Semester of Graduation
Spring
Degree
Master of Science (MS)
Department
School of Plant, Environmental, and Soil Sciences
Document Type
Thesis
Abstract
Weed control is extremely important in the Louisiana sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) industry, as it is a perennial crop that grows back after each harvest. Fields are kept weed free using mechanical and chemical methods to prevent weed-crop competition and further establishment of weed populations. The weed itchgrass (Rottboellia cochinchinensis) has become problematic for Louisiana sugarcane producers. Sometimes, itchgrass can still emerge after farmers have made a pre-emergence (PRE) herbicide application. These weeds are usually controlled using the herbicide paraquat dichloride (paraquat) in post-emergence (POST) directed applications. In recent year, 2016-2024, the United States Environmental Protection Agency has placed restrictions on paraquat usage due to health concerns. Another herbicide that has been used in these applications successfully in other sugarcane producing countries is glufosinate-ammonium (glufosinate). Glufosinate applications were evaluated in Louisiana in 2023 and 2024. The objectives of this study were to 1: determine the tolerance of the Louisiana sugarcane variety ‘L 01-299’ to a post-directed application of glufosinate and 2: to evaluate the efficacy of glufosinate in controlling itchgrass. Five field trials were conducted across three locations in Louisiana in 2023 and 2024 comparing five herbicide treatments, three glufosinate treatments, a metribuzin and triclopyr treatment, a paraquat treatment, and an untreated control, to test for sugarcane tolerance. Among all treatments, sugarcane yield, sucrose content and sugar yield were found to be statistically similar. To test for efficacy in controlling itchgrass, two trials were conducted in St. Martinville, Louisiana in 2024 comparing the same treatments on three different sizes of itchgrass. Across all sizes, glufosinate applications provided the highest mean control at three weeks after treatment. Based on these results, glufosinate is a safe and effective option to be used in POST-directed applications in sugarcane if labeled for use in the United States.
Date
3-25-2025
Recommended Citation
Simon, Warner R., "IMPACT OF GLUFOSINATE ON SUGARCANE YIELD AND YIELD COMPONENTS WHEN APPLIED POST-DIRECTED AND ITS EFFICACY IN CONTROLLING EMERGED ITCHGRASS (ROTTBOELLIA COCHINCHINENSIS)" (2025). LSU Master's Theses. 6110.
https://repository.lsu.edu/gradschool_theses/6110
Committee Chair
Orgeron, Al