Use of 2,4-d in mixture with ethephon and calcium carbide in pineapple crop

Abstract

The 2-Chloroethylphosphonic acid (ethephon) and calcium carbide are used to induce and synchronize the flowering of pineapple crop. Some farmers have used the 2,4-D herbicide in combination with these flowering inducers. This practice is based on the hypothesis that 2,4-D would act as a growth regulator, increasing fruit size and weight. The objectives of this work was to verify if the use of 2,4-D, associated to calcium carbide or ethephon, influences the productivity and quality of the pineapple fruits and, also if the use of this herbicide leaves residues in the fruits. For this, two field experiments were carried out in two different farms. The treatments consisted of the application of ethephon and calcium carbide, alone, and in a mixture with two, four and six drops of 2,4-D in the center of the leaflet of the pineapple cv. “Pérola” at 10 months after planting. The use of 2,4-D mixed with calcium carbide or ethephon, regardless of the dose and culture environment, did not influence the size, weight, total soluble solids content, density and pH of the pineapple fruits. However, depending on the growing environment, ethephon + 2,4-D mixtures did not influence or reduce flowering and crop yield. No 2,4-D residues were found in the fruit pulp of pineapple. It was concluded that the use of 2,4-D as a growth regulator of pineapple under the conditions evaluated does not incorporate qualitative or quantitative benefits to the productive system of this crop. In addition, no 2,4-D residues were found in the fruit pulp of pineapple.