Abstract
The introduction of the Integrated weed Management (IWM) in Zimbabwe’s small holder sector seemed to be the answer to the weed management problem in the sector. However up to the present moment the drudgery associated with weeding still dominate in the sector. Research in Zimbabwe has investigated various techniques varying from cultural, chemical to mechanical weed management techniques. Despite the fact that some of them have produced excellent results, the integration of these techniques into a weed suppressive cropping system still lags behind. Research information accessibility by both extension personnel and the smallholder sector constitutes one of the major challenges.
Highlights
Integrated weed management (IWM) can be defined as the use of ‘many little hammers’, that on their own are not stand alone weed control measures but, if applied in a systematic way will control weeds (Swanton et al, 2008)
The aspect that has been tested in Zimbabwe which is worth including in an integrated weed management system for the small holder sector is reduced herbicide dosages
Mixing a third of the recommended herbicides of Atrazine and Nicosulfuron resulted in equivalent weed control to the atrazine label recommended dosages
Summary
Integrated weed management (IWM) can be defined as the use of ‘many little hammers’, that on their own are not stand alone weed control measures but, if applied in a systematic way will control weeds (Swanton et al, 2008). This technique utilises all suitable methods in as compatible a manner as possible. In Zimbabwe, Chivinge (1990) found that small holder farmers spend more than 75 % of their time hoe weeding in the peak period of November and February This includes female members of the family and children who in many cases fail to attend school regularly.
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