Oxalis latifolia, commonly known as broadleaf woodsorrel, is a perennial herbaceous plant in the Oxalidaceae family. It has heart-shaped leaflets that resemble clover and produces small, pink to lavender flowers.

You probably have seen this in your farm, this weed shouldn’t be underestimated, though, Broadleaf woodsorrel pose a significant danger to coffee plants by promoting the spread of leaf rust. Its dense growth creates a humid microenvironment ideal for the rust fungus, facilitating its proliferation. Additionally, woodsorrel can serve as an alternative host for rust spores, increasing infection rates and making it harder to control the spread of this damaging coffee plant disease.

Controlling broadleaf woodsorrel (Oxalis latifolia) in a coffee farm involves several integrated management strategies:

1. Cultural Control:
   • Mulching: Apply a thick layer of organic mulch to suppress weed growth by blocking light and reducing seed germination.
   • Crop Rotation: Rotate crops with non-host plants to disrupt the weed’s life cycle.
2. Mechanical Control:
   • Hand Weeding: Regularly remove the weed manually, ensuring that the entire root system is extracted to prevent regrowth.
   • Tillage: Periodic tillage can disrupt the weed’s growth, but be cautious as it may also spread the bulbils.
3. Chemical Control:
   • Herbicides: Use selective herbicides that target broadleaf weeds. Apply pre-emergent herbicides to prevent seed germination and post-emergent herbicides to control established plants. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to minimize damage to coffee plants.
4. Biological Control:
   • Natural Predators: Introduce or encourage natural predators that feed on woodsorrel, though specific biological control agents for this weed are limited.
5. Preventive Measures:
   • Sanitation: Clean equipment and tools to prevent the spread of woodsorrel bulbils and seeds to unaffected areas.
   • Cover Crops: Plant cover crops that compete effectively with woodsorrel, reducing its establishment and growth.

Implementing a combination of these strategies will help manage and control broadleaf woodsorrel in coffee farms, reducing its impact on crop health and yield. Regular monitoring and adapting control methods as needed are essential for effective management.