Evaluation of herbicide effectiveness in weed control in alfalfa

Abstract

Alfalfa is one of the most important perennial fodder crops, and it is also the most economical. Alfalfa provides first class fodder that is suitable for feeding all livestock, especially ruminants. Grass and broadleaf weeds are a serious threat to the quality and viability of alfalfa stands. Weeds can reduce the nutritional value of the crop and cause significant reductions in yield, as they compete aggressively for water, nutrients, sunlight, and space. In this study, herbicides (Butoxone DB, Agil, Basagran, Corum, Fusilade forte, Pulsar and Focus ultra) were used for controlling weeds in alfalfa. The presence of annual and perennial weeds, typical of alfalfa plantations: Capsella bursa-pastoris, Stellaria media, Lamium amplexicaule, Viola arvensis, Amaranthus retroflexus, Setaria spp., Sorghum halepense, Cirsium arvense, Plantago lanceolate, Rumex crispus and others, was observed on the tested surfaces. Our research has shown that the most effective herbicides are Basagran, Butoxone DB and Corum, which are intended to suppress broadleaf weeds. Meanwhile, herbicides Fusilade forte and Pulsar proved to be very effective in controlling grass weeds. A very good reaction was also observed with the combinations of herbicides Pulsar + Fusilade forte and Pulsar + Basagran, as these combinations expand the spectrum of activity to the grass and broadleaf weeds. The aim of this paper was to determine which herbicide is most effective in controlling weeds in alfalfa.