Weed Control Research Conducted on Wheat in Ethiopia
1991
Tanner, G.T. (CIMMYT, Addis Abeba (Ethiopia)) | Giref Sahile
Weed infestation has been reported as a major constraint to wheat production in Ethiopia in both the peasant and the state farm sectors. One of the earliest surveys found that in peasants' wheat fields in Arsi region the weed population reached 743 weeds per square meter in contrast to a crop stand of only 149 wheat plants per square meter. The peasant sector has been almost entirely dependent on cultural practices for weed control, while the state farms consider herbicides an essential component of wheat production. Research into weed control methods in wheat production. Kulumsa R.C. in Arsi region, in 1969 at the Holetta R.C in Shewa, and in 1970 at the Debre Zeit A.R.C. Minor emphasis was given to screening broadleaf herbicides in the first decade of research, as the phenoxy compounds provided adequate control. Subsquent to the shift in the weed spectrum towards phenoxy-tolerant broadleaf species, broadleaf herbicide screening increased in the early 1980s. Grain yield losses due to weed competition have been estimated in various studies in Ethiopia: Yield increments with weed control have ranged from 17 to 236 percent relative to the unweeded check. Herbicidal weed control has been practiced primarily by the state farm sector, while the MOA has provided limited quantities of 2,4-D to peasant farmers. Specific herbicides have been recommended for use by peasant farmers in Arsi region, following testing by CADU and ARDU. At present, at the national level, there is no formally approved list of herbicides for use on wheat.
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This bibliographic record has been provided by Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research