The interaction between the volumetric median diameter (VMD), density (DEN) and coverage (COV) provided by spray droplets is scarcely studied and may influence the application of herbicides in general. This study aimed to estimate the technical parameters of the glyphosate application technology in the control of Brachiaria decumbens Stapf. The treatments consisted of the combination of five rotational speeds of a centrifugal sprayer (105, 157, 210, 262, 315 rad s-1) with six travel speeds (0.5; 1.0; 1.5; 3.0; 4.5 and 6.0 km h-1).The tests were performed in the laboratory, and the sprayer was adapted into a bar equipped with an electric engine and a control unit to control the travel speed. Visual analyses were carried out and percentage of reduction in plant dry biomass was compared with the control without herbicide. The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized design, with five repetitions. Data were analyzed by multiple regression. Control of Brachiaria decumbens above 91% was obtained when the sprayer was used to provide VMD 327 µm and COV of 2.51 %, with DEN at 30 droplets cm-2. The factors that most affected the control of B. decumbens were the coverage and droplet density. Spraying of glyphosate with lower VMD and COV and higher DEN provided better weed control.
Pesticides; spraying; weed
