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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #72591
Title: CHEMICAL CONTROL OF TROPICAL SODA APPLE (SOLANUM VIARUM DUNAL).

Author
item AKANDA, RAIS - UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
item Dowler, Clyde
item MULLAHEY, J - UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
item SHILLING, DONN - UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA

Submitted to: Weed Technology Journal
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/20/1997
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Tropical soda apple (TSA) was identified in 1988 in South Florida. Since that time, it has spread rapidly to rangelands and natural areas in Florida. Infestations have also been found in Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, and South Carolina. Data for managing and controlling this invasive, highly competitive, perennial weed is virtually nonexistent. Cooperative studies between USDA and University of Florida were initiated to evaluate herbicides and other management practices on controlling TSA. Field and greenhouse experiments have shown that triclopyr, fluroxypyr, clopyralid, picloram, dicamba, and acifluorfen controlled TSA without injuring pasture grasses. TSA can be controlled, but economics and environmental impact play a major role in developing management systems.

Technical Abstract: Greenhouse and field experiments were conducted to evaluate herbicidal control of tropical soda apple (Solanum viarum Dunal). Results indicated that triclopyr, dicamba, picloram, fluroxypyr, clopyralid, and acifluorfen were the most effective postemergence herbicides for controlling (>90%) seedling and postbloom plants with no injure to bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flugge). Sulfometuron and imazapyr resulted in effective (<90%) control of both seedling and mature tropical soda apple plants. However, these herbicides caused severe (>90%) damage to grasses. Triasulfuron, 2,4-D, fomesafen, lactofen, MSMA, and diuron achieved only poor control (<90%) of tropical soda apple.