Weeds belonging to the family Cyperaceae, commonly known as cyperaceae or sedges, represent a significant challenge for the productivity of paddocks in Venezuela, their ability to adapt to various environmental conditions, their rapid spread and their competition for essential resources such as water, light and nutrients, can drastically reduce the availability of fodder for livestock. Implementing effective and sustainable control strategies is crucial to maintaining the health and profitability of livestock farms.
A fundamental step for an effective control is the correct identification of the species of cyperaceae present in the paddock. Some of the most common in Venezuela include:
- Cyperus rotundus (Coquito or Sedge): recognized for its underground rhizomes and tubers, which gives it a great regrowth capacity and makes its eradication difficult. Its leaves are narrow and erect, and its inflorescences have reddish-brown spikelets.
- Cyperus esculentus (Tiger Nut or Sweet Sedge): similar to coquito, but with larger tubers a. Its leaves are wider and bright green in color.
- Kyllinga brevifolia (False Walker): It is of low stature and creeping growth, forms dense carpets that compete with the grass. Its inflorescences are globose and white in color verdoso.es
- Scleria melaleuca: it is a perennial herbaceous plant, 0.30 ma 1.0 m high, fibrous root, underground root system with thick and elongated rhizomes triangular stem, very resistant rhizomatous, erect, with sharp edges, rough at the angles,
The presence of cyperaceae in the paddocks generates various negative impacts such as the reduction of forage availability due to the fact that they compete directly with forage grasses for resources, decreasing the amount of grass available for livestock, increased production costs due to the fact that the control of these weeds requires the implementation of various strategies, which increases operating costs.
The effective and sustainable control of cyperaceae in paddocks requires an integrated approach that combines various practices. as for example, rotational grazing, proper handling of the animal load and paddock rest periods can favor the growth of forage grasses and reduce competition from cyperaceae, regular cutting, especially before flowering and seed production, can reduce the population of some cyperaceae and prevent their spread. However, in species with rhizomes and tubers, it can stimulate regrowth if it is not done consistently.
On the other hand, chemical control can be an effective tool for the management of severe cyperaceae infestations, however, its use should be strategic, considering aspects such as selection of the appropriate herbicide, choosing specific herbicides for the control of cyperaceae and that are selective for the grass, minimizing damage to forage species. the time of application, the effectiveness of herbicides may vary depending on the stage of weed growth, generally, applications in stages of active growth are more effective to rotate herbicides, the continuous use of the same herbicide can generate resistance in weeds. The rotation of products with different mechanisms of action is important to prevent this problem.
| Final considerations |
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Dear readers, we also want to make it clear that an essential component of any weed control program is regular monitoring of paddocks to evaluate the effectiveness of the implemented strategies and detect new infestations early. Keeping records of the species present, the population density and the affected areas allows making informed decisions about the control measures to be followed.
The control of cyperaceous weeds in Venezuelan paddocks requires an integrated approach adapted to the specific conditions of each farm. The combination of preventive, cultural, mechanical and, in necessary cases, chemical practices, together with constant monitoring, is the key to maintaining the productivity of the paddocks and ensuring the sustainability of the livestock activity. Specialized technical advice is essential to design and implement effective and responsible control strategies.
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| Bibliographic references |
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- Ashton, K. (1989).Studies of harmful plants. Limousa, Mexico.
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