Developments for Improved Chemical Cane Eradication

Sugarcane killing practices often result in inadequate eradication of the old crop. Techniques aimed at improving the efficacy of chemicals are therefore being researched. Results from a series of trials have shown that mechanical or hand slashing of ratoon cane suppresses apical dominance and generally enhances chemical cane killing action on the regrowth. Slashing before spraying proved to be particularly effective on cane treated later with Fusilade Super. There were further dramatic improvements in efficacywhen spraying was followed by shearing of the roots with a mechanical undercutter. This combination tillage technique has resulted in highly statistically significant improvements in cane mortality from half recommended rates of both Roundup (glyphosate 359 gil) and Fusilade Super (fluazifop-p-butyl 125 gil). Further research has shown that harvest to plant delays in minimum tillage may be reduced by using fully enclosed shields to direct chemicals on to old ratoon lines while providing protection to adjacent plant cane. Roundup in this instance was the more suitable product.