Effect of coir dust mulching on weed incidence in a pineapple intercrop under coconut in Sri Lanka
1996
Mele, P. van (Gent Univ. (Belgium). Faculty of Agricultural and Applied Biological Sciences) | Dekens, E. | Gunathilake, H.A.J.
As in recent years, intercropping systems are gaining more and more interest, the behaviour of weed species under different weed management strategies in a specific intercropping system, namely pineapple (Ananas comosus (L.) Merr.) under coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) was investigated. One of the possible applications of coir dust, a waste product from coconut processing, is to use it as mulch. Therefore, in 1995 an experiment was carried out during the dry season (July to September) to investigate the influence of coir dust mulch on weed incidence in a pineapple intercrop. Within a total of 18 plots, measuring 0.5 x 0.5 m, weed species were identified, number of plants were counted, LAI (leaf area index) was measured and dry matter of the weeds was determined. Samples were taken in rows with coir dust, with sandy ridges, and between rows. A total of 27 weed species were identified. Only 5 species, however, were found in rows with coir dust whereas 11 different species were found in the pineapple rows with sandy ridges. Most important weed species in the coir dust are Borreria latifolia Schum., Commelina nudiflora L. and Pueraria phaseoloides (Roxb.) Benth. The moist loving Commelina nudiflora L. frequently occurs in the coir dust mulch, whereas it is absent on the sandy ridges. Coir dust, however, suppresses weeds which are defined as some of the world's worst weeds, namely goatweed (Ageratum conyzoides L.). purple nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus L.) and the sensitive plant (Mimosa pudica L.). Thus, clear differences in weed composition and severity were observed between treatments. Other specific differences due to a changed micro climate are discussed
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