Weed Persistence, Crop Resistance and Phytotonic Effects of Herbicides in Maize (Zea mays) Production Under Different Weed Control Method and Poultry Manure in Kano State Nigeria

Abstract

The research is financed by centre for dry land Agriculture Bayero University Kano for providing financial support and the management of Agronomy Department Bayero University, for providing technical support throughout the duration of the study (Sponsoring information).

Abstract

Results of experiment conducted during rainy season of 2016 and 2017 at teaching and research farm of Bayero university Kano, Livestock development centre Dangora with two different pre-emergence herbicides and two post-emergence herbicides all applied at two different rates, (S-Metolachlor 290 g/l + Atrazine 370 g/l at 2.0 kg a.i. ha^-1 followed by Nicosulfuron at 100 g a.i.ha^-1, S-Metolachlor 290 g/l + Atrazine 370 g/l 2.0 kg a.i. ha^-1 followed by Bentazone at 2.5 kg a.i. ha^-1, Metolachlor 375 g/l + Terbuthylazine 125 g/l + Mesotrione 37.5 g/l at 2.5 kg a.i ha^-1 followed by Nicosulfuron at 100 g a.i. ha^-1, Metolachlor 375 g/l + Terbuthylazine 125 g/l + Mesotrione 37.5 g/l at 2.5 kg a.i ha^-1 followed by Bentazone at 2.5 kg a.i. ha^-1, Two hoe weeded at 3 and 6 WAS and weedy check) three levels of poultry manure (0, 4, and 8 t ha^-1) and NPK at the rate of 120kg N, 60kg P and 60kg K ha^-1 and three maize varieties (SAMMAZ 15, SAMMAZ 21 and SAMMAZ 35). The experiments was laid out in a split-split plot design with variety allocated to the main plot, poultry manure to the sub-plot and weed control method to the sub-sub plot, and was replicated three times. The result from the study showed that two hoe weeding at 3 and 6WAS and Application of 3Maizeforce at 2.5 kg a.i. ha^-1 followed by Bentazone at 2.5 kg a.i. ha^-1, significantly revealed higher crop resistance index with medium persistence index of the weeds indicating broad spectrum effect in controlling the weeds, the said treatments were best herbicides for maize production. Furthermore the said treatment is recommended for weed control that can improve maize grain yield.

Keywords: Weed Occurrence level, Weed persistence index, Crop resistance index and Phytotonic effect.

DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/10-10-03

Publication date:May 31^st 2020