Kenaf Production as Affected by Two Pre-emergence Herbicides in Sudano-Sahelian Region of Nigeria

Abstract

Field experiment was conducted at the University of Maiduguri Teaching and Research Farm in the Sudano Sahelian region of Nigeria during the 2018 and 2019 rainy seasons on the performance of Kenaf grown under two pre-emergence herbicides. The experiment consisted of 11 treatments from two pre-emergence herbicides of Butachlor and Pendimethalin each at the rate of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 Kg a.i./ha and weedy check laid out on a Strip-plot Design in a Randomized Completely Block Design (RCBD) with 3 replicates. Parameters measured were crop injury score 1-9, number of leaves-plant, plant height, fibre yield, weed dry matter and weed control efficiency. The result revealed that Pendimethalin at 2.0-2.5 Kg a.i./ha and Butachlor at 2.5 Kg a.i./ha were most injurious to kanaf plants. Growth parameters such as the number of leaves per plant and plant height were best at Butachlor at 1.5 Kg a.i./ha. Fibre yield was best at Butachlor at 1.5-2.0 Kg a.i./ha. Pendimthalin at 2.0-2.5 Kg a.i./ha and weedy check have recorded higher Weed dry matter and Butachlor at higher rate 1.5-2.5 Kg a.i./ha efficiently controlled weeds 80-89%.