Evaluation of Weed Management Practices in Maize (<i>Zea mays</i>) at Metu, Ethiopia

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted at Metu Agricultural sub – centre on station in 2015 and 2016 cropping seasons to evaluate the effectiveness and economic feasibility of weed management methods on maize grain yield at Metu area. BH 661 at 25 kg/ha used as seed source. The experiment comprised of nine treatments laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The result revealed that the highest average grain yield 62.8 q/ha was obtained from Integrity EC 668g/l 1.0 liter with two supplementary hand weeding followed by 61.6 q/ha from Integrity EC 668g/l 1 liter with one hand weeding. Similarly, the minimum above ground wee dry biomass mean 0.07q/ha, 1.5 q/ha obtained from three hand weeding at 30, 60 and 90 days after planting and Integrity EC 668g/l 1.0 liter with two supplementary hand weeding respectively. Consequently highest weed control efficiency 99.93% and 98.5%obtained from the same treatment. In economic feasibility aspect the highest net benefit Accordingly the highest net benefit 61296.4 ETB ha<sup>-1 </sup>was obtained from Integrity EC 668g/l at 1.0 L/ha + two time supplementary hand weeding with 3042.86 MRR% followed by 60146.2 ETB ha<sup>-1 </sup>net benefit with 5661.90% MRR obtained from Integrity EC 668g/l at 1 l/ha + one times supplementary hand weeding whereas the minimum net benefit 50551.2 ETB ha<sup>-1</sup> and 53224.2 ETB ha<sup>-1</sup> obtained from one hand weeding at 30 & 454 days after planting respectively. Therefore, Integrity EC 668g/l at 1 l/ha + two times supplementary hand weeding and Integrity EC 668g/l at 1 l/ha + one time supplementary hand weeding treatment consecutively more profitable weed management practices to control weeds in maize and there by improve crop production up to 56.94% than other treatments and can be recommended for maize production at Metu area.