Integrated weed management practices enhance maize (Zea mays L) productivity and weed control efficiency

A field experiment was undertaken to determine optimum combination of weed management practices and inter-row spacing levels for effective weed control in maize at Bako agricultural research center, Western Oromia, Ethiopia during ۲۰۱۸ main cropping season. The treatments included pre-emergence s-metolachlor ۲۹۰ g/L + atrazine ۳۷۰ g/L (۱.۰, ۲.۰ and ۳.۰ L ha-۱), hand pulling and hoeing ۲۵ and ۴۵ days after sowing (DAS) and weedy check in combination with inter-row spacing levels (۶۵, ۷۰, ۷۵, and ۸۰ cm). The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with a factorial arrangement in three replications. The experimental field was infested with ۲۲ weed species belonging to ۱۲ families, out of which ۷۷.۳ %, ۱۸.۲ % and ۴.۵ % were broad leaved, grass and sedges, respectively. Weed management practices (WMP), inter-row spacing (IRS) and their interaction significantly influenced the weed density, dry weight and weed control efficiency at ۲۵ and ۷۰ DAS. All parameters of the crop were significantly affected by WMP and IRS. However, their interaction was non-significant except for number of ear per plant and grain yield. The highest grain yield was recorded in inter-row spacing of ۶۵ cm treated with hand pulling and hoeing ۲۵ and ۴۵ DAS (۱۰۴۹۲.۰ kg ha-۱). Whereas, the lowest grain yield (۲۲۳۷.۰ kg ha-۱) was obtained from weedy check plot at ۸۰ cm inter-row spacing. On the other hand, maize planted at ۶۵ cm IRS in combination with ۲ L ha-۱ s-metolachlor ۲۹۰g/L + atrazine ۳۷۰ g/L gave comparable grain yield which was statistically at par with that of hand pulling and hoeing ۲۵ and ۴۵ DAS and ۳ L ha-۱ s-metolachlor ۲۹۰g/l. + atrazine ۳۷۰ g/L involving the same IRS. Hence, putting the environmental concern and scarce labor force under consideration, the use of reduced rate (۲ L ha-۱) of herbicide in combination with narrower IRS would be the best option for effective weed management in maize. Furthermore, integration of narrower IRS with other weed management treatments enhance maize grain yield there by improving weed control efficiency.

Keywords:

Hand weeding , Harmonize ,  Pre-emergence herbicide , Spacing , weed