2,4-D and saflufenacil application time on the quality of Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) seeds

Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) is considered one of the main winter cover crops in southern Brazil; however, it is a weed species with a record of being resistant to several herbicides. The settlement of this species in agricultural areas occurs through the seed bank in the soil, and measures that interfere with seed production can assist in its management. The present study evaluated the phytotoxicity, production, and quality of Italian ryegrass seeds through the application of herbicides 2,4-D and saflufenacil at different stages of development. Three trials were conducted, a completely randomized experimental design for the first two and randomized blocks for the third, all with four replications. The treatments were arranged in a 3x3 factorial scheme, in which factor A was composed of the herbicides saflufenacil (35 g a.i. ha(-1)), 2,4-D (1005 g a.e. ha(-1)), plus control without application; and factor B consisted of the booting, anthesis, and maturation Italian ryegrass development stages. The phytotoxicity of the herbicides to Italian ryegrass did not exceed 30%, with saflufenacil causing the greatest injury at anthesis. There was a reduction in Italian ryegrass seed yield when herbicides 2,4-D and saflufenacil were applied, and the application of 2,4-D and saflufenacil at anthesis reduced the percentage of full seeds. The number of empty Italian ryegrass seeds was higher when saflufenacil was applied at anthesis. The application of 2,4-D at maturity reduced Italian ryegrass germination and radicle length. From this perspective, these herbicides can help reduce the production and quality of Italian ryegrass seeds.