The Problem of Glyphosate Resistant Eleusine Indica Weeds

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 147 views

Introduction

Weeds are a major problem faced by oil palm plantations, and one of the most serious weeds is Eleusine indica. Its existence can interfere with the growth and productivity of oil palm plants, both in the plant area of producing (TM) and plants not yet produced (TBM), as well as in the nursery area. The population of Eleusine indica in palm oil plantations is a significant concern, and its control is essential to maintain the productivity and profitability of oil palm plantations.

The Problem of Glyphosate Resistant Eleusine Indica Weeds

Glyphosate is a widely used herbicide in oil palm plantations due to its effectiveness in controlling weeds. However, the overuse of glyphosate has led to the development of glyphosate-resistant weeds, including Eleusine indica. A study conducted in Afdeling V Rambutan Kebun Rambutan III Serdang Bedagai Regency, North Sumatra, confirmed that the population of Eleusine indica in the palm oil palm area is no longer controlled by glyphosate. This study aims to find an effective alternative herbicide in controlling this resistant weed.

Methodology

The trial was conducted on palm oil crops in the 2017 planting year using a non-factorial random group design (rack). Various types of herbicides were tested, namely MSMA and Diuron (2945 and 600 g/ha), MSMA + Diuron (2880 + 600 g/ha), ammonium glufosinate (450 g/ha), glyphosate (1080 g/ha), and topramezon (41.25 g/ha). The LD50 test was also carried out to measure the level of herbicide resistance.

Results

The results showed that the population of Eleusine indica in Afdeling v Rambutan garden was resistant to glyphosate. However, several other herbicides have proven effective in controlling these weeds. Topramezon herbicide (41.25 g/ha), MSMA + Diuron (2880 + 600 g/ha), and ammonium glufosinate (450 g/ha) show the best results in suppressing weed population Eleusine indica.

Discussion

Weed resistance to herbicides is a serious problem that can reduce productivity and increase production costs. The use of the right and effective herbicide is the key in controlling the resistant weed Eleusine indica. The results of this study also encourage the need for further research to understand the mechanism of resistance Eleusine indica on glyphosate and develop a more effective and sustainable control strategy.

Conclusion

This research provides important information for the manager of oil palm plantations. The use of herbicides must be done carefully and in accordance with recommendations so as not to pollute the environment and endanger human health. The results of this study also highlight the importance of integrated pest management (IPM) in oil palm plantations, which includes the use of herbicides, cultural practices, and biological control methods.

Recommendations

Based on the results of this study, the following recommendations are made:

The use of topramezon herbicide (41.25 g/ha), MSMA + Diuron (2880 + 600 g/ha), and ammonium glufosinate (450 g/ha) is recommended for controlling Eleusine indica weeds in oil palm plantations.
Further research is needed to understand the mechanism of resistance Eleusine indica on glyphosate and develop a more effective and sustainable control strategy.
The use of herbicides must be done carefully and in accordance with recommendations so as not to pollute the environment and endanger human health.
Integrated pest management (IPM) should be adopted in oil palm plantations to control weeds and maintain productivity and profitability.

Future Research Directions

This study highlights the need for further research in the following areas:

Understanding the mechanism of resistance Eleusine indica on glyphosate
Developing a more effective and sustainable control strategy for Eleusine indica weeds
Investigating the use of biological control methods for Eleusine indica weeds
Evaluating the impact of herbicide use on the environment and human health in oil palm plantations

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study provides important information for the manager of oil palm plantations on the control of glyphosate-resistant Eleusine indica weeds. The use of the right and effective herbicide is the key in controlling the resistant weed Eleusine indica. Further research is needed to understand the mechanism of resistance Eleusine indica on glyphosate and develop a more effective and sustainable control strategy.

Q1: What is the problem with glyphosate-resistant Eleusine indica weeds in palm oil plantations?

A1: Glyphosate-resistant Eleusine indica weeds are a significant problem in palm oil plantations as they can interfere with the growth and productivity of oil palm plants. The overuse of glyphosate has led to the development of glyphosate-resistant weeds, making it difficult to control them using this herbicide.

Q2: What are the symptoms of glyphosate-resistant Eleusine indica weeds?

A2: The symptoms of glyphosate-resistant Eleusine indica weeds include:

The weeds continue to grow and thrive despite the application of glyphosate
The weeds show no signs of damage or death after the application of glyphosate
The weeds may even appear to be more vigorous and healthy after the application of glyphosate

Q3: What are the consequences of not controlling glyphosate-resistant Eleusine indica weeds?

A3: The consequences of not controlling glyphosate-resistant Eleusine indica weeds include:

Reduced productivity and profitability of oil palm plantations
Increased production costs due to the need for more frequent and intensive herbicide applications
Potential environmental and health risks associated with the use of herbicides

Q4: What are the most effective herbicides for controlling glyphosate-resistant Eleusine indica weeds?

A4: The most effective herbicides for controlling glyphosate-resistant Eleusine indica weeds include:

Topramezon herbicide (41.25 g/ha)
MSMA + Diuron (2880 + 600 g/ha)
Ammonium glufosinate (450 g/ha)

Q5: How can I prevent the development of glyphosate-resistant Eleusine indica weeds?

A5: To prevent the development of glyphosate-resistant Eleusine indica weeds, you can:

Rotate herbicides to avoid over-reliance on a single herbicide
Use integrated pest management (IPM) strategies that include cultural practices, biological control methods, and other non-chemical control methods
Monitor the weeds regularly to detect any signs of resistance early on

Q6: What are the best practices for applying herbicides to control glyphosate-resistant Eleusine indica weeds?

A6: The best practices for applying herbicides to control glyphosate-resistant Eleusine indica weeds include:

Always read and follow the label instructions for the herbicide being used
Wear protective clothing and equipment to avoid exposure to the herbicide
Apply the herbicide at the recommended rate and timing to ensure effective control of the weeds

Q7: How can I ensure the safe use of herbicides in oil palm plantations?

A7: To ensure the safe use of herbicides in oil palm plantations, you can:

Follow the label instructions for the herbicide being used
Wear protective clothing and equipment to avoid exposure to the herbicide
Monitor the environment and human health for any signs of adverse effects from the herbicide

Q8: What are the future research directions for controlling glyphosate-resistant Eleusine indica weeds?

A8: The future research directions for controlling glyphosate-resistant Eleusine indica weeds include:

Understanding the mechanism of resistance Eleusine indica on glyphosate
Developing a more effective and sustainable control strategy for Eleusine indica weeds
Investigating the use of biological control methods for Eleusine indica weeds
Evaluating the impact of herbicide use on the environment and human health in oil palm plantations