Herbicides carryover in systems cultivated with vegetable crops

Abstract

The residual effect of herbicides in the soil on sensitive succeeding crops is known as carryover. Most studies on carryover in vegetable crops have been developed in other countries; however, the problems arising from this phenomenon are also a reality in Brazil. The limited information in the literature, together with the absence of alerts and periods of restriction in the instructions for use of herbicides sold in the country for sensitive vegetables grown in succession contribute to the occurrence of major damage to horticulturists. Herbicides carryover can cause injury, visibly or not, in vegetable crops, it can reduce growth and productivity, as well as compromise the quality of the product and even derail the area for cultivation for years. This review describes the dynamics of herbicides in soil and brings together several works about the residual effect of herbicides in vegetable crops. Further, it discusses the possible ways of monitoring cultivated areas through the analysis in laboratories or bioassays, and strategies to minimize the harmful effects in these cultures, which are highly sensitive. In this context, the integrated weed management is essential to reduce the need for herbicide use and accumulation these on the soil, reducing the risk of carryover, as well as legislative action for the inclusion of restriction periods of sensitive vegetables grown in the instructions for use of herbicides.