Herbicidal control of guava (Psidium guajava L.)

Abstract

Several herbicides, including phenoxy compounds, were evaluated in field trials for the control of guava (Psidium guajava L.). The most effective herbicides were the butoxyethanol esters of (2,4-dichlorophenoxy)acetic acid (2,4-D) and (2,4,5-trichlorophenoxy)acetic acid (2,4,5-7). The herbicides were applied as basal and foliar sprays, and as stump treatments. Material and labor costs made stump treatment uneconomical. Herbicides can be applied with similar effectiveness year-round. Diesel oil was superior to kerosene, kerosene-agna, or diesel oil-water as a carrier. Killing of the original stands and controlling guava for long periods can be achieved by repeated applications of herbicides as basal sprays. For adequate control, two or three applications are sufficient the first year and one each year thereafter.