Weeds interfere in the formation, quality and aesthetics of the lawn. Desmodium incanum, and Zornia latifolia, when left uncontrolled, can reach infestation levels that would kill the lawn. Herbicide application is one of the most effective ways of handling weeds in lawn; however, information on the use of these products in lawns is scarce. The objective of this work was to evaluate the efficiency of the herbicide triclopyr in controlling Desmodium incanum and Zornia latifolia in the lawn Bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum). The experiment was developed in a lawn area of the campus of the Federal University of Viçosa, in Viçosa-MG, Brazil, from April to May 2000. The treatments were six doses of triclopyr (0.00; 0.24; 0.48; 0.72; 0.96 and 1.20 kg ha-1) and one dose of the 2,4-D + picloram (0.48 + 0.128 kg ha-1), arranged in a randomized complete block design, with four repetitions. The size of each plot was 12 m² (4.0 x 3.0 m), with the treatments applied in a 2.0 m wide strip, with 1.0 m as lateral check to aid in the visual evaluations. Phytotoxicity evaluations were accomplished at 10 and 20 DAT (days after treatment) and the control level at 15 and 30 DAT, both based on the lateral chek. None of the treatments studied showed damage to the quality of the lawn. Starting with doses of 0.48 and 0.66 triclopyr kg ha-1, controls similar or superior to 90% of Desmodium incanum and Zornia latifolia were obtained, respectively. These results were similar to that of the standard treatment (2,4-D + picloram for 0.48 + 0.128 kg ha-1). It was concluded that triclopyr is a selective herbicide for Bahiagrass, providing excellent control of the weeds studied.
Desmodium incanum; Zornia latifolia; Paspalum notatum; 2,4-D; picloram
