Response of weed infestation and grain yield of wheat to frequency of tillage and weed control methods under rainfed conditions at Arsi Negelle, Ethiopia
2000
Workayehu, T. (Awassa Research Center, Addis Ababa (Ethiopia))
Weed infestation results from poor land preparation, often as a result of a shortage of labor and/or oxen. Research was conducted at Arsi Negelle in southern Ethiopia to evaluate the effect of repeated tillage and weed control methods on weed infestation and grain yield of wheat for three consecutive seasons from 1996-1998. Five tillage practices (zero-till, one, two, three, and four plowings) were compared under four weed control methods (Duplosan at 2.5 1/ha, Duplosan together with one handweeding at 30 DAB, one handweeding at 30 DAE, and two handweedings at 30 and 60 DAE). Broadleaf weeds comprised 73% of the total weed population. Repeated tillage reduced weed infestation and increased the grain yield of wheat. Weed density was 79 and 34% higher under zero-till and three plowings in comparison to four plowings. The yields from two (1257 kg ha-l) and three plowings (1795 kg ha-l) were 42 and 18% lower, respectively, than four plowings. Weed infestation was negatively correlated with tillage frequency (r=-0.96) and grain yield (!=-0.98). Multiple regression analysis indicated that 83, 88 and 61% of the total variation in yield during 1996, 1997 and 1998, respectively, was attributable to tillage. Handweeding twice reduced weed populations and increased grain yield, while plots treated with Duplosan alone had 49% more weeds. In conclusion, the highest frequency of tillage reduced weed infestations and increased grain yield.
Afficher plus [+] Moins [-]Mots clés AGROVOC
Informations bibliographiques
Cette notice bibliographique a été fournie par International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre
Découvrez la collection de ce fournisseur de données dans AGRIS