DECISION MAKING FOR ALEXANDERGRASS CONTROL IN MAIZE, FOR PESTICIDE-FREE, SMALLHOLDER CROPPING SYSTEMS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18512/ijms2026e1360Abstract
The objective of this work was to evaluate the interference of alexandergrass (Uroclhoa
plantaginea) on maize and to determine the economic threshold level (ETL) of this weed under different
nitrogen fertilization rates in pesticide-free cropping systems. Treatments consisted of increasing nitrogen
doses ranging from 0 to 345 kg ha-1 combined with alexandergrass densities from 0 to 328 plants m-2. Shoot
density, leaf area, soil cover, and aboveground dry matter of alexandergrass were evaluated as indicators
of weed infestation. Considering typical ranges of maize grain yield, market prices, efficiency, and costs of
manual weed control, the most reasonable nitrogen dose for pesticide-free maize production was 200 kg ha-1,
as it resulted in the highest ETL values when alexandergrass was present. At this nitrogen level, the ETL should
be determined based on the four evaluated infestation parameters; however, on average, weed control should
be performed when alexandergrass density reaches between 10 and 15 plants m-2, approximately 21 days after
crop emergence. This study provides guidance on the most appropriate timing for controlling alexandergrass
by hoeing in pesticide-free maize production systems.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Erexaua Michalski de Almeida,Leandro Galon, César Tiago Forte, Germani Concenço, Andre Dalponte Menegat, Renan Pawelkiewicz, Leonardo Brunetto, Caroline Müller, Gismael Francisco Perin, Thais Stradioto Melo, Nathalia Dalla Corte Bernardi
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