GLUFOSINATE-BASED PRODUCTS IN THE PRE-HARVEST DESICCATION OF WHEAT

Glufosinate is the only herbicide registered for the preharvest desiccation of wheat, with new commercial formulations available for this herbicide. Therefore, glufosinate-based products must be assessed for use in wheat crops. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of glufosinate-based products in the pre-harvest desiccation of wheat when applied at pre-physiological maturity or physiological maturity. The experiment was performed in two trials in Palotina, PR, in 2020, using a randomized block design with four replicates. The treatments included the application of doses of the commercial glufosinate-based products Finale, Patrol SL, and Trunfo (Trial 1), or Fascinate BR (Trial 2) at pre-physiological maturity or physiological maturity of wheat, as well as the untreated control. Wheat maturation and grain yield were also evaluated. The slowest wheat maturation occurred with the application of Fascinate BR and the fastest with Finale, especially at the highest dose. However, under the 2020 experimental conditions, all products were equally effective at all doses and stages, with no yield reduction. The pre-harvest desiccation of wheat with glufosinate-based products at pre-physiological maturity or maturity did not affect grain yield or the accelerated harvest by 4–5 days, with differences among the tested products.