Pine extract (Pinus patula) for weed control in agave cultivation (Aga-ve tequilana Weber va. Azul)

Resumen

Objective: To evaluate the pine extract with two solvents (water and ethanol), as a pre-emergence weed control in agave crop in the town of San Miguel el Alto, Jalisco.

Design/methodology/approach: The experimental design was in randomized blocks, with six treatments and four replicates, using two synthetic herbicides and two pine extracts (aqueous and ethanolic), during the rainfed period from July to September 2023. Plots were 30 m² with 10 agaves. Applications were made pre-emergence and twice more per month at a concentration of 25%. The variables recorded for weeds were number of specimens, species and visual coverage; for the crop, number of detached leaves, plant height, leaf width and length. The Shannon index, % control, EC and pH were obtained per treatment.

Results: The pine extract with both solvents showed phytotoxicity (chlorosis and stunting), and similar control to that observed with synthetic herbicides was not observed. The type of weed leaf determines the efficacy of the herbicide used, as it does for the extracts. Although the desired significant differences between treatments were not found, changes in weed populations were observed, suggesting that the extracts should be further evaluated.

Limitations on study/implications: N/A

Findings/conclusions: -First report on the phytotoxic effect of Pinus patula extract.

- Pine extract with both solvents causes phytotoxic symptoms (stunting and chlorosis).

-The ideal application rate must be determined.

- Digitaria ciliaris, Paspalum lividum and Chloris virgata are reported as species tolerant or resistant to glyphosate and glufosinate ammonium.