Glyphosate as growth regulator for bahiagrass and broadleaf carpetgrass

Abstract

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of glyphosate herbicide as growth regulator on two turfgrasses bahiagrass and broadleaf carpetgrass. The experiments were conducted in a greenhouse, using a completely randomized design, with 10 glyphosate rates (0, 5.625, 11.25, 22.5, 45, 90, 180, 360, 720, and 1.440 g a.e. ha-1) and four replicates. Bahiagrass and broadleaf carpetgrass plants were transplanted to 2 liter pots filled with a clayey soil. Phytotoxicity and green cover index (GCI) were evaluated through digital analysis; plant height at 7, 14, 21, and 28 days after application (DAA); and dry biomass of cuttings at 28 DAA. The glyphosate rates of 5.625 to 22.5 g a.e. ha-1 (for bahiagrass) and up to 90 g a.e. ha-1 (for broadleaf carpetgrass) reduced the plant growth, without affecting the plant visual quality phytotoxicity, GCI, and dry biomass in the evaluated periods. Contrastingly, rates equal to and above 45 g a.e. ha-1 (for bahiagrass) and equal to and above 180 g a.e. ha-1 (for broadleaf carpetgrass) caused phytotoxic effects in all evaluated periods and affected negatively plant height, GCI, and dry biomass, denoting the sensitivity of these grass species to these glyphosate rates. The digital image analysis allowed the verification and quantification of the effects of the herbicides on turfgrasses.