Management and development of fleabane plants in central Brazil

Abstract Background: Fleabane plants (Conyza spp.) resistant to glyphosate herbicide are found infesting areas in the Central-West and Southeast regions of Brazil, but its management is not a concerning problem for summer crops in these regions as in the South region of Brazil. Objective: To evaluate the management of adult fleabane plants at the summer soybean crop and off-season (autumn-winter), monitoring new emergences to assess the dynamics of plants from November 2018 to March 2020, and the residual effect of herbicides applied at the end of the rainy season in the Cerrado biome, in Brasília, DF, Brazil. Methods: Four field experiments were developed from November 06, 2018 to April 02, 2020; all under randomized block design, with four replications, in factorial or split-plot arrangement, with visual weed control evaluations (0% to 100%) and seedling counting. Results: The highest fleabane infestations in soybean crops were found before sowing, and were partially or fully controlled by pre-sowing chemical/management treatments, which did not interfere with the soybean seed yield. The fleabane biological cycle ended in November-December (1st year), and December-January (2nd year). Conclusions: The most significant fleabane emergence in the areas was found in February and March. The treatments with saflufenacil and glufosinate-ammonium, followed by 2,4-D, were the most efficient and fastest control of adult fleabane plants.