Residues of atrazine and tembotrione in the soil affect the initial growth of beets

Abstract

The cultivation of beets is frequently done in a crop rotation system with cereals such as corn. In this case, herbicides with residual effect applied during corn growth can harm the establishment and growth of beets grown in succession. Therefore, three experiments were carried out in a greenhouse to evaluate the residual effect of atrazine and tembotrione, in isolation or in a mixture, on the initial growth of beets. The treatments consisted of six dosages corresponding to 0, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50% of the recommended dosage. The evaluations were on: plant intoxication, shoot dry matter and SPAD index. Atrazine and tembotrione had a negative effect on the initial growth of beets, presenting reduction in the values of shoot dry matter and SPAD index, as well as increase in the intoxication as the dosage also increased. When the herbicides were applied in a mixture, the effect was enhanced, causing the death of plants in the highest dosages (40 and 50%). Due to these results, the cultivation of beets after the application of atrazine and/or tembotrione in corn crops may become impracticable due to the carryover potential in these situations.