Efficacy of Glufosinate Ammonium Herbicide on Weed Control, Impact on Soil Chemical Properties and Heavy Metal Accumulation in Cocoa Plantations.
2024
Olufemi Aremu-Dele | Osas Ugioro | Kayode Olufemi Ayegboyin | Beatrice Abanum Nduka | Seun Adeosun | Osita Ibe | Frank Asowata | K.O. Oyeledun | Uthman Oyediran | Umar Salisu | Adura Agboluaje | Taye Shuaib
Prolonged use of commonly used herbicides by cocoa farmers such as paraquat and glyphosate have been observed to have residual effects on the environment. Therefore there is a need to screen herbicides such as Glufosinate ammonium-based herbicides for use by cocoa farmers. The experiment was set up at the cocoa experimental plot of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria Headquarters in Ibadan. The 3 treatments which were arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design are slashing, 100 mls and 200 mls of Glufosinate ammonium per 16L of water (100 mls/16L and 200 mls/16L). Each experimental unit was 6 m × 6 m comprising nine cocoa stands. The treatments were replicated 3 times. Data on the soil's initial physico-chemical properties and after 3 months of each treatment were recorded. Mineral and heavy metal analysis of the leaves and pods before spraying and 3 months after spraying were recorded. The % weed control of the treatments was also observed. Treatment means were separated using the Least Significant Difference (LSD) at a 0.05% probability level. Results showed that Glufosinate ammonium applied at both rates did not load the soil, cocoa leaves and cocoa beans with heavy metals. 200 mls/16L had 85.00% weed control followed by 100 mls/16L (62.70%) and slashing (51.00%) which both had the same statistical result. Glufosinate ammonium at 100 mls/16L can replace slashing to eliminate drudgery while Glufosinate ammonium at 200 mls/16L can be used for more effective weed control without negative effects on the environment and the crop.
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