ASSESSMENT OF WEED CONTROL PRACTICES ON SELECTED MAIZE (Zea mays L. Moench) LANDRACES PRODUCTION

Abstract

This study was conducted in 2021 and 2022 cropping season at the Teaching and Research farm Department of Crop Science and Horticulture, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam, Anambra State. The aim was to determine the effect of selected weed control methods on selected maize cultivars (Landraces). It was laid out as a 3x4 factorial combination in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The main factor consisted of maize landraces (Oka bende, Oka Abakaliki and Oka Nsukka) while the sub-factor were four weed control methods (weedy-check, hoe weeding, pre-emergence, and post-emergence herbicide application). Data were collected on the germination percentage (at 5DAS and 8DAS), growth (plant height, stem girth and leaf area) and yield parameters. Data collected was subjected to data analysis of variance (ANOVA), and significant mean were separated using Fisher’s Least Significant Difference. The highest number of percentage seed germination was observed in Oka Bende (92.2% at 5DAS) and Oka Abakaliki (99.0% at 8DAS). The tallest plants obtained in Oka Bende (249.0 cm), leaf area and plant girth is highest in Oka Nsukka. The Oka Abakiliki gave the highest percent grain weight (14.6 kg) followed by Oka Bende (14.4 kg). Application of pre-emergence herbicides indicated a more superior weed control effect when compared with the other selected weed control methods.