Efectividad biológica de herbicidas para el control de maleza en nopal verdura [Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Miller].

In order to evaluate the effectiveness of herbicides for controlling broadleaf weeds in prickly pear pad [Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. (Cactaceae)], seven treatments [Monosodium acid methanearsonate (MSMA), Picloram + 2, 4-D, Carfentrazone + 2, 4-D, Ametryn + 2, 4-D, Glyphosate, 2, 4-D, and untreated plot] were evaluated in Tlalnepantla, Morelos, Mexico. The randomized complete block design, and four repetitions was used. All treatments were applied postemergence to weeds. Population density of the principal four broadleaf weeds was evaluated, at 6 and 13 days after application (DAA). Additionally, phytotoxicity effects on prickly pear pad were evaluated with a hedonic scale. The best control effects were recorded at 13 DAA. Glyphosate, and Ametryn + 2, 4-D, caused the greatest weeds control, with a reduction of 95% yellow rose (Galinsoga parviflora Cav.), pigweed epazote (Chenopodium berlandieri Moq.), purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.), and chickweed (Commelina leiocarpa Benth.) populations. MSMA was not effective for weeds control (