Evaluation of the efficacy and phytotoxicity of synthetic chemical herbicides on sugarcane (Saccharum spp. L.) in San Luis Potosí, Mexico

Resumen

Objective:
To evaluate the effectiveness and phytotoxicity of eleven synthetic chemical herbicides in sugarcane (var. CP 72-2086) under field conditions at Experimental centre of INIFAP, Ébano, San Luis Potosí, Mexico, to identify feasible and reliable alternatives for chemical weed management.

Design/methodology/approach:
A randomized complete block design with four replications was used, applying herbicide treatments to experimental plots of 56 m². Weed control and crop phytotoxicity were assessed at 10, 20, and 30 days after application (DAA), using the nine-class scale proposed by the European Weed Research Society (EWRS). Data were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test and Tukey's mean separation test at a significance level of P<0.05.

Findings:
Glufosinate ammonium and MSMA provided very good weed control during the first 20 days, although their efficacy decreased slightly by 30 DAA. Glyphosate achieved complete control at 30 DAA but showed the highest phytotoxicity to the crop. Ametryn and Diuron demonstrated a favorable balance between effectiveness and low toxicity. Clomazone, Mesotrione, Saflufenacil, Indaziflam, and Atrazine showed intermediate responses. The untreated control plot exhibited severe weed pressure.

Limitations/implications:
This study is limited to a single sugarcane variety and specific agroclimatic conditions; thus, results should be interpreted with caution when extrapolating to other regions or cultivars. Further long-term studies are recommended, including herbicide combinations and their effects on final crop yield.

Conclusions:
Chemical control can be an effective approach for weed management in sugarcane, provided that both herbicide efficacy and crop selectivity are considered. Glufosinate, MSMA, Ametryn, and Diuron stand out as feasible and reliable alternatives for integrated weed management programs, while Glyphosate, despite its high efficacy, requires caution due to its phytotoxicity