Weeds alter the establishment of <i>Brachiaria brizantha</i> cv. Marandu

Abstract

The present study evaluated the effects of different periods of coexistence among the main weeds and Marandu brachiaria grass (Brachiaria brizantha, now Urochloa brizantha) in newly sown pasture. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block with 4 replications, with treatments being 8 coexistence periods: 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90 and 120 days after emergence. A phytosociological assessment of the weed community was carried out at the end of the coexistence periods, and weeds were eliminated from the appropriate treatment using herbicide. Key morphogenic parameters of the forages were assessed at the end of the experimental period and dry matter production was determined. Results indicated that the presence of weeds had negative impacts on the main morphogenic components, such as plant height, number of tillers and production of leaf and stem dry matter. The presence of weeds reduced productivity in Marandu, with 15 days competition being sufficient to reduce forage production by approximately 50%, suggesting that weed control measures should be adopted within 15 days following emergence of seedlings of Marandu and weeds.