Abstract
The effect of N and P fertilizers and weeds control on yield and yield components of linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) were studied in South-Eastern highlands of Ethiopia at four locations during 2009/2010 and 2010/2011 main cropping seasons. Split plot design with three replications was used. The main plot was allocated for four weeding frequencies and sub-plot was allocated for eight fertilizer rates. Results indicated that tiller numbers, pod numbers and final seed yield of linseed were significantly influenced by the effects of N and P fertilizers and weeds control treatments. Results showed that W4F5 treatment produced 58% seed yield advantage over the control in combined years over locations. Similarly, W4F6 produced seed yield advantage of 57% over the control in combined years over locations. Moreover, this study revealed that W4F5 treatment resulted in 38 and 43% increment in number of pods/plant and seed yield/plant, respectively compared to the control. Thus, the present results showed that treatments W4F5 to W4F6 were superior agronomic practices for linseed production in South-Eastern highlands of Ethiopia. Likewise, twice hand weeding alone brought 53% seed yield increment as compared to unweeded check. Besides, twice hand weeding resulted in 45 and 38% increment in number of pods/plant and seed yield/plant, respectively as compared unweeded check. Results have shown that dominant broadleaved and grass weeds vary across locations. The results of economic analysis also indicated that the highest net benefits were obtained from twice hand weeding and application of 23/23 kg/ha N/P2O5 to 23/34.5 kg/ha N/P2O5. Key words: Fertilizer, linseed, weed.
Highlights
Linseed, Linum usitatissimum L., is an oil seed crop in the family Linaceae
The results of the present study showed that twice hand weeding produced 53% seed yield advantage over unweeded check
The present results showed that response of linseed to fertilizer application was low as compared to its response to weeding frequencies
Summary
Linum usitatissimum L., is an oil seed crop in the family Linaceae. Evidence of use by humans dates back to about 8,000 B.C. in the Fertile Crescent (Adugna, 2007; Vaisey-Genser and Morris, 2010). Linseed consists of approximately 40% fat, 28% dietary fiber, 21% protein, 4% ash, and 6% carbohydrates (Vaisey-Genser and Morris, 2010). Linseed has wide uses: it is a source of food, feed, fiber, oil, medicine, industrial raw mateial and export commodity. Medicinal uses of linseed include promotes heart health, lowers cholesterol, protects against strokes, lowers blood pressure, used for constipation and helps guard against breast cancer and other cancers (Budwig, 1994; Connor, 2000)
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