Herbicide sensitivity of desmanthus (Desmanthus virgatus) at different stages of development
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17138/tgft(13)94-107Abstract
Desmanthus (Desmanthus spp.) is a native, naturalised or sown legume in many tropical and subtropical areas, including Australia where its potential use as a companion legume is extending to more southern latitudes. Desmanthus pastures are commonly sown into former cropping paddocks which have a significant weed burden. In these situations, weeds can be an issue during the establishment phase as well as in established desmanthus pastures. Three field experiments were conducted in northern New South Wales to assess the sensitivity of D. virgatus ‘Marc’ to herbicides at different stages of pasture development. At sowing, imazethapyr [0.41 kg active ingredient (a.i./ha)] and trifluralin (0.85 kg a.i./ha) were suitable for pre-emergent use. In a 9-week-old seedling pasture, bromoxynil (0.14–0.56 kg a.i./ha) and flumetsulam (0.02–0.08 kg a.i./ha) caused little plant damage and are suitable for use, while 2,4-D amine (0.54–2.16 kg a.i./ha) and MCPA (0.49–1.95 kg a.i./ha) caused extensive damage, reducing herbage production and delaying flowering. In a 10-month-old established pasture, bromoxynil (0.14–0.56 kg a.i./ha), imazethapyr (0.04–0.14 kg a.i./ha) and terbuthylazine (0.44–1.75 kg a.i./ha) caused minor short-term plant damage. Isoxaflutole (0.04–0.15 kg a.i./ha) resulted in temporary plant foliage bleaching and reduced production, without on-going effects following cutting. Established plants of desmanthus were defoliated by paraquat (0.2–0.8 kg a.i./ha) but regrew without phytotoxic effects. All these herbicides could be used on desmanthus plants. In established desmanthus pastures 2,4-DB (0.35–1.4 kg a.i./ha) caused significant damage but not plant death. There were no ongoing effects of the herbicide on plant productivity following cutting.
Author Biographies
Suzanne Patricia Boschma, NSW Department of Primary Industries
Dr Suzanne Boschma is a Senior Research Scientist with NSW Department of Primary Industries based at Tamworth. She has over 20 years’ experience in pasture grass and legume field-based research. Over the last 15 years her research has focussed on tropical grass and legume species and their adaption to northern inland NSW. Sue’s research contributes to providing resilient pasture options to maintain and/or manage feed supply year-round and quantifying and overcoming issues affecting their productivity and persistence. Her research conducted solely and in collaboration, has increased the knowledge of existing and new pasture options in northern NSW
Mark Andrew Brennan, NSW Department of Primary Industries
Mark Brennan is a senior technical officer in the Pastures Unit. He has 20 years research and development experience.
Steven Harden, NSW Department of Primary Industries
Mr Steven Harden is a biometrician with NSW Department of Primary Industries with 35 years experience.
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