Enhancing plantation productivity: A screen-house investigation into the impact of indaziflam on amaranthus, maize, melon, and tomato in intercropping systems

Abstract

The potential impact of the new indaziflam pre-emergence herbicide on common plantation intercrops of amaranthus, maize, melon, and tomato, was assessed in a screenhouse study. The experimental treatments comprised the following inclusion of indaziflam to soil at sowing: 0, 0.15, 0.30, 0.45, 0.60, and 0.75 mg/kg. These treatments were laid out in a completely randomized design with four replications. The effect of indaziflam was evaluated through destructive sampling after 8 weeks of growth, and its residual effect was examined post-replanting after the same period, specifically at 16 weeks following indaziflam application. Data on plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, plant fresh weight, and plant dry weight were recorded in each planting instance. The collected data were subjected to analysis of variance, and the treatment means were separated using Duncan's New Multiple Range Test at a significance level of 5%. The study revealed significant reductions (p ≤ 0.05) in growth of the test crops due to indaziflam application, with the most pronounced effects at higher concentrations. Amaranthus and tomato seedlings failed to emerge at concentrations > 0.15 mg/kg and ≥ 0.15 mg/kg, respectively. Maize and melon exhibited reduced growth at concentrations > 0.3 mg/kg. Residual effects were significant, notably reducing plant growth parameters at higher indaziflam concentrations, particularly at 0.6 and 0.75 mg/kg. In conclusion, indaziflam at concentrations greater than 0.15 mg/kg significantly inhibits the growth of common plantation intercrops, with persistent residual effects, suggesting its limited suitability for use in such contexts.