Original scientific paper

INFLUENCE OF CROPPING SYSTEM AND WEED MANAGEMENT PRACTICE ON EMERGENCE, GROWTH OF WEEDS, YIELD OF MAIZE (Zea mays L.) AND COWPEA (Vigna unguiculata L.)

Felix Ogar Takim ; Department of Agronomy, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
Omosuyi Fadayomi ; Department of Agronomy, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
Friday Ekeleme ; Department of Plant Health Management, Micheal Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Umuahia, Nigeria

Abstract

The effects of cropping system and weed management practice on weed seedling emergence, weed biomass production and yield of maize and cowpea were examined at Ilorin, in the southern Guinea savanna (9°29' N, 4°35' E and 307 m ASL) of Nigeria. Weed emergence occurred throughout the 3-15 weeks after planting (WAP). Forty-three weed species belonging to 38 genera within 20 families were encountered. Fimbristylis littoralis Gaudet, Tridax procumbens L and Eleusine indica Gaertn were the most prevalent weed species. Cropping system and weed management practice significantly affected weed emergence. Significantly (p≤0.05) lower number of weeds emerged in the intercropped and herbicide treated plots while higher weed densities and weed biomass were recorded in the uncropped and unweeded control plots than in the other plots. While aggregate crop yields were significantly higher in the intercropped than in the sole plots, component crop yields were higher under the sole cropping than in the intercrop. The implication of the results on weed management is discussed.

Keywords

cropping system; intercropping; weed control; weed growth; yield

Hrčak ID:

123377

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/123377

Publication date:

18.6.2014.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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