Effect of weed control on Pinus taeda, Pinus elliottii var. elliottii and Pinus elliottii var. elliottii x Pinus caribaea var. hondurensis plantation growth

Abstract

The effect of weed control on the stand growth of 4-year-old Pinus taeda L., Pinus elliottii Engelm. var. elliottii L. & D. and Pinus elliottii var. elliottii x Pinus caribaea var. Mor. hondurensis B. & G. was investigated in Northeast Corrientes Province, Argentina. Data from 21 treatments were evaluated (three species with two area intensities and weed control, and three periods of weed control, plus a further check without such control). A statistical pattern of complete blocks was taken at random, with three repetitions and 36 plant plots. Plant survival was not affected by the weed control. The band or total weed control area did not influence the growth of Pinus taeda and Pinus elliottii var. elliottii, which gained a volume during the monitoring of 85.6% and 85.2%, respectively. For Pinus elliottii var. elliottii x Pinus caribaea var. hondurensis the response was greater, increasing the control surface area and generating volume differences of 114.4% (total) and 69.7% (band). There was no difference in growth when weed control was applied for up to three periods; the general average volume increase during the observation was 88.6%. Pinus elliottii var. elliottii x Pinus caribaea var. hondurensis exhibited the greatest growth.