EVALUATION OF THE EFFICIENCY OF PRE-EMERGENT HERBICIDES IN THE CONTROL OF WEEDS AFTER DESICCATION OF BRACHIARIA RUZIZIENSIS GERM. & EVRARD IN COFFEE (COFFEA CANEPHORA PIERRE EX FROEHNER)

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of pre-emergent herbicides in controlling weeds after the desiccation of Brachiaria ruziziensis in coffee inter-rows, based on the need to reduce competition between weeds and coffee, promoting more efficient management of the soil seed bank and decreasing operational costs. The experiment was conducted in a coffee plantation area, by using four different treatments (pre-emergent herbicides) plus a control treatment (no application). The emergence of weed species and the number of plants that managed to emerge after the applications were evaluated. The predominant species were identified, as well as the most effective herbicide for weed management under the evaluated conditions. This is expected to contribute to more sustainable and efficient management practices in C. canephora plantation, especially in the state of Rondônia.