Effect of weed control methods on weed biomass and grain yield of maize (Zea mays L.) under rainfed condition in Basketo Special District, Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

Maize (Zea mays L.) is a major crop grown in Basketo Special district by smallholder farmers. However, its production and productivity is challenged by many factors of which weeds are the key factor that reduce the productivity of maize in the district. Therefore, field experiment was conducted at Basketo Special district during 2017 main cropping season under rainfed condition to evaluate weed control methods on weed biomass and grain yield of maize. The experiment consisted of six treatments namely; once hand hoeing at 20 days after crop emergence (DACE), twice hand hoeing at 20 and 40 DACE, Primagram Gold 660SC + once hand hoeing at 40 DACE, Primagram Gold 660SC + twice hand hoeing at 40 and 60 DACE, farmer practice and weedy check. It was laid-out in Randomized Complete Block Design with four replications. Weed and crop parameters were collected. The highest maize grain yield and the lowest weed biomass were obtained from Primagram Gold 660SC + twice hand hoeing without significant difference with Primagram Gold 660SC + once hand hoeing whereas the lowest grain yield and highest weed biomass were found in weedy check. Moreover, the results revealed that integration of Primagram Gold 660SC with once (at 40 DACE) and twice (at 40 and 60 DACE) hand hoeing significantly reduced weed density and biomass and gave better maize grain yield and maximize net benefit. Therefore, these two treatments could be recommended to improve maize productivity and net income of the farmers in the study area.