The Effect of Weeds on Cropping System for Sustaining Food Security

Relay cropping of maize with finger millet (maize/finger millet) is the predominant cropping system for sustaining food security situation in the hilly regions of Nepal. In this region weed coverage severely reduced crop yields. There is any Basic information on weed species composition, biomass production and their effect on crop yields and economics. It is necessary to use this information to develop effective weed management strategies for the future.  In light of this, an empirical study was carried out in two representatives mid-hill districts of Parbat and Baglung during the summer season of 2010/2011 in Nepal.   Ten major weed species in Baglung with densities of 172 in Parbat and 311 per 0.25m2 area were observed. The highest percentage of both relative and absolute densities were recorded for Ageratum conyzoides in Parbat and Polygonum Chinensis in Baglung. Weed invasion under farmer’s practice of crop management reduced the maize grain yield by 1.985 Mt ha-1 (117%) in Baglung and 1.760 Mt ha-1 (108%) in Parbat. Similarly, in finger millet, it was 0.489 Mt ha-1 (63%) in Baglung and 0.403 Mt ha-1in Parbat. in addition, the combined yield of both crops was also significantly reduced by 79.3% and 61.7% in Baglung and Parbat, respectively. Hence, weeds are directly affected the crop performance in this region. as results it could be recommended that, there is an urgent need to develop an alternative crop production system in the hills.

Keywords:

Maize/finger-millet , Hills , Weeds , Index , Grain yield