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The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of imazamox for control of S. molesta and to assess the effects of plant decomposition on environmental indicators after application of this herbicide in microcosm conditions. The following rates were used: 600, 700, 800 and 900 g ai ha−1 and spray volume 50 L ha−1. Control efficacy was determined as the percentage (from 0 to 100%) of visible injury symptoms in the plants, biochemical and chemical oxygen demand (BOD5 and COD), water quality variables, chlorophyll a and pheophytin a at 0, 7, 15, 30, 45 and 60 days after application (DAA) and fresh and dry biomass at 60 DAA. Imazamox was effective in controlling 94% of S. molesta with 900 g ai ha−1; it reduced 95% of fresh weight and 92% of dry weight of plant at 60 DAA, and reduced chlorophyll a of the plants for all rates. For BOD5, there was an increase for all rates at 15, 30 and 45 DAA with restoration of the parameters at 60 DAA, and for COD, there was an increase at 60 DAA with 700 and 900 g ai ha−1. For temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen and electrical conductivity, there was no significant effect after spraying. Imazamox was effective in controlling S. molesta with 900 g ai ha−1 without causing significant effects on the physical-chemical parameters of water quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to assess, in a microcosm condition, the efficacy of electrostatic spraying of herbicide imazamox in the control of Salvinia molesta and the effects of decomposition of plant material on water quality. The herbicide rates used were 600, 700, 800, and 900 g ai ha−1 and spray volume of 50 L ha−1 in electrostatic application. Control effectiveness was assessed at 7, 15, 30, 45, and 60 days after application (DAA), expressed in percentage (0–100%) of visible injury symptoms in the plants, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), chemical oxygen demand (COD), chlorophyll a and pheophytin a contents at 0, 7, 15, 30, 45, and 60 DAA, and fresh and dry biomass at 60 DAA. Imazamox was effective in controlling 63% of S. molesta with 900 g ai ha−1 in 45 DAA and 30% with 800 g ai ha−1 in 30 DAA, and reduced 82.3% and 17.5% of fresh weight and 62.6% and 9.3% of dry weight of plant at 60 DAA, respectively. The imazamox spray reduced chlorophyll a with all doses applied and increased BOD5 in 45 DAA with 900 g ai ha−1 and COD in all assessment periods, but for temperature, dissolved oxygen, electrical conductivity, and pH, there was no significant effect after spraying. The herbicide imazamox reduced S. molesta plants with 900 g ai ha−1, without causing significant effects on environmental indicators of water quality. Electrostatic spraying of herbicide can be used in management strategies of aquatic plants to reduce plant density in water bodies and maintain the colonization of plants at a level not harmful to the aquatic biota. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]