Protective Effect on Eucalyptus Plants and Signal Grass Control with a Tank Mixture of Glyphosate and Liquid fertilizer

ABSTRACT: What is expected from an effective antidote, applied with an herbicide, is that it protects crops from damages by the herbicide without reducing its action on weeds. In this context, the goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of liquid fertilizer as a protector of eucalyptus plants and to control signal grass (Urochloa brizantha) submitted the application of glyphosate when applied in tank mixture. Plants were submitted to doses of liquid fertilizer and glyphosate; the application was performed so that the syrup would reach all aerial parts of the plants. The intoxication percentage of eucalyptus plants was evaluated on day 14, 35 and 49 after application (DAA). On day 49 DAA, the morphologic parameters of eucalyptus plants and the dry mass of signal grass were evaluated. The increase in glyphosate doses reduced the dry mass of signal grass, and 1,080 g ha-1 of glyphosate caused the death of the plant, regardless of the use of the liquid fertilizer. At 90, 180, 360 and 540 g ha-1 doses of glyphosate, the mixing tank with liquid fertilizer reduced glyphosate damages to signal grass. Higher doses of glyphosate caused greater toxicity in eucalyptus and the use of liquid fertilizer reduced this poisoning. High doses of glyphosate increased the control of signal grass, but they also increased the damages to eucalyptus, and the liquid fertilizer tends to reduce such damage. The tank mixture of glyphosate + liquid fertilizer (540 g ha-1 + 3 L ha-1) controlled signal grass without causing damages to eucalyptus