Zuri, intercropped with maize. Therefore, techniques such as the use of herbicide subdoses come in as an option to suppress forage growth, making simultaneous cultivation feasible. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the effects of glyphosate herbicide subdoses on the development of Panicum maximum cv. BRS Zuri intercropped with Roundup Ready® (RR) maize and how this interaction reflects on the weed population, forage yield, and biometric and yield variables of maize. The experimental design was randomized blocks with treatments consisting of six subdoses of glyphosate herbicide (0, 48, 96, 240, 480, and 960 g acid equivalent [a.e.] ha-1) and maize in monoculture with four replications. For the conditions of this study, the dose of 480 g a.e. ha-1 of glyphosate may be an alternative since there was weed suppression and adequate forage development. Maize yield was not affected by the presence of forage.