Weed interference in the initial growth of meristem-grown sugarcane plantlets

ABSTRACT The use of new systems of sugarcane planting such as PleneTM, Plene EvolveTM, Plene PBTM and AgMusaTM requires specific studies on the initial interference of weed in the sugarcane crop. The objective of this study was to evaluate initial weed interference in meristem-grown sugarcane plantlets (Plene EvolveTM). The weed species used were Brachiaria decumbens and Panicum maximum, at four different densities (1, 2, 3 and 4 weed plants pot-1), plus a control treatment free from weed interference. The statistical design was completely randomized with four replicates per treatment, with an individual study for each weed species. The evaluations performed were: plant height at 45, 60 and 90 days after emergence (DAE), number of sugarcane tillers at 30, 60 and 90 DAE and dry matter of both sugarcane and weed plants at 90 DAE. B. decumbens and P. maximum caused reductions in the initial growth and development of sugarcane. P. maximum was more aggressive to meristem-grown sugarcane plants, during their early development, than B. decumbens.