Abstract

Effective weed management is essential for maintaining the growth and productivity of avocado (Persea americana Mill.) plantations, as weeds compete with crops for water, nutrients, light, and growing space, thereby limiting plant growth and reducing fruit production. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Paraquat Dichloride 150 g/L herbicide in controlling dominant weed species in avocado plantations and to assess its phytotoxicity on avocado plants. The experiment was conducted in Sukasari District, Sumedang Regency, West Java, Indonesia, using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replications and seven treatments. The treatments consisted of Paraquat Dichloride 150 g/L applied at doses of 1.50, 2.25, 3.00, 3.75, and 4.50 L ha⁻¹, handweeding, and an untreated control. Weed control efficacy was evaluated based on the reduction in dry weight of dominant weed species and total weed biomass at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks after application (WAA). The dominant weed species identified during the study included Ageratum conyzoides, Borreria alata, Synedrella nodiflora, Axonopus compressus, and Ottochloa nodosa. The results showed that paraquat dichloride 150 g L⁻¹ effectively suppressed the growth of broadleaf and grass weeds, resulting in significantly lower weed biomass than the untreated control throughout the observation period. For Borreria alata, a minimum application rate of 2.25 L ha⁻¹ was required to achieve effective control, as the 1.50 L ha⁻¹ treatment resulted in residual weed biomass at 4 WAA. The herbicide also effectively suppressed other broadleaf weeds, including Synedrella nodiflora and Ageratum conyzoides, as well as grass weeds such as Axonopus compressus and Ottochloa nodosa. Weed suppression was maintained for up to 8 WAA throughout the observation period. Furthermore, no visible phytotoxic symptoms were observed on avocado plants at the evaluated application rates, indicating that paraquat dichloride 150 g L⁻¹ can be considered an effective option for post-emergence weed management in avocado plantations under the conditions of this study.

Keywords : Avocado Plantation, Herbicide, Paraquat Dichloride 150 g/L, Weed Control.

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